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WI Democracy Campaign: Wis. Insurance Lobby PDF Print E-mail
Commentary
Written by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, Matt Rothschild   
Saturday, 02 November 2019 14:13

wdc-logoMADISON - We just posted our “Influence Peddler of the Month,” and this month it goes to the Wisconsin Insurance Alliance, which has spent $3.4 million since 2011 to push through a raft of anti-consumer laws, as you’ll see here:

Influence Peddler of the Month – Wisconsin Insurance Alliance

Earlier this week, we posted an item on the anti-protest bill aimed at pipeline demonstrators. It’s a bill that’s supported both by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce and by the AFL-CIO of Wisconsin:

Felony Trespass Bills Draw Support from Infrequent Bed Fellows

Next week, on Wed night, I’m giving a talk in Hartford on "Why We Need to Ban Gerrymandering in Wisconsin." It’s at 6:00 p.m. at the Jack Russell Memorial Library, 100 Park Avenue. So if you’re in the area, please come.

matt-rothschildAnd then on Saturday, I’ll be speaking at the big statewide Fair Maps for Wisconsin Summit in Marshfield, which I hope you’ll also be able to attend. It’s at the Hotel Marshfield, and for more information on it, please go here: https://www.fairmaps4wisummit.com.

This movement to ban gerrymandering is one of the most exciting grassroots efforts under way in Wisconsin right now, and we’re thrilled to play our part in it.

I’m looking forward to seeing you next week.

***

P.S. If you support our work for fair voting maps, and for exposing the influence peddlers, please send us a tax-deductible gift by clicking here. Thanks!

 
“Robin Vos doesn’t know if climate change is real… probably” Battleground Wisconsin Podcast PDF Print E-mail
Commentary
Written by Citizen Action of Wisconsin, Matt Brusky   
Friday, 01 November 2019 10:25

speaker-vos-says-climateMILWAUKEE - We lead off with Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos' dangerously ignorant statements about climate change this week. Is the right-wing of the Republican Party the greatest threat to the survival of humanity?

Next we are joined by Citizen Action’s Healthcare Director Claire Zautke to discuss a new Georgetown study finding that Trump's sabotage of the ACA is forcing many children off health care coverage in Wisconsin and nationally. We look at new legislation for marijuana decriminalization in Wisconsin, and new research that finds Wisconsin again has the worst gap in academic achievement between black and white students.

Finally ex-Congressman Sean “Duffman” Duffy puts his foot in his mouth again, this time shamelessly questioning a decorated Army veteran's loyalty to country in an effort to circle the wagons around Donald Trump.

Listen now - Episode #415

Download MP3

Last Updated on Saturday, 02 November 2019 10:34
 
Democratic Radio: It’s Time Republicans Prioritize the Safety of Wisconsinites PDF Print E-mail
Commentary
Written by Wisconsin Democrats   
Friday, 01 November 2019 09:36

guncontrol-protestMADISON, WI – Senator LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee) offered the Democratic weekly radio address this week on the urgent need to address gun violence in Wisconsin.

The audio file of this week’s address can be found here.

A written transcript of the address is below:

latonya-johnson“Hello, I’m State Senator LaTonya Johnson with this week’s radio address.

“Recently, Governor Tony Evers called for a special session to address gun violence by strengthening background checks and enacting Extreme Risk Protection Orders in Wisconsin.

“Mass shootings similar to El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio have happened right here in our Wisconsin communities including Middleton, Brookfield, Oak Creek, and Wausau. And in many of our Milwaukee communities, children have become  the unintended victims of senseless gun violence.

“Unfortunately, despite these tragic events and the overwhelming public support for these two proposals – Republicans are refusing to take action.

“While the majority of gun owners are consistently responsible with their firearms, as legislators while we have a duty to keep our communities safe by keeping guns out of the hands that shouldn't have them, it is unacceptable to stand idly by while high-profile mass shootings routinely make headlines and bullets fly through city blocks taking the lives of innocent children. Every day that we don’t take action is one more day closer to another tragedy.

“Our children and their families should have the opportunity to go to school, places of worship, or simply play outside on their sidewalks in their communities knowing that it’s safe, free from the threat of deadly weapons and dangerous people. It’s time for Republicans to prioritize the safety of Wisconsinites.

 
Larson Supports Legalization and Decriminalization of Marijuana PDF Print E-mail
Commentary
Written by Chris Larson, State Senator, District 7   
Thursday, 31 October 2019 15:35

marijuanaplantshandsMILWAUKEE – I commend Lt. Gov. Barnes and Rep. Sheila Stubbs for continuing to spotlight the need for marijuana decriminalization. Every legislative session since 2015, I have introduced bills to decriminalize and legalize marijuana.

Support for legalizing and decriminalizing marijuana in Wisconsin has grown to be popular for many reasons. Including so sick people can get their medicine, because it is an additional source of revenue, and also to alleviate the burden on our criminal justice system. Our sick neighbors shouldn’t be subject to criminal penalty or jail time for getting medicine they can readily get in other states. Moderate taxation on marijuana sales would help fill budget holes. Decriminalization will reduce arrests of non-violent drug offenders and decrease the population in our over-crowded prisons. It would also ensure we’re not needlessly giving someone a criminal record, making it harder for them for find a job, rent an apartment, and live productive lives.

Decriminalization is both a fiscal and moral imperative. Harvard economist Jeffrey Miron estimated that Wisconsin spent $170.5 million in 2008 on marijuana prohibition.

chris_larsonAcross the nation, states are quickly moving to capture the benefits of both legalization and decriminalization with 33 states allowing medical use, 15 states have decriminalized marijuana, and 11 states have allowed recreational use. It is long past time for Wisconsin to take this next step.

The latest Marquette poll shows 59% of Wisconsin residents support making marijuana legal. Republican leaders in the legislature will continue to ignore their constituents – and our budget - at their political peril.

 
The Con Continues - Battleground Wisconsin Podcast PDF Print E-mail
Commentary
Written by Citizen Action of Wisconsin, Matt Brusky   
Saturday, 26 October 2019 13:17

foxconn-con-2019MILWAUKEE, WI - We discuss this week’s impeachment news, including the storming of a closed hearing by right-wing Members of Congressmen. Foxconn announced this week that their highly touted “innovation centers” in Wisconsin cities will not happen any time soon.

Gov. Evers’ special session on guns is immediately rejected by Sen. Fitzgerald and other Republicans, who plan not to hold any debate or hearings.

Also Chicago educators are on strike joining autoworkers in taking direct action against economic injustice, and yet another MU Law School poll is released, with interesting results. We also welcome Citizen Action co-op member and Eau Claire County Board Supervisor Zoe Roberts to discuss the Eau Claire City Council passage of a resolution officially recognizing November 14-20 as Transgender Awareness Week and November 20th as Transgender Day of Remembrance.

LISTEN NOW - EPISODE #414
Download MP3
Press Clips

 
Democratic Radio: Calling for Legislative Action on Gun Safety Reform PDF Print E-mail
Commentary
Written by GOV Press Wisconsin   
Thursday, 24 October 2019 13:24

las-vegas-shootingMADISON - This week Gov. Tony Evers delivers the Democratic Weekly Radio Address calling for Legislative action on gun safety reform.

Audio file of radio address.

The following is Gov. Tony Evers' radio address on his call for the Legislature to meet in a special session to address gun safety reform in the state of Wisconsin.

tony-eversHey there, Wisconsinites. This Governor Tony Evers, and today I'm asking for your help.

Earlier this week, I signed an executive order delivering on my promise to call for a special session on gun safety reform.

And I called on Republicans and Democrats to work together on two pieces of legislation that 80% of Wisconsinites— and a majority of gun owners—support.

The first bill requires universal background checks for all firearm purchases so that no matter where a person is buying a firearm or who they're buying it from, the process is the same for everyone.

And the second bill creates an extreme risk protection order process in Wisconsin, allowing loved ones and law enforcement to petition to remove guns from individuals who have been found by a judge to be a danger to themselves or others.

Now, I want to be clear: I support the 2nd Amendment, and that's why I support these bills.

The 2nd Amendment isn't going away—these are commonsense proposals that we know can save lives and that we know 80% of Wisconsinites support. It's that simple.

But folks, this is where I need your help.

Members of the Legislature shouldn't be able to ignore 80% of the people of our state, and folks like you should have the chance to hold them accountable if they do.

Universal background checks and extreme risk protection orders are things we should all be able to agree on.

So, that's why I'm asking you to please contact your legislators between now and November 7th and ask them to do their job, give these bills a vote, and let their vote speak for itself.

I've said all along that the will of the people is the law of the land.

It's time for members of the Legislature to start listening to the people of our state and get to work on addressing gun violence in Wisconsin.

Thanks for listening, and I hope I can count on you to help. Let's get to work.

 
Senator Jeff Smith's Weekly Column - Our Financial Future PDF Print E-mail
Commentary
Written by Jeff Smith, State Senator District 31   
Wednesday, 23 October 2019 14:10

family-worried-billsSen. Smith talks about the importance of budgeting, saving and learning about our personal finances. Lawmakers have a responsibility to address important policy issues affecting financial wellness, including healthcare affordability, insurance accessibility and payday lenders.

Read more...
 
Special Session to Tackle Gun Violence Good Idea Say Dems PDF Print E-mail
Commentary
Written by Wisconsin Assembly, Aaron Collins   
Monday, 21 October 2019 14:57

santa_fe_school_shootingMADISON, WI – Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) and Assembly Democratic Leader Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) released the following statements after Governor Tony Evers called for a legislative Special Session to address gun violence by strengthening background checks and enacting Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO):

“Gun violence is one of the most pressing public health issues we face today and I appreciate that Governor Evers is tackling this issue head on,” said Shilling. “Too many men, women, and children have already died as a result of gun violence. Families should feel safe from the threat of deadly weapons and dangerous individuals. Action is needed to prevent more tragedies from happening.”

gordon_hintz“While there are no easy solutions to end gun violence in our communities, we cannot sit back and do nothing. There's a role for state government to play, and we need to make it a priority. Failing to act on these basic public safety measures is accepting that there is nothing we can do to make our communities safer,” Hintz stated. “With six months left in the legislative session, Democrats refuse to settle for inaction. We are calling on our Republican colleagues to do the right thing and act in the best interests of the people of our state. The governor’s call for a special session on gun violence, with a focus on universal background checks and extreme risk protection orders, shows he is serious about facing this issue and reasonable in his approach. It’s important to note that the policies proposed by Governor Evers have proven to be highly effective in other states.”

Mass shootings similar to El Paso, TX and Dayton, OH have happened right here in Wisconsin communities including Middleton, Brookfield, Oak Creek, and Wausau. A Marquette Law Poll found 80 percent of Wisconsinites – including the vast majority of gun owners – support strengthening background checks. That same poll also found that 81 percent of Wisconsinites support Extreme Risk Protection Order legislation that would reduce an individual’s access to firearms if they pose a danger to themselves or others.

 
Recognizing Indigenous People’s Day PDF Print E-mail
Commentary
Written by Jeff Smith, State Senator District 31   
Wednesday, 16 October 2019 12:05

native-americanSen. Smith writes about Indigenous People’s Day, the day to recognize the rich ancestral history and cultural impact of Native Americans in our state.

Read more...
 
Democracy Campaign E-Alert: Fair Maps for Wisconsin Summit PDF Print E-mail
Commentary
Written by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, Matt Rothschild   
Saturday, 12 October 2019 10:21

wdc-logoMADISON - I ran up to Marshfield yesterday morning to participate in a press conference denouncing gerrymandering and promoting the Fair Maps for Wisconsin Summit, which is being held in Marshfield on Saturday, Nov. 9, just four weeks from tomorrow.

It was a great press conference. The highlight for me was hearing from former Assembly Representative Amy Sue Vruwink, who used to represent Marshfield before her own district was gerrymandered. Click here for her comments, and for a full account of the press conference:

Gerrymandering Denounced in Marshfield

I also want to salute the amazing work that the Oregon Area Progressives and their organizer, Carlene Bechen, have done in laying the groundwork for this summit. For more information on speakers and panels and how you can attend, please go here:

www.fairmaps4wisummit.com

We posted two other stories this week that might interest you. The first is about an anti-consumer and pro-insurance company bill that almost no one else is paying attention to:

Senate Approves Cutting Notice Time for Insurance Policy Changes

And the second is about the plans by Richard Uihlein, one of the biggest donors to Wisconsin Republicans – and GOP candidates nationally – to bring Vice President Pence to an event in our state next week:

GOP Megadonors Host VP Pence

For the big donors, it’s still business as usual.

I hope you like these postings. Stay warm this weekend!

Best,

Matt Rothschild
Executive Director
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

P.S. If you appreciate the work we’re doing on banning gerrymandering and demanding clean and open government, please send us a tax-deductible gift by clicking here. Thanks!

Last Updated on Saturday, 12 October 2019 10:31
 
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