How can progressives win back the industrial states lost to Donald Trump in 2016?

MILWAUKEE, WI - This week Battleground Wisconsin takes to the road to dig into the question of how progressives can win back the industrial states lost to Donald Trump in 2016. We have a series of interviews of state and national leaders recorded live at the People's Action national convention in Washington, DC. First the iconic progressive leader Heather Booth, the focus of a major documentary film, gives us a road map to progressive victory. Next we talk to Michigan State Representative Lauri Pohutsky, a strong progressive candidate who won a purple district in 2018 with the assistance of Citizen Action's fellow People's Action affiliate, Michigan United.

Finally we have an in-depth interview with one of the most respected African American organizers in the country, Ohio Organizing Collaborative Director DaMareo Cooper, who helps us dig into the need to win the industrial Midwest with a unified urban/rural/suburban strategy.

Listen Now - Episode #395
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http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/healthcare-s5.jpgSen. Jeff Smith writes about the unique partnership between the Mayo Clinic and UW-Eau Claire that could make it “the center for rural healthcare in Wisconsin.”

Senator says moving coal piles good for Green Bay, but we need help from State Legislature.

GREEN BAY, WI - Moving the coal piles is essential to creating a healthier environment for our families and a stronger economy for downtown Green Bay. And I applaud Mayor Genrich’s leadership and vision on this important issue.

That said, it is unfortunate that the actions by Senate and Assembly Republicans to toss out Governor Evers’ budget and to ignore the majority of Wisconsin residents who voted for real change last November have seriously jeopardized the chances of getting state funding for this much-needed project.

I would encourage my Republican colleagues to stop playing political games and work with our Governor to craft a state budget that meets the needs of all our people rather than continue the failed politics and policies of the last eight years.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/uwgb-students-1-s5.jpg”It’s unfortunate that instead of working with Democrats to invest in one of the state’s strongest economic engines, Republicans are choosing to drive their own political agenda by cutting it.”

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/affordablecareact-s5.jpgHere are five reasons why Wisconsin should accept the federal funding for Medicaid expansion.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/wisc-dairy-farm-s5.jpgRepublican Politicians scrap CAFO oversight and ignore growing water crisis in Wisconsin.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/wisc-capitol-dome-s5.jpgSen. Smith writes about the people’s priorities – investments for K-12 education and our rural roads. Republicans and Democrats need to find the common ground to work together and do what people sent us to Madison to do.

MADISON - The following is Gov. Tony Evers' radio address on education:

Audio File of Radio Address

"It’s no secret: education is in my DNA. I’ve had a chance to serve the kids of this state my entire career, working my way up from a high school science teacher to the state superintendent and now governor. From seeing firsthand the impact a high-quality education has on Wisconsin’s kids, I can confidently say that what’s best for our kids is what’s best for our state.

A few weeks ago, Lt. Gov. Barnes and I wrapped up a budget listening session tour where we heard from people across our state about what The People’s Budget means for them and their families.

At every stop, I met educators and heard from parents and grandparents about how important their local schools are. We have a chance to give kids the best education possible.

That’s why The People’s Budget includes a $1.4 billion increase for our public schools, including a $600 million investment in special education. We have the chance to ensure schools have the funding they need, and that kids who need an extra lift can get that extra lift.

It’s time to recommit to investing in our kids, our educators, and in K-20 education across our state, because every kid deserves a high-quality, public education—from early childhood to our universities and technical colleges system—regardless of their ZIP code.

I hope I can count on your support as the Joint Committee on Finance takes up The People’s Budget education plan. The stakes are high here, folks. It’s time to do what’s best for our kids."

State Senator writes about the issues that bring people together. It’s important that we don’t let politics get in the way of doing what’s right.

Panel reviews the right-wing assaults on reason and freedom in Wisconsin and the Nation.

MILWAUKEE - This week we review a large number of right-wing counter assaults on reason and freedom from the Wisconsin Legislature and at the national level. We explore deserted Foxconn buildings, the shocking GOP debrief of their 2018 Wisconsin election debacle. Finally we discuss the latest entry into the crowded Democratic presidential primary, and announce a new feature in which Battleground Wisconsin listeners will have the opportunity to help determine the best progressive candidate.

Listen Now - Episode #392
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