Democratic leader says GOP’s plan consumes 80% of the estimated balance before the budget process even begins, and uses one-time funds that would ultimately attribute to a deficit.

MADISON - While I am glad that Republicans are taking steps to support Governor Evers’ vision for a tax cut for the middle-class, today’s public hearing on their alternative proposal makes it clear that their spending plan is shortsighted and irresponsible. Once again, Republicans are playing politics, instead of fighting for what is best for Wisconsin, and in doing so, they are putting taxpayers on the hook for a tax cut with no way to pay for it in the future.

The GOP’s plan consumes 80% of the estimated balance before the budget process even begins, and uses one-time funds that would ultimately attribute to a deficit. It leaves no room for Governor Evers or the legislature to work on the priorities of Wisconsinites and to reach across the aisle to find common ground on what matters most to our communities.

The people of Wisconsin have made it clear that they want Governor Evers to expand opportunities, including investing in our schools, rebuilding infrastructure and improving health care. Due to the lack of school aids under Republicans, taxpayers have already had to pass $1.46 billion in local referendums to assist their schools, forcing local communities to approve $300 million in 2018 alone. It is important that we reduce the burden on property taxpayers by properly funding education and making smart investments in our communities.

Governor Evers has a plan that works for Wisconsin’s hardworking families without increasing Wisconsin’s budget deficit. I urge Republicans to work with Governor Evers’ on his proposal that would provide sustainable tax relief and would put the people of Wisconsin first, not support a plan they cannot pay for.

Says Republicans are putting politics before people by refusing to work with Gov. Evers and Democrats in the Legislature for the people of Wisconsin.

MILWAUKEE - Representative Daniel Riemer (D – Milwaukee) released the following statement following the unveiling of a middle-class tax cut for working families by Governor Tony Evers:

“With this tax cut for hardworking families throughout Wisconsin, it is clear that Democrats in the Legislature and Governor Tony Evers are committed to putting people first and cutting taxes without increasing Wisconsin’s budget deficit.

“The tax plan unveiled today, one that has been talked about throughout the last campaign as a promise to the people of Wisconsin, gives a much needed break to hardworking families by rolling back a massive tax giveaway to millionaires and huge corporations.

“This stands in sharp contrast to the Republicans’ spending plan being rushed through the legislature – a plan that will cost Wisconsin taxpayers more, a plan that legislative Republicans have absolutely no plan to pay for, and a plan that would prevent needed investments in the priorities of people throughout Wisconsin: affordable health care, strong public schools, and safe roads.

“It is disappointing that Republicans are once again putting politics before people and are refusing to work together with Governor Evers and Democrats in the Legislature for the people of Wisconsin. Wisconsinites are tired of Republican leadership ignoring the will of the people and refusing to work together,” continued Rep. Riemer. “Legislative Republicans should listen to the voters of this state and finally put politics aside to work with us and Governor Evers to provide tax relief for middle class families.”

MADISON - Here’s something we just posted on our website that might interest you. It’s about all $1.7 million that corporations gave to political parties and legislative campaign committees in the last election cycle:

Corporate Contributions Totaled Nearly $1.7M in 2018 to State Parties, Legislative Campaign Committees

And here’s an article from the Wisconsin State Journal today about the $70 million spent in lobbying during this period. It quotes our executive director, Matt Rothschild, saying, “We’re in an ever escalating cycle of grotesque spending by lobbyists in Wisconsin who are throwing around ungodly numbers of dollars to get their way in the Legislature.”

Lobbying groups spent $70 million over latest legislative session

Majority Party Continues to Try and Deflect Blame.

STATEWIDE - We welcome State Representative Jonathan Brostoff to discuss the predictable implosion of Foxconn’s manufacturing plant in Wisconsin and the implications for Wisconsin and the progressive movement.

We also talk about new scandalous and hateful revelations about the bigotry of Scott Walker's handpicked Supreme Court candidate Brian Hagedorn.

LISTEN NOW - EPISODE #377
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MADISON - This week Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes discusses our winter weather and offers helpful advice.

Audio File of Radio Address

Hello, this is Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, here to offer the weekly Democratic Radio Address.

Over the last week we’ve endured record low temperatures and heavy snowfall across the State of Wisconsin.

As we continue to monitor developing weather conditions, Governor Evers and I want to extend a thank you to those working at state agencies, as well as our first responders, law enforcement officers, and snow plow drivers for their around-the-clock efforts to make sure we keep the public safe.

We would also like to thank the cities and organizations who have opened their doors to folks in need, ensuring that every person has a warm place to stay in this bitter cold.

It is our top concern that every Wisconsinite stay safe and warm right now.

To find a warming shelter near you, dial 2-1-1 or visit www.211wisconsin.org.

Also remember to avoid traffic if at all possible. If you must travel, please check www.511wi.gov to monitor road conditions and incidents before departing.

Don’t forget to check on a loved one and neighbors as we all seek to stay safe and warm.

As always, it is my honor to serve the people of Wisconsin as your Lieutenant Governor.

Thank you.

Rep. David Bowen (D-Milwaukee) says Citizens of Wisconsin support Governor Evers’ proposals.

MILWAUKEE - Rep. David Bowen (D-Milwaukee) released the following statement regarding the recent Marquette University Law Poll that shows bi-partisan support for Governor Evers' agenda: “Just days after Governor Evers’ first State of the State address, a new Marquette University poll shows just how enthusiastic the people of Wisconsin are for the change that Governor Evers promised.

“This poll shows wide voter support for raising the minimum wage, funding public schools, legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, non-partisan redistricting, and releasing prisoners early once they have served two-thirds of their sentence and are no longer a threat to society.

“I agree with Speaker Vos that ‘when voters chose divided government, they didn’t choose inaction’. I hope Speaker Vos and Republicans live up to their words and choose to act on the policies that Wisconsinites care about. Only with bi-partisan support can we prove to our constituents that unlike in Washington, where the unpopular government shutdown shows no signs of ending, we in Madison can get things done.”

Medicaid Expansion, Non-partisan Redistricting, and Public School Funding Highlighted

MADISON – Assembly Democratic Leader Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) released the following statement after the latest Marquette poll confirmed that the majority of Wisconsinites support the agenda put forward by Governor Evers and legislative Democrats.

“The issues that Democrats have championed for years are the issues the people of Wisconsin care about. This poll confirms that the people we represent want us take the Medicaid expansion, fully fund our public schools, and pass non-partisan redistricting reform. The reason Governor Evers won in November is pretty simple: he listened to the people of our state. Republicans would be wise to join legislative Democrats in governing based on the priorities of the public rather than hiding behind gerrymandered maps to undermine the will of the people.”

Podcast commentary on Gov. Evers, Walker, dark money and the Los Angeles teachers’ strike.

STATEWIDE - We review Gov. Tony Evers’ first State of the State address this week, and the GOP lock step propaganda message in response. We discuss new reporting revealing the Walker campaign and its dark money allies spent an astounding $58 million in 2018 election, and its implications for democracy. We also check in on the latest GOP legislator attack on the Wisconsin Idea. Finally, we welcome Angelina Cruz, president of the Racine Education Association, to discuss the recently settled Los Angeles educators’ strike and the implications for Wisconsin.

LISTEN NOW - EPISODE #376
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MADISON, WI – Senator Patty Schachtner (D-Sommerset) offered the Democratic weekly radio address highlighting Governor Evers’ State of the State Address.

“In his first State of the State address, Governor Tony Evers laid out an agenda to expand access to health care, fully fund our schools, and provide income tax relief for working families. Governor Evers spoke about the need to connect the dots between the issues facing our communities.” – Senator Patty Schachtner

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

http://media2.legis.wisconsin.gov/multimedia/Sen16/SenSchachtnerRadio012419.mp3

A written transcript of the address is below: 

“Hello, I am State Senator Patty Schachtner with this week’s Democratic radio address.

“In his first State of the State address, Governor Tony Evers laid out an agenda to expand access to health care, fully fund our schools, and provide income tax relief for working families. Governor Evers spoke about the need to connect the dots between the issues facing our communities.

“When we invest in small business startups and broadband expansion, we grow our Main Streets. When we preserve health care protections provided under the Affordable Care Act, we empower families. When we do what’s best for our kids, we do what’s best for our state.

“Governor Evers is committed to finding common ground. And, when it comes to health care, schools, and roads, we need to come together to find solutions. Thank you”