http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/great-river-road-wi-s5.jpgThe contrast between the frenzy in the Capitol on the state budget and Foxconn and the slow pace of life along the Great River Road in western Wisconsin is great, but the decisions made in Madison will significantly influence people’s lives in western Wisconsin.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/metallic-sulfide-mining-runoff-s5.jpgPublic Opposition to Tiffany’s Senate Bill 395 Intensifies.

Walker even scheduled State budget bill signing during Supt. Evers’ State of Education Address

MADISON - Representative Melissa Sargent (D-Madison) slammed Governor Scott Walker today for signing his state budget during State Superintendent Tony Evers' State of Education Address.

“This speaks volumes, and it’s symbolic of Governor Walker’s reign in Wisconsin. Nothing says more about how little Governor Walker cares about schools in our communities than the fact he decided to sign his state budget right in the middle of a report on the state of schools in Wisconsin.

After seven years of his administration's cuts to education, the demonization of school teachers, and the belittling of intellectualism, this move is quintessential Walker: he puts politics before governance and self-preservation before the public good.

Our kids deserve better this and the calamitous mess Governor Walker has made of public education in Wisconsin over the past seven years.”

New legislation would allow concealed carry without a permit.

MADISON, WI – Despite concerns raised by school advocates, health professionals and law enforcement officials, legislation that would remove training requirements and give dangerous individuals greater access to firearms passed in the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety.

In response, Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) released the following statement:

“At a time when wages remain stagnant and Wisconsin’s economy continues to fall behind the rest of the nation, it is unfortunate that Republicans continue to side with gun lobbyists over working families. Allowing anyone to carry a loaded, concealed firearm in public without any safety training or a simple background check is completely irresponsible.”

“The overwhelming majority of Wisconsin residents agree that responsible individuals who want to carry a concealed weapon should go through a background check and obtain a permit. Too many men, women and children have already died as a result of gun violence. Rather than putting more guns in the hands of dangerous individuals, we should protect families and communities by closing the gun show loophole, strengthening background checks and keeping guns off school property.”

Senate Bill 169 (SB 169) would eliminate current training requirements for individuals to carry concealed weapons, lower the concealed carry age from 21 to 18 years old and allow some individuals to carry concealed handguns on school grounds.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/school-bus-kids-s5.jpgSen. Kathleen Vinehout examines the lack of foresight in the budget just passed by the legislature and how it relates to three major issues – education, transportation and shared revenue.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/clean-drinking-water-s5.jpgAs drinking water is inundated with manure, NR 151 is a chance to help families.