Guard will protect critical infrastructure, such as utilities and fire stations, and to ensure Kenoshians are able to assemble safely.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers Monday, at the request of local officials, authorized the Wisconsin National Guard to support local law enforcement in Kenosha County to help protect critical infrastructure and assist in maintaining public safety and the ability of individuals to peacefully protest.

“I know folks across our state will be making their voices heard in Kenosha and in communities across Wisconsin. Every person should be able to express their anger and frustration by exercising their First Amendment rights and report on these calls to action without any fear of being unsafe,” said Gov. Evers. “This is a limited mobilization of the National Guard focused on supporting the needs of local first responders to protect critical infrastructure, such as utilities and fire stations, and to ensure Kenoshians are able to assemble safely.”

Pursuant to Section 321.39(1)(a) of the Wisconsin Statutes, the governor ordered into state active duty members of the Wisconsin National Guard deemed necessary to support to local law enforcement and first responders in Kenosha. Any Guard members called to active duty may only be used to provide support to local law enforcement and to protect critical infrastructure and cultural institutions necessary for the well-being of the community, and to provide support to first responders such as the Kenosha Fire Department. The National Guard may not be used to impede the ability of people to peacefully protest or impede the ability of the media to report on this situation.

“Serving our fellow Wisconsin citizens and assisting civil authorities during times of need is one of core missions in the National Guard,” said Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, Wisconsin’s adjutant general. “Our Citizen Soldiers and Airmen are well-trained and prepared to assist in any way we can in an effort to preserve public safety.”

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/kenosha-shooting-082320-s5.pngJacob Blake was shot in the back multiple times, in broad daylight, in Kenosha. We must offer our empathy, but equally important is our action.

Committee celebrates Ntxhais "Chai" Moua, Stevens Point and Inez “Midge” Montano, Bayfield

MADISON — First Lady Kathy Evers today announced that “Women Who Inspire,” a program of the Committee to Celebrate the Centennial Anniversary of Wisconsin's Ratification of the 19th Amendment, will highlight two more Wisconsin women on the Committee’s website: Ntxhais "Chai" Moua, Portage County Supervisor and Community Power Coalition Director at Freedom, Inc. (Stevens Point) and Inez “Midge” Montano, Tribal Member, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Bayfield).

“Throughout the last 100 years and continuing today, women stand on the shoulders of the suffragists in the fight to further parity and opportunity for others,” said First Lady Evers, who chairs the Committee. “Chai and Midge have worked tirelessly to positively impact their communities and the lives of women around them and deserve to be nominated as women who inspire.”

State Representative Katrina Shankland nominated Moua for being a trailblazer in elected office and as a fearless and fierce advocate for her community. She was the first Hmong woman to serve in public office in Portage County, going from stateless immigrant to serving in elected office. Her commitment to fighting for our most vulnerable is evident from advocating for locally based healthcare to establishing a robust global network of advocates for social justice and gender equity. Moua’s feature will run from August 18-25, 2020.

“Our community is proud of Chai’s leadership. She is a mentor, advocate, and champion for women and girls and the Hmong community,” said Rep. Shankland. “She exemplifies service and community power in all of her words and actions. To say that Ntxhais inspires us is an understatement.”

Montano was nominated by State Senator Janet Bewley for being a woman of quiet power and humility, identifying and creating resources and opportunity for women and other vulnerable populations in her community. Throughout her childhood, Montano experienced more than her fair share of challenging events. She developed resilience, depth of compassion, and a tireless resolve to help others that has followed her throughout her life and work. Montano is a Tribal Member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and her feature will run from August 26 – September 2, 2020.

“For Midge Montano, the desire to help people is a daily charge and a way of life,” said Sen. Bewley. “Working at a women's shelter helping native families, establishing restorative justice programs for juvenile offenders, and serving as Court Magistrate - sometimes simultaneously - paints a picture of a deep-thinking, creative soul who will leave no stone unturned to help another.” 

Committee members were invited to nominate and interview women who inspire them to feature on the Committee website with the intent of inspiring a broad bipartisan audience and bringing more diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, age, geography, background, and identity to the women's rights conversation. All nominees that will be featured on the website were submitted by members of the Committee and will be featured on a rotating basis leading up to the 100th anniversary of enactment of the 19th Amendment in August.

The website also highlights notable Wisconsin social activists and trailblazers, such as Vel Phillips, Ada Deer, Justice Shirley Abrahamson, Belle Case LaFollette and others, plus includes links to outside resources. The 19th Amendment Committee was formed by Executive Order 19​ on April 11, 2019, and is comprised of Wisconsin's women in elected and appointed state office positions, and other women leaders and experts.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/joe-biden-dnc-2020-s5.pngBiden blasted Trump as a president of chaos and division. His job would be to unite us, leading the country out of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturn and racial turmoil.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/kristin-lyerly-zoom-2020-s5.pngDoctors in Politics endorses De Pere physician for dedication to healthcare.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/barack-obama-dnc-2020-s5.pngObama had hoped that Donald Trump might show some interest in taking the job seriously, but he never did. Now, this administration has shown it will tear apart our democracy to win.

The California senator, 55, is the first woman of color on a major party’s presidential ticket, and is welcomed by large parts of the Democratic Party, including the leading progressives.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/trump-oshkosh-081820-s5.jpgIn the Oshkosh-Neenah region alone, communities have experienced a net *loss of 1,800 manufacturing jobs since Donald Trump’s inauguration.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/farm-family-s5.jpgSen. Jeff Smith writes about the ways we can support our state’s family farms and preserve Wisconsin’s status as an agricultural leader in the country.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/michelle-obama-dnc-2020-s5.png"He has had more than enough time to prove that he can do the job, but he is clearly in over his head," says former first lady. "It is what it is."