Want immediate action in Wisconsin to protect vital services and coverage.

MADISON, WI – As Legislative Republicans continue their effort to overturn key Affordable Care Act (ACA) protections, Senate Democrats are urging immediate action to protect vital services and coverage. Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton) has introduced The Comprehensive Health Care Protection Bill that would safeguard children, families and seniors.  

“For the past eight years Legislative Republicans have made it their mission to undermine the health care marketplace, limit access to coverage and protect the profits of wealthy insurance executives,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). “Local families I’ve heard from say they can’t afford more out-of-pocket costs, especially those with pre-existing conditions and seniors living on a fixed income. Senate Democrats are committed to working with legislative leaders and Gov. Evers to put the health and wellbeing of Wisconsin residents first, protect the Affordable Care Act, expand Badgercare.”

The Comprehensive Health Care Protection Bill includes the following provisions:

·         Prohibit insurance companies from discriminating based on a person’s pre-existing condition.

·         Prohibit lifetime and annual limits under health policies and plans.

·         Require coverage of and prohibit cost sharing for preventive services under health insurance policies and plans.

·         Require health insurance policies to cover essential health benefits specified by DHS with limits on cost sharing.

·         Require health plans to permit enrollment regardless of health status or gender.

Foxconn’s reputation for abandoning projects and failing to deliver on thousands of promised jobs has been well documented says Democratic leader.

MADISON, WI – Once again questions are being raised about the future of Foxconn in Wisconsin as the foreign mega-corporation rolls back its plans for a high-tech manufacturing plant and misses jobs targets. Having originally promised a massive cutting-edge Gen 10.5 factory near Racine, then announcing a smaller Gen 6 facility, Foxconn will no longer focus on LCD manufacturing according to a recent report by Reuters. Despite the scaled-back plans, millions of taxpayers dollars have already been spent subsidizing this corporate project and building infrastructure that may never be utilized.

“The Walker administration and legislative Republicans failed to put in place stronger safeguards to hold Foxconn accountable and protect Wisconsin taxpayers,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). “Their negligence has put home-grown businesses at a competitive disadvantage while committing taxpayers to decades of economic costs and liabilities for a project that continues to shrink in size and scope. At some point, Republican politicians will need to wake up and realize that these massive taxpayer handouts to foreign corporations are busting our budget and preventing Wisconsin families and businesses from getting ahead. Democrats want to increase oversight and accountability to ensure that Wisconsin communities and workers are protected.”

Foxconn’s reputation for abandoning projects and failing to deliver on thousands of promised jobs has been well documented. Development plans by Foxconn in places like Pennsylvania, Indonesia, India, Vietnam and Brazil all failed to materialize or meet promised expectations.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/foxconn-groundbreak-s5.jpgDOA Secretary-designee Joel Brennan urges caution after Reuters report that Foxconn Technology Group is reconsidering plans to make LCD displays in Wisconsin.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/eric-genrich-wbay-announcement-s5.jpgCandidate for Mayor has asked people throughout the community for their thoughts, and come up with a plan.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/wi-senate-swearing-in-s5.jpgThe legislature is considering a middle class tax cut for Wisconsin. Sen. Jeff Smith writes about how a new legislative session can turn the page for bipartisanship and his goals for cultivating good ideas and building trust across the aisle.

Democratic members of the Joint Committee on Finance want State to withdraw from the partisan political lawsuit.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/littoral-combat-ship-s5.jpgShipyard expansion ensures Marinette Marine maintains a workforce of 1,500 employees, adds additional 400 full-time positions.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/voter-us-elections-s5.jpgVoter turnout up, but there is still room for improving elections in Wisconsin and encouraging greater voter engagement.

Group applauds Governor's bold statement in State of the State Address.

MADISON – In his first major policy speech – Tuesday’s State of the State Address – Gov. Tony Evers declared 2019 the “Year of Clean Drinking Water.”

Executive Director Kerry Schumann had this to say on Gov. Evers’ speech:

“There’s nothing more fundamental to our state’s health than safe, clean drinking water. It is unconscionable that thousands of people in Wisconsin can't drink the water from their taps. That’s why safe drinking water has been Wisconsin Conservation Voters’ top priority for the past four years. As more and more families face growing threats to their drinking water like like lead, manure, and nitrate contamination, Gov. Evers made a bold statement that it’s time to tackle this problem.

We know that elected officials are hearing over and over again from voters about this, and we are hopeful that decision makers from both sides of the aisle will work together to implement real solutions. Conservation voters across the state join me in saying ‘Thank you, Gov. Evers.’”

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Conservation Voters - Engaging voters to protect Wisconsin's environment.

MADISON - Following his first State of the State address to the people, Governor Tony Evers will travel the state this week to share with Wisconsinites his plans to build an economy that works for all of us, grow healthier communities, invest in our kids and our schools, and find a sustainable solution for better roads and infrastructure.

Today, January 23rd, the governor will visit western Wisconsin.

The events below are open to members of the media.

Wednesday, January 23rd, 2019

Marshfield

WHO: Governor Tony Evers

WHAT: Media Availability at Marshfield Clinic--Eau Claire Center

WHEN: 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: 2310 Craig Rd, Eau Claire, WI 54701

Chippewa Valley

WHO: Governor Tony Evers

WHAT: Tour of Chippewa Valley Technical College

WHEN: Wednesday, January 23rd, 2019; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: 620 W Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701

Viroqua

WHO: Governor Tony Evers

WHAT: Viroqua Main Street walk

WHEN: Wednesday, January 23rd, 2019; 3:15-4:15p.m.

WHERE: Viroqua Visitor Center, 201 North Main Street, Viroqua, WI 54665