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."

Move comes days after the Postal Service warned states it might not be able to deliver ballots to election offices in time to be counted.

Green Bay Metro Transit On-Demand service announcement scheduled for August 17 at Transit Center.

Green Bay, WI – Green Bay Metro and Via, a leader in public mobility solutions, will launch a new service on August 17, called “GBM On-Demand.”  This new service will complement and extend the City’s existing transit infrastructure with affordable, efficient and convenient shared rides to key transit hubs, and designated commercial and medical destinations.  GBM On-Demand marks the first Microtransit service in the state of Wisconsin, offering riders a glimpse into the next generation of public transportation.

There will be a press conference on at 11:00 am on August 17th in the Green Bay Metro Conference Room, 901 University.

Using the mobile app created by Via, GBM On-Demand will connect multiple passengers traveling in the same direction.  There is also a telephone number for residents without access to smartphones. GBM On-Demand benefits riders by allowing real-time booking and flexible travel around three service zones across the city. The service also includes wheelchair-accessible vehicles, maintaining access for all Green Bay area residents.

This dynamic shared-transit solution is the same price as a traditional Green Bay Metro bus ticket.  Riders can pay for a GBM On-Demand ticket directly through the app with a credit card, use a Green Bay Metro ticket, or provide a weekly or monthly pass. Rides can be booked between zones 1 and 2, and within zone 2 during daytime service hours, which run from 5:45 a.m. - 7:45 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. on Saturday.

Mayor Eric Genrich states that, “Green Bay Metro, under Director Kiewiz’s forward-looking leadership, continues to innovate to meet the needs of our transit riders. The launch of GBM On-Demand is just the latest example. I look forward to the continued evolution and expansion of GBM On-Demand in the coming months and years, as we strive to find ways to meet the mobility needs of all community residents with 21st century technologies.”

In line with public health guidelines, riders will be provided with in-app wellness checks and reminders before booking.  The Microtransit vehicle’s capacity will be limited to allow for social distancing.  Cough guards will be placed between passengers and the driver.

The second phase of GBM On-Demand’s launch begins on August 24 with late night service. GBM On-Demand late-night service fills public transit gaps.  Traditional public transit routes are usually more limited.  GBM On-Demand will extend rides to all locations within zones 1, 2, and 3 during the evening hours of 7:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Monday to Friday.

About Via and Green Bay Metro:

GBM On-Demand represents the next phase of the relationship between Green Bay Metro and Via to expand equitable access to public transit in the Green Bay area.  In March 2020, the partners launched a paratransit service with improved booking windows and shorter travel times, providing new flexibility and freedom for residents in need of wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Via is re-engineering public transit, from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, on-demand network. First launched in New York City in September 2013, Via’s technology is also deployed worldwide through dozens of partner projects with public transportation agencies, private transit operators, taxi fleets, private companies, and universities.  Via seamlessly integrates public transit infrastructure with cutting-edge on-demand mobility. For more information, visit www.platform.ridewithvia.com.