Summer convention presents a once-in-a-lifetime economic opportunity for Milwaukee and its citizens.

"I look forward to working with Governor Evers to advance common-sense policies that reflect our shared Wisconsin values,” says new Representative Staush Gruszynski of Green Bay.

MADISON – State Representative Staush Gruszynski (D-Green Bay) expressed his support for Governor Evers proposed 2019-2021 State Budget priorities after the Governor’s budget address at the State Capitol on Thursday evening.

“Tonight, Governor Evers shared his vision for a Wisconsin that works for everyone, a Wisconsin for all of us. Like the Governor, I strongly support putting politics aside so that we can work together to address the pressing issues facing our state,” Gruszynski said. “Whether it is the Governor’s commitment to reinvesting in our public K-12 schools and the University of Wisconsin system, his goal of ensuring that everyone in our state can drink clean water from their tap, or his plan to expand Medicaid to provide affordable, high-quality healthcare to more Wisconsinites, it’s safe to say that it’s a new day in Wisconsin. I look forward to working with Governor Evers to advance common-sense policies that reflect our shared Wisconsin values.”

Fair Maps Lead to Good Government and a More Transparent Democracy

MADISON – On Tuesday, Governor Evers announced that his biennial budget will include a nonpartisan redistricting process. Assembly Democratic Leader Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) released the following statement in support of the Governor’s plan:

“I’m thrilled that Governor Evers has made non-partisan redistricting reform a priority by including it in his state budget proposal. In 2011, Assembly and Senate Republicans drew maps in secret with a partisan advantage of 64-35 seats in the State Assembly. And for the past eight years, lawmakers have pushed through laws and policies that are out of line with the majority of Wisconsinites. When politicians pick their voters instead of the other way around, they are insulated from the accountability required in a democracy.

“There is a myth perpetuated by my Republican colleagues that voters choose divided government in Wisconsin in the 2018 election. This claim is directly contradicted by the fact that in a massive Democratic election cycle where five Democrats swept statewide races, Governor Evers simultaneously won only 36 Assembly seats. By design, these gerrymandered maps assure Republican control of the Assembly whether it is a Democratic or a Republican election year.

“Competitive elections bring accountability. The very reason Republicans can ram through laws during a lame duck session that undermine the future powers of a democratically elected Governor and Attorney General is because they are insulated from any realistic backlash from voters.”

Program will focus on mentoring students from communities of color.

MADISON - In preparation for the 2020 cycle, the Democratic National Committee has announced a multi-million dollar investment in the recruitment and training of college-aged organizers in several key battleground states, including Wisconsin. Organizing Corps 2020 will recruit, pay and train young people to work in the 2020 presidential cycle, with particular focus on mentoring students from communities of color.

“The path to defeating Donald Trump runs through Wisconsin,” said Martha Laning, Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. “With the DNC’s support, we’ll not only build a strong ground game ready to support our eventual presidential nominee, we’ll also grow and train the next generation of Democratic leaders.

“Communities of color, particularly Milwaukee’s black community, have been underrepresented on Wisconsin political campaigns for too long. We’re excited by the opportunity to build these talent pipelines and make our campaigns reflect the diversity of our Democratic coalition.”

Thanks to a key early investment in its organizing program, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin’s 2018 field program was the largest the Party had ever built in a midterm cycle. The Party’s organizers built over 250 volunteer neighborhood teams across the state that knocked over 500,000 doors in the final four days before the election. In 2019, the Party anticipates tripling its voter outreach done in 2017.

The DNC’s Organizing Corps 2020 will also partner with state parties in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. In 2016, Donald Trump won MI, PA & WI by 78,000 votes while 975,000 nonwhite registered voters stayed home on election day.

Normally Conservative group drops candidate after hearing multiple disturbing reports of Hagedorn’s radical and homophobic agenda.

MADISON - The Wisconsin Realtors Association, a group that often backs conservative judicial candidates and has never previously revoked a candidate endorsement, is dropping its endorsement of Supreme Court candidate Brian Hagedorn after multiple disturbing news reports of Hagedorn’s radical, homophobic agenda, including reports that he founded a private school which actively discriminates against LGBTQ students and teachers. Wisconsin Realtors are additionally requesting Hagedorn return the $18,000 they donated to his PAC last month.

“This is yet another sign that Brian Hagedorn is too extreme and partisan to be trusted on the Supreme Court,” said Courtney Beyer, Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesperson. “Wisconsinites expect their judiciary to be fair and impartial. That Hagedorn is bleeding support from his own backers shows just how fringe and out-of-touch his candidacy has become.”

STATEMENT FROM WRA:

“As a result of recent disclosures regarding past statements and actions by Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Brian Hagedorn, the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association has withdrawn its endorsement of his candidacy. The real estate related issues that served as the basis for our endorsement have been overshadowed by other, non-real estate related issues – issues with which we do not want to be associated and that directly conflict with the principles of our organization and the values of our members.”

MADISON - The Democratic Party of Wisconsin will announce today the filing of a lawsuit in federal court to stop the unprecedented and illegal laws passed by Republicans during December’s lame-duck session.

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Martha Laning will join Kevin Benish, associate at Holwell Shuster & Goldberg LLP to discuss the lawsuit, DPW v. Vos et al. on a press call TODAY at 11:15 AM CT.

WHO: Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Martha Laning and Kevin Benish, associate at Holwell Shuster & Goldberg LLP

WHAT: Press Call discussing DPW v. Vos et al.

WHEN: 2:00 PM CT, Thursday, February 21

MADISON - A recap of this week's events "Under the Dome"

Wednesday's Republican spending bill is nothing more than a political stunt aimed at hindering Governor Evers’ ability to improve Wisconsin for all.

MADISON - Yesterday the senate voted, along party lines, to pass the Republican’s irresponsible spending bill. This bill is nothing more than a political stunt aimed at hindering Governor Evers’ ability to improve Wisconsin for all, and it has led Republicans to vote for a bill that they know they cannot fund. The Republican spending plan will end up costing taxpayers more in the long-run, in order for Republicans to keep in place tax handouts to millionaires. I am disappointed to see their refusal to collaborate, and instead put their corporate donors first.

The Republicans spending plan, paired with their Foxconn aspirations, would exceed the expected budget balance before the process even begins. Governor Evers will be introducing his budget in a couple weeks, and the Republicans are attempting to tie his hands. The voters of the state sent a clear message in November that they want more investments in schools, health care and infrastructure, and by spending down Wisconsin’s general fund (GPR), the GOP would be hindering the Governor’s ability to deliver on those needs.

Due to the lack of school aids under former Governor Walker, taxpayers in Wisconsin have resorted to raising their own property taxes in order to ensure our kids have the resources they need. Wisconsinites have voiced their concerns over growing health care costs, while Republicans continue to turn away Medicaid dollars and threaten health care protections, and our infrastructure is crumbling, forcing communities to resort back to dirt roads. GOP lawmakers have no problem squandering away taxpayer dollars, forcing hard-working Wisconsinites to make up the difference.

Making substantial spending decisions prior to the budget being introduced is reckless and irresponsible. We will have months of discussions and decision making once Governor Evers introduces his proposal in a couple weeks, and Wisconsinites deserve a sustainable tax relief plan. We need to put money back in the pockets of the middle-class, while creating opportunities and growing our communities. It is possible to give the middle-class a tax cut, and make needed investments in our state. It is time that we stop playing politics, and reach across the aisle on real, smart solutions that work for all.

Martha is leaving the Party stronger, more competitive, and ready to secure more wins on behalf of Wisconsinites. We on Team Evers are grateful for her leadership.

MADISON - The following is the response from the Tony for Wisconsin campaign to State Democratic Chair Martha Lanings's announcement Wednesday that she will not seek re-election in the Party’s June leadership race.

“Chair Laning’s leadership and vision were an important part of our success in November,” said Sean Elliott, Tony for Wisconsin's finance director. “Martha’s drive and passion to see a better future for our state helped deliver historic victories for Wisconsin Democrats. Though Martha has led the Party through some of its most challenging moments, through all the obstacles, she has maintained a relentless optimism in Wisconsin Democrats’ ability to win and lead.

“The robust Party infrastructure Martha has built will continue to support and deliver victories for Wisconsin Democrats for years to come. Martha is leaving the Party stronger, more competitive, and ready to secure more wins on behalf of Wisconsinites. We on Team Evers are grateful for her leadership and years of service to the cause, and we look forward to working with the Party’s next chair.”

State Democratic Chair since 2015 will not seek re-election in the Party’s June leadership race.

MADISON - Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Martha Laning, who has served in the role since being elected in 2015, has offered the following statement on her decision not to seek re-election in the Party’s June leadership race:

“Four years ago, I ran to become Chair because I knew that Wisconsin Democrats needed a strong party infrastructure, a robust and engaged grassroots network, and a clear vision for what it means to be a Democrat. Like so many people in our state, I was deeply concerned about how the policies of Scott Walker and Wisconsin Republicans were taking opportunity away from our kids, jeopardizing the future of our communities and turning Wisconsin into a state none of us recognized anymore. I wanted to do my part to help.

Martha Lanning talks to media after delegates to the 2015 Democratic Party of Wisconsin convention elect her as party chair.

“Four years later, I am incredibly proud of the Party we have built. For the first time since 1982, Democrats hold all five constitutional state offices, lead by Governor Tony Evers who will put the people first as he champions our Wisconsin values. We re-elected our Senator Tammy Baldwin so she could continue her work improving the lives of Wisconsinites and protecting those that need it most.

“These victories didn’t happen by accident. We launched an unprecedented year-round, every-year organizing program to empower activists across our state to inspire, engage and turn-out Democratic voters. We bolstered our candidate services team to support down-ballot candidates and helped them run competitive campaigns. We ensured the Party had the financial resources to support our ambitious plans.

“Given these accomplishments and the bright future ahead for Wisconsin Democrats, I believe this is the perfect time for me to transition to my next challenge. I will not stand for reelection as DPW Chair this coming June and welcome the opportunity to support new leadership as they take the helm this summer. I remain committed to the Party and to our Democratic values, and I will continue to lead the Party with the same transparency and vigor as we prepare for the next Chair’s race and leadership transition following June’s election.

“It has been an honor to work with so many caring and passionate activists who give their time to help make our vision a reality. I am humbled to work with a staff that doesn’t see the work just as a job, but as a calling to build a stronger Wisconsin. Chairing the Democratic Party of Wisconsin has been an incredible opportunity, and I couldn’t be prouder of the work we’ve done together to move Wisconsin forward.”