DPW: Paul Ryan's Plan is Road Map to Ruin, Says Nonpartisan Think Tank

Paul Ryan's Plan is Road Map to Ruin, Says Nonpartisan Think Tank

MADISON- The non-partisan Economic Policy institute yesterday released its analysis of Paul Ryan’s “Road Map to Ruin.”

Read the briefing paper here.

Ryan’s plan would raise taxes on the middle-class while slashing millionaires’ taxes in half, eliminate corporate income taxes, dismantle social insurance programs, privatize Social Security and eliminate Medicare and Medicaid in favor of an inadequate voucher system.

“Paul Ryan’s ‘Road Map’ serves up the destruction of the middle-class in order to line the pockets of his Wall Street benefactors,” Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate said Thursday. “Ryan’s radical proposal includes draconian spending cuts that eliminate social safety nets like Medicare and Social Security, yet fails to provide for, or even mention, the resources and education needed for the next generation of Wisconsin’s children to thrive. It begs the question - who does Paul Ryan really go to work for?”

WisDems: Paul Ryan and the State of the Union Address

WisDems: Paul Ryan and the State of the Union Address

MADISON-Following is the statement of Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate following news that Paul Ryan will deliver the Republican rebuttal to the State of the Union Address.

"The radical proposals in Paul Ryan's "Roadmap to Ruin" stand in stark contrast to the goals President Obama will present for our nation. The vast majority of Americans support preserving social safety nets, expanding educational opportunities for our children to be successful in the growing global economy and ensuring access to affordable health care for all - none of which are offered in Ryan's "Roadmap."

"I hope Paul Ryan takes this opportunity to offer up some concrete ideas that work to solve our economic crisis without relying on slashing Medicare and Medicaid, heaping the tax burden on working families and endangering the retirement investments of millions of Americans."

DPW: SeniorCare, BadgerCare in Peril

Dennis Smith – The Dangerous New Secretary at the Department of Health Services

SeniorCare, BadgerCare in Peril

MADISON- Wisconsin’s new Secretary of the Department of Health Services, Dennis Smith, has been a loud and longtime advocate in the public health policy world. But for whom - and for what- is he advocating?

Among his dangerous ideas over the years has been to minimize the importance of health insurance, outright advocacy against Medicare and Medicaid and Wisconsin’s successful SeniorCare program, and the end of programs like BadgerCare, which insures almost 400,000 working Wisconsin families and their children.

As the Director of the federal State Operations Centers for Medicare and Medicaid under George W. Bush, Smith administered the federal government’s Medicaid program, including the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP).

In this capacity, Smith worked to deny Wisconsin waivers necessary to administer its successful SeniorCare program, which helps seniors bridge the gap in prescription drug coverage. SeniorCare was only saved through Senator Herb Kohl authoring and working to pass an amendment to a defense spending bill, which ensured Wisconsin seniors affordable access to prescription drugs.

Following his stint with the federal government, Smith went on to serve as an expert for the ultra-conservative Heritage Foundation, where he authored research briefs proposing, among other things, that states opt out of Medicare and Medicaid (see below).

In a state like Wisconsin, where the federal government provides matching funding at a rate of $1.60 for every state dollar spent, the loss of federal funding would create a system chronically overwhelmed and underfunded.  Put simply, Gov. Scott Walker wants to cut state dollars allocated for Medical Assistance programs, and the leader he has now hand-picked to advance his agenda at DHS wants to refuse federal dollars. This would ensure massive shortfalls in health programs throughout every corner of Wisconsin.

“Being uninsured does not mean an individual is in poor health.”

http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2009/07/medicaid-expansion-the-impact-of-the-house-and-senate-health-bills

“Do college students and part-time workers really belong on Medicaid?”

http://www.heritage.org/Research/Reports/2009/10/The-Baucus-Medicaid-Provisions-The-Senates-Massive-Welfare-Expansion

Proposes opt-out from federal Medicaid 

http://www.heritage.org/Research/Reports/2009/11/Medicaid-Meltdown-Dropping-Medicaid-Could-Save-States-1-Trillion

Update on Rep. Michelle Litjens & Culverts.....

In the Winnebago County Board meeting this week we passed the following resolution:

Establish Policy With Regard to Application For Town Bridge/Culvert Aid Pursuant to Section 82.08, Wisconsin Statutes

Exciting stuff!  But in a nutshell, the towns apply for County & State work & funds to repair bridges and culverts.  The County Highway Dept wants to codify the process to make sure the process runs smooth.

This flies right in the face of Rep Michelle Litjen's Statement in the OshNW:

"In the towns, when the town hall parking lot needs to be plowed or a culvert cleaned out, someone raises their hand and it's done. The more government promises to do, the less we help each other. In towns, people take responsibility for each other."

(I discuss the fallacy of this statement in detail here)

I would like to once again express the concern that Ms. Litjens please learn how govt is funded before she begins voting on it.

U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services: New report: 2.5 million Wisconsin residents with a pre-existing condition could be denied coverage without new health reform law

U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services: New report: 2.5 million Wisconsin residents with a pre-existing condition could be denied coverage without new health reform law
1/18/2011 

Contact: HHS Press Office 
(202) 690-6343 

Without Affordable Care Act protections, in 2014, 1 in 2 non-elderly Americans could be denied coverage or charged more due to a pre-existing condition 

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today released a new analysis showing that, without the Affordable Care Act, up to 2.5 million non-elderly Wisconsin residents who have some type of pre-existing health condition, like heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis or cancer, would be at risk of losing health insurance when they need it most, or be denied coverage altogether. Across the country, up to 129 million Americans would be at risk. 

Under the full range of policies in the Affordable Care Act to be enacted by 2014, Americans living with pre-existing conditions are free from discrimination and can get the health coverage they need, and families are free from the worry of having their insurance cancelled or capped when a family member gets sick, or going broke because of the medical costs of an accident or disease. Repealing the law would once again leave millions of Americans worrying about whether coverage will be there when they need it. 

“The Affordable Care Act is stopping insurance companies from discriminating against Americans with pre-existing conditions and is giving us all more freedom and control over our health care decisions,” said Secretary Sebelius. “The new law is already helping to free Americans from the fear that an insurer will drop, limit or cap their coverage when they need it most. And Americans living with pre-existing conditions are being freed from discrimination in order to get the health coverage they need.” 

The analysis found that:

· Anywhere from 50 to 129 million (19 to 50 percent) of Americans under age 65 have some type of pre-existing condition. Examples of what may be considered a pre-existing condition include:
· Heart disease
· Cancer
· Asthma
· High blood pressure
· Arthritis 

· Older Americans between ages 55 and 64 are at particular risk; 48 to 86 percent of people in that age bracket live with a pre-existing condition. 

· 15 to 30 percent of people under age 65 in perfectly good health today are likely to develop a pre-existing condition over the next eight years. 

· Up to one in five Americans under age 65 with a pre-existing condition – 25 million individuals – is uninsured. 

Prior to the Affordable Care Act, in the vast majority of states, insurance companies in the individual market could deny coverage, charge higher premiums, and/or limit benefits based on pre-existing conditions. Surveys have found that 36 percent of Americans who tried to purchase health insurance directly from an insurance company in the individual insurance market encountered challenges purchasing health insurance for these reasons. 

A number of protections are already in place thanks to the Affordable Care Act. Insurers can no longer limit lifetime coverage to a fixed dollar amount or take away coverage because of a mistake on an application. Young adults have the option of staying on their parents’ coverage up to the age of 26 if they lack access to job-based insurance of their own, and insurers cannot deny coverage to children because of a pre-existing condition. 

Many uninsured Americans with pre-existing conditions have already enrolled in the temporary high-risk pool program called the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP), which provides private insurance to those locked out of the insurance market because of a preexisting condition. The PCIP program – which has already saved people’s lives by covering services like chemotherapy – serves as a bridge until 2014, when insurance companies can no longer deny or limit coverage or charge higher premiums because of a preexisting condition. There is a Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan available in every State, and more information can be found at www.HealthCare.gov or by calling 1-866-717-5826.

In addition to the ban on discrimination against people with preexisting conditions, in 2014, individuals and small businesses will have access to new, high-quality insurance choices through competitive marketplaces called health insurance Exchanges. 

The report can be found at www.HealthCare.gov/center/reports/preexisting.html, and more information about the new protections created by the Affordable Care Act and the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan can be found at www.HealthCare.gov.

CONFLICT-OF-INTEREST: Scott Walker's Abuse Protection Legislation Protects Him

CONFLICT-OF-INTEREST: Scott Walker's Abuse Protection Legislation Protects Him

MADISON-Little-remarked upon in the advancing Republican effort to protect drunk drivers and facilities where patients are abused is the fact that Scott Walker's first piece of legislation would also have the effect of protecting him from responsibility in his multiple failures at the Milwaukee County Mental Health Complex and in a case where a 15-year-old boy was killed by the failure of a county parking structure.

Walker passed blame to underlings at the facility, where female patients were raped after being housed alongside violent male offenders, and where a patient starved to death. And he used the moments after the disaster at O'Donnell Park to declare himself similarly free of any responsibility. But both instances are likely to result in lawsuits alleging negligent behavior, as well as a signal lack of leadership, by Scott Walker.

Walker's first piece of legislation would keep records vital to such lawsuits confidential, and would limit other legal exposure for Walker himself.

"It is a shocking conflict of interest for Scott Walker to make his first piece of legislation something that would have the effect of covering his tracks after his disastrous run as Milwaukee County Executive," Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate said Tuesday. "Whether it was sexual assault at the mental health complex or the death of a 15-year-old at O'Donnell Park, Scott Walker should be held accountable for what he did - and didn't do- to prevent these tragedies from occurring."

White House: President Obama to visit Manitowoc, WI

White House: President Obama to visit Manitowoc, WI 1/18/2011 WASHINGTON— On Wednesday, January 26, President Obama will travel to Manitowoc, WI. More details will be released as they become available.

Oshkosh Volunteer Opportunities

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN OSHKOSH

 www.volunteercenter.net

The Salvation Army

Community Meals Program
Volunteers are needed to assist with the Community Meals Program Monday through Friday.  Lunch is served from 11:00 am until 12:20 pm.  Volunteers start about 1-2 hours prior to the meal and work until about 30 minutes after the meal.  They assist with preparations, serving, and clean up.

Food Pantry Program
Volunteers are needed to help in the food pantry from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm.  General duties include stocking shelves, checking in patrons and bagging groceries.  The food pantry is different from many other pantries in that patrons shop for their groceries, following a list of allowed items per family size.  Other duties could include assembling food bags for low income housing residents signed up for the commodities program and sorting and stocking donations received from food drives, organizations, and individuals.

General Office
Volunteers with computer skills are needed for typing, filing, copying, data entry and other general office duties.  Volunteers are also needed in the office for special projects.

Maintenance and Driver Assistant
Volunteers can assist with pick up and deliveries and general facility maintenance such as mopping and sweeping floors, emptying trash, vacuuming, and cleaning restrooms.  Volunteers may also help with light yard work.  Please contact Deb Schmidt, Volunteer Coordinator, (920) 232-7660.  Deb_Schmidt@usc.salvationarmy.org

Habitat for Humanity of Oshkosh

Habitat for Humanity of Oshkosh is currently looking for both construction volunteers and volunteers to work in and set up the New Habitat ReStore. Construction opportunities include; construction volunteer, site host, crew leader, and lunch provider. At the ReStore volunteer positions include: Donation pickups, Item delivery, Donation Associate, Cashier, Merchandiser and Office Worker & Receptionist. Both individual and group opportunities are available. If you would like to learn more please about construction opportunities call (920) 235-3535 or for ReStore opportunities call (920) 230-3535, email info@habitatoshkosh.org, or visit our website at www.habitatoshkosh.org

Oshkosh Seniors Center

The Oshkosh Seniors Center offers unique volunteer opportunities for different talents, schedules, and physical abilities.  If you have reception skills, strength and stamina for moving tables and chairs, love to cook, or are an expert in a certain area and would like to share your knowledge, we need you!  Please stop by the Center to pick up a volunteer application. Linda Verwiel, Volunteer Coordinator will contact you to schedule an appointment to discuss specific volunteer opportunities or you can contact her by calling 920-232-5306 or e-mail lverwiel@ci.oshkosh.wi.us

The Winnebago County Literacy Council’s mission is to increase the literacy skills of adults and families so they can make informed decisions allowing them to function effectively in society.  We are looking for volunteers wanting to share the gift of literacy!  Our primary opportunity is tutoring adults, their families, or high school students to improve their reading, writing, speaking, and/or life skills.  Volunteers can also translate for non-English-speakers, recruit students and tutors, serve on our Board of Directors, and/or help with special fundraising events!  If you are interested, please call Raissa at 236-5219 ext. 4802, or check out our website at www.winlit.org.  Help someone to read, succeed, and lead!

Affinity Health System – Mercy Medical Center

Gift Shop - Greet customers, handle sales via money/checks/credit cards, replenish the candy supply, deliver gifts or flowers to patients, and dust or straighten as needed.  Morning, afternoon and evening, and weekend shifts may be available. 

Spiritual Services -  If your calling is in the Spiritual Services area, you may be interested in helping set up and/or lector at the noon Catholic Mass on Thursdays or be a music leader for the 8:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday mornings.

Outpatient Services Escort Area – There are afternoon openings in the Outpatient Services Escort Area to escort patients to CT/nuclear medicine, lab, hydrotherapy, sleep disorder area, cardiopulmonary services, neurodiagnostics, preadmission testing, or the cardiorespiratory areas. These volunteers require the physical ability to push patients in a wheelchair and to walk to other departments as needed within Mercy Medical Center.

See more on our website at www.affinityhealth.org/volunteers or contact Volunteer Services at 223-0225.

Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh is looking for volunteers in the following areas:  Bethel Home - light maintenance, landscaping, filling bird feeders, one-on-one visitors, activities/games, Sojourners Ministry, and working in the Bethel Home gift shop.  Carmel Residence - monthly continental breakfast helper (4th Wed of month from 7:45 - 9:45 a.m.), and bingo leader (times are flexible).  Gabriel's Villa - assist residents with basic computer help (checking email, etc.), shopping on Mondays at 10:00 a.m. (transportation provided), and help with bingo on the weekends (times are flexible).  Contact Jill Novotny for more information at (920) 232-5282 or jnovotny@lutheranhomes.com.  Visit us online at www.lutheranhomes.com for a complete list of opportunities!

Affinity Visiting Nurses are looking for Home Care Volunteers to provide companionship, offer support and comfort, and provide a link to the hospice staff. Training is provided for all volunteers. While we need visitors for all of our patients, we are always in need of male volunteers to visit with our male patients. Men encouraged to inquire!  Make a difference in people's lives!

Office Volunteer – Tuck In calls

We are in need of volunteers to help on Thursdays to call all of our current patients before the weekend starts. Volunteers will be calling patients from our Neenah office location to ensure they have all the supplies and medications needed before the weekend. One hour per week or every other week is required. Short training provided. For more information  on either need or to sign up for training, please call Kristyna Williams at 920-727-2000.

The American Red Cross is in need of volunteers to help make a difference in the community.  The opportunities are endless, from being a Senior Friend to teaching Babysitting training course, from casework for our Bridges program to working at a blood drive, and from being trained to respond to Disasters to working in our office as a receptionist and everything in between.  We are in need of a person or two to help with data entry and office support.  If you are available during the day during the week and interested, let me know!  Please call Jamie Larson (920) 231-3590 or stop in at their new location at 5155 S. Washburn St., Suite 201.

ADVOCAP RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program)

Contact: Deb Tauer, ADVOCAP RSVP Volunteer Services Director

 2929 Harrison St., Oshkosh WI 54901

Phone: (920) 426-0150 Email:  debraj@advocap.org

RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) is a service specially designed for Winnebago County Seniors age 55 and older that offers senior and/ or retired persons a vast selection of volunteer opportunities throughout the county.

Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh is looking for volunteers to help Club members with their homework!  Be a child’s friend and play sports in the Gym, or come help in the office by stuffing envelopes, filing or assisting with data entry.  Work in program-specific areas that suit your skills like art, sports, music and drama, and computer technology.  Be a mentor! For more information, contact Lindsey Moon Arnold at (920) 233-1414 or lindseya@bgco.us

Clarity Care, a nonprofit service provider, has opportunities for volunteers to help in the Marketing department at the Oshkosh office. Duties include marketing research, program development, surveying, brand extension, collateral development, mailings, data entry. Volunteer opportunities are during regular business hours, M-F 8am-4:30pm.  For more information please contact Kurt Johnson at (920) 236-6560 or kurt.johnson@claritycare.org.

Oshkosh Area Community Pantry duties include picking up purchases and unloading food, helping with the registration/re-registration process, assisting customers by being a “shopping buddy”, stocking, sorting, and preparing food for the shelves counting and weighing at the Check Out, assisting with cleaning and maintenance, as well as some availability for special group projects.  Our shifts are Monday: 2-5pm, 4-7pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 9:30-12:30, 12:30-3:30pm, Friday we have pick up driver opportunities available, and Saturdays 8:30-11, 11:00-1pm.  We usually have six shifts available in the morning and six in the evening shifts.  To sign up you can fill out an online form at www.oacptoday.org and send it in, or stop in the pantry at 2551 Jackson St.  You can also contact Meghan, at fischermeghan@yahoo.com

Hope and Care Center

The Hope and Care Center is looking for reliable volunteers to help run the center from 4:00 p.m. to 8:p.m. Mon. thru Fri. starting in January 2011. We would also be interested in talking to anyone interested in starting their own program that would be beneficial to our members.  For more information contact Debra Silverthorn at the Hope and Care Center by calling 233-3563 or email dfsilverthorn@live .com.

Cerebral Palsy of Mideast Wisconsin a nonprofit service provider has opportunities for volunteers to help in their Oshkosh office.  Duties include helping with mailings and assorted clerical duties.  Hours are flexible and if you would like we can call when needed and if you’re available to help great.  Our office hours are M-F 7:30am to 4:30 pm. We also are looking for a volunteer to assist with minor repairs and yard work at our Respite House and WILLO Apartments located in Oshkosh, such as fixing drawers, replacing molding, replacing blinds, lawn maintenance, etc.  For more information on any of these opportunities, please call our office at (920) 424-4071 or email cp@cpmideastwis.com.

EAA DOCENT/VOLUNTERS NEEDED

Greet visitors and provide important information about the EAA AirVenture Museum, serve as a tour guide for scheduled group tours, participate in the annual EAA AirVenture Convention, the education programs, distribute appropriate literature on EAA Membership and Education Programs, Drive the Tram (shuttle) to transport visitors to the Pioneer Airport and spend some time outdoors, help in EAA’s Library, assist in the Collections Department, and more! To become part of the team or for more information, contact Bob Campbell, Manager of Museum Operations and Resident Education at bcampbell@eaa.org or 920-426-4815.

Aurora Medical Center Oshkosh
Are you looking to Volunteer in a warm & friendly environment where you set your own schedule according to your availability? Can't make it in to your scheduled shift?  We find your replacement. Volunteer opportunities include but are not limited to the Gift Shop, Lobby Information Desks, Transporting, Patient Services Station & Spiritual Services.
Knitters Nook: We have a very active Knitters Nook who knit/crochet at home & provide handmade items for our patients with full size afghans, prayers shawls, bay hats, booties & blankets.
Donations:  No time to Volunteer?  We’ll gladly take donations of yarn for our Knitters Nook, magazines for our Lobby, videos, CD's and bud vases for our patients use.  Please contact John Nieman, at (920) 456-7013 or john.nieman@aurora.org for more information. 


Aurora VNA Hospice

REWARD YOURSELF!!! Are you a compassionate, caring person that can give of two hours a week? If so then we need you!!! The Aurora Visiting Nurse Association Hospice Program is in search of volunteers to provide companionship for their patients. Patients are generally seen in their homes or in local facilities where they may reside.  In addition to companionship, hospice volunteers provide support to family members, run errands, hold a hand or just "be there". Volunteers are also needed in the office for clerical work and bereavement mailings. No medical background needed, training provided!!  Make that Call today!

Jayne Syrjamaki Volunteer Coordinator 920-456-2057 or email Jayne.Syrjamaki@Aurora.org

Lord of the Lakes Thrift & Gift Shop 208 W. Main Street, Winneconne would love your help!

We have fun as we give back to our community.  Hours and days are flexible. Call us at 920-582-3932 during business hours Wednesday 10-2, Thursday 10-7, Friday 10-2, Saturday 10-2 for more information.

Oshkosh Area United Way needs volunteers for task force committees including strategic planning, policy, personnel, by-laws, and personnel policy task forces, ethics, leadership giving, board management, marketing, planned giving, and investment management and fund development.  Contact Sue Panek sue@oshkoshunitedway.org at (920) 235-8560. 

There is also a need for individuals and families to volunteer for the Day of Caring on April 29^th from 7:30 – 12:00 noon.  Contact Denise at 235-8560 or development@oshkoshunitedway.org.

Oshkosh Family / Meals on Wheels  invites you to share your lunch hour once a week with some special people. Deliver Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors in the city of Oshkosh. Drivers are especially needed on Mondays or Tuesdays. Other days are also available. A 3-6 month commitment is appreciated. Contact Judy Richey at (920) 651-3316 or jarmow@oshkoshfamily.org.

Oshkosh Police Department – Volunteers assist with a variety of administrative tasks – most computer-based.  Also needed are weekday morning Safety Building lobby host/hostess; evening Front Desk helpers; Neighborhood Watch volunteers; Speed Watch volunteers will be trained to run radar and record license plate information of speeding vehicles but do not issue warnings or stop cars; helpers for special events and programs. Visit www.oshkoshpd.com for a Volunteer Application or contact Dorry Wilner, 236-5714 or dwilner@ci.oshkosh.wi.us

Oshkosh Teen Safe Rides needs adults and high school students to help get middle and high school students home safely on Friday and Saturday nights from 10 PM to 2 AM.  Adults provide supervision while students receive phone calls, dispatch cars, and give confidential rides home.  This program operates under the auspices of the Boy Scouts of America and is sponsored by Mercy Medical Center.  For more information, please call Peg Larson at 231-3005.

4-H Youth Development – UW-Extension is looking for adult leaders. You work with youth in either a community club or countywide activity. Volunteers must be able to communicate with youth and adults. You can either volunteer short–term (single event to month) or long-term (throughout the 4-H year). Training is provided. You must be 18 to volunteer. For more information contact Rene Mehlberg at (920) 232-1974 or rmehlberg@co.winnebago.wi.us

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate Releases Statement in Commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate Releases Statement in Commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

 MADISON- Today, in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Democratic Party of Wisconsin Party Chair Mike Tate issued the following statement:

 “Today is a day for both the celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the tireless movement for equality and understanding that he helped foster.  Through non-violent action, peaceful assembly and soaring rhetoric, Dr. King helped show all Americans a better way forward and reminded our nation that all are created equal.

 “While we remain imperfect, we have come a long way since Dr. King’s speech nearly a half century ago. While on this day we certainly reflect on our progress, we also look forward to bettering ourselves and our nation and to upholding the values Dr. King spoke of when he addressed a nation from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. As Dr. King said that day, ours must be a nation where our children “will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”  And on this day we observe his vision by engaging in service to those in our communities that need assistance. And I believe that in doing so, we honor the life and continue the legacy of Dr. King.”

Congratulations to Reince Priebus

Congratulations to Reince Priebus

MADISON-Following is the statement of Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate after Reince Priebus's elevation to chair of the Republican National Committee.

"Congratulations to Reince Priebus. I will miss our spirited - and civil - debates on the direction of our state and our nation. While we don't agree politically, I am grateful for his generous spirit during the hard-fought campaign season behind us - and in the hard-fought campaigns yet to come. And while of course we don't wish him luck, we do wish the first national party chairman from Wisconsin well in his new endeavor."

One Wisconsin Now: Why Voter ID is bad for Wisconsin

Why Voter ID is bad for Wisconsin

By Doeckel on January 13, 2011 3:52 PM

Many of you have written in response to our email yesterday about the voter ID bill. Some of you were very enthusiastic in your support of our efforts to fight back against this assault on our voting rights. But others of you had questions about the bill, and wondered why we oppose requiring qualified voters to show an ID at the polls. "You have to show an ID to rent a video, why not to vote?" someone asked. "With all the voter fraud out there, I think voter ID is a good idea," another person wrote.

I want to address these questions and fully explain why this bill is wrong for Wisconsin.

First of all, the right to vote is guaranteed to citizens of Wisconsin in our state constitution. The right to rent a movie, open a checking account, go to the bar, get on an airplane or any other similar activity is not, and requiring an ID for these types of activities is not a barrier to exercising a constitutionally-protect right. Voter ID is fundamentally different.

There is absolutely no evidence of a widespread conspiracy to commit voter fraud. Wisconsin's Republican Attorney General JB Van Hollen has made prosecuting so-called voter fraud one of his top priorities. However, after a two year investigation into the 2008 election, Van Hollen has found a scant 11 potentially improper ballots out of nearly 3 million total votes cast. Of those, eight involved felons who voted while out in the community on probation or parole, a situation that voter ID would not remedy. That leaves 3 potentially bad votes out of 3,000,000 votes, or about 0.000001% of all votes cast. Voter ID is a solution in search of a problem.

The bill's authors, Republican Rep. Jeff Stone and Sen. Joe Leibham, have modeled their bill after Indiana's Voter ID law, which was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. According to the Supreme Court case upholding Indiana's Voter ID bill, the lower court found "99 percent of Indiana's voting age population already possesses the necessary photo identification to vote under the requirements."

Wisconsin's population is substantially less likely to have a state-issued identification. Those without state-issued photo identification and who would need to obtain one under the Wisconsin Voter ID bill include:

• 23 percent of all elderly Wisconsinites over the age of 65
• 17 percent of white men and women
• 55 percent of all African American males and 49 percent of African American women
• 46 percent of Hispanic men and 59% of Hispanic women
• 78 percent of African American males age 18-24 and 66 percent of African American women age 18-24
[Driver License Status of the Voting Age Population in Wisconsin, 6/05]

Yes, the bill as written does have a provision to provide free identification for some Wisconsinites. Each and every one of these people would have to take the time off (in many cases unpaid) from work or family obligations to flock to Wisconsin DMVs. However, access to the DMV is a problem in Wisconsin; Indiana provides its residents exponentially more access to its Department of Motor Vehicles offices to obtain identification.

Wisconsin and Indiana have similar voting age populations (4.35 million vs. 4,8 million), but Wisconsin is 50 percent larger geographically than Indiana (54,314 sq. miles vs. 35,870 sq. miles). Indiana not only provides its residents 50 percent more DMV offices than Wisconsin (140 to 91), but also nearly three times the total hours these facilities are open.
Also consider:

• Twenty-six percent of Wisconsin's 91 DMVs are open one day a month or less, while none of Indiana's are open less than 100 days a year and nearly all are open over 250 days a year.
• Wisconsin has only one DMV with weekend hours, while Indiana has 124 offices with weekend hours.
• Three Wisconsin counties have no DMVs, no Indiana county is without a DMV.
• Over half of Wisconsin's 91 DMVs are open on a part-time basis, while Indiana provides full-time DMVs in every county.
[Wisconsin DMV service centers and hours, by county; Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, locations and hours]

The need to expand the numbers and operational hours of Wisconsin DMVs to provide appropriate access could increase the $70 million biennial Wisconsin DMV budget by as much as 50 percent on top of the current $5 million price tag to provide free identifications.

Requiring eligible voters to produce ID at the polls is an unnecessary hurdle to exercising our right to vote which will prevent many people from voting. The "widespread voter fraud" that this bill is aimed at "fixing" does not exist, and the microscopic number of double votes will be FAR outpaced by the number of people who will be prevented from voting by the voter ID requirement. In a time when Wisconsin faces a $3 billion budget deficit, we simply cannot afford to double the DMV budget. Voter ID is a big-government, budget-busting solution in search of a problem; a solution that will make it more difficult to practice our most fundamental right.

That is why we oppose voter ID. I hope this email helps to answer your questions about this bill. If you're ready to join this fight, please sign up for our Voter Protection Task Force to push back against this assault on our democratic rights.

Wisconsin Association for Justice: The only thing being created under Gov. Walker's so-called "jobs bill" is opposition to it

Wisconsin Association for Justice: The only thing being created under Gov. Walker's so-called "jobs bill" is opposition to it
1/12/2011 

MADISON, Wis. - Yesterday, the Wisconsin Legislature heard over nine hours of testimony on the first part of Gov. Scott Walker's so-called special session "jobs bill." Senate Bill 1 and Assembly Bill 1 contain across-the-board changes in Wisconsin's civil justice system which will reduce the rights of Wisconsin families who are harmed or die by the negligence of corporate-for-profit nursing homes and repeat drunken drivers. 

The joint-committee heard compelling testimony against the bill from a number of citizens expressing their deep concerns for the bill as well as representatives from a number of public advocacy groups including: 

AARP of Wisconsin 

Mother's Against Drunk Driving 

Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups 

Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans 

Wisconsin Council on Children and Families 

Disability Rights Wisconsin 

Brain Injury Association of Wisconsin 

Wisconsin State AFL-CIO 

Citizen Action of Wisconsin 

In addition, the committee also heard from prosecutors and judges in opposition to changing Wisconsin's rules for expert witnesses. 

Mike End, President of the Wisconsin Association for Justice, said of the hearing, "The only thing being created under Gov. Walker's so-called 'jobs bill' is opposition to it. The more the public learns about this bill the more they realize its negative impact on Wisconsin families." 

Many of the individuals testifying told horrific stories of abuse and neglect of parents, siblings or children in nursing homes. The committee also heard heart wrentching stories of the loss of loved ones at the the hands of drunken drivers and negligent corporations; which in all cases would be harder to find the negligent party responsible and accountable under this bill. 

"These individuals and groups represent hundreds of thousands of people from all across Wisconsin. They have come together to shed light on the misguided priorities of this bill," End said. "The Governor is trying to create a 'Boogie-Man' where none exists.Wisconsin is well within the mainstream of civil justice issues nationwide and the climate in the state is already recognized as pro-business." End continued, "There is no need for such drastic change to the civil justice system at the expense of so many innocent people." 

"If the Governor wants to get serious about creating jobs, he should first focus on protecting the rights of the hard working families of Wisconsin - who are the resource he needs in order to create jobs," End concluded. 

To view the bill, click here. 

The Wisconsin Association for Justice stands with consumers to promote a fair and effective justice system for every citizen, not just the privileged and wealthy. 

OWN: Voter ID Plan Will Likely Hike Deficit Tens of Millions of Dollars, No Private Sector Jobs

For Immediate Release January 12, 2011 Contact: Robert Doeckel Phone: 608-217-0194 Voter ID Plan Will Likely Hike Deficit Tens of Millions of Dollars, No Private Sector Jobs Wisconsin Unequipped to Implement Voter ID Bill Without Costly Bureaucratic Expansion Madison -- Despite promises that their top priority is job creation, the new state Republican legislative majority is immediately trying to ram through a Voter Identification bill which will not create jobs and will likely cost tens of millions of dollars in order to meet constitutional requirements. “The Republican Voter ID bill will waste tens of millions of dollars and create zero private sector jobs,” said Scot Ross, One Wisconsin Now Executive Director. “The Republicans have come up with a budget-busting, big government solution to a problem that doesn’t exist.” The bill’s authors, Rep. Jeff Stone (R-Greenfield) and Sen. Joe Leibham (R-Sheboygan), are modeling their bill after Indiana’s Voter ID law, which was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. Indiana, however, provides its residents exponentially more access to its Department of Motor Vehicles offices to obtain the photo identification. According to the Supreme Court case upholding Indiana’s Voter ID bill the lower court found, “99 percent of Indiana’s voting age population already possesses the necessary photo identification to vote under the requirements.” The Supreme Court concluded that Indiana’s law was Constitutional, specifically because so few Indianans were without the state-issued photo identification. Wisconsin’s population is substantially less likely to have a state-issued identification. The study showed that the following numbers about those without state-issued photo identification and who would need to obtain one under the Wisconsin Voter ID bill: 23% of elderly Wisconsinites over the age of 65 17 percent of white men and women 55 percent of African American men and 49 percent of African American women 46 percent of Hispanic men and 59 percent of Hispanic women 78 percent of African American men age 18-24 and 66 percent of African American women age 18-24 [Driver License Status of the Voting Age Population in Wisconsin, 6/05] The need to expand the numbers and operational hours of Wisconsin DMVs to provide appropriate access could increase the $70 million biennial Wisconsin DMV budget by as much as 50 percent on top of the current $5 million price tag to provide free identifications. Wisconsin and Indiana have similar voting age populations (4.35 million vs. 4.8 million), but Wisconsin is 50 percent larger geographically than Indiana (54,314 sq. miles vs. 35,870 sq. miles). Indiana not only provides its residents 50 percent more DMV offices than Wisconsin has (140 to 91), but also nearly three times the total hours these facilities are open. Additional statistics about Wisconsin lack of accessible DMVs compared to Indiana: Twenty-six percent of Wisconsin’s 91 DMVs are open one day a month or less, while none of Indiana’s are open less than 100 days a year and nearly all are open over 250 days a year. Wisconsin has only one DMV with weekend hours, while Indiana has 124 offices with weekend hours. Three Wisconsin counties have no DMVs, no Indiana county is without a DMV. Over half of Wisconsin’s 91 DMVs are open on a part-time basis, while Indiana provides full-time DMVs in every county. Republican claims of widespread voter irregularity have long been debunked. After a two-year investigation, Republican Attorney General JB Van Hollen has found only 11 potentially-improper votes cast out of nearly 3 million votes in 2008. Former Wisconsin U.S. Attorney under George W. Bush, Steve Biskupic concluded after a similar investigation there was no widespread voter fraud. The majority of charges in all of these cases involved felons who were technically ineligible to vote. “Wisconsin is unequipped to implement the Republican Voter ID plan without spending tens of millions of dollars for more bureaucracy,” said Ross. “The Republicans told us job creation is job one and now they are breaking that promise a week after taking control in order to rig elections in their favor.” # # #  One Wisconsin Now is a statewide communications network specializing in effective earned media and online organizing to advance progressive leadership and values.

More Small Businesses Offering Health Care To Employees Thanks To Obamacare

Forbes.com:

More Small Businesses Offering Health Care To Employees Thanks To Obamacare

The first statistics are coming in and, to the surprise of a great many, Obamacare might just be working to bring health care to working Americans precisely as promised.

The major health insurance companies around the country are reporting a significant increase in small businesses offering health care benefits to their employees.

Why?

Because the tax cut created in the new health care reform law providing small businesses with an incentive to give health benefits to employees is working.

WisDems File Complaint Against GOP Basement Dweller

Well, I guess we know there all this Election Fraud the GOP talks about is coming from:

WisDems File Complaint Against GOP Basement Dweller

Scofflaw Violates Residency Requirement

MADISON-Wisconsin Democrats on Thursday filed a complaint against a freshman Republican Assemblyman who unlawfully lives in his brother's basement.

Basement-dwelling Joe Knilans has said publicly that he resides in a basement that is not properly recognized as a residence. This casts his eligibility for election in doubt.

"There are plenty of basement-dwellers in the Republican leadership, but this time we mean it literally," Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate said. "To serve in our Legislature requires some dignity and, at the very least, an honest address."