On Wednesday, April 27th the Wisconsin Assembly Committee on Election and Campaign Reform will hold a public hearing on ASSEMBLY BILL 7 - which, if passed and enacted into law, would be the most restrictive voter identification law in the nation. This measure would likely mean that tens and perhaps hundreds of thousands of voters in Wisconsin would find it too difficult and onerous to cast their ballots on election day, and take Wisconsin from being one of the top two states in the nation in voter turnout to one of the lowest. It would be easier to vote in Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina and even Georgia (currently the second most restrictive state in the nation, after Indiana, in which to vote) than in Wisconsin if this measure becomes law. And why? For no other reason than for partisan advantage. It is one of the most undemocratic and misguided pieces of legislation ever proposed in Wisconsin's history.
The State Senate counterpart to this measure, Senate Bill 6, all but passed in the State Senate in February with only Republicans voting. Here is what we had to say about it in February before the SB 6 was modified in committee, and then as it was brought to the State Senate floor and brought to the verge of passage on February 24th.
The committee will "allow" citizens to testify on Assembly Bill 7, but for no longer than two minutes and testimony will be limited for the period between 10 AM and 4 PM on Wednesday. We will be there to speak up against this monstrosity and you should as well, if you can. For more details about the hearing, go here. If you cannot be there to testify, please let the members of the committee and your own State Representative and State Senator know what you think.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Common Cause WI: Most Restrictive Voter Photo ID Measure in the Nation Gets a Public Hearing this Wednesday in the State Capitol
http://www.commoncausewisconsin.org/2011/04/most-restrictive-voter-photo-id-measure.html
Friday, April 22, 2011
Senate Democrats Author SeniorCare Protection Bill
Senate Democrats Author SeniorCare Protection Bill
Madison – Today State Senators Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay), Bob Wirch (D- Pleasant Prairie), Jim Holperin (D-Conover), Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point), and Tim Carpenter (D–Milwaukee) announced that they will be introducing legislation to protect SeniorCare, a program that provided prescriptions to 90,000 seniors in Wisconsin.
This bill is being introduced in response to Governor Walker’s plan to take $20 million out of SeniorCare to use for other purposes.
“I am very troubled by Governor Walker’s plan to raid funds from our SeniorCare program. This is completely wrong and unfairly punishes our seniors,” said Senator Hansen.
“SeniorCare is a successful, cost-effective program that provides vital prescription drugs that seniors need. SeniorCare is supported in part from federal funds, and provides prescription medications for seniors a rate less than Medicare Part D; savings are realized in part because Wisconsin can negotiate volume discounts and rebates from drug makers – something the federal government is prohibited from doing,” said Senator Lassa.
“This bill will stop the raid on SeniorCare funds. The bill will require that all funds in the SeniorCare program be used only for SeniorCare purposes, such as increasing the type of drugs available in the program, or reducing enrollment fees,” said Senator Wirch.
“This bill will also require that Wisconsin continue to apply to the federal government to continue the partnership that keeps SeniorCare the most cost effective program for so many seniors,” said Senator Holperin.
“So far this legislative session, Senate Republicans have twice voted to support Walker’s raid of SeniorCare. This is unacceptable. I will continue to stand up and fight to save 90,000 Wisconsin seniors from having to pay more for their prescription drugs,” said Senator Carpenter.
Madison – Today State Senators Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay), Bob Wirch (D- Pleasant Prairie), Jim Holperin (D-Conover), Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point), and Tim Carpenter (D–Milwaukee) announced that they will be introducing legislation to protect SeniorCare, a program that provided prescriptions to 90,000 seniors in Wisconsin.
This bill is being introduced in response to Governor Walker’s plan to take $20 million out of SeniorCare to use for other purposes.
“I am very troubled by Governor Walker’s plan to raid funds from our SeniorCare program. This is completely wrong and unfairly punishes our seniors,” said Senator Hansen.
“SeniorCare is a successful, cost-effective program that provides vital prescription drugs that seniors need. SeniorCare is supported in part from federal funds, and provides prescription medications for seniors a rate less than Medicare Part D; savings are realized in part because Wisconsin can negotiate volume discounts and rebates from drug makers – something the federal government is prohibited from doing,” said Senator Lassa.
“This bill will stop the raid on SeniorCare funds. The bill will require that all funds in the SeniorCare program be used only for SeniorCare purposes, such as increasing the type of drugs available in the program, or reducing enrollment fees,” said Senator Wirch.
“This bill will also require that Wisconsin continue to apply to the federal government to continue the partnership that keeps SeniorCare the most cost effective program for so many seniors,” said Senator Holperin.
“So far this legislative session, Senate Republicans have twice voted to support Walker’s raid of SeniorCare. This is unacceptable. I will continue to stand up and fight to save 90,000 Wisconsin seniors from having to pay more for their prescription drugs,” said Senator Carpenter.
Milwaukee Co. Supervisor Thomas: Governor's decision to suspend apprentice rules means Wisconsin is closed for small business
Milwaukee Co. Supervisor Thomas: Governor's decision to suspend apprentice rules means Wisconsin is closed for small business
4/22/2011
Contact: Harold Mester, Public Information Manager
414/278-4051 or harold.mester@milwcnty.com
Milwaukee, WI – Milwaukee County Supervisor Johnny L. Thomas released the following statement regarding the importance of apprenticeship programs in government contracts:
“The Governor is making a big mistake by suspending apprentice rules as part of state construction contracts. His Executive Order, issued quietly on March 9, means State contractors are no longer required to invest in local workers through Wisconsin’s apprenticeship program.
“Governor Walker is missing the benefit of apprenticeship programs. These programs are a key step in revitalizing our economy, providing individuals with valuable work experience and helping them develop marketable skills. Walker’s order targets small businesses that provide job training and opportunities. This is counterproductive to job creation and economic growth.
“The Business Journal’s Central City Business Awards, sponsored by the Greater Milwaukee Committee, recently honored entrepreneurs who positively impact the central city. So, why would Governor Walker want to make it harder for small businesses to develop and grow? This bad policy will compound the unemployment situation in the State and in the African-American community.
“In the Marquette Interchange project, former Governor Doyle achieved 22% minority labor and 18% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise participation. Governor Walker is reversing this progress and stifling economic growth and job creation. Instead of being open for business, Wisconsin is closed to small businesses, which are an economic driver for a growing economy.”
4/22/2011
Contact: Harold Mester, Public Information Manager
414/278-4051 or harold.mester@milwcnty.com
Milwaukee, WI – Milwaukee County Supervisor Johnny L. Thomas released the following statement regarding the importance of apprenticeship programs in government contracts:
“The Governor is making a big mistake by suspending apprentice rules as part of state construction contracts. His Executive Order, issued quietly on March 9, means State contractors are no longer required to invest in local workers through Wisconsin’s apprenticeship program.
“Governor Walker is missing the benefit of apprenticeship programs. These programs are a key step in revitalizing our economy, providing individuals with valuable work experience and helping them develop marketable skills. Walker’s order targets small businesses that provide job training and opportunities. This is counterproductive to job creation and economic growth.
“The Business Journal’s Central City Business Awards, sponsored by the Greater Milwaukee Committee, recently honored entrepreneurs who positively impact the central city. So, why would Governor Walker want to make it harder for small businesses to develop and grow? This bad policy will compound the unemployment situation in the State and in the African-American community.
“In the Marquette Interchange project, former Governor Doyle achieved 22% minority labor and 18% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise participation. Governor Walker is reversing this progress and stifling economic growth and job creation. Instead of being open for business, Wisconsin is closed to small businesses, which are an economic driver for a growing economy.”
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
The Statement of Jessica King in Response to Randy Hopper's Misguided Attack on Working Wisconsin Families
The Statement of Jessica King in Response to Randy Hopper's Misguided Attack on Working Wisconsin Families
MADISON- In response to the negative attacks issued by recalled State Senator Randy Hopper (R – Fond du Lac), Oshkosh City Councilwoman and Deputy Mayor Jessica King released the following statement:
“It’s unfortunate my opponent chose to start off his recall campaign in such a predictable and negative way. What's even more unfortunate, though, is that Sen. Hopper has spent so much time away from home that he seems to be shockingly unaware of who is actually running against him."
In Sen. Hopper's attack he frequently references former Governor Jim Doyle. If Mr. Hopper spent more time in his district and less time in and around Madison he'd know that Jim Doyle is not on the ballot against him.
Senator Hopper's desperate attacks are the result of the pressure he is feeling after a local grassroots effort collected over 23,000 recall petitions against him in just over 5 weeks - one of the fastest recall efforts in state history.
Senator Hopper broke his promises to the working families of Northeast Wisconsin and all he is left with is negative attacks to try to stay in power."
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Scott Walker's Embarrassing Star Turn
 |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, April 14, 2011 CONTACT: Graeme Zielinski, WisDems Communications Director (608) 260-2427, graemez@wisdems.org Scott Walker's Embarrassing Star Turn MADISON-Following is the statement of Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate following Scott Walker's House testimony Thursday. "Now the Congress has seen with its own eyes what Wisconsin has seen for months, that Scott Walker's union-busting, state-rending legislation is about promoting Scott Walker and concentrating power into the hands of his friends, and nothing to do with honest solutions to Wisconsin's budget challenges. In the hearings, Walker continued to make his plan about his personal political fortunes, and not about the thousands of working families he is supposed to be serving. He acknowledged that his plan was a bait-and-switch that he deliberately withheld from the public during his campaign. And he shrugged off very real fears about his deep cuts to education and Wisconsin's standard of living at the expense of his Koch Brothers masters. Scott Walker got more of what he has long sought, more attention for himself. And again, he has proven an embarrassment to Wisconsin." View this release online at: http://www.wisdems.org/news/ |
Authorized and Paid for by The Democratic Party of Wisconsin. Michael J. Tate, Chair |
WisDems Chair Mike Tate Asks GAB to Investigate 2006 Waukesha County Discrepancy
Thursday, April 14, 2011
CONTACT: Graeme Zielinski, WisDems Communications Director
(608) 260-2427, graemez@wisdems.org
WisDems Chair Mike Tate Asks GAB to Investigate 2006 Waukesha County Discrepancy
MADISON-Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate on Thursday asked the Government Accountability Board to investigate an apparent discrepancy in vote totals in Waukesha County that showed a discrepancy of more than 17,000 votes - in a statewide election decided by 8,859 of more than 2.12 million cast.
The problems bear eerie similarities to the current problems facing the Waukesha County Clerk, who "discovered" some 14,000 ballots well after polls had closed in the tight Supreme Court race.
In his letter Wednesday, Tate referred to the election between Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen and former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, and vote totals reported on the Waukesha County Clerk website.
"The apparent pattern of problems arising from the Waukesha County Clerk are undermining the public's confidence in the integrity of our voting procedures," Tate wrote in the letter, attached.
View this release online at:
http://www.wisdems.org/news/
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Jessica King Announces Candidacy for State Senate
Jessica King Announces Candidacy for State Senate
King Vows To Stand Up For Local Working Families
MADISON- Oshkosh City Councilwoman and Deputy Mayor Jessica King today announced her candidacy for the 18th State Senate district. King will run in the upcoming recall election against current State Senator Randy Hopper (R-Fond du Lac).
“Northeast Wisconsin needs a leader who will stand up and fight for working families,” said King. “Randy Hopper went to Madison and forgot who he was fighting for. He stopped listening to the people who elected him, and it's time for a change."
The recall of Senator Hopper was triggered after local volunteers and concerned citizens collected more than 22,500 signatures in less than 5 weeks, one of the fastest recall efforts in state history. Hopper has come under scrutiny for several reasons recently. Two months ago he voted to strip thousands of local workers of their rights in the workplace.
“It’s our job to stand up for the hard-working people who make Northeast Wisconsin a place we are proud to call home," continued King. "As your State Senator, I'll work day in and day out to create good local jobs, grow our small businesses, and protect the education and health care services we all rely on."
King, a small business owner and attorney in Oshkosh, was born and raised in the 18th Senate District. She learned to value hard work and responsibility from growing up in Fond du Lac and later attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. After law school, she returned home, starting her own small business in 2009.
In 2007, Jessica won election to the Oshkosh City Council and last year she was elected Deputy Mayor. King was praised by the Northwestern as a "Profile in Courage" for her willingness to stand up to special interests and fight for her constituents.
“We need a State Senator who will stand up and fight for the people they were elected to serve," concluded King. "And that's what I intend to do."
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Neenah will host fourth budget public hearing
from Wispolitics.com:
Neenah will host fourth budget public hearingThe fourth public hearing on the 2011-13 budget has been moved from Arcadia to Neenah High School, the co-chairs of the JFC have announced.
The Wednesday hearing, the last scheduled by the committee, had been set for a school in Arcadia, but the co-chairs said the district had concerns about a disruption to students.
The hearing will is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Other hearings are scheduled tomorrow in Superior and Monday in West Allis.
-- By Greg Bump
Another One in the Hopper
Another One in the Hopper
MADISON- Following is the statement of Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate following this morning's report in the Fond du Lac Reporter that petitions to force the recall of Sen. Randy Hopper will be filed today in Madison.
"Randy Hopper, like Dan Kapanke before him, made his choice when he cast his lot with Scott Walker and his extreme power grab. Today, a coalition of Republicans, Democrats and independents took the historic step of calling him to account.
This announcement comes only two days after Wisconsinites turned out en masse, with some precincts posting record turnout rivaling that of the 2008 presidential election, to stand up against Scott Walker and his outrageous assault on Wisconsin’s working families.
People all over Wisconsin, and the 18th Senate District, tried to make themselves heard in February and March, but Hopper, like Walker, would not listen.
Now, both at the polls on Tuesday and on the ground the past few weeks in the 18th District, the people have sent a clear signal to an intransigent governor and his rubberstamp legislature that their methods and philosophies have been rejected, and there is no choice now but to know that the working families of Wisconsin will be heard.
It’s clear that the tide is turning in Wisconsin. The events of the past week should give the remaining six Republicans eligible for recall who are, for the moment, in the majority, pause about how they proceed with enacting Walker's terrible budget.”
People all over Wisconsin, and the 18th Senate District, tried to make themselves heard in February and March, but Hopper, like Walker, would not listen.
Now, both at the polls on Tuesday and on the ground the past few weeks in the 18th District, the people have sent a clear signal to an intransigent governor and his rubberstamp legislature that their methods and philosophies have been rejected, and there is no choice now but to know that the working families of Wisconsin will be heard.
It’s clear that the tide is turning in Wisconsin. The events of the past week should give the remaining six Republicans eligible for recall who are, for the moment, in the majority, pause about how they proceed with enacting Walker's terrible budget.”
Monday, April 4, 2011
Rep. Hintz: Oshkosh area public hearing on the state budget
Rep. Hintz: Oshkosh area public hearing on the state budget
4/4/2011
Contact: Rep.Hintz@legis.wi.gov
1-888-534-0054
Opportunity to hear from constituents on Governor Walker’s proposed budget
Oshkosh – Rep. Hintz (D-Oshkosh) announced today that he will host a budget public hearing in Oshkosh on Saturday, April 9th. Area legislators from both parties have been invited to participate. Attendance has been confirmed by Joint Finance Committee Member Sen. Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee) and Rep. Penny Bernard Schaber (D-Appleton).
This hearing is the first of a series of events being hosted by Democratic Legislators statewide. The Joint Finance Committee elected to hold just four budget hearings statewide, the fewest number of public hearings held in 25 years. The scheduled Joint Finance hearings are also being held during weekday business hours when it is difficult for many working families to attend. Holding an event in Oshkosh on a Saturday allows Oshkosh Area residents to participate and voice their opinions and concerns.
Governor Walker's proposed budget has large consequences for communities around Wisconsin including cuts to public education and vital programs such as health care for seniors and children. Given this drastic shift in Wisconsin’s priorities, it is more important than ever to hear from people across the state, not just a few locations during limited business hours.
This event is open to the public and the press.
Oshkosh State Budget Public Hearing:
Invited: Area Legislators & Open to the Public
Date: Saturday, April 9th
Time: 10:30am – 4:30 pm
Location: University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh (Reeve Union Room 202)
748 Algoma Blvd., Oshkosh, WI
4/4/2011
Contact: Rep.Hintz@legis.wi.gov
1-888-534-0054
Opportunity to hear from constituents on Governor Walker’s proposed budget
Oshkosh – Rep. Hintz (D-Oshkosh) announced today that he will host a budget public hearing in Oshkosh on Saturday, April 9th. Area legislators from both parties have been invited to participate. Attendance has been confirmed by Joint Finance Committee Member Sen. Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee) and Rep. Penny Bernard Schaber (D-Appleton).
This hearing is the first of a series of events being hosted by Democratic Legislators statewide. The Joint Finance Committee elected to hold just four budget hearings statewide, the fewest number of public hearings held in 25 years. The scheduled Joint Finance hearings are also being held during weekday business hours when it is difficult for many working families to attend. Holding an event in Oshkosh on a Saturday allows Oshkosh Area residents to participate and voice their opinions and concerns.
Governor Walker's proposed budget has large consequences for communities around Wisconsin including cuts to public education and vital programs such as health care for seniors and children. Given this drastic shift in Wisconsin’s priorities, it is more important than ever to hear from people across the state, not just a few locations during limited business hours.
This event is open to the public and the press.
Oshkosh State Budget Public Hearing:
Invited: Area Legislators & Open to the Public
Date: Saturday, April 9th
Time: 10:30am – 4:30 pm
Location: University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh (Reeve Union Room 202)
748 Algoma Blvd., Oshkosh, WI
Please Turn in All your Petitions by 10 pm Tuesday
Message from Ross Allen:
I just wanted to let everyone know to please have all their petitions in by Tuesday. Even if you have a sheet that has one signature on it please turn it in by the end of the day Tuesday. Please tell any friends or family that might have petitions to get them in, I have heard reports from Kapanke's district that people are just now turning in signatures.
I just wanted to let everyone know to please have all their petitions in by Tuesday. Even if you have a sheet that has one signature on it please turn it in by the end of the day Tuesday. Please tell any friends or family that might have petitions to get them in, I have heard reports from Kapanke's district that people are just now turning in signatures.
We are trying to get as many in as possible by 10 pm Tuesday so that we can assess where we are at, it is important to have an accurate count. Thanks again to everyone who has volunteered so far and will be helping on Tuesday. If anyone has any questions regarding tomorrow or other questions do not hesitate to call me, thanks again.
Dr Martin Luther King's Assassination Anniversary Today
From our secretary, Paulette Feld:
As an officer with AFSCME Council 24, I've had the opportunity to attend several conferences over the years. Among those, the 2008 AFL-CIO Martin Luther King recognition event in Memphis stands out as one of the most memorable experiences that I've had. The event was held in Memphis to mark the 40th Anniversary of King's assassination there in 1968. The conference included discussions of the Sanitation Workers Strike, that King was there to support. We heard from and met several of the workers and their family members who were involved in the strike and the stories of why they took that measure to get their issues out in the open. The death of two co-workers on an old broken garbage truck prompted the strike, but, it brought out the abuses by the City of Memphis of the mostly black workers. The Sanitation workers were members of AFSCME Local 1733, and Rev. King participated in their strike because he understood that many of the same issues that the Civil Rights movement battled were also the same as the issues the labor movement deals with.
Those attending the conference also visited the National Civil Rights museum, which includes the Lorraine Motel, where Rev. King was assassinated. To see the balcony and the area the way it looked that day in 1968 was moving, as are the displays in the museum following the battle for equal rights was truly memorial for those of us attending.
Today, we observe the 43rd Anniversary of Rev. Kings assassination. "We Are One" is the theme as groups commemorate the event in locations across the country. Martin Luther King III wrote the following:
http://blog.aflcio.org/2011/04/04/why-martin-luther-king-jr-would-support-the-public-worker-protests/
There are two events in Oshkosh today to observe the memory of Martin Luther King:
3:30-We are One rally and vote early-Winnebago County Courthouse. If you plan on voting early, make sure you have your driver's license (needed only to vote early)
6:30-Showing of _At the River I Stand_ at the New Moon Cafe, Downtown Oshkosh. This moving documentary recounts the two months leading to Martin Luther King Jr.'s death in 1968, coinciding with the 65-day strike of 1300 Memphis sanitation workers.
Please consider attending one or both of these events.
Thank you
Paulette
As an officer with AFSCME Council 24, I've had the opportunity to attend several conferences over the years. Among those, the 2008 AFL-CIO Martin Luther King recognition event in Memphis stands out as one of the most memorable experiences that I've had. The event was held in Memphis to mark the 40th Anniversary of King's assassination there in 1968. The conference included discussions of the Sanitation Workers Strike, that King was there to support. We heard from and met several of the workers and their family members who were involved in the strike and the stories of why they took that measure to get their issues out in the open. The death of two co-workers on an old broken garbage truck prompted the strike, but, it brought out the abuses by the City of Memphis of the mostly black workers. The Sanitation workers were members of AFSCME Local 1733, and Rev. King participated in their strike because he understood that many of the same issues that the Civil Rights movement battled were also the same as the issues the labor movement deals with.
Those attending the conference also visited the National Civil Rights museum, which includes the Lorraine Motel, where Rev. King was assassinated. To see the balcony and the area the way it looked that day in 1968 was moving, as are the displays in the museum following the battle for equal rights was truly memorial for those of us attending.
Today, we observe the 43rd Anniversary of Rev. Kings assassination. "We Are One" is the theme as groups commemorate the event in locations across the country. Martin Luther King III wrote the following:
http://blog.aflcio.org/2011/04/04/why-martin-luther-king-jr-would-support-the-public-worker-protests/
There are two events in Oshkosh today to observe the memory of Martin Luther King:
3:30-We are One rally and vote early-Winnebago County Courthouse. If you plan on voting early, make sure you have your driver's license (needed only to vote early)
6:30-Showing of _At the River I Stand_ at the New Moon Cafe, Downtown Oshkosh. This moving documentary recounts the two months leading to Martin Luther King Jr.'s death in 1968, coinciding with the 65-day strike of 1300 Memphis sanitation workers.
Please consider attending one or both of these events.
Thank you
Paulette
Winnebago County Dems Spring Endorsements!
Hello members and friends of the Winnebago County Democratic Party!
I was asked to put out a reminder email of the Winnebago Dems Spring Election Endorsements.
They were:
WI Supreme Court: JoAnne Kloppenberg
Oshkosh School Board: John Lemberger
Menasha City Council: Stan Sevenich
Oshkosh City Council: Jef Hall
Please vote early or on April 5th.
There are a lot of events coming up, see them all here:
http://www.winnebagodems.org/p/calendar.html
Urge your family, friends, co-workers and neighbors to stand up for working families and vote this spring.
-jef-
Authorized and paid for by the Winnebago County Democratic Party - Sara Stichert, Chair.
Jef Hall
112 E Irving Ave
Oshkosh, WI 54901
920.203.6883
jef@jefhall.com
I was asked to put out a reminder email of the Winnebago Dems Spring Election Endorsements.
They were:
WI Supreme Court: JoAnne Kloppenberg
Oshkosh School Board: John Lemberger
Menasha City Council: Stan Sevenich
Oshkosh City Council: Jef Hall
Please vote early or on April 5th.
There are a lot of events coming up, see them all here:
http://www.winnebagodems.org/p/calendar.html
Urge your family, friends, co-workers and neighbors to stand up for working families and vote this spring.
-jef-
Authorized and paid for by the Winnebago County Democratic Party - Sara Stichert, Chair.
Jef Hall
112 E Irving Ave
Oshkosh, WI 54901
920.203.6883
jef@jefhall.com
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
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