Commentary
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Written by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, Matt Rothschild
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Friday, 04 February 2022 19:36 |
MADISON - I’ve been giving lots of talks lately about the dangerous threats to our democracy, and I wanted to share my latest one with you, which explores the roots of the anti-democracy movement we’re facing right now: The Roots of the Anti-Democracy Movement This week, our research team tracked the money that corporations gave to political parties and legislative campaign committees last year. Find out which companies gave the most here: State Parties, Legislative Campaign Committees Accepted $1.3M in Corporate Contributions in 2021 And our research team profiled Betsy DeVos’s public school privatization group, which has spent more than $8 million in Wisconsin since 2010 to elect Republican legislators who will siphon off your tax dollars and give them to private schools: Influence Peddler for February 2022 – American Federation for Children Meanwhile, our Racial Equity and Economic Justice Advocate Iuscely Flores wrote about the misplaced priorities of Republicans in our legislature when it comes to combating crime: We Say Defund, Republicans Say Fund, Fund Fund! Thanks, as always, for supporting our work, and I hope you have a nice weekend.
Best, Matt Rothschild Executive Director
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Commentary
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Written by GOV Press Wisconsin
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Friday, 04 February 2022 11:04 |
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today delivered the Democratic Radio Address highlighting $21.9 million in grants announced earlier this week awarded to 27 local governments and organizations through the Tourism Capital Investment Grant Program. These grants will support major tourism-related capital improvement projects across the state that will help promote, maintain, or bolster Wisconsin's tourism industry.
Audio File of Radio Address.
Hi, folks. Governor Tony Evers here.
Tourism is a $17.3 billion industry in our state that supports more than 150,000 jobs in communities across Wisconsin. In fact, the overall Wisconsin tourism industry recovery last fall even outpaced the national average.
That’s exactly why we’ve made major investments in our tourism industry, providing more than $200 million in support throughout the last two years.
We know that the tourism industry is critically important for our local economies—promoting events, small businesses, local restaurants and hotels, outdoor recreation industries, and so much more.
And that if we want to continue this industry’s success—and all the industries that depend on it—we need to make long-term investments to ensure this essential part of our economy stays strong.
So, this week, I announced our Tourism Capital Investment Grant Program to provide up to $3.5 million grants for shovel-ready tourism-related investment projects that help promote, maintain, or bolster Wisconsin's tourism industry.
That grant program received 200 applicants and this week, we are announcing more than $20 million in grants will be distributed across the state to help areas that serve as gateways for national and international visitors to experience all Wisconsin has to offer.
From Green Bay to Hayward to Wisconsin Dells—and everywhere in between—these projects will bring more folks to our state, encourage them to stay a little longer and spend a few extra bucks, and that means more jobs and economic activity for all the hard-working folks here in Wisconsin.
Thanks so much. |
Commentary
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Written by Citizen Action of Wisconsin, Matt Brusky
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Friday, 04 February 2022 10:39 |
MILWAUKEE - We discuss what’s next for the Build Back Better agenda and breaking news on Citizen Action’s upcoming Congressional Week of Action. The panel talks about a bombshell New York Times report that Wisconsin was at the epicenter of the plot to send fake electors, a key piece of Donald Trump’s insurrection plot. In the Legislature this week Republicans introduced a series of bills to rig future elections, while Senate Minority Leader Janet Bewley announced her retirement. We close with an interview of Marina Dimitrijevic, Citizen Actions’ newly endorsed candidate for Milwaukee Mayor.
LISTEN NOW - EPISODE #528 Download Mp3 |
Last Updated on Friday, 04 February 2022 10:55 |
Commentary
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Written by Janet Bewley Press, State Senator Dist 25
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Friday, 04 February 2022 07:44 |
Area has secured $11.8 million in funds from businesses, tribal and local governments, individuals, and nonprofits, and this additional commitment from Governor Evers will bridge the gap to qualify for the $100 million grant.
MADISON, WI – Wednesday, Governor Tony Evers announced that he will commit up to $8.2 million in matching funds to help Wisconsin paper and forest products industry stakeholders secure a $100 million federal Build Back Better Challenge Grant. Governor Evers and Wisconsin Economic Development Council (WEDC) CEO Missy Hughes have also sent a letter to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo in support of the grant application.
The coalition has already secured $11.8 million in funds from businesses, tribal and local governments, individuals, and nonprofits, and this additional commitment from Governor Evers will bridge the gap to make sure they have the full $20 million in matching funds required to qualify for the $100 million grant.
Senate Minority Leader Janet Bewley (D-Delta) and Representative Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point) issued the following statements in support of the Governor’s announcement:
“I am thrilled to hear that our paper and forest products industries have the golden opportunity to secure up to $100 million in federal funds,” Senator Bewley said. “The paper and forest products industries are a driving economic force in both our state and our Northwoods community, and one of our top employers. I commend Governor Evers for his commitment to this vital sector, and I am nothing but optimistic that our great state’s paper and forest products industries will continue to flourish.”
Rep. Shankland added, “I’m very pleased that Governor Evers has committed the state support needed to ensure that Wisconsin’s grant application for the Build Back Better Regional Challenge is eligible to apply for the next round of funding. This $8.2 million in state funding is pivotal to strengthening the important work of the coalition as they promote the paper and forestry industries in Wisconsin. It will pay significant dividends as the coalition competes for additional federal funds.
“I strongly support the grant application from the Wisconsin Paper Council, Mid-State Technical College, Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association, Sustainable Resource Institute, UW-Stevens Point’s Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology, Menominee Nation Tribal Enterprises, and the Wisconsin DNR’s Division of Forestry to strengthen our state's forestry and paper industries. This partnership is key to supporting workers and local businesses in these industries while bolstering the state's economy. Governor Evers’ leadership to ensure the paper and forestry industries have the resources they need to be successful is greatly appreciated.” |
Commentary
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Written by Mark Smith, Oconto Falls, WI
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Tuesday, 01 February 2022 11:00 |
http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/voter-primaries-s5.jpgA brave voice from those of us who live in rural counties overrun and conquered by our ex-president speaks out on the current climate of fear.
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 01 February 2022 11:22 |
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Commentary
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Written by Janet Bewley Press, State Senator Dist 25
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Friday, 28 January 2022 11:32 |
http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/high-voltage-lines-farms-s450.jpgDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, Democrats across the state supported the Governor as we built a strong economy, reached record-low unemployment, and achieved unprecedented revenue projections.
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Last Updated on Friday, 28 January 2022 12:08 |
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Commentary
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Written by GOV Press Wisconsin
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Friday, 28 January 2022 11:12 |
MADISON — Gov.Tony Evers Thursday delivered the Democratic Radio Address highlighting his plan announced earlier today to use a portion of the recently announced state revenue surplus funds to address rising costs facing Wisconsin families while defraying costs for caregiving and childcare that present barriers to employment.
Audio File of Radio Address.
Hi folks, Governor Evers here.
I’m proud of our work to make smart decisions with your tax dollars, get folks back to work, and keep more money in your pockets by signing one of the largest tax cuts in Wisconsin history.
Now, Wisconsin has the lowest unemployment rate and the fewest people unemployed ever, and the largest positive GAAP balance in our general fund in state history. And just this week we received more good news—new projections show that Wisconsin has a $3.8 billion surplus in our general fund, which is great for our state and our economy.
At the same time, I also know folks and families are concerned about rising costs at the checkout line and gas pump, and businesses face challenges getting supplies and resources and filling job openings.
Because of our tax cuts and changes I directed, many Wisconsinites could already see hundreds more in their paychecks this year, but we can do more to help folks across our state. And we can’t wait until the next budget to address these challenges—Wisconsinites need relief now.
Today, I announced my plan to send every Wisconsin resident $150 to help defray rising costs families are experiencing, which would ensure a family of four could receive $600 to help make ends meet.
We also know that accessing childcare and caregiver support continues to be a barrier to employment in Wisconsin. That’s why we’re also investing over $130 million in targeted tax relief through child and caregiver tax credits to support working families and help make sure that affording childcare and caring for a loved one aren’t barriers to finding work.
My plan puts even more money in your pockets, bolsters our workforce by providing targeted relief to help families with the costs of childcare and caregiving, and makes robust investments in our kids and our schools without raising property taxes.
We’ve worked hard to get our state into a good fiscal position, and that means we have the resources to help folks and families across our state.
There’s no time to waste. Let’s get it done, folks.
Thank you. |
Commentary
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Written by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, Matt Rothschild
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Friday, 28 January 2022 10:12 |
MADISON - This week, the Legislature passed a nasty bill that would violate our First Amendment right to freedom of assembly, as I point out here: Gov. Evers Must Veto “Riot Bill” >> Please contact the governor and urge him to veto this dangerous bill (Senate Bill 296). In the money race, candidates and political parties have been filing their reports, and here’s one thing that popped out: State Dems Raised Nearly 5x More Than State GOP in 2021 But just because Democrats in Wisconsin have figured out how to play the money game, that doesn’t make this game any cleaner, any fairer, any more transparent, or any more participatory. Here’s a short piece I wrote to try to illustrate how the super-wealthy of both parties are getting around the limits on direct donations to candidates: 2 Donors Who Epitomize Why We Need Campaign Finance Reform in Wisconsin I hope you find these pieces of interest. And thanks for contacting Gov. Evers on the “riot” bill.
Best, Matt Rothschild Executive Director
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P.S. Please support our urgent work protecting our democracy. Click here to pay by credit card or PayPal. Or you can send us a check, made out to the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, and mail it to us at 203 S. Paterson St., Suite 100, Madison WI 53703. Thanks! |
Commentary
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Written by Citizen Action of Wisconsin, Matt Brusky
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Friday, 28 January 2022 09:53 |
MILWAUKEE, WI - We welcome State Senator Chris Larson for an extensive conversation about revelations he and Rep. Brostoff dug up this week about the direct role of Wisconsin Congressman Scott Fitzgerald in sending forged Trump electors to Congress. Will Fitzgerald and his conspirators in the Wisconsin GOP be investigated by Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul?
The panel also comments on the big news that U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer will retire this year, setting off speculation about the nomination of the first African American woman on the high court. We also discuss the continued fight for the Build Back Better agenda, Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to Milwaukee to promote federal infrastructure money for lead pipes, and the smear campaign of corporate Democrats targeting President Biden’s Chief of Staff Ron Klein for daring to empower the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.
LISTEN NOW - EPISODE #527 Download Mp3 |
Last Updated on Friday, 28 January 2022 10:02 |
Commentary
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Written by WisDems Press, Julia Hamelburg
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Wednesday, 26 January 2022 20:45 |
Wisconsinites will not forget that it was Democrats who made the state’s internet faster, more reliable, and affordable.
MADISON, Wis. – Thanks to investments from President Biden, Governor Evers, and Democrats in Congress, every neighborhood in Wisconsin will soon have access to high-speed internet. Funded by President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, which passed without the vote of a single Republican in Congress, Gov. Evers has provided millions of grants to expand access to high-speed internet in rural and urban communities across the state.
So far, Gov. Evers has allocated nearly $100 million in ARP grants to expand rural internet access – funding 83 projects. Just this week, the governor presented Vernon Communications Cooperative with a $5.6 million grant, which will help to bring fiber optic cables to 52 businesses and 993 homes, and Tri-County Communications with a $3.3 million grant, which will expand affordable internet in Buffalo and Jackson counties. Gov. Evers’ investments mean nearly 300,000 homes and businesses will be connected to high-speed internet.
Democrats are continuing to close the digital divide. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will dedicate an additional $100 million in federal funds to expand internet across the state. The infrastructure law will also enable 1,246,000 Wisconsinites – 22% of people in the state – to qualify for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo recently spoke with Wisconsin’s WMTV, further highlighting the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to ensuring internet access in the Badger State is accessible and affordable. Secretary Raimondo explained how President Biden’s plan will ensure companies can’t mislead consumers about internet prices: “A requirement of any company that’s participating in the program is that they have price transparency. That they allow the consumers to comparison shop.”
Whether Wisconsinites are using the internet to launch new business ventures, work on homework, or connect with family and friends, they will not forget that it was Democrats who made the state’s internet faster, more reliable, and affordable – and that every Wisconsin Republican in Congress voted against the ARP and infrastructure law that made it possible. |
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