http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/merrick-garland-ag-thehill-s5.pngThe Georgia law, passed in March along party lines, imposes restrictions that voting rights groups say will fall most heavily on minorities

Legislators prioritize well-being of pollinators to ensure healthy ecosystems for generations

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/door-county_biking-s5.jpgGovernor announces 'Bounce Back Better' grant availability in Lake Geneva.

State GOP continues gerrymandering to stay in power.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/broadband-map-northwoods-s5.jpgSen. Jeff Smith provides an update on what’s been happening with broadband expansion efforts during the state budget process.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/juneteenth-flag-buffalo-soldiers-s5.jpgFlag commemorating the trials Black Americans have overcome since the final slaves were freed on June 19, 1865 flown in Madison for second year in a row.

Money will go to expand the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at King, says Governor.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced today that he has been notified by the US Department of Veterans Affairs that it is awarding $3,320,300 to the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) to expand the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at King.

“Like all Wisconsinites, I am grateful for the service and sacrifice of our servicemembers,” Gov. Evers said. “As a state, we work diligently to ensure that veterans have access to benefits and services from the time they leave service to the moment they are laid to rest. Providing an honorable and dignified resting place for our veterans and the family members who supported them is the least we can do for our nation’s heroes.”

The grant will allow the WDVA to construct 428 pre-placed crypts, a flag assembly area, a committal service shelter, irrigation, and supporting infrastructure at the cemetery. These improvements will help ensure adequate resources for future burial needs.

“Our Wisconsin Veterans Cemeteries are beautiful and peaceful resting places,” WDVA Secretary Mary Kolar said. “We are happy to be able to make these improvements that will ensure that veterans and families will continue to be able to use these wonderful facilities for years to come.”

The King cemetery is Wisconsin’s first state veterans cemetery. It opened in June of 1888 with the burial of a Civil War veteran. In addition to veterans from the Civil War, it is the final resting place for veterans of the Indian Wars, Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Persian Gulf War, as well as peacetime veterans. More than 8,000 veterans and their dependents have been buried in the cemetery at King since its inception.

The WDVA operates three veterans memorial cemeteries located at King, Spooner, and Union Grove. Veterans, spouses, and dependent children may be eligible for burial or memorialization at Wisconsin’s veterans cemeteries. To determine eligibility, visit www.MyWisVets.com.

The WDVA submitted the funding request to the VA Veterans Cemetery Grant Program in May 2021.

Work Remains to Establish Health Care as a Human Right, says Kraig.

Statewide: Following Thursday’s US Supreme Court ruling that leaves in place the Affordable Care Act, Robert Kraig, Executive Director of Citizen Action of Wisconsin, issued this statement:

“The Supreme Court decision rejecting the latest attempt to overturn the Affordable Care Act gives a welcome reprieve to millions of Wisconsinites with preexisting conditions, or without good coverage at work, from losing their health care. While the popular Affordable Care Act provides basic health care protections, there is still much to be done to guarantee that every American has quality affordable health care, no matter what. Citizen Action of Wisconsin will continue to fight until health care is established as a human right, and everyone in Wisconsin receives the care they need, when they need it, without fear or financial hardship.”

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/affordablecareact-s5.jpgLed by Texas, the GOP challengers focused on the ObamaCare tax penalty meant to induce the purchase of health insurance by most Americans.

Legislation would raise minimum wage to $15 in one year, then account for inflation yearly.

MADISON, WI - Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) and Representative Lisa Subeck (D-Madison) introduced Raise the Wage legislation as a part of a broader Building Economic Security Together Package. If passed, the bill would raise the minimum wage to $10.15 upon enactment, raise it to $15 one year later, and then the state would adjust based on the Consumer Price Index each year following.

Senator Agard and Representative Subeck issued the following statements regarding the legislation:

Senator Agard:

“I think anyone would agree that no Wisconsinite working 40 hours a week should be living in poverty. Wisconsin workers and their families deserve comprehensive reform at the state level that puts working people first and gives them their fair share.

“The COVID-19 Pandemic has exhausted essential and low income workers across our state. Most often, these employees are women and people of color or those who are living paycheck to paycheck. As a state with the worst racial disparities, we must step up to do the hard work to tear down barriers that harm our fellow Wisconsinites. It is time we invest in the workers that have kept us healthy, fed, and safe throughout this pandemic and for years prior.

“It’s simple, honest work deserves honest pay and everyone deserves a fair share. I am proud to introduce this legislation and I look forward to continuing to work for Wisconsin workers’ right to a fair and livable wage.”

Representative Lisa Subeck:

“No one who works hard every day should have to be poor. All working people deserve the dignity that comes from knowing you can put a roof over your head, feed your family, and plan for your future.

“Yet, Wisconsin’s minimum wage has not increased in more than a decade, and full-time minimum wage workers make less than $300 per week. It is time we raise our minimum wage and make the phrase ‘working poor’ the oxymoron that it ought to be.”