2 bills passed Tuesday will ensure a procedure is in place that upholds survivors’ dignity, choice, and the right to a fair and just process.

MADISON - Tuesday, Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) voted in favor of SB 71 and SB 94 which both address the sexual assault kit backlog in Wisconsin. Senator Agard released the following statement:

“While no piece of legislation can ever erase the trauma of sexual violence, failures to effectively and efficiently collect, submit, and store kits should never be a barrier to justice,” Senator Agard stated. “It is vitally important for people to trust their government when they are the victim of a horrible crime. What we are doing today is creating a system so people can trust their government and the handling of these cases. ”

“Ultimately, the most fundamental role of government is to protect its citizens When someone in our community is the victim of a sexual assault - the system has failed. It is the role of government to step up and provide for a safer, more compassionate path so that people can heal. So that victims become survivors.

“I have championed legislation about sexual assault kits and our state’s backlog for three sessions. I have heard from victims and survivors of sexual assault. I carry their stories with me, and have promised them I will work tirelessly on their behalf to create a better system.

“The bills passed today will ensure a procedure is in place that upholds survivors’ dignity, choice, and the right to a fair and just process, protecting those who choose not to report at the time of an assault, or who change their minds.

SB 71 is aimed at 2 common sense things: First, ensuring that justice is not delayed for survivors of sexual assault. And second, making sure that we do not have a backlog of untested sexual assault kits in Wisconsin ever again.

SB 94 establishes a Sexual Assault Kit Tracking System to provide victims of sexual assault access to information about the status of any sexual assault kit they have provided.

“I am proud of the bipartisan group of legislators that worked on these bills, and extend my thanks to Attorney General Josh Kaul, who has championed this legislation. I am hopeful that the Assembly will take up these bills quickly and send them to Governor Evers’ desk,” Senator Agard concluded.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/covid-19-vaccine-drivethru-latimes-s5.jpgDate moved up to March 22 due to availability of appointments and increased vaccine supply.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/voter-us-elections-s5.jpgVoters are able to easily navigate a comprehensive guide containing unbiased candidate information at VOTE411.

An Indigenous woman leading the critical work of managing our shared public lands is long overdue, say environmentalists.

MADISON – Wisconsin Conservation Voters and its 40,000-plus members and supporters are celebrating today’s U.S. Senate vote finalizing the historic confirmation of Congresswoman Deb Haaland for Secretary of the Interior – making her the first Indigenous person to serve as a Cabinet Secretary.

“We congratulate Secretary Deb Haaland on her well-earned, historic nomination,” said Executive Director Kerry Schumann. “The significance of this confirmation – an Indigenous woman leading the critical work of managing our shared public lands – is long overdue, but its importance cannot be overstated. Secretary Haaland will implement a bold agenda based on science, equity, and environmental justice. She will prioritize access to nature, tribal consultation, and responsible management of our public lands and resources for all people in this country. In Wisconsin, Secretary Haaland’s nomination serves as a national example of leadership for Indigenous communities and people and puts an ally in the Cabinet with values that reflect those of Wisconsin Conservation Voters. We’re excited to work with Secretary Haaland and the Department of the Interior to protect our lands and make their stewardship more equitable and inclusive.”

Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin voted to confirm Secretary Haaland while Republican Sen. Ron Johnson rejected it.

“Our members across Wisconsin sent nearly 1,000 messages of support to both Senators, while thousands more from across the country did the same,” said Government Affairs Director Jennifer Giegerich. “Sen. Baldwin has consistently stood up for our conservation values, including open and accessible public lands, and we thank her for voting to confirm Deb Haaland as Interior Secretary. Meanwhile, Sen. Johnson, rather than voting to confirm a well-qualified, historic nominee in Deb Haaland, has been spending his time spreading debunked, racist conspiracy theories. Wisconsin deserves better.”

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Engaging voters to protect Wisconsin’s environment.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/uwgb-students-1-s5.jpgWould provide an estimated 29,000 family supporting jobs, $4.3 billion in economic impact for state. Building Commission to consider this week.

Legislation would allow the public to petition for public hearings on legislation.

MADISON - Today, Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) introduced the “People’s Voice Act.” LRB-2481/1 would allow for the public to petition for a bill to receive a public hearing. If the petition receives signatures by qualified equaling at least 3 percent of the vote cast for the office of governor in the most recent gubernatorial election, the Elections Commission must certify the bill for a public hearing and file the certification with the legislature. The petition can be signed through a paper form or electronically. If enough signatures are received, the legislature must hold a public hearing on the bill within 30 days of the petition being certified.

Senator Agard released this statement regarding the legislation:

“Our first job as legislators is to listen to those we serve - they are our bosses. The policies we introduce should reflect the people’s will, but currently, there are too many Wisconsinites who feel left out of the governing process. Their viewpoint is being ignored. This bill allows for the public to have a louder voice in their state government.

“Wisconsin has a history of citizen engagement and clean government. But in recent years, we have seen bills that are overwhelmingly supported by Wisconsin voters die in committee without a public hearing. When a majority of Wisconsinites support expanding Medicaid, legalizing cannabis, fair maps, closing the ‘Dark Store Loophole’, and gun safety measures, those bills should be prioritized. It is appalling that legislation aimed at addressing the issues that matter most to the ordinary people of Wisconsin never receive a public hearing in the legislature. It is past time that the people of Wisconsin see meaningful action from their government on these bills and more. LRB-2147 gives them an opportunity to create and see that action.

“Our legislative process should be fair, and should recognize our fundamental rights - but it is currently a mess. Let’s stop playing politics and create a system that prioritizes the will of the people. What we continue to see in the Capitol is a system tilted in favor of the wealthy or well-connected. It is time to bring the process straight to the people. LRB-2481/1 provides the public a pathway to ensure that their voice and their values are heard. This is a  bold and necessary step toward better governance for the people of Wisconsin.”

According to the non-partisan Legislative Reference Bureau, less than half of the bills introduced in the last legislative session received a public hearing.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/coronavirus-small-business1-s5.jpgVirtual listening session will cover topics including supporting small businesses and farmers, kickstarting innovation, and helping working families.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/covid-19-vaccine-shot-s5.jpgMass vaccination clinic will transition to federal support on March 15. The clinic is a joint effort between the City of Milwaukee, County of Milwaukee, the State of Wisconsin, and FEMA Region 5.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/covid-19-vaccine-shot-evers-s5.pngOn one-year anniversary of first emergency declaration, Wisconsin leads the country in COVID-19 vaccine shots used.

Tamika Mallory’s presentation to the Campaign Zero Speakers Taskforce on Racial Disparities highlights No-Knock warrant issue and why we need meaningful reform.