Modifies deadlines and timing processes for county-run juvenile facilities, Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers last Friday signed Assembly Bill 188, now 2019 Wisconsin Act 8, into law. Wisconsin Act 8 makes a number of technical changes to 2017 Wisconsin Act 185, including modifying the deadlines related to county-run juvenile facilities, modifying the deadline for closing Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake, and clarifying the process for transferring between facilities.

“Our top priority remains getting our kids out of Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake and closer to home as soon as we safely and responsibly can, and our agencies are working to collaborate and find efficiencies in this process,” said Gov. Evers. “I look forward to having a larger conversation about reforming our juvenile justice system. We need to focus on investing in front-end prevention, alternatives, and diversion when youth intersect with the justice system, and trauma-informed, evidence-based practices.”

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/iraq-leaving-260.jpgBill will protect student veterans from late fees or eviction in future cases where VA housing allowances are delayed or incorrect.

Classrooms and Communities Denied Funding Under GOP Budget

MADISON – Despite overwhelming public support for Governor Tony Evers’ state budget proposal that addresses issues impacting Wisconsin families, Republican politicians settled for a budget full of missed opportunities. After securing their final votes with a last minute amendment crafted behind closed doors, the Republican majority is ignoring the will of voters, refusing to fund Wisconsin’s core priorities, and limiting support for local communities.

“Wisconsin families are frustrated with fiscally irresponsible Legislative Republicans who would rather protect their special interest agenda and tax giveaways to the wealthy,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). “The Republican budget acknowledges the failure of their policies over the past eight years but refuses to adopt the solutions and investments we need to protect our schools, health care and drinking water.”

The Republican budget blocks Gov. Evers’ proposal to invest $1.4 billion more into local classrooms and cuts over $500 million in special education funding from his budget; rejects $1.6 billion in federal funds to expand Medicaid and expand affordable health care access to 82,000 Wisconsinites; blocks funds to address the contaminated drinking water crisis; and cuts funding for local governments to fix potholes. Most troubling, the Republican refusal to accept federal funds to expand Medicaid will end up costing the state more money while covering fewer people.

Simply put the Republican budget:

• Cuts Gov. Tony Evers’ special education funding proposal by 83% while increasing property taxes.
• Fails to meet the 2/3^rd state funding commitment for public schools while spending more on vouchers for unaccountable private schools.
• Spends millions more taxpayer dollars in order to reject Medicaid funding and the enhanced care it could provide.
• Increases taxes on Wisconsin drivers while letting Minnesota and Illinois motorists off the hook for our increased road repair costs.
• Rejects funding for clean water protections while thousands of children continue to be poisoned by lead pipes.

“Gov. Tony Evers’ original budget proposal was a responsible plan for families and communities that have been ignored for too long,” added Sen. Shilling. “Instead of living with the failed policies of the past, we need to move forward with bold, innovative solutions that promote a fair economy and expand opportunities for families and communities. Democrats stand united in the belief that quality schools, affordable health care, and clean drinking water are vital to restoring Wisconsin’s reputation as a place where the next generation wants to live, work, and raise a family. This budget misses the mark, and I will be voting no.”

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/mining_wisconsin_senate_s5.jpgLocal needs cut back as GOP lines up the votes it needed on Wednesday.

https://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/capitol-night-wisc-s5.jpgRepublicans Passed Half Measure, Missed Opportunity Budget says Green Bay's Representative Staush Gruszynski.

https://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/school-meeting-crowd-s5.jpgBudgetary decisions should directly reflect the people’s priorities, says Assembly Democratic Leader. Republicans have put their focus on cheap, political victories instead.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Special counsel Robert Mueller will publicly testify in front of both the House Judiciary and Intelligence Committees on July 17, the panels’ chairmen announced Tuesday.

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https://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/leo-frigo-bridge-gb-s5.jpgThe Senate is scheduled to vote on the budget this week. Sen. Smith reviews Governor Evers’ budget proposals and the many changes in the version passed by the Joint Finance Committee.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/alcohol-liquorstore-s5.jpgNew laws will apply the same treatment to all types of intoxication liquor for off-premises consumption, improve tax fairness by ensuring that businesses moving out of state are not able to deduct the moving expenses.

Madison legislators should listen to the people, pass Governor Evers’ Budget Tuesday, says Green Bay's Staush Gruszynski.