http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/vote-denied-wdc-2022-s445.pngWisconsin Supreme Court hearing on drop boxes Wednesday featured arrogant attitude and shoddy arguments of rightwing Institute for Law and Liberty.

Madison, WI – Wednesday, Attorney General Kaul and Legislative Democrats highlighted their commitment to public safety through the Safer Wisconsin legislation, a comprehensive package to reduce crime and support stronger communities. State Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) released the following statement:

“I was honored to join Attorney General Kaul, Representative McGuire, and my Democratic colleagues to renew our commitment to sensible, progressive safety in Wisconsin. Everyone deserves to feel safe and secure where they live. The Safer Wisconsin package both honors Wisconsin’s progressive tradition and provides a path forward for pragmatic public safety.

“We know that there are sensible policies that will make a real difference—from keeping guns out of the hands of people who have shown they are dangerous, to strengthening our communities’ trust and preventing crime, to addressing substance use disorders and mental health crises, to holding offenders accountable.

“We also know that our current systems do not work to benefit of all—especially for Black and Brown neighbors. Now more than ever, it is crucial that we install thoughtful policies that will reform historically harmful institutions. The Safer Wisconsin legislation offers commons sense, practical measures for safety and equity.

“Public safety should not be a partisan issue. While my Republican colleagues have gaveled out for the session and decided the work is done, I continue to stand with Attorney General Kaul and my Democratic colleagues to reaffirm our dedication to a vision of progressive public safety.”

Wisconsin are ready for cannabis reform, but Republicans refuse to listen, says Senator.

Madison, WI – Monday, the Senate Committee on Insurance, Licensing and Forestry noticed that it would hold a public hearing on Senate Bill 1034 relating to medical marijuana on Wednesday, April 20^th. Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) responded to the notice:

“The people of Wisconsin are ready for cannabis reform. It is supported by the majority of the residents of our state, including a majority of Republicans. While I’m encouraged people will have the ability to come testify at a public hearing, it is disappointing that we had 15 months of session in which we could have rolled up our sleeves and worked in a bipartisan manner on this important and complex policy. Sadly, Republicans are all talk and no action when it comes to legalization efforts in Wisconsin.

“For the second straight session, legislative Republicans have introduced a late session, politically motivated bill to try and fool the people of Wisconsin into thinking they are genuine about legalization. Having a public hearing after session has already been gaveled out is a cynical political ploy that gives people false hope about the prospects of this legislation.

“I have been earnestly working for full cannabis legalization for adult responsible use for over nine years. In that time, I have reached out to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to legalize cannabis for Wisconsin in a bipartisan manner—but not a single Republican has ever taken me up on this opportunity to put out a bipartisan bill.

“I am disappointed by my Republican colleagues’ constant refusal to do the right thing and listen to Wisconsinites when it comes to the issue of cannabis legalization. My efforts will always work towards full cannabis legalization.”

After years of obediently voting to confirm extremist and hyper-partisan judges dead set on rolling back the clock on hard-fought freedoms, Ron Johnson once again put his self-serving agenda before the people of Wisconsin say Democrats.

MADISON, Wis. – Just one year after being sworn into office, President Biden fulfilled his promise of nominating the first Black woman to the Supreme Court – and Thursday, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has made history with her confirmation as our next justice. After a rigorous confirmation process rife with Republican obstruction and blatant contempt, it’s more clear than ever that Judge Jackson will be a superb jurist on the nation’s highest court.

Despite the public’s broad bipartisan support for Judge Jackson, with Republican senators themselves noting her astute qualifications and “her demonstrated judicial independence,” Ron Johnson voted against confirming one of the most qualified candidates ever nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court. In response, Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler released the following statement:

“Wisconsin and the United States will be better off with Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson sitting on the highest court in our land – her qualifications are second to none and her record shows she is someone who will always fight for fairness and justice. Today’s vote not only adds a brilliant legal mind to the Supreme Court but will also ensure the Supreme Court better reflects the diversity of Wisconsin and our nation.

"After years of obediently voting to confirm extremist and hyper-partisan judges dead set on rolling back the clock on hard-fought freedoms, Ron Johnson once again put his self-serving agenda before the people of Wisconsin and voted against Judge Jackson, an experienced and fair judge who will always uphold our Constitution and the rule of law.”

Representation matters. I know that there are so many Black women and girls that look at the success of Justice Brown Jackson, and realize that they can also make history, says Madison Democrat.

MADISON, WI- On April 7th, the United States Senate confirmed The Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson to the US Supreme Court, making her the first Black woman to hold this office. On this decision, Representative Shelia Stubbs (D-Madison) gave the following statement:

“History was made today. Justice Brown Jackson is eminently qualified to be the next Supreme Court Justice and will execute her office faithfully. She is a product of our public schools, a former public defender, a cum laude graduate of Harvard law, a district judge for 8 years, sat on the D.C court of appeals, and has the highest possible rating from the American Bar Association. Judge Brown Jackson has a history of dutiful and diligent practice, and I trust she will be a valued voice on the Supreme Court.

“While it is an honor to witness the ascent of the Supreme Court’s first Black woman justice, I am appalled at the rhetoric surrounding her confirmation. Justice Brown Jackson’s qualifications, credentials, and experience were thrown into question throughout this process. This is a stark reminder that Black women today are still expected to be twice as qualified to be considered suitable for the same positions. The attacks that have been levied against her are an embarrassment, and further prove the need to increase the presence of Black women in positions of power.”

“Representation matters. I know that there are so many Black women and girls that look at the success of Justice Brown Jackson, and realize that they can also make history. As Thurgood Marshall said “none of us got where we are solely by pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps. We got here because somebody – a parent, teacher, an Ivy League crony, or a few nuns – bent down and helped us pick up our boots.” Justice Brown Jackson has now fought to get into a position where she too can help pick up our boots.”

“I am inspired by Justice Brown Jackson’s incredible poise and grace throughout this process and throughout her career. I know she will be a powerful role model to many young women in America. I applaud the Senate for her swift confirmation, and I applaud President Biden for his selection and commitment to expanding diversity in our courts. I look forward to seeing the trailblazing legacy Justice Brown Jackson will build on the highest court in the land.”

MILWAUKEE - We debrief the Spring Election, including the right wing’s effort to take over local schools boards on shameful culture war conspiracies and the watershed election of Milwaukee’s first Black mayor. The panel takes stock in the historic U.S. Senate vote confirming the first Black woman, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, to the Supreme Court. Disgraced former judge Michael Gableman shamefully speaks at Trump’s Florida resort and is praised by the insurrectionist ex-president. How can Republicans continue the pretense that Gableman is leading an impartial and objective investigation? Claire educates us on the important health care policy behind the big Barack Obama/Joe Biden media event at the White House this week. A Citizen Action member from our North Central Wisconsin Organizing Co-op directly impacted by unaffordable health insurance costs gets a trip to the White House to see the Obama-Biden event. We discuss critical Biden agenda items that still need to be addressed before November 2022. Finally, the panel discusses the implications of new reports linking COVID-19 deaths to poverty, plus the latest Ron Johnson follies.

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MILWAUKEE - Speaker Vos is found in contempt of court for failing to turn over records related to his sham 2020 election “investigation.” Will the political boss of the State Assembly comply with the court order to comply with Wisconsin’s open records laws? We have an exclusive interview with Eau Claire school board president Tim Nordin about the right wing attacks on school board members, and the death threat against him that is making national and international news. Claire tells us why COVID boosters were authorized for Americans 50+ while the world continues to wait for a World Trade Organization waiver to allow the production of affordable COVID vaccines. We call out Congressional inaction on expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies that could impact the healthcare of 14 million Americans weeks before the critical November elections. Can the Democrats summon the unity to fulfill their campaign promises to make health care more affordable and to prevent a political catastrophe at the polls? We close discussing Sen. Baldwin’s fight to protect Kohl’s workers from the looming threat of vulture capitalists seeking to dismantle a profitable company.

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http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/clarence-thomas-scotus-justice-s450.pngWife's involvement leaves no way Clarence Thomas can be a neutral arbiter in any future Jan. 6 cases says Executive Director of Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.

MILWAUKEE - We discuss this historic week where the U.S. Supreme Court surprisingly reversed Wisconsin’s redistricting maps in its scandalous shadow docket. What is going on and where do we go from here? Next, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson appeared before the U.S. Senate for ground-breaking confirmation hearing and faces shameful tactics from the Trump wing of the GOP. Will she survive the awful politics of the U.S. Senate? The panel reviews the Congressional Progressive Caucus’ new blueprint for executive action that includes 55 different items President Biden can implement without Congress. In Wisconsin, Speaker Vos hints that his GOP sham investigation may end soon. Will former President Trump let him get away with it? The Affordable Care Act (ACA) turns 12 this week and early voting has started for the April 5th Spring Election.

Episode #535
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Madison, WI – Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) struck down the state legislative redistricting plans presented by Governor Evers after being selected by the Wisconsin Supreme Court earlier this month. Senator Agard released the following statement:

“I am incredibly disappointed with the SCOTUS’s decision to overturn the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s selection of Governor Evers’ legislative maps. These maps were desperately needed for the sake of democracy after the GOP’s grossly gerrymandered maps that have presided over Wisconsin for the last ten years. After refusing to take up other states’ legislative maps, SCOTUS has contradicted its previous argument in an unprecedented and democratically harmful decision.

“SCOTUS has instead perpetuated the disenfranchisement of Wisconsin democracy– and disenfranchising Wisconsin voters— to prevent our state from having the most competitive districts that would move us forward in having the will of the people represented in our legislature. This decision only advances Republican interests and demonstrates how blatantly politicized SCOTUS, the highest court in our land, has increasingly become.

“This isn’t justice, and this ruling will only further harm our voters. This decision from SCOTUS deepens Wisconsin’s desperate need to implement non-partisan redistricting to truly allow Wisconsin to be a representative democracy.”