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.”

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.

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.

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.

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
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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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!

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
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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.

Voting should be accessible to all, say nonpartisan advocates for informed and active participation in government.

MADISON, WI–Casting a ballot is a process that must be accessible and secure for all voters. Time and time again Wisconsinites find themselves having to navigate around barriers.

On Thursday, Jan. 13, a Wisconsin Circuit Court judge made a decision to prohibit the use of drop boxes for the upcoming spring primary and election, even though many clerks have already created absentee voting instructions that include information about local drop boxes. Changing rules about the use of drop boxes and who can put a voter's absentee ballot in the mail or drop it off the clerk’s office will lead to enormous confusion from voters and clerks alike, and ultimately disenfranchise Wisconsinites, as voters prepare to make their voices heard in these important local elections.  The League has already filed an appeal to correct this unfortunate decision.

Our elections are fair, safe and accurate but sham reviews and partisan games are increasingly making it more difficult for voters–especially youth, folks with disabilities, and people of color– to cast their ballots. This ruling ignores the fact that some voters are physically unable to put their ballots in the mail themselves due to a disability and leave those voters without options. The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin won’t stand for these purposeful tactics and will continue to stand up for voters and fight for the freedom to vote.

“We should be removing barriers to voting, not creating them. It should be encouraged. And, crucially, it must be accessible,” said Debra Cronmiller, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin. “This decision will impact those with disabilities and mobility issues who may need a family member or friend to help them return their ballot.”

As we pointed out in court then, this is an attempt to disenfranchise people days before an election.

The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin advocates for measures that make voting something voters feel empowered and informed to do. Find information about how to vote in person or absentee in Wisconsin at myvote.wi.gov.

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The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin is a nonpartisan political organization that advocates for informed and active participation in government. There are 20 local Leagues throughout Wisconsin. More information at lwvwi.org.

Bill would extend the statute of limitations to file a civil action against a perpetrator of child sexual abuse to 45 years.

MADISON - Friday, Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) signed on to LRB 5747/5759, the Child Victims’ Act, a bill to extend the statute of limitations to file a civil action in court against a perpetrator of child sexual abuse to 45 years old.

Senator Agard released the following statement:

“Survivors across our state deserve the opportunity to seek justice if they choose, extending the statute of limitations to age 45 gives survivors of childhood sexual abuse the ability to come forward when they are ready. Being a lead author on this legislation in previous sessions, it is great that more of my colleagues are recognizing the effect this bill will have on the people of Wisconsin. I want to thank Senator Joan Ballweg and Representative Jesse James for leading on this crucial piece of legislation and hearing the voices of survivors across the state. It is imperative that we support survivors and provide them avenues to seek justice on their terms and when they are ready. I am proud to be a part of this strong, bipartisan effort.

“While no piece of legislation can ever erase the trauma of sexual violence and abuse, no one should experience barriers to justice. It is the role of the government to step up and provide for a safer, more compassionate path so that people can heal. So that victims become survivors.

“For far too long, legal barriers have halted justice and healing for survivors. It is time to put an end to keeping the known abuse of children in the shadows. I look forward to seeing this bill move quickly through the legislative process.”

MILWAUKEE - Our panel reflects on the 1 year anniversary of the Biden Administration, taking stock of his governing successes and failures trying to manage a global pandemic, economic disruption, and an on-going right-wing insurrection. We review the record COVID case rates in Wisconsin last week, as the City of Milwaukee passes a new mask ordinance and Ron Johnson holds a Washington, DC event packed with medical quacks and other vaccine deniers. We welcome Shawn Phetteplace from Wisconsin’s Main Street Alliance to discuss the latest effort by Legislative Republicans to cut worker unemployment Insurance, access to healthcare, and food stamps in the name of putting people back to work. Shawn tells us what policy changes would actually help small businesses and workers in Wisconsin.

LISTEN NOW - EPISODE #526
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