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.”