Nonpartisan voter rights organization says maps better than nothing, but more work needs to be done.

MADISON— Thursday, the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin’s executive director, Debra Cronmiller, issued the following statement in response to the SCOWI decision regarding the new maps.

“We are pleased that the Supreme Court of Wisconsin has chosen a map that more accurately reflects the communities of color in Milwaukee based on the 2020 Census.

“Regardless, the Court rejected any maps that did not start with the past decade’s partisan gerrymandered maps. The Court refused to hear any truly fair maps, despite an overwhelming majority of Wisconsinites wanting fair maps.

“The League will continue to fight for nonpartisan, transparently-drawn maps. We will continue to advocate for legislation that would make gerrymandered maps illegal in Wisconsin.

“Partisan maps are what keep elected officials from listening to their constituents.

“Voters pick their elected officials. Not the other way around.”

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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.

Court decision to adopt Gov. Tony Evers’ proposed redistricting map over the more gerrymandered majority Republicans one a win, say Democrats.

MADISON, Wis. —In response to Thursday’s decision from the Wisconsin Supreme Court to adopt Gov. Tony Evers’ proposed redistricting map for state legislative and congressional maps, Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler released the following statement:

“Governor Evers ran on a promise to fight for fairer maps, and, with today’s state Supreme Court ruling, he delivered. While the Supreme Court’s decision to use the 2010 partisan gerrymander as a starting point means the work for fair representation continues, today’s ruling is a win for Wisconsin. By selecting the maps proposed by Gov. Evers, the Court rejected options that would further bolster the gerrymandered majority Republicans have used to hold our state hostage for the last decade.

“We’re grateful for Gov. Evers’ steady leadership, defense of democracy, and steadfast commitment to doing the right thing. We know the fight for fair maps is far from over, and we will continue to work to ensure that voters choose their politicians, rather than politicians choosing voters.”

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today released the following statement regarding the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s decision.

“Hell yes.

“The maps I submitted to the Court that were selected today are a vast improvement from the gerrymandered maps Wisconsin has had for the last decade and the even more gerrymandered Republican maps that I vetoed last year. We still have a long way to go, and I will never stop fighting for nonpartisan redistricting as long as I’m the governor of this great state. 

“Today’s ruling isn’t a victory for me or any political party, but for the people of our state who for too long have demanded better, fairer maps and for too long went ignored—today’s victory is for them.”

“Real People Are Struggling With These Pocketbook Issues”

MADISON, Wis. — When Senate President Chris Kapenga and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos invited Governor Tony Evers to deliver this year’s State of the State address, they wrote that “there are supply shortages and soaring inflation rates, causing families to have to pay significantly more on items such as food and gasoline. Real people are struggling with these pocketbook issues.”

That letter was sent 66 days ago on December 27, 2021. Since then, Gov. Evers has announced a common sense surplus plan that will direct a portion of the state’s record-breaking budget surplus towards delivering tax cuts for families, increasing child care opportunities so folks can fill jobs, expanding caregiving, and improving education quality — all while providing much-needed property tax relief for parents.

Wisconsin Republicans have now said that Gov. Evers’ common sense surplus plan is a “non-starter” — once again demonstrating that their letter was for show and that they have no interest in helping parents, filling jobs, or lowering costs.

At a time when families are feeling the effects of inflation and close to 96% in a recent poll have expressed concern, Wisconsin’s record-breaking budget surplus shouldn’t be collecting dust in Madison — it should be used to help the workers and families who created it.

Here’s how Gov. Evers’ surplus plan will benefit Wisconsinites:

• Wisconsinites are facing rising costs — which is why Gov. Evers’ plan delivers a $150 tax rebate to every tax filer and each of their dependents this year, meaning a family of four would receive $600.
• Parents need more affordable child care options  — that’s why Gov. Evers’ plan helps lower costs by expanding the Child and Dependent Care Credit.
• Gov. Evers’ plan creates a new Caregiver Tax Credit — which will help families and save the state money by investing in caregivers.
• Gov. Evers has long said that what’s best for our kids is what’s best for our state — that’s why his plan will improve education quality and provide property tax relief.

“Republicans and Democrats don’t always agree, but this isn’t one of those times,” said Democratic Party of Wisconsin Rapid Response Director Hannah Menchhoff. “Robin Vos asked for a plan on rising costs and Governor Evers has delivered — now it’s time for Wisconsin Republicans to put aside their political games and come to the table for Wisconsin families.”

President, First Lady coming to Superior to reaffirm Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to build back better.

MADISON, Wis. – Today, President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden are traveling to Wisconsin to celebrate the impact the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will have on Superior and surrounding lakeside communities. Ahead of the President’s visit, Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler released the following statement:

“Thanks to the close partnership between President Biden, Governor Evers, and our Democratic delegation in Congress, the federal government is funding and prioritizing projects that will benefit every city and town in our state – from Superior to Milwaukee to Platteville.

“Today is a celebration of President Biden and Democrats delivering much-needed relief to our state and a referendum on the Wisconsin GOP – including Superior’s own representative, Tom Tiffany – who voted against these critical investments without concern for the communities they represent. Despite Wisconsin Republicans’ obstruction, working families in Superior and throughout Wisconsin are thankful to President Biden and Democrats for providing the largest federal investment in infrastructure in history.

“President Biden’s infrastructure law is going to benefit every neighborhood in the Badger State – especially in communities along the Great Lakes – and is just another example of how the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress are working to build Wisconsin back better.”

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will dedicate millions in funding from the Biden-Harris administration to ensuring that Wisconsin’s ports are efficient – lowering costs for families and small businesses, reducing supply chain bottlenecks, and improving air quality. The Port of Superior-Duluth will receive $19 million from the infrastructure law, funding critical reconstruction and dredging efforts that will revitalize the largest port on the Great Lakes.

This trip reaffirms the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to delivering for Wisconsin – in just one year, Vice President Kamala Harris, EPA Administrator Michael Regan, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, and more administration officials have visited the Badger State.

Read more about how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will benefit Wisconsin’s ports here.

MADISON, Wis. – Friday, following President Biden nominating Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the United States Supreme Court, Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler issued the following statement:

“Judge Jackson is a top jurist with strong experience practicing law and on the federal bench – her merit, her experience, and her unwavering dedication to the law make her an exceptionally qualified nominee. In nominating the eminently qualified Judge Jackson, President Biden has fulfilled his promise to nominate the first Black woman to the Supreme Court of the United States.

“By confirming Judge Jackson, the U.S. Senate will deliver a superb jurist to the nation’s highest court. As the first Supreme Court Justice to have served as a public defender, Judge Jackson will offer a vital perspective to the Supreme Court and stand up for the law and Constitution—not a conservative political agenda—on the issues that matter most to Wisconsinites, from voting rights to health care.

“Today, President Biden made history with his choice of nominee. Soon, Judge Jackson will be making history as one of our nation’s great Supreme Court Justices.”

To learn more about Judge Jackson’s undeniable accomplishments as a public defender, Vice Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, Judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit visit: www.whitehouse.gov/KBJ/.

Republicans in the state Assembly passed legislation Tuesday that would make most private school students eligible for a taxpayer-funded tuition subsidy.

MADISON, Wis. – On Tuesday, Republicans in the state Assembly passed a bill that could raise property taxes for Wisconsinites by as much as $577 million, according to a Department of Public Instruction analysis.

This disastrous bill would direct funding from neighborhood public schools towards private schools, at a huge cost to Wisconsin residents already facing rising costs.

In addition to support from legislative Republicans, gubernatorial candidates Rebecca Kleefisch and Kevin Nicholson have long supported similar policies which would redirect funds to unaccountable private schools and send property taxes soaring.

The legislation is a signal of harmful policies to come for Wisconsin residents if Republicans take control of the governor’s office. After historic tax relief under Gov. Evers and other policies to move our state forward, Republican legislation like this will hurt working families and fixed income seniors.

This is despite Wisconsin public schools’ ranking as eighth best in the nation under the leadership of Gov. Evers, after falling to 18th less than five years ago under the Walker-Kleefisch administration.

Gov. Evers is helping Wisconsin families get ahead. That’s why he has cut income taxes by 15% during his first term, and has proposed giving a portion of the state’s surplus back to each Wisconsin tax filer and their dependents through a $150 tax credit – giving a family of four $600. Gov. Evers’ surplus plan will also improve education quality while delivering $188 million in property tax relief.

“With this proposal to raise property taxes by nearly $600 million, Republicans continue to prove that their policies would hurt working families,” said Democratic Party of Wisconsin Rapid Response Director Hannah Menchhoff. “Radical Rebecca Kleefisch and Kevin Nicholson are only interested in dividing our state further by defunding our public schools and skyrocketing property taxes. That math doesn’t add up.”

Read more about the Republican plan to raise property taxes below:

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Bill offering private school vouchers to all students could raise property taxes as much as $577M, DPI says

Republicans in the state Assembly passed legislation Tuesday that would make most private school students eligible for a taxpayer-funded tuition subsidy — a plan that could raise property taxes by as much as $577 million, according to an estimate from the state education agency.

The bill would lift enrollment and household income limits in the state's private school voucher programs, allowing families who are already paying tuition at private schools to start receiving a public subsidy.

[…]

Since 2011, Republican lawmakers have expanded the [private-school voucher] program to include wealthier students and to areas outside of Milwaukee.

The Department of Public Instruction estimates a bill passed 59-34 Tuesday would raise property taxes by as much as $577 million for residents living outside of Milwaukee. In Milwaukee, the property tax impact would be about a $2 million increase, according to the estimate from DPI.

"This local property tax hike is over a half of a billion dollars a year and that is to fund a competing school system that began 30 years ago as a little pilot program for our students in poverty," Rep. Sondy Pope, D-Mount Horeb, said.

[…]

The DPI's analysis of the bill's effect on property taxes assumes an enrollment increase of 67,869 students in the statewide and Racine programs. Currently, a total of 18,392 students are enrolled among private schools participating in those voucher programs.

Overall, 48,919 students are enrolled in the state's four voucher programs, including those in Milwaukee and for students with disabilities.

Another 35,876 students attend the same private schools but are paying full tuition — many of which would be eligible to begin receiving a voucher to subsidize the cost under the bill passed Tuesday that would lift income limits on all of the state's programs and enrollment limits in the statewide program.

Overall, about 119,000 students are enrolled in private schools across Wisconsin.

Property taxes are likely to increase in areas of the state if the bill is implemented because school district officials are allowed under state law to raise revenue to make up for the loss of state aid when students residing in the district enroll in private schools using a private school voucher.

Vouchers provided under the Racine and statewide programs are funded by redirecting the state aid that would have gone to the public school district where the student using a voucher resides.

Tribal nations are critical to our state’s past, present and future, says Rep. Stubbs.

MADISON, WI- Tuesday, Stockbridge-Munsee President Shannon Holsey delivered the 18^th annual State of the Tribes address. On this occasion, Representative Stubbs (D-Madison) released the following statement.

“It was an honor to hear the wise words of Stockbridge-Munsee President Shannon Holsey, and to recognize the sovereign tribal nations of Wisconsin. It is clear, Wisconsin is not Wisconsin without the people of our tribal nations. I commend President Holsey for her leadership, and for sharing the issues that continue to face sovereign tribal communities.”

“During her speech, President Holsey shared support for increased economic opportunity, involvement in our democracy, and protection for our natural resources. Her comprehensive speech showed the deep history of tribal involvement in our state, and their vital role moving forward. I applaud her leadership and look forward to uplifting the voices of Wisconsin’s first inhabitants in throughout this next year.”

“President Holsey also noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to domestic violence programs across Wisconsin. I wholeheartedly agree that Wisconsin needs more resources for victims of this kind of violence, and we must address how this violence impacts entire communities.”

“The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Taskforce is hard at work collecting data, assessing the impact this violence has on families, and coming up with legislative solutions. This Taskforce is a direct effort to confront this very real issue in indigenous communities, and I am proud to support it in any way that I can.”

“Our sovereign tribal nations are critical to our state’s past, present and future. As a state, we must uplift their history, recognize their sovereignty, and appreciate all of their contributions to our shared community.”

Senator Agard says Tuesday's bills prove that the Republican agenda is focused solely on anti-democratic principles and conspiracy theories.

Madison, WI - Tuesday, Senate Republicans brought forward a series of bills that would limit our democracy and restrict voting rights. Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) released the following statement:

“Republicans in Wisconsin continue to promote the ‘Big Lie’ and attack our democratic institutions. The series of bills today continue to prove that the Republican agenda is focused solely on anti-democratic principles and conspiracy theories. The Republican obsession with the 2020 election needs to end. Our elections are safe, free, and fair. Our election workers and administrators do admirable, selfless work in the interest of safeguarding our democracy.

“It is shameful that Republicans continue attacking voting rights rather than empowering Wisconsinites and working to ensure that our elections are more accessible for everyone. This attempt to chip away at our democracy is disturbing and intolerable.

“My Democratic colleagues and I are committed to protecting voting rights. We are committed to supporting BIPOC communities whose rights are constantly under siege by a majority party that is intent on limiting their voices. We are committed to supporting clerks and election officers who work so hard on Wisconsinites’ behalf. We are committed to upholding one of our most sacred of principles: the doctrine of one person, one vote.

“Everyone in Wisconsin should breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Governor Evers’ veto pen will strike down these damaging bills. We must remain vigilant in spite of the GOP’s pursuit of power to limit the people’s voice in Wisconsin and nationally.”

MADISON, Wis. - Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler issued the following statement on the endorsement of Mayor Cavalier Johnson for Mayor of Milwaukee:

“The Democratic Party of Wisconsin is proud to endorse Mayor Cavalier Johnson for Mayor of Milwaukee. Cavalier represents a new generation of leadership, and brings the vision and solutions necessary to build a more prosperous, more just Milwaukee. While Republican politicians seek to score political points through fear and division, Cavalier remains focused on the priorities that matter to Milwaukeeans: safe streets, good jobs, and a strong middle class.

“Today, Wisconsin Democrats speak in one voice: Cavalier Johnson is the mayor Milwaukee needs, and Bucks in six!”