http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/construction-jobs-s5.jpgNew law keeps current unemployment tax rates on employers by transfer of $60 million each fiscal year from general fund.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/evers-budget-sign-s5.jpgBudget includes more than $100 million in new funding for public schools and $2 billion in individual tax relief, delivers on campaign promise to cut taxes for middle-class families by 10 percent.

Leaders say federal funding provides opportunity to replace lead lines.

Milwaukee Wis. -- Yesterday, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan visited Milwaukee to discuss the ways that President Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure proposal will benefit the state of Wisconsin.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: EPA chief visits Milwaukee, leaders say federal funding provides opportunity to replace lead lines

Key Points:

The $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure framework that the Biden administration supports includes a goal to eliminate all lead service lines and pipes in the country. It also includes providing all homes with high-speed internet and repairing roads and bridges.

[...]

Milwaukee faces a historic opportunity to replace lead paint and pipes by using federal funding flowing to the city. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett hopes to use funds from the city's $394.2 million American Rescue Plan allocation for lead paint remediation and hopes to see more funding from the infrastructure plan to address lead laterals.

[...]

The Biden administration estimates that Wisconsin's drinking water infrastructure will need $8.6 billion in funding over the next 20 years. The framework includes $55 billion for clean drinking water efforts.

[...]

"We really want to focus on looking at setting a drinking water standard that addresses PFAS," Regan said. "Number two, there are resources in the president's budget asks for EPA that focuses on research and mitigation of pervasive PFAS situations across the country. So, it is not left out of the suite of options that the president wants to take advantage of."

[...]

Municipalities across Wisconsin are adapting to flooding events as climate change brings heavier rains. The infrastructure framework includes $47 billion for infrastructure resiliency and to help communities recover from extreme weather events.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/work-from-home-s5.jpgInternet connectivity deemed a vital service that allows renters to engage in distance learning, telework, telemedicine, and obtain essential government services. Money comes from Federal funds.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/covid-19-vaccination2-s5.jpgIt’s important that more people get vaccinated to keep moving our state in the right direction. Sen. Smith shares information about the COVID-19 vaccine and where Wisconsinites can get their shot.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/disability-old-s5.jpgImproved voting site accessibility, a screen-reader accessible absentee ballot, and uniform poll worker training would be big help say nonpartisan group.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/drug-cost-s5.jpgRequirement would make medicines affordable for more veterans and their families say health care advocates.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/packers-natl-anthem-s5.jpgWagering on award shows, professional sports drafts, and sporting events such as the NFL, the NBA, and MLB would be allowed at casinos and affiliate locations if U.S. government approves.

Republican controlled Legislature follows political agenda, loses sight of needs of the people says Milwaukee Democrat.

Milwaukee, WI – Wednesday, the Republican-controlled Senate voted on a radically different budget than was initially proposed by Governor Evers. State Senator Chris Larson (D-Milwaukee) voted against this budget because it fails to address the needs of Wisconsinites. Specifically, it fails our children. Sen. Larson issued the following statement regarding the budget vote:

“I am deeply disappointed the Republicans chose to throw away an opportunity to address our state’s generational needs, and fund the kind of recovery our state needs. Our neighbors just suffered through the worst pandemic in a century. At a time where there are funds to address the foundational problems that exacerbate the disparities in our state, this budget misses the opportunity. Denying resources to those who struggled and sacrificed the most, is like dancing in a graveyard. Not funding the kids, teachers, and education professionals who sacrificed so much to make last year work is shameful. Our children deserve better; they deserve legislators who will fight for them.

“Governor Evers’ proposed budget, could not take into account the additional $2.3 billion in federal aid because we did not know we would get those funds. I’m certain Governor Evers would invest the additional funding to bump up education funding, special education reimbursements, and mental health services. Passing a budget without taking this unprecedented influx of funds into consideration is like leaving a bag of groceries in your cart in the store parking lot.

“With the $4.4 billion surplus and the $2.3 billion in federal aid, we could accomplish bold initiatives that would guarantee we build back better than before the pandemic. We could fully fund Pre-K for our children, increase the special education reimbursement rate to 60%, and restore our historic two-thirds funding commitment for schools. Education is a top priority of our neighbors, it should be a top priority in our budget too.

“Instead of ensuring working Wisconsinites earn a salary they can live on, or have access to affordable health care, Republicans are balancing the budget on the backs of our neighbors living paycheck-to-paycheck. They would rather cut the wealthy’s taxes than grant over 90,000 Wisconsinites at 138% of the poverty line affordable health care or capture for our state $1.6 billion in federal funding. The budget makes conservative politics clear: they are focused on helping the wealthy few over you.

“As Republicans pursue their extreme partisan agenda, they are putting Wisconsin prosperity at real risk and leaving working and middle-class families behind. Instead of properly funding education, they’re offering Chuck-E-Cheese tokens to our schools and children. Governor Evers’ budget offered us a step forward out of this pandemic, the budget that Republicans forced through the legislature would drag us backward. I voted no on this underwhelming budget, and I hope that the Governor will also reject this anemic proposal with his veto pen. The future of Wisconsin is on the line.”

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/biden-signs-oval-2021-s5.pngPresident Biden comes to La Crosse to sell infrastructure package.