“Our service members exemplify great courage, selflessness, dedication, hard work, and determination, and we owe so much,” says Governor.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/school-bus-kids-s5.jpgGOP Needs to Add Another $200 Million for School Funding to Budget or Wisconsin Loses $3.1 Billion in COVID-19 Relief.

Blaney was Adjutant General of the State of Wisconsin from 1997 to 2002.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #118 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Fri., June 4, 2021 in honor of Maj. Gen. James G. Blaney who passed away on October 18, 2020 at the age of 82.

Maj. Gen. Blaney joined the Wisconsin National Guard in 1960, mobilized to federal service in 1961 with the 32nd Infantry Division during the Berlin Crisis, and served as the Adjutant General of the State of Wisconsin from 1997 to 2002. During his time as Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Blaney oversaw the federal and state missions of the Wisconsin Air and Army National Guards.

“Maj. Gen. Blaney led a distinguished life of service and dedication to Wisconsin and the United States of America," said Gov. Evers. "While he will be missed by many, his years of devotion will be remembered for generations to come.”

On Fri., June 4, 2021, funeral services will be held in the Village of Kendall. Executive Order #118 is in effect from sunrise to sunset on Fri., June 4, 2021, and is available here.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/mendota-juvenile-ctr-s5.jpgProjects include nearly $66 million approved for Mendota Juvenile Treatment Center expansion.

Union asking that Mayor Barrett and the Common Council acknowledge workers' sacrifices to Milwaukee residents.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/small-business-owners-mf-s5.jpgNew proposal by Erpenbach and Riemer would expand BadgerCare and secure $1.6 Billion for State.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/voter-primaries-s5.jpgReport published Wednesday details needless and discriminatory barriers the Department of Motor Vehicles has created for Wisconsin voters who already struggle to make their voices heard.

Actions of GOP committee members are thinly veiled attempts to restrict abortion access in Wisconsin, says Agard.

MADISON- Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Human Services, Children and Families heard SB 260 and SB 261, two bills aimed at restricting abortion access in Wisconsin. Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) released the following statement regarding the public hearing today:

“These bills we heard today are thinly veiled attempts to restrict abortion access in Wisconsin. Simply put, Republicans are trying to make it harder for people to have access to abortion services, where Wisconsinites can access necessary care. Senate bill 260 not only harms Wisconsinites seeking necessary medical care, it also threatens the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s medical program and their accreditation. Doctors should be able to provide the best possible care to their patients - no matter what.

“Additionally, by requiring providers to report specific demographics after an abortion, as would be mandated in Senate Bill 261, they are shaming not only providers, but also those who seek this care. Decisions about abortion are not made lightly. We must respect every women’s’ ability to make her own life decisions. These bills do nothing to address expanding quality healthcare to Wisconsinites, instead we saw today extremely immoral, and politically driven actions.

“Reproductive healthcare is healthcare. No government should interfere with complex and emotional medical decisions. All Wisconsinites deserve to have access to comprehensive care that is best for them.”

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/assembly-wi-robin-vos-s5.jpgRepublicans gavel out of special session in seconds, reject plan to expand BadgerCare, invest $1 billion into economic development projects and initiatives in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.

Governor’s special session to expand BadgerCare could net State $1.6 billion for economic recovery.

MADISON, WI – Senate Republicans have rejected the Governor’s special session to expand BadgerCare and the additional $1.6 billion for economic recovery. The special session proposal would have reinvested the $1.6 billion in projects in communities across the state including Stevens Point, Green Bay, Superior, Racine, Manitowoc, Eau Claire, and Reedsburg among others. Despite overwhelming public support for BadgerCare expansion, Republicans have ignored the will of Wisconsin residents and blocked investments in their own communities.

“Republicans are saying ‘no’ to $1.6 billion that could be used to ensure economic recovery for Wisconsin communities, families and small businesses,” said Jon Erpenbach (D-West Point). “They are rejecting money for broadband, veteran housing, rural EMS, and mental health all because they don’t want individuals in every corner of this state to have access to affordable health care coverage. We are at a crossroads right now and the Republican choice to reject BadgerCare expansion and the $1.6 billion is taking us on a path to nowhere. This is an embarrassing decision that will cost our state for decades to come.”

After it was announced that Wisconsin is expected to receive $700 million less under the American Rescue Plan Act than previously projected; Democrats have expressed extreme urgency to expand BadgerCare and access the additional $1.6 billion. A full list of the governor’s projects can be found here.