Republican-controlled Legislature has done nothing, failing to convene to pass any legislation to combat COVID-19 or the ongoing unemployment crisis, and Scott Fitzgerald won't discuss his positions.

Brookfield, WI - They didn't meet to discuss the pandemic, and they aren't meeting to debate any other issues of concern to the citizens of Wisconsin. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, mirroring U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, is happy to do nothing. Based on Fitzgerald's lack of legislative response to Covid-19, many in Wisconsin are calling for his resignation. Democrat Tom Palzewicz will stand up and be counted, which is why he is running against Fitzgerald for the Fifth Congressional District seat.

According to the National Council of State Legislatures, "Wisconsin has been the least-active, full-time legislature in the entire country since the beginning of the pandemic." State Senator Chris Larson said in early October that the legislature hasn't convened in 174 days.

"This is a time when America needs leadership and decisive action," said Palzewicz. "We need to unite and effect an action plan to fight the pandemic, unemployment, climate change, and social injustice. What we don't need is Republican leadership that chooses to pass the buck and let somebody else deal with the consequences.

"I don't know what Scott Fitzgerald stands for, because he doesn't discuss his positions on any issue. What I do know is he doesn't believe the state government should govern. He would rather leave that to the courts. America has had enough of this autocratic, take-it-or-leave-it governing, and has had its fill of Donald Trump's Republican Party. This isn't leadership, it's lunacy,."

State Senator Tim Carpenter released a statement on Wednesday calling for Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald to resign, citing frustration with the state senate's lack of Covid-19 or unemployment-related legislation.

"Wisconsin is in a full blown public health crisis, with our state currently ranking in the top three worst states for COVID-19," Carpenter told Channel 3000. "We are facing the worst public health crisis since 1918 and the Legislature has no scheduled meetings."

The Democratic state senator said the pandemic would only worsen and that as cases rise, Wisconsin's health care delivery systems could be overwhelmed.

"The Republican-controlled Legislature has done nothing for over 170 days, failing to convene to pass any legislation to combat COVID-19 or the ongoing unemployment crisis," Carpenter said. "Senator Fitzgerald admitted that the Republicans don't have a COVID-19 plan, even while they constantly criticize Governor Evers' public health plans."

Carpenter said Fitzgerald should step down and urged the legislature to convene in committees and sessions to pass Covid-19 legislation.

Palzewicz believes the government has a responsibility to act and represent the needs of the people. He favors bipartisan decision-making but cautions that Republicans have been reluctant to come to the table with Democrats because Trump has divided the country and does not favor compromise and collaboration.

"They say they have a plan other than Governor Ever's safer at home edict," said Palzewicz. "What plan? We haven't seen any plan, there has been no discussion, no debate. Wisconsin is being run like a third-world dictatorship. Nearly 140 thousand Wisconsinites have tested positive for COVID-19, and our legislature does nothing, because Scott Fitzgerald won't allow it."

8th CD candidate Amanda Stuck questions Gallagher’s votes against the USPS Fairness and HEROES Acts.

Appleton - Congressional candidate Amanda Stuck questions Rep. Mike Gallagher’s recent votes especially his stance The Heroes Act, which has broad support from veterans and frontline worker groups. Despite the wide support, the bill failed in May and the hard working people of Northeast Wisconsin are still waiting for another coronavirus relief package which is looking more and more unlikely this year.

“His latest campaign ad, like much of his other campaign materials, touts his service record,” said Stuck. “While I have nothing but respect for the brave men and women that serve our country I am a little uneasy about my opponent behaving as though his record insulates him from the decisions he’s made that have negatively affected his fellow veterans.”

In the past year Rep. Gallagher has voted against the USPS Fairness Act and the Delivery for America Act. Both bills would have aided the financial stability USPS which is one of the nation’s largest employers of veterans. More impactfully, Rep. Gallagher voted against the HEROES Act which would have provided additional stimulus to frontline workers as well as a number of measures specifically designed to benefit active service members and veterans.

“Gallagher had an opportunity to lead by example and fight for real, tangible benefits that our frontline workers and veterans deserve,” said Stuck. “But once again he chose to turn this into another partisan issue to dance around. There were measures to increase funding to the VA, increased benefits to disabled and homeless veterans, and mental health coverage for our National Guardsmen deployed on COVID duties. Sometimes voting with your party is voting against your constituents and Rep. Gallagher votes continue to show us where his loyalties lie.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/woman-living-alone-s5.jpgWe should limit public gatherings to 25 percent of the room or building capacity and stay home as much as possible to help flatten the curve and stop the spread of COVID-19, says Evers.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/covid19-masks-hiltonhead-s5.jpgThe sooner people start following the orders, the more lives will be saved and the sooner we can get our economy back on track.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/voterid_hand-s5.jpgVoters can get help obtaining an acceptable photo ID, registering to vote, voting absentee, voting early in-person, and finding polling locations from local nonpartisan experts.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/schools-reopening-2020-cnn-s5.jpgIncludes support for child care, healthcare navigators, food security, and energy and rental assistance as coronavirus grips state.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/vote-47-mb5-s5.jpgDespite all the chaos in the news, every vote counts and absentee voting is safe and easy. Here are some do's and don'ts to make sure your voice is heard.

He will be laid to rest with full military honors at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner.

MADISON —​ Gov. Tony Evers ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Oct. 3, 2020 in honor of a recently identified World War II soldier whose remains have been returned to Wisconsin for burial.

Marine Sgt. Duane O. Cole, a veteran of World War II and a member of the United States Marine Corp assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force was killed in action on November 20, 1943, during an attempt to secure the island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. Sgt. Cole's remains were discovered and excavated in 2014 and were accounted for on Sept., 3, 2019. He will be laid to rest with full military honors at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner. 

“After so many decades of without closure, my condolences and thoughts are with Sgt. Cole's family and community as they welcome him home to his final resting place,” said Gov. Evers.  “On behalf of the state of Wisconsin, we are grateful for his service and sacrifice, and honor his memory.”

Executive Order #92 is available here.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Oct. 3, 2020, in honor of former State Representative Dr. Jacob (Doc) Hines, who passed away on March 3, 2020 at 92 years old. 

Hines represented Wisconsin's 42nd Assembly District for 7 years, serving as the chairman of the Public Health Committee for 6 years. In addition to serving his district in the State Assembly, Hines was an accomplished veterinarian and a World War II veteran. 

“Doc Hines was an pillar of his community, practicing veterinary medicine for 53 years, serving in the State Assembly, and contributing to countless organizations, boards, and his church,” said Gov. Evers. “He was a dedicated public servant, and on behalf of the state of Wisconsin, I offer my condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.” 

Private memorial services will be held on Sat., Oct. 3, 2020.

Executive Order #93 is available here.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/covid-19-wi-website-s5.pngGovernor's office worked on creating a website that is helpful, informative, and easy to use for Wisconsinites across the state.