This redistricting press conference has been postponed. It will be rescheduled for a later date.

MADISON - You’re invited to a press conference on Tuesday, June 4, in the State Capitol as two legislators unveil their bipartisan bills to ban gerrymandering in Wisconsin.

Senator Dave Hansen and Representative Robyn Vining will introduce their bills at 11:30 a.m. in the Assembly Parlor. Please come if you can!

We have two Assembly Republicans (Travis Tranel and Todd Novak) signed on as co-sponsors, but we need more.

If you are in one of the following three Assembly districts, please contact your legislator and urge him to co-sponsor the bill to ban gerrymandering (LRB-2062/1):

Representative Mark Born from Beaver Dam (AD39):
(608) 266-2540
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Representative Jon Plumer from Lodi (AD42):
(608) 266-3404
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Representative Joel Kitchens from Sturgeon Bay (AD1):
(608) 266-5350
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All three of these Republican legislators have expressed support, in principle, for banning gerrymandering in Wisconsin.

This is the next round in the fight to get fair voting maps and a level playing field for Wisconsin.

We’re going to win, and thanks for helping out!

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced last week that he is seeking applicants for Washburn County Circuit Court Judge.

The appointment will fill a vacancy being created by Judge Eugene D. Harrington’s retirement, effective August 2, 2019. The new judge will complete a term ending July 31, 2020.

The application form for this position can be found on the "Apply to Serve" page on Gov. Evers' website at evers.wi.gov. Click the application form link for "Judge or Justice" and send a completed application to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on June 14, 2019.

Potential applicants with questions about the judicial selection process may contact the governor’s Office of Legal Counsel at (608) 266-1212.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/trump-tariffs-s5.jpgWisconsin lost nearly 700 dairy farms last year as President Trump escalated his trade war. We should be supporting our local farmers and helping them to compete on a level playing field instead.

Governor needs to fill vacancy created by Judge Kitty Brennan’s retirement from District 1 in Milwaukee.

MADISON - Gov. Tony Evers announced today that he is seeking applicants for the Court of Appeals – District I. District I consists solely of Milwaukee County.

The appointment will fill a vacancy being created by Judge Kitty Brennan’s retirement, effective September 6, 2019. The new judge will complete a term ending July 31, 2020.

The application form for this position can be found on the "Apply to Serve" page on Gov. Evers' website at evers.wi.gov. Click the application form link for "Judge or Justice" and send completed applications to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on June 10, 2019.

Potential applicants with questions about the judicial selection process may contact the governor’s Office of Legal Counsel at (608) 266-1212.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/kewaunee-harbor-family-s5.jpgPFAS, or per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, are man made chemicals found in common household products that do not break down naturally and can accumulate over time in the environment. Health impacts to humans may include low birth weight, increased cholesterol, immune system impacts, cancer and thyroid hormone disruption.

Republicans have announced a massive cut to the program compared to the Governor's "People’s Budget".

MADISON, WI – The Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) is holding an executive session today on K-12 education in the budget. We are meeting a day after Republicans announced their plans to continue grossly underfunding our education system.

After 8 years of historic cuts, the GOP is heading down the same path of prioritizing special interests and the wealthy above the kids in our state. Even though we currently have the lowest level of special education funding in Wisconsin’s history, Republicans announced a massive cut to the program compared to the People’s Budget. On the other hand, Democrats have listened to the families, kids and advocates of our state, and recognize the importance of funding this program and investing in the future of Wisconsin. JFC Democrats released the following statements:

“Whether the GOP is cutting special education by 91% or 84%, it’s still failing our kids,” said Senator Erpenbach (D-West Point). “Republicans’ lackluster attempt at filling the hole that they created is not fooling anyone. The GOP has spent the last 8 years cutting programs, and putting the burden on property taxpayers. The People’s Budget would reverse that trend and fully fund education.”

“As a state, we should be concerned with providing our future generations not only with the ability to survive but the opportunity to thrive,” said Senator Johnson (D-Milwaukee). “Investing in a quality education for every Wisconsin child, no matter their zip code or family circumstance should be a top priority. The comprehensive investments the governor included in his education budget such as mental health services and special education investments are what Wisconsinites asked the governor and Legislature to include in the state budget.”

"Governor Evers and Joint Finance Democrats voted today to guarantee a world class education to kids in every corner of the state and of every ability,” said Representative Goyke (D-Milwaukee). “The Republican decision to deny these needed investments, after years of inadequate funding, is a generational mistake and shows a clear difference in the two parties.  Democrats proudly stand with our kids; they deserve nothing less."

“Republicans have turned Governor Evers’ kid-friendly budget into a budget for politicians,” said Representative Taylor (D-Madison). “They refuse to make the investments Governor Evers proposed that the vast majority of people in this state, from all districts, supported. Once again the Republicans’ priorities are not the priorities of the people of this state.”

Action will attempt to balance historic cuts by Republicans.

MADISON, WI - Tomorrow the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) will meet to take up one of the most important issues for Wisconsin families: education. After historic cuts to public schools eight years ago, and inadequate funding ever since, anything short of Governor Evers’ Budget proposal only continues the Republican legacy of chronically underfunded schools. Voters across the state have resorted to raising their own taxes in order to keep their school doors open because of failed Republican policies that favor giveaways for the wealthy and big corporations over our children. Tomorrow, JFC Democrats will send a clear message that we are ready to invest in the future of our state.

The People’s Budget makes significant investments in public education. Republicans hamstrung communities throughout Wisconsin with years of inadequate dollars for public schools -- and they continue to insist on providing less funding for no reason other than protecting millions in giveaways to the wealthy and special interests. In contrast, Democrats plan to provide $618.8 million in general aid over the biennium to reverse this trend and ensure that our schools are fully and fairly funded.

Parents, students, and advocates have demanded that the state fund special education, after a decade of stagnant funding. Compared to current law, the People’s Budget would increase special education funding by 30% in the first year, and 60% in the second. The historic increase is a much needed and highly sought after investment from school administrators across the state. Schools districts in Wisconsin have had to take on more and more of the responsibility to fund vital and mandated special education services due to Republican’s refusal to invest in those programs. Democrats are answering the call from communities across Wisconsin by adding $606 million to increase reimbursement for high cost special education, while providing an additional $7 million over the biennium to increase incentives for districts that help students in special education programs to transition to higher education.

The People’s Budget lets taxpayers know that their hard-earned dollars are being invested wisely. Our local school districts and taxpayers are already spending the money to make up for our state’s refusal to invest in necessary programs, and without proper funding that burden will continue to rise. The Republicans have spent years ignoring the will of the people, who want investments in schools – not more of the broken status quo.

The Governor and JFC Democrats firmly believe that what’s best for kids is what is best for our state, and the People’s Budget delivers on our promise to act on the people’s behalf and invest in our future.

Sen. Erpenbach and Rep. Considine introduced legislation this week to designate a portion of State Highway 33 the “Staff Sergeant (SSG) Daniel D. Busch Memorial Highway.” Busch was a constituent of the 81st District who gave his life in service to his country.

MADISON, WI - Today I am honored to share the story of a Wisconsin hero, Staff Sergeant Daniel D. Busch. The Committee on Transportation, Veterans and Military Affairs held a public hearing on Senate Bill 84 (SB 84), to designate and mark STH 33 in Columbia County as the Staff Sergeant Daniel D. Busch Memorial Highway, authored by myself and Representative Considine.

The bill honors the service and heroism of a young veteran who gave his life for his country. Staff Sergeant Busch was a U.S. Army Ranger and member of the U.S. Army Special Operations Delta Force. He was a posthumously awarded the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action against a hostile enemy force on October 3, 1993 for his actions while serving as a Task Force Ranger in Mogadishu, Somalia.

During the operation, the helicopter that he was in was shot down by enemy fire. He immediately exited the aircraft, took control of a key intersection, and provided suppressive fire against overwhelming enemy forces. In the course of these heroic actions, he received his fatal wound while ensuring the survival of his fellow team members. He is a hero not only to his fellow Task Force Rangers, but to his wife, child, and mourning community.

This bill publicly honors this Wisconsin hero who sacrificed his life for his fellow soldiers, and for his country. Today this service hero was honored, and his tremendous character and integrity deserves to live on through a public road naming.

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Read more here.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/immigration-children-2-s5.jpgProposal for HUD Rule Change and New Immigration Plan alarm advocates who serve immigrant victims of domestic violence.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/avr-press-conf-s5.jpgBill would remove unnecessary obstacles for Wisconsinites to exercise their fundamental right to vote. Joint Finance Republicans had taken AVR out of budget.