Progressive Thinking

LAKE GENEVA, WI - The rise of far-right movements across the country isn't just a blip on the political radar; it's a growing phenomenon that demands our attention. We must understand the intertwined factors driving this surge to address the root causes effectively.

One major reason seems to be economic anxiety. When people face job insecurity, stagnating wages, and a declining standard of living, they seek strong leadership that promises economic protectionism. Far-right parties capitalize on these fears, presenting themselves as the defenders of the common worker against a perceived elite.

Increased immigration and rapid cultural changes have stirred fears about national identity and security. Far-right groups exploit these fears, positioning themselves as the only true protectors of the nation’s cultural heritage. Their anti-immigration rhetoric resonates with those who feel their way of life is under threat.

Many people are frustrated with traditional political parties, viewing them as corrupt, out-of- touch, or simply ineffective. This disillusionment fuels a desire for radical change, leading voters to embrace far-right alternatives that promise to shake up the status quo.

The rise of social media has revolutionized how political messages are spread. Far-right groups have mastered these platforms, using them to amplify their views and mobilize supporters. Social media creates echo chambers, where extreme views gain traction and moderate voices are often drowned out.

Globalization has brought many benefits, but it has also left some people feeling marginalized. Those who feel that their local economies and cultures are being eroded by global forces are more likely to support parties that promise to prioritize national interests and curb international influence.

Heightened security threats, such as terrorist attacks, also play a role. Far-right parties often use these events to stoke fear and promote their law-and-order agendas, appealing to those who prioritize security above all else.

Understanding these factors is crucial for addressing the surge in far-right movements. It's not enough to simply denounce these groups; we must also tackle the underlying issues driving their popularity. Economic reform, thoughtful immigration policies, political transparency, and community engagement are key steps in countering this troubling trend. The far-right’s rise is a symptom of deeper societal issues that require comprehensive solutions. We must recognize this and work together to create a more inclusive and secure future for everyone.

Senator Smith takes you inside government in Madison, where rhetoric and hypocrisy often cloud real motives and the urgent needs of the people get lost in the shuffle.

EAU CLAIRE, WI - Since 2017, the University of Wisconsin System has been under what we might call a restructuring. It began with integrating the UW 2-year campuses with UW four-year institutions and assigning divisions within UW-Extension to UW-Madison and UW System Administration.

This new arrangement appeared to be a way to stabilize the 2-year campuses until November of 2022 when President Jay Rothman announced the closure of the UW-Platteville at Richland campus. This campus resides in the 17th Senate District which is currently represented by Howard Marklein. Senator Marklein (R-Spring Green) happens to be co-chair of our Joint Committee on Finance. This position made it convenient for Sen. Marklein to slip $20 million for redevelopment of the now closed Richland County campus in the last budget.

Sadly, UW-Platteville at Richland wasn’t the only campus closure in the state so Governor Evers used his veto pen to open up funding for other two-year campuses closing. In short, the governor removed the senseless restrictions on how these funds could be used.

Jumping ahead to 2024, and the Chippewa Valley suffered a terrible blow with sudden, unexpected closures of two hospitals and multiple clinics owned and managed by the HSHS health system. For most of this year, we have been wrestling with the consequences of these closures.

Thankfully, the legislature and Governor Evers repurposed $15 million already slated to be used by HSHS for a new grant program aimed at helping other Chippewa Valley health care companies to meet the needs of our community through this crisis. During this process, Republicans attempted to unnecessarily restrict the use of these funds to only capital costs for emergency rooms, despite numerous pleas for broader use of the funds by providers. Similar to the campus closure case, Governor Evers used his veto pen to remove the restrictions so the funds could be available for more services such as mental health, OBGYN, and more. Again, we see the governor removing senseless restrictions on how these funds can be used.

The governor’s action on the HSHS bill has caused quite a stir among the Republicans who made claims they could not move that money to DHS now since the governor had vetoed their intentions for the money. Senator Marklein, in particular, made comments saying he wished he could do something but he didn’t know how he could move the money along since the governor vetoed their original intentions. I heard this claim in a press conference and on the Senate floor. The chairs of the Finance Committee have refused to accept the Department of Health Services’ 13.10 request for those funds as well as the governor’s pleas to meet and approve this simple request.

Last week, the Joint Committee on Finance met and passed Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s 13.10 Request to Fund Branch Campus Redevelopment Grants. Richland Center’s campus will get their millions of dollars thanks to the finance committee’s action to accept this request. Isn’t it odd how, in this case, there was no whining that a partial veto changed the intent of their original bill?

Senator Marklein didn’t hesitate to move the funds needed in HIS district for economic development, but when faced with almost the exact same financial situation in the Chippewa Valley, he refused and claimed it is an action he cannot take.

You may be tired of hearing about the hospital closures and the $15 million being held up in finance. You may be disgusted and confused by the back and forth between Republicans and Democrats over the money. I don’t blame you. But, you need to know the truth. We can’t let deceitful politicians slide by hoping that you won’t notice when they are pulling a fast one on you. Those of us in the Chippewa Valley can’t, and won’t, let them forget about the healthcare crisis we continue to face.

Senator Smith represents District 31 in the Wisconsin State Senate. The 31st Senate District includes all of Buffalo, Pepin and Trempealeau counties and portions of Pierce, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson and St. Croix counties.

Joe Biden has served the country with dedication and distinction. However, given the current circumstances, I believe it’s time for him to step aside and allow a new candidate to take the lead.

LAKE GENEVA, WI - As a long-time member of the Democratic Party, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what Joe Biden should do next. Given the current state of his campaign and the significant challenges he faces, I believe Biden should consider stepping aside for the sake of the party and the country.

First, let’s address voter concerns. Many people feel that Biden, who will turn 82 in the fall, is simply too old for the presidency. This perception isn’t going away and could seriously harm his chances, as well as the Democratic Party's prospects in 2024.

Biden’s approval ratings have dropped to around 37%, which is historically low for an incumbent president at this stage. It’s a significant uphill battle, and it might not be one that can be won.

There’s also the impact on down-ballot races to consider. Biden’s struggles could drag down other Democratic candidates, making it difficult for the party to win control of Congress. A new candidate might energize the base and improve the chances for other Democratic candidates.

The Democratic strategy for 2024 was to focus on Trump’s flaws. But with Biden struggling, the race is becoming a choice between two unpopular candidates. A new candidate could shift the focus back to highlighting Trump’s vulnerabilities.

The problem seems to be specific to Biden. In key states, he’s trailing behind other Democratic candidates, suggesting the party might do better with a new, more dynamic leader who can inspire and unite the party.

By making the decision to step down early, Biden could ensure a smooth transition to another Democratic candidate, giving them plenty of time to campaign effectively and build momentum. He could also play a crucial role in selecting and endorsing a successor who embodies the values and vision of the Democratic Party, ensuring continuity and stability.

Stepping aside would allow Biden to preserve his legacy as a leader who prioritized the country and the party’s future over personal ambition. He can continue to support the new candidate through endorsements, campaign events, and by leveraging his extensive political network.

Joe Biden has served the country with dedication and distinction. However, given the current circumstances, I believe it’s time for him to step aside and allow a new candidate to take the lead. This move would not only give the Democratic Party the best chance to retain the White House and win control of Congress but also ensure a brighter future for the country. It’s a difficult decision, but one that might be necessary for the success of the party and the nation.

Senator Smith encourages readers to educate themselves before voting on the two constitutional amendments on the low-turnout August Primary ballot.

EAU CLAIRE - If you plan to cast a ballot in the primary election on Tuesday, August 13^th y0u need to know what to expect. Your ballot may not even have a single contested race of candidates for state legislative seats or county offices, but buried at the very end it will for sure have two questions you are expected to answer. Your answers will determine whether our state constitution will be amended to grant even more power to the legislature.

Here are the questions as they appear on your ballot:

QUESTION 1): “Delegation of appropriation power. Shall section 35 (1) of article IV of the constitution be created to provide that the legislature may not delegate its sole power to determine how monies shall be appropriated?”

QUESTION 2): “Allocation of federal moneys. Shall section 35 (2) of article IV of the constitution be created to prohibit the governor from allocating any federal moneys the governor accepts on behalf of the state without the approval of the legislature by joint resolution or as provided by legislative rule?”

Now I have a question for you. Do you consider yourself fully prepared to answer these questions? If you answered yes, you’ve done some serious homework. If you answered no, you’re not alone. They are meant to be confusing and ambiguous.

The goal of putting this measure at the bottom of the primary ballot is clearly to take full advantage of this being such a low-turnout primary August election. It’s political trickery at its finest and Wisconsin voters need to take a second look before making a knee-jerk decision.

The first question is fairly straightforward in that it would prohibit the legislature from giving up their power, to the Governor specifically, to determine how funds are appropriated.

The first question also sets up the second question which would prohibit the governor from spending federal money without the approval of the legislature (specifically the Joint Committee on Finance).

The current majority Party has been upset since the federal funding allocated by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was spent at the discretion of the governor as was allowed under current law. These emergency funds were meant to be spent quickly to shore up our economy and offer families relief during and after the pandemic.

Wisconsin allocated more than half of its ARPA funds to the economy, which is more than any other state. Funds were also dedicated to healthcare and public safety. Here are examples of how funds were allocated:

Economic Development

·         $1.1 billion, or 55.8% of the total amount received, was allocated to economic development initiatives, including grants to support local businesses and workforce innovation grants to support pandemic-recovery plans like the Main Street Bounce-Back grants and the Workforce Innovation grants.

Healthcare

·         The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) was given access to more than $400 million in ARPA funds to improve Wisconsin health care initiatives, including mental health and substance use disorders, as well as home and community-based services.

Good government groups have come out against these measures to amend our constitution based on their concerns over an unbalance of power. The ability to respond to emergencies like flooding, tornadoes, a bridge collapse or pandemic would definitely be negatively affected by such a radical move these amendments would cause.

In fact, during the pandemic, the Majority Party in the legislature waited more than 8 months to take action. It was disheartening to see a complete lack of leadership during this time period. Conversely, Governor Evers went straight to work and responded immediately with ARPA funds. Emergencies require our elected leaders to act quickly. These constitutional changes will slow down, and may, all together stop our response to unforeseen crises.

Placing constitutional amendments on the ballot during low-turnout August elections is also concerning. Should our constitution be amended by a small percentage of the voters? It’s bad enough that the language is so confusing that voters may mistakenly think they should vote yes without understanding the consequences.

Our legislature is already far too contentious and, if approved, actions like this will only make things worse.

Senator Smith represents District 31 in the Wisconsin State Senate. The 31st Senate District includes all of Buffalo, Pepin and Trempealeau counties and portions of Pierce, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson and St. Croix counties.

Senator Smith encourages readers to take time during the 4th of July festivities to reflect on the privilege we have of living in such a great nation, and the responsibility that comes with it to continue the work of ensuring all American’s are truly free.

EAU CLAIRE - The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate the country we call home. We celebrate with fireworks, burgers, ice cream or show our red, white, and blue colors. Regardless of our specific traditions, we all find unique ways to show our patriotism.

During this time, I can’t help but reflect on the gratitude I have for being an American. We have the freedom to choose our religion, speak freely, to have a free press, the right to assemble and the right to petition our government. These freedoms should not be taken for granted and Independence Day reminds us not only of what it took to create our nation, but the effort it takes for us to keep it in tact. This is especially important to recognize when millions of people dream of entering this country with a glimpse of hope to receive such freedoms.

As fireworks gleam throughout the sky, I think it’s important that we acknowledge how lucky we are as Americans to live in this country. Since the birth of our nation, America has been a beacon of hope. A prominent historical example includes the millions of individuals, all of differing nationalities, who passed through Ellis Island in New York at the chance of starting a new life. Many of those migrants were our ancestors. They longed for a life free of famine, religious persecution, political oppression and economic uncertainty. Although Ellis Island closed 70 years ago, the diversity of our nation enriches our society with unique perspectives and diverse talents that continue to strengthen the fabric of our country today.

The Fourth of July is not only a time to commemorate the past but to also reflect on the present. Independence is an integral part of celebrating this day and is a key aspect of what makes America such a desirable place to live and work. When I think of independence, I also think about how each human deserves the proper legal protection to decide what they do with their bodies, including the right to choose when to start or expand their family. Your government should have no say in making such an important decision in your life, but today it does.

The Roe v. Wade court case was decided in 1973 and was made just two years after the 26th Amendment passed, granting 18 year olds the right to vote. While our country made strides for increasing voting rights and reproductive freedom during this time, we find ourselves struggling with similar issues today. For almost half a century, women had the independence to choose what to do with their bodies. Unfortunately, this was taken away in the summer of 2022.

It has been two years since the Dobbs decision stripped away the fundamental right to choose when and how child bearing citizens start a family. Today, debates on abortion extend much further than whether or not to end a pregnancy. Abortion laws also curtail personal choice, bodily sovereignty and medical freedoms. Within the last two years, a hodgepodge of states have further revoked the right for women to make decisions for their own bodies.

We all understand the importance of freedom of religion, freedom of speech and freedom to petition the government. We must also understand that bodily freedom is just as important. The freedom to choose when to start or expand a family is an American value that is no longer guaranteed. For your Fourth of July celebrations, I hope you will reflect on our independence and the ways we can expand freedom for all, even in our great nation.

Senator Smith represents District 31 in the Wisconsin State Senate. The 31st Senate District includes all of Buffalo, Pepin and Trempealeau counties and portions of Pierce, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson and St. Croix counties.