http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/wind-farm-wi-wpr-s5.jpgSen. Smith writes about carbon sequestration for Wisconsin, the ecological and economical role farmers can play for curbing climate change and enhancing agricultural opportunities for future generations.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/wi-fair-maps-s5.jpgGovernor’s proposed maps are responsive to the will of the people, avoid partisan bias, increase competitive legislative seats.

As Wisconsin's economy and schools continue to fall behind and roads and bridges crumble, establishment politicians like Sen. Scott Fitzgerald and Sen. Leah Vukmir are working to pass a fetal tissue ban. This proposal is out of touch with the needs of everyday Wisconsinites.

MADISON - Wisconsin is in a tough spot, we're 32nd in private-sector job creation, school districts are forced to put referenda on the ballot this spring just to keep the lights on, and the transportation faces a one billion dollar deficit as roads and bridges continue to crumble. Instead of working with Democrats to find common sense solutions to our economic woes, Madison establishment politicians like Sen. Scott Fitzgerald and Sen. Leah Vukmir are working to pass a fetal tissue ban this session.

"This isn't leadership in any form. This is extremism for the sake of extremism and a blatant disregard for the real problems facing Wisconsin's working families," Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesman Brandon Weathersby said on Thursday. "Republicans like Sen. Alberta Darling don't even agree with these out-of-the-mainstream lawmakers like Sens. Fitzgerald and Vukmir. It's so extreme Speaker Vos has declined to comment when asked about his support."

Last year, Republicans failed to pass a similar bill authored by Sen. Alberta Darling which received pushback from anti-choice groups who didn't think the bill went far enough. The current bill in circulation is opposed by a group, Cures For Tomorrow, composed of BioForward, the Medical College of Wisconsin, UW Health, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation.

"Not only is this proposal out of touch with the needs of everyday Wisconsinites, it does nothing to move our state forward. It actually impedes job-creating and life-saving progress on cutting edge research that could one day produce breakthrough cures for fatal diseases," said Weathersby. "This would be an incredible setback for an economy that desperately needs new jobs and new industry. It's also a devastating blow for the Wisconsin families and patients optimistic to one day witness a cure for devastating illnesses."

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/wi-winter-psc-s442.pngCommissioner Strand selected to succeed Valcq as chairperson of PSC.