Walker's new transportation plan rejected, schools and communities face uncertainty over local budgets and construction projects.

MADISON - The budget-writing Joint Finance Committee hasn’t met publicly for over three weeks as Republican infighting derailed the committee process and caused the state to miss its July 1st budget deadline.

While Gov. Walker proposed a new transportation plan that cuts state funding and seeks more federal aid, Republicans and Democrats largely dismissed the proposal as short-sighted and inadequate. As the budget delay continues, schools and communities will face greater uncertainty over their local budgets and important construction projects.

You can view all of the previous motions and votes on the state budget by visiting the Legislative Democrats website here: http://legis.wisconsin.gov/democrats/jfc-votes

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/construction-traffic-i35-s5.jpgLong-term transportation fix remains elusive for disjointed GOP lawmakers.

Robert Kraig and Sen. Chris Larson discuss the health care impasse in Washington, the innovative Democratic BadgerCare proposal, the state budget impasse, and why Wisconsin conservatives seem unable to govern.

STATEWIDE - This week Robert Kraig and special guest State Senator Chris Larson discuss the health care impasse in Washington and the innovative state bill announced this week by Legislative Democracts to open BadgerCare to everyone in Wisconsin as a public option.

They also discuss the bizarre Republican maneuver in the State Assembly on a bill to outlaw health insurance lifetime and annual limits. Does it show that health care be a big electoral issue for progressives?

Then we dig into the state budget impasse, and the reasons why the conservatives who dominate Wisconsin government seem unable to govern. Finally we speculate on the rumor about the infamous sweat shop company that makes iphones coming to Wisconsin. What kind of deal is Trump, Walker, and Robin Vos trying to cut and will it benefit Wisconsin workers?

Republicans just can't get their act together in Madison or in Washington.

MADISON - The parades and fireworks are over, but Gov. Scott Walker and Republicans in the state legislature have yet to pass a 2017-2019 biennial state budget, missing the state's July 1 deadline. Last week, state lawmakers bickered intensely in the public over budgetary sticking points. The public squabbling mirrored that of Republicans at the federal level who continue to argue over how to kick millions of Americans off their health care insurance. Republicans control all levels of government at both the state and federal level and their inability to govern is apparent as uncertainty over health care, local school funding, and transportation infrastructure remain.

"Republicans just can't get their act together in Madison or in Washington. They're in complete control at the state and federal level, but so far the biggest hallmark of their respective leadership is a complete failure to govern," said Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesman Brandon Weathersby on Wednesday. "While D.C. Republicans can't decide how best to eliminate health care for millions of Americans, Wisconsin Republicans can't fix their broken budget-writing process. It's clear that the time is now for them to work with Democrats, end the impasse, and deliver some certainty for hard-working Wisconsinites."

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/veteran-home-s5.jpgA proposal before the Agriculture, Small Business and Tourism committee would provide assistance to veterans interested in farming. A career in agriculture helps veterans who are suffering from PTSD return to civilian life and will also address the aging workforce of farmers.

MADISON - The following is the statement of Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Martha Laning celebrating the 4th of July:

"On this day, across our state, we recall the bravery of those patriots who declared independence from a powerful empire, and we honor the enduring spirit of America that continues to burn so brightly today.

"Even as this day of celebration serves as a reminder of those who made great sacrifices to let America thrive, it also invokes our duty as a people to ensure that our Nation lives up to its promise of a democracy in which all people are created and treated equally under the law. Furthermore, it is a time to envision how our Nation can live up to the purpose and goals of our Constitution when we insist that our leaders protect the most vulnerable Americans and guarantee economic opportunity for all Americans.

"We must not remain complacent with the work already done by our forefathers: we must stride ahead, join together, and carry that same valiant spirit with us as we confront the challenges of tomorrow.

"On our Nation's birthday, we remember and honor the enduring spirit of American democracy, and look forward to the trails we will continue to blaze in unity, equity, inclusiveness, and opportunity for all."