http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/road-wi-flood-washout-s5.jpgChanging laws regarding wetlands cannot be done swiftly. The impact of eliminating nature’s “natural sponge” can be devastating when severe weather brings heavy rains. Flooding in Huston TX was more severe because much of its wetlands were removed. These critical issues need careful deliberation and engaged citizen discussion.

Walker’s plan for a one-time child tax credit and sales tax holiday is an election-year gimmick says legislator.

MADISON – On Wednesday, Assembly Bill (AB) 944, Governor Walker’s plan for a one-time child tax credit and sales tax holiday, was recommended for adoption on a party-line vote by the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means. State Representative Melissa Sargent (D-Madison), ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement about the vote:

“The chickens are coming home to roost for Wisconsin Republicans. Seven years’ worth of their failed policies have finally caught up with them, so their last-ditch effort is to buy votes at $100 apiece. Well, I have news for Governor Walker and Republicans in the Legislature: you can’t buy our votes.

Governor Walker might not be handing these checks out at polling locations in November, but Wisconsinites are smart enough to read between the lines. This is a one-time sales tax holiday and a one-time $100-check to be delivered right before an election—if that doesn’t scream ‘election-year gimmick,’ I don’t know what does.”

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/tim-burns-s5.jpgBurns a breath of fresh air in corrupt Supreme Court election process says statewide progressive social justice group.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/boy-in-doc-s5.jpgBill to address the serious allegations of abuse and mistreatment in Wisconsin's juvenile corrections system, including the Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake facilities.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/broadband-map-northwoods-s5.jpgSen. Vinehout  is introducing bills, with Rep. Don Vurwink, focused on moving broadband expansion forward in Wisconsin. The bills would provide $100 million annually for broadband expansion and direct funds to areas of most need and provide accountability.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/working-poor-2-s5.jpgOur fellow citizens who receive FoodShare and other government benefits already face substantial barriers to improved employment. Increased bureaucratic requirements to hunt for better jobs is not the most efficient way to help them.