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."

Joint Democratic effort promotes Fairness, Opportunity, and Community

MADISON, WI – Democratic lawmakers have announced a new, collaborative effort to promote fairness, opportunity, and community through a joint legislative agenda.

Leaders and members from both the Senate and Assembly unveiled their Wisconsin Way Forward plan which highlights key Democratic values, innovative ideas, and proven solutions to support hardworking families. The plan seeks to build an economy that works for everyone, invest in the future, empower citizens, and strengthen communities and families in Wisconsin.

“The Wisconsin Way Forward is a reflection of our shared values and our vision to strengthen families, businesses and communities,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). “For years, residents and businesses have voiced concerns with Republican cuts to our schools, delays to road projects and restrictions on health care access. By focusing on policies that promote fairness, expand opportunities and invest in communities, we can ensure a brighter future for our state.”

“Working families are falling behind, and Democrats want to ensure we build an economy that works for everyone,” said Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha). “We have an agenda that will move Wisconsin forward by investing in our most valuable resource—the people of our state. We will address the future of our state with long-term solutions for education, training and infrastructure to compete in a 21^st century economy.”

The joint legislative agenda marks a new step forward for Wisconsin Democrats and represents a unique level of unity among legislative caucuses rarely seen in most states. Through listening sessions, weekly email updates, social media and online resources, legislative Democrats are launching an unprecedented effort to keep citizens informed, engaged and involved in Wisconsin’s state government. Individuals can visit wisconsindems.com to sign up for updates and learn more about what is happening “Under the Dome.”

UW-Green Bay has had a winning record every year since 1981 and by securing their 40th-consecutive winning season this year they now own the 2nd longest active streak in the nation. The Phoenix will face Purdue Friday in the 2017 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.

MADISON - State Senator Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) will be introducing a senate resolution honoring the accomplishments of the UWGB Women’s basketball team. By defeating Detroit Mercy 64-52 in the championship game of the Horizon League Championship the Phoenix captured their 15th tournament championship in the last 20 seasons and another trip to the NCAA tournament.

“Enough cannot be said about the UWGB women’s program. They are one of the best programs in the country year in and year out and a great source of for our university, our community and our state,” said Hansen who is a UWGB graduate.

UW-Green Bay is one of only three Division I programs that has had a winning record every year since 1981 and by securing their 40th-consecutive winning season this year they now trail only Tennessee (43) for the longest active streak in the nation.

“This is a very exceptional group of young athletes who are well-coached and who have shown us yet again the kind of success that comes from hard work, discipline and team effort. There is an expectation of greatness at the start of every season and they lived up to that and more.”

The Phoenix will enter the 2017 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament as a No. 8 seed in the Lexington Region and will face the No. 9-seed Purdue in the First Round in Notre Dame, Indiana.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/clean-drinking-water-s5.jpgNew Poll Shows Overwhelming Support for Protecting Public Lands

Senate Democratic Leader urges passage of paid family leave bill.

MADISON, WI – Caring for a newborn or an ailing relative is a stressful time for many families, especially since these situations often force workers to take unpaid leave for weeks or months at a time. While Wisconsin was a trailblazing state in the 1980’s when it became the first to pass a state Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), many are now looking to reform and improve the nearly 30-year-old statute. A new proposal unveiled by Wisconsin Democratic lawmakers dubbed the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act would make numerous changes to ensure Wisconsin’s family protections reflect modern workplace realities.

“One of the biggest frustrations I hear from workers is that we’re the only industrialized country in the world that doesn't guarantee employees paid family leave,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). “With more dual income households, it can be difficult for a family to make ends meet if a parent can’t work and has to go unpaid for three months after giving birth or when caring for a close relative. It’s time we bring our state into the 21st century, reward hard work and recognize the importance of building strong, healthy families.”

The effort to reform and improve Wisconsin’s outdated FMLA law has gained momentum in recent years as families and businesses increasingly recognize the importance of workplace flexibility. In a national poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research in 2016, 72% of respondents surveyed said they supported paid family leave.

“Right now, we’re losing too many of our young, talented workers to neighboring states,” added Shilling. “If we want to make Wisconsin more competitive, we need to look at innovative ways to reward hard work, expand economic opportunities and help businesses retain talented employees. This bill eliminates administrative barriers for small businesses and ensures that we treat our workplace family like we’d treat our own family.”

The federal FMLA allows for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for most workers to care for a newborn or a spouse, child or parent who has a serious health condition. The Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act would make Wisconsin workers eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid leave for personal or family illness, or to care for a new child. It would also expand the definition of eligible family members for whom an employee could take paid leave to include siblings, grandchildren and grandparents. Similar to insurance coverage, it would be supported through payroll contributions from workers and employers.

This proposal is part of a broad effort by Democrats to strengthen the middle class. Additional Democratic bills prioritize access to health care, student loan debt relief and child care affordability.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/internet-rural-s5.jpgThe internet, like the waterways, railways, and highways before it, has become the road to participation in the 21st century economy. Wisconsin ranks last in the Midwest in both rural and urban broadband, and neither the Governor’s proposed budget funding or a bill authored by Sen. Marklein provide rural areas with the investment necessary to make us competitive.