MILWAUKEE - We discuss the growing opposition to the Iran War and new data revealing the war cost $11 billion in the first week. A coalition of antiwar groups launched a national campaign on Wednesday calling for Representative Hakeem Jeffries and Senator Chuck Schumer to step down from their positions as minority leaders.

We discuss news from the judiciary this week: conservative  State Supreme Court Justice Annette Ziegler is not to run for a new term to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2027 and Brad Schimel is blocked by Tammy Baldwin from continuing as U.S. attorney in Milwaukee.

We welcome Kristie Tweed, Citizen Action of Wisconsin’s statewide Healthcare Coordinator to discuss the BadgerCare Public Option bills’ legislative roll out last week and plans for the next month, as grassroots leaders push for more lawmakers to co-sponsor the legislation. Kristie tells us about how you can get involved in the upcoming events in Cashton, Appleton, Milwaukee, and Wausau and she provides an update on the bill’s growing co-sponsorship list.

The Legislature was sued by Law Forward over its billing of private attorney fees to the public. "Wisconsin taxpayers deserve to know their money is being spent lawfully to advance a valid public purpose."

Milwaukee Public Schools announced they will be forced by state underfunding to slash 260 staff, as MPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius stressed that MPS faces rising costs while receiving a $0 state increase in general aid due to the last disastrous state budget deal. As Wisconsin public school districts make cuts, the UW Athletic Department is coming to the Legislature with hat in hand looking for taxpayers to fund millions to support the UW’s NIL program to pay college athletes in football and basketball.

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http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/movies-hollywood-sign-s445.jpgFilm Wisconsin administers tax credits to promote the production of feature and short films, scripted and unscripted television shows, documentaries, and broadcast advertisements here.

MILWAUKEE - After a brief discussion of Trump and Netanyahu’s war with Iran, we turn to defeating authoritarianism by fighting for policies that help people with their most pressing priorities, like good paying jobs, well funded public schools, healthcare and childcare.

We discuss the introduction of new legislation for a BadgerCare Public Option, which represents the most comprehensive healthcare affordability proposal introduced in Wisconsin this session. The legislation would open Wisconsin’s trusted BadgerCare program to anyone who lacks adequate employer-sponsored coverage.

Citizen Action announces a statewide virtual town hall with all the Democratic Governor candidates, Tuesday, April 14th 6pm.

We bring attention to Legislative Republicans taking a chunk out of Department of Public Instruction’s (DPI’s) already approved funding over debunked allegations that they paid for a junket in the Dells. What kind of budget deal allows the Republicans to unilaterally veto agreed funding levels after ignoring the results of their own investigation?

We lament the expiration of the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson Stewardship Program due to GOP opposition following a large land purchase to extend the Ice Age Trail in Devils Lake area. And, as the Legislature may do nothing to regulate data centers – as Big Tech and utilities want – local people fight back, as a Judge allows a Port Washington referendum to continue. Finally, what is the division between Governor Evers and Legislative Democrats on gerrymandering? Will Vos reach another damaging deal with Evers before they both head off into the sunset?

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http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/voters-2022-getty-s430.pngEfforts to Ensure Fair Maps for Future Generations.

MILWAUKEE - We discuss the retirement of Speaker Robin Vos after a decade of ruthless control of the Legislature. Vos was the most powerful and successful state politician since Scott Walker, and one of the most influential Assembly Speakers ever. The 2026 election is upon us and Citizen Action is announcing our endorsement of Judge Chris Taylor for state Supreme Court. This week the new $20 Wage Bill was introduced in the Legislature with a big media event at the Capitol.

We review the new MU Law Poll. We take a deeper dive into what the poll tells us about the race for governor, and where voters stand on data centers, health care, and the cost of living.

We welcome Wisconsin Public Education Network (WPEN) leader Heather DuBois Bourenane to discuss Public Schools Week and a new lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state’s chronic under funding of public schools. The lawsuit was filed by teachers, parents, students, and WPEN by Law Forward. We encourage our listeners to attend a Capitol Rotunda rally this Friday (Feb. 27th) at noon.

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MILWAUKEE - We remember Jesse Jackson for carrying the torch for the multi-racial working class long after the hopes of the Civil Rights Era faded, his prophetic oratory which still speaks to us today, and his special connection to Wisconsin.

We highlight the victory for health care access for mothers, children, and women with a higher risk of breast cancer, Boss Vos finally relents to significant pressure from the public and other Republicans and allows a vote on postpartum Medicaid and cost-free breast cancer screening bills.

We welcome Peter Rickman, president of the MASH union to discuss the new $20 Wage bill that will be introduced next week, Tuesday, at 11AM, at the State Capitol, Senate Parlor.

Robert educates us on an important lawsuit against Trump’s climate-denying EPA by health and climate groups over the dangerous repeal of rule supporting climate protections.

We discuss an important public hearing held this week for four Data Center bills. Citizen Action members joined dozens of community leaders and data center activists who want a pause on new construction and sensible public accountability for future data centers.

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We urge our listeners to call your state Legislators, at 1-800-362-9472, and tell them to co-sponsor Data Center Pause and Utility Rate Cap Bills.

TAKE ACTION in support of a new $20/hour bill being introduced next week in the State Legislature.

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Madison, Wisc. – State Senator Jeff Smith (D-Eau Claire) released the following statement in response to Governor Tony Evers' final State of the State address:

MADISON, WI — Tonight, Governor Tony Evers reviewed his time in office, including his success in cutting taxes by over $2 billion a year, delivering job training to 127,000 Wisconsinites, and paying down $3 billion in state debt.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/jesse-l-jackson-s442.pngCivil rights leader passed away Tuesday at the age of 84 years old.

GREEN BAY — State Representative Amaad Rivera-Wagner (D-Green Bay) today praised Governor Tony Evers for granting a full pardon to Green Bay mother Samantha Hampton, calling it “a powerful reminder that government can be a force for good.”