http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/assembly-wi-robin-vos-s5.jpgMore than 380 items removed from budget. Gov. Evers calls on Wisconsinites to contact their Legislators.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/clean-drinking-water-s5.jpgClean water, clean energy are at risk of being stripped out of the state budget by JFC with a single vote on Thursday say Conservation Voters.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/hemp-farmer-wisc-s5.jpgGOP set to strip out cannabis legalization from the governor’s proposal Thursday.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/covid-19-vaccination-65-s5.jpgSen. Smith writes about the importance of getting vaccinated to protect our neighbors and families. Like other past health crises, COVID-19 vaccines will get us closer to reaching herd immunity and putting the pandemic behind us.

First stop in two-day tour to raise public awareness to the many serious crises that must be addressed by budget.

CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI - Today, May 5th, we will hold the first of 16 public speaking events that will happen in all 16 Joint Finance Committee member’s districts. We will kick off our first event in the home district of State Senator Kathleen Bernier. This event is being led by our partner, Citizen Action - Wisconsin, and will occur in front of the Courthouse (711 N. Bridge St.) in downtown Chippewa Falls at noon.

The remaining 15 tour stops will occur on Friday, May 7th and Saturday May 8th. Three will be stand-alone events like the Chippewa Falls event and will occur in Rhinelander, River Falls, and Sheboygan. (Schedule and locations below)

The remaining 12 Joint Finance Committee Member districts will be visited as part of a two-day tour led by the Building Unity “UnityMobile.” (pictured above) This two-day leg of the Just Budget Unity Tour will travel over 500 miles and will hold 12 public “speak-outs” calling for justice in the state budget. All events will be outdoors and covid-safe.

This 12-stop tour will be accompanied by Pastor Jonathan Barker of Kenosha, author of “Jesus Would Demand a Green New Deal” and one of the Wisconsin Seven who recently ended a 22-day water-only fast demanding climate justice in the state budget, as well as Debra Gillispie of Milwaukee, the founder of the group Mothers Against Gun Violence, and other Wisconsin justice activists.

On the evening of Friday, May 7th at 6:30 PM, will conclude this tour day with a virtual gathering where we will share videos made by the Just Budget Video Project, as well as footage from the day’s six tour stops. Register for Zoom link to attend this virtual event: https://forms.gle/p6n79KH9pWsqGFrGA. Members of the press and others will be given the first 10 mins to ask any questions about the tour or our Just Budget Video Project.

The Coalition for a Just WI Budget and partners hope that this statewide demonstration of unity will inspire others to ask what they can do to make sure that their voices are heard for justice during this budget season.

We hope to raise public awareness to the many serious crises that must be addressed by this budget. People in Wisconsin are hurting and the future is not looking good for our youth. It’s time to care for each other and our planet home. Expanding medicaid, will save Wisconsin roughly $1.6 billion and insure over 90,000 more people. Legalizing marijuana will increase tax revenue, employment, and economic development while reducing crime and our mass incarceration problem. Criminal justice reform that includes treatment alternatives and diversions, will save lives and Wisconsin tax dollars. Investing in clean water, energy conservation, and green energy jobs are investments that are needed for a livable future. It is time for fair taxation. We need to end the tax breaks to the wealthiest Wisconsinites and invest to bring health, prosperity, and equity to all of our schools and communities.

Just Budget Unity Tour Schedule:

* These events are stand-alone events and will not be joined by the Building Unity “UnityMobile.”

Learn more about Building Unity and the Coalition for a Just Wisconsin Budget at

www.BuildingUnityWisconsin.org. We will be steaming much of the tour stops to Building Unity’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/buildingunitywi

Every Republican, including Rep. Gallagher, voted against critical support.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/sexual-assault-harassment-s5.pngFormer colleague at the restaurant had taken out a harassment restraining order against Green Bay shooter in March, and that injunction without firearm restriction was granted.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/local/oneida-casino-gb-shooting-wear-s5.jpgGroup says unspeakable gun violence shatters the well-being and sense of safety of a community already under siege by racism and with long histories of violence against them.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers released the following statement Saturday night regarding the shooting at the Oneida Casino complex:

“Kathy and I were devastated to hear about the shooting at the Oneida Casino complex tonight. Our hearts, thoughts, and support go out to the Oneida Nation, the Ashwaubenon and Green Bay communities, and all those affected by this tragedy.

“While we are waiting for more information, we hope and pray those who were injured will recover and are grateful for the first responders who quickly responded to the situation.”

LWV-WI urges legislature to hold public hearings on any prospective District maps so that they will be representative of Wisconsin’s communities.

MADISON, WI - On Friday, April 30, Debra Cronmiller, the executive director at the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, issued the following statement in response to Dane County Circuit Judge Stephen Ehlke’s ruling against members of the Wisconsin legislature who hired private attorneys in anticipation of legal redistricting challenges:

“Legislators hiring attorneys, using taxpayers' funds, well before the start of the map drawing process, demonstrates the broken gerrymandered system that has existed in Wisconsin for too long. Without this opinion, taxpayers would have been forced to bear the burden of defending gerrymandered maps.

“The redistricting process should begin when Census data is available, which is anticipated by September 30. It is critical that this process be transparent and nonpartisan, with public input from all Wisconsinites.

“The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin urges the legislature to hold public hearings on any prospective District maps so that they will be representative of Wisconsin’s communities and ensure Wisconsinites’ inclusion in the process.”

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The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin is a nonpartisan political organization that advocates for informed and active participation in government. There are 20 local Leagues throughout Wisconsin. More information at lwvwi.org.