http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/uwgb-students-1-s5.jpgWould provide an estimated 29,000 family supporting jobs, $4.3 billion in economic impact for state. Building Commission to consider this week.

Legislation would allow the public to petition for public hearings on legislation.

MADISON - Today, Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) introduced the “People’s Voice Act.” LRB-2481/1 would allow for the public to petition for a bill to receive a public hearing. If the petition receives signatures by qualified equaling at least 3 percent of the vote cast for the office of governor in the most recent gubernatorial election, the Elections Commission must certify the bill for a public hearing and file the certification with the legislature. The petition can be signed through a paper form or electronically. If enough signatures are received, the legislature must hold a public hearing on the bill within 30 days of the petition being certified.

Senator Agard released this statement regarding the legislation:

“Our first job as legislators is to listen to those we serve - they are our bosses. The policies we introduce should reflect the people’s will, but currently, there are too many Wisconsinites who feel left out of the governing process. Their viewpoint is being ignored. This bill allows for the public to have a louder voice in their state government.

“Wisconsin has a history of citizen engagement and clean government. But in recent years, we have seen bills that are overwhelmingly supported by Wisconsin voters die in committee without a public hearing. When a majority of Wisconsinites support expanding Medicaid, legalizing cannabis, fair maps, closing the ‘Dark Store Loophole’, and gun safety measures, those bills should be prioritized. It is appalling that legislation aimed at addressing the issues that matter most to the ordinary people of Wisconsin never receive a public hearing in the legislature. It is past time that the people of Wisconsin see meaningful action from their government on these bills and more. LRB-2147 gives them an opportunity to create and see that action.

“Our legislative process should be fair, and should recognize our fundamental rights - but it is currently a mess. Let’s stop playing politics and create a system that prioritizes the will of the people. What we continue to see in the Capitol is a system tilted in favor of the wealthy or well-connected. It is time to bring the process straight to the people. LRB-2481/1 provides the public a pathway to ensure that their voice and their values are heard. This is a  bold and necessary step toward better governance for the people of Wisconsin.”

According to the non-partisan Legislative Reference Bureau, less than half of the bills introduced in the last legislative session received a public hearing.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/coronavirus-small-business1-s5.jpgVirtual listening session will cover topics including supporting small businesses and farmers, kickstarting innovation, and helping working families.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/covid-19-vaccine-shot-s5.jpgMass vaccination clinic will transition to federal support on March 15. The clinic is a joint effort between the City of Milwaukee, County of Milwaukee, the State of Wisconsin, and FEMA Region 5.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/covid-19-vaccine-shot-evers-s5.pngOn one-year anniversary of first emergency declaration, Wisconsin leads the country in COVID-19 vaccine shots used.

Tamika Mallory’s presentation to the Campaign Zero Speakers Taskforce on Racial Disparities highlights No-Knock warrant issue and why we need meaningful reform.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/eric-genrich-wbay-announcement-s5.jpgPoliticians, outside agitators are taking voting access backwards by making it harder for city officials to do their jobs. They should stop the lies, say local environmental advocates.

Located at the Regency Mall in the former Burlington Coat Factory space, the Racine County clinic will open March 23 and operate Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced today that the community-based vaccination clinic in Racine County will open March 23. The Racine County site will be the third DHS community-based vaccination clinic in Wisconsin.

“As more Wisconsinites become eligible for the vaccine later this month, it’s important that we continue to bring these community-based clinics online to get as many people vaccinated as possible to reach community immunity,” said Gov. Evers. “These vaccination clinics help support local vaccine access and ensure that anyone currently eligible gets their shot.”

Located at the Regency Mall in the former Burlington Coat Factory space, the clinic will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Initially, the clinic plans to administer 200 doses per day and has the ability to administer up to 1,000 doses per day. The number of doses administered will depend on how much vaccine Wisconsin receives from the federal government. The clinic will be prioritizing vaccinations for those who are age 65 and older, educators, and childcare staff on the local health department’s waitlist. After those appointments are scheduled, the clinic will then begin scheduling appointments for anyone currently eligible for the vaccine.

All eligible individuals who are to be vaccinated at the DHS community-based vaccination clinics must pre-register for an appointment through the Wisconsin COVID-19 Vaccine Registry. After registration, eligible individuals will be notified of the opportunity to schedule their appointment. For vaccine-related questions and registration support, individuals can call toll-free at (844) 684-1064. For more information on available COVID-19 vaccination options, visit the Where can I get vaccinated? webpage.

The DHS community-based clinic in Racine County is operated by AMI Expeditionary Healthcare through collaboration with Central Racine County Health Department, City of Racine Public Health Department, Racine County Emergency Operations Center, and other local partners. Locations are selected to address gaps in vaccine access and support vaccination efforts. Various factors including population demographics, local health capacity, operations, and concentration of other vaccine providers are taken into consideration when planning for clinics.

Other DHS community-based vaccination clinics include Rock County that opened on February 16, and La Crosse County that opened on March 9. Since February 16, the Rock County location has administered 3,833 vaccine doses.

For up-to-date information about Wisconsin’s COVID-19 response, visit the DHS COVID-19 webpage. We encourage you to follow @DHSWI on Facebook, Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram for more information on COVID-19.

Bipartisan bill will help coordinate technology across democratic countries.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/biden-signs-oval-2021-s5.pngNew law includes funding for $1,400 direct payments to most Americans, vaccine distribution efforts, school reopenings, and enhanced unemployment benefits.