Proposed budget includes a wide variety of initiatives to address some of our most pressing statewide environmental, health, and democracy issues says Conservation voters group.

MADISON – In his Tuesday night budget address, Gov. Evers outlined a bold budget that includes Wisconsin Conservation Voters’ priority issues: clean water, clean energy, and a healthy, equitable democracy that works for all of us.

Executive Director Kerry Schumann said this about the address and the biennial budget:

“The proposed budget includes a wide variety of initiatives and items that directly address some of our most pressing statewide environmental, health, and democracy issues. Clean water, clean energy, and a healthy democracy are the keys to a brighter, more equitable, and more successful future here in Wisconsin. This budget continues and builds Gov. Evers’ record of delivering on his promises for Wisconsin’s natural resources. These budget proposals complement the excellent work of the governor’s Climate Change Task Force and build on the administration’s commitment to honoring the values and goals of conservation voters across the state. It’s very simple: we deserve clean water, clean energy, and a healthy democracy for every person living in Wisconsin. That is what Wisconsin Conservation Voters and its 60,000 plus members and supporters are working for each day. This budget proposal aligns with those values and those goals.”

Specific budget highlights include:

Clean water

• Expediting efforts to set PFAS standards for drinking water and surface waters, similar to the Clear Act;
• Providing $20 million to local governments to begin testing and remediating for PFAS;
• Adding eleven additional fulltime staff dedicated to understanding the threats from emerging contaminants like PFAS;
• Making it easier for more households to replace their contaminated wells by increasing the amount of annual family income that qualifies under the state’s well compensation grant program; and
• Authorizing $40 million in bonding for the replacement of up to 50 percent of the cost to replace lead services lines through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program.

Clean energy and climate change

• Establishing an Office of Environmental Justice, including a Chief Resiliency Office and additional staff;
• Supporting local governments who are leading the charge in moving Wisconsin towards 100 percent clean energy; and
• Increasing to the Focus on Energy program from 1.2 to 2.4 percent of operating revenues.

Public lands

• Reauthorizing the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program for ten years at $70 million in bonding levels, a move that will help achieve worldwide goals to protect 30% of lands and oceans by 2030.

Healthy democracy

• Automatic voter registration

Gov. Evers Offers Economic Solutions to ensure our state, communities, and families can bounce back and better than before the pandemic hit, say Democratic members of Joint Finance Committee.

MADISON – Following a tumultuous year for Wisconsin communities, small businesses, schools and families Governor Tony Evers has unveiled the 2021-2023 Biennial State Budget. The Badger Bounceback will ensure our state, communities, and families can bounce back and better than before the pandemic hit. Democratic members of the Joint Finance Committee released the following statements praising the proposal.

“If we’ve learned anything from the last year it’s the importance of access to affordable and quality healthcare,” said Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D-West Point). “Once again, Gov. Evers is prioritizing healthcare for Wisconsinites by introducing a budget that makes critical investments in health services while also expanding BadgerCare. This proposal supports rural hospitals and clinics, increases financial stability for families and is the smartest economic decision for our state.”

“As our state continues to deal with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, I do not underestimate the challenges that our communities will continue to face,” said Sen. LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee). “However, I am filled with hope knowing that Governor Tony Evers' 2021-2023 proposed budget invests in our state's children and families. I am particularly happy to see that the budget continues and builds upon a program that addresses the quality, affordability, and access to child care with a $140 million investment. All of our children, regardless of their zip code, deserve the opportunity to thrive, and this budget 'connects the dots' by ensuring families have access to high-quality childcare so more people can remain in the workforce. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the critical importance of our public schools and the impact they have on our communities. An investment into our kids is an investment into our future. That is why I am encouraged to see that the governor's proposed budget includes a substantial investment to fully fund our public schools and make them whole.”

“Governor Evers’ budget creates a clear path forward as we begin a new decade and recover from the pandemic,” said Rep. Goyke (D-Milwaukee). “Most importantly, this budget makes investments to create opportunities for resiliency and growth. Substantial thought and planning went into the provisions that will improve our criminal justice and juvenile justice systems and offer us an opportunity to create a more equitable system, save money, and increase public safety.”

“This is a winning budget for Wisconsin’s working families,” said Rep. Greta Neubauer (D-Racine). “With the Governor’s budget, we can invest in our shared future, our local economy, and an equitable recovery from COVID-19, while tackling climate change and building sustainable, resilient communities. Governor Evers’ plan to update our aging infrastructure, develop green jobs, support entrepreneurship, and invest in climate change mitigation is a great first step in creating good-paying, family-supporting jobs for every Wisconsin worker.”

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/high-voltage-lines-farms-s5.jpgSen. Smith writes about the budget investments announced by Governor Evers to support communities all across Wisconsin.

Bipartisan resolution to prevent teen dating violence and further educate our children regarding healthy boundaries and relationships.

MADISON- Tuesday, the Wisconsin State Senate unanimously passed Senate Joint Resolution 5 (SJR 5), authored by Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison), recognizing February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Senator Agard released this statement regarding the passage of the resolution:

“As lawmakers, we cannot ignore the harrowing statistics about teen dating violence in Wisconsin. I am extremely proud to have introduced this bipartisan resolution, and to see this important topic at the forefront of the public debate. We must create awareness about, and find solutions to prevent this pervasive issue.

“Dating violence is an unfortunate and preventable reality. It is an issue that far too many parents, educators, and communities are unaware of. Recognizing February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month is a first step in helping young people stand up for one another, choose better relationships, understand that healthy relationships are based on respect, and learn to identify the early warning signs of an abusive relationship.

“Recognition and awareness are just one step - we need to continue pushing forward to prevent teen dating violence and further educate our children regarding healthy boundaries and relationships. I look forward to introducing further bipartisan legislation this session that works to prevent dating violence from harming our youth.”

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/tony-evers-talks-2u-s5.jpgWatch the Governor's virtual 2021 State of the State address or read his remarks as prepared for delivery.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/coronavirus-office-closed-wi-politico-s5.jpgUnion says essential workers to be treated equally with police and fire and to have the same workplace freedoms as all other Wisconsinites.

Budget prioritizes continued economic recovery, funding for public education, access to affordable healthcare, and a commitment to equity across Wisconsin

MADISON – This evening, Governor Tony Evers gave his second budget address, sharing his fiscal priorities to continue Wisconsin’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and describing how these choices will lay the foundation to increased prosperity and community as we move forward. Assembly Democratic Leader Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) released the following statement on the Governor’s address and the biennial budget proposal:

“The 2021-23 state budget must address the reality of operating in the COVID-19 pandemic and make the crucial investments in programs that move the state forward. Tonight, Governor Evers introduced a budget that prioritizes the needs of hard-working Wisconsinites and continues to help Wisconsin’s families and small businesses bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic. This budget shows what is possible if we truly prioritize Wisconsin people and Wisconsin communities.

“Governor Evers articulated a progressive plan to invest in Wisconsin’s public schools, increase access to affordable health care, spur economic development in every part of our state, and ensure our local government partners have the resources to respond to important needs close to home. He proposed steps to increase Wisconsin’s sustainability, continue our commitment to preserving Wisconsin’s natural resources, invest in our agricultural economy, and ensure access to high-speed internet in all parts of the state.

“I look forward to an engaging budget dialogue with my colleagues in the coming months, and I urge them to come to this process with an open mind. Let’s listen to our constituents, set aside partisan games, and pass a budget that puts the people of Wisconsin first.”

Badger Bounceback Agenda Prioritizes Health and Equitable Economic Recovery.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/jfcphoto-s5.jpgAssembly Dems plan would direct funds to deliver immediate assistance to WI businesses.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/cd-6th-wi-s5.pngVirtual public hearing to occur on Feb.25 at 5:30 PM on the upcoming redistricting of legislative maps.