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Wisconsin First Lady Shares Hope this Holiday Season PDF Print E-mail
News
Written by GOV Press Wisconsin   
Friday, 18 December 2020 15:38

tony-evers-innMore than 5,000 ornaments created by Wisconsin kids sent to veterans’ homes, hospitals, long-term care facilities across the state. Wisconsin Executive Residence holiday decorations adapted to be enjoyed outdoors and virtually.


MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers and First Lady Kathy Evers today announced that more than 5,000 “Hope” themed handmade ornaments crafted by students across Wisconsin were sent to more than 50 hospitals, assisted living facilities and nursing homes, service providers for people with disabilities, and veterans homes and housing centers to help spread hope across the state this holiday season. Students sent in nearly double the number of ornaments typically received in previous years. A full list of hope ornament recipients is available here.

The governor previously announced “Hope” would be the 2020 theme for holiday ornaments created by Wisconsin students to celebrate and reflect on what hope means to them, their families, and their communities. Ornaments created by students in Wisconsin are traditionally displayed on a tree in the Wisconsin State Capitol Rotunda. As the Capitol remains closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Evers announced ornaments would instead be sent across the state to share hope with frontline healthcare workers and Wisconsinites who might not be able to see their loved ones this holiday season.

“We were frankly blown away by the number of ornaments we received to send statewide, which speaks to not only the creativity of our students, but the overwhelming hope and resilience you'll find across our state,” said Gov. Evers. “These ornaments are a true act of kindness that will bring holiday joy and hope to many of our frontline healthcare workers, essential workers, and the vulnerable folks they care for.”

Gov. Evers and First Lady Evers have also adapted Executive Residence holiday decorations to ensure Wisconsinites can enjoy the residence safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Much of the Executive Residence's holiday decorations have been moved outside this holiday season for Wisconsinites to enjoy safely as they drive, bike, or walk past. Wisconsinites can also virtually tour featured decorations in the interior of the Residence here, including the “Hope” tree, which is decorated with a collection of “Hope” ornaments from students across Wisconsin.

“Many families across the state have had to adjust or change their holiday traditions in order to keep everyone healthy and safe, and here at the Executive Residence it is no different,” said First Lady Evers. “I am glad that we were able to continue this holiday tradition of honoring our service members and sharing the stories of Wisconsinites through the decorations at the Residence.”

The interior decorations also include the “Tribute to our Troops” tree honoring Gold Star families, which features cabin-themed ornaments, created and donated by Linda Hughes and Joan Johnson, that represent a new cabin to be built in Northern Wisconsin for use by past and present service members and their families. Additionally, the tree features ornaments contributed by the family members and loved ones of those who have served or are currently serving our country, and representation from each branch of the armed forces. Wisconsinites can enjoy the “Tribute to our Troops” tree virtually here.

In addition to the “Hope” tree and “Tribute to our Troops” tree, the living room features Alzheimer's and Dementia Awareness Trees and purple holiday décor, which is the recognized color of the Alzheimer's awareness movement.

A more complete description of both the interior and exterior decorations at the Executive Residence is available here.

First Lady Evers and the Wisconsin Executive Residence Foundation (WERF) are once again conducting holiday book and food drives throughout the holiday season. Both drives will be conducted virtually this year. True to the First Lady's work in this area, the book drive focuses on social and emotional wellness books for kids. More information can be found and donations made at https://www.mysterytomebooks.com/. Food drive monetary donations can be made at https://www.secondharvestmadison.org/ and https://www.waukeshafoodpantry.org/.

 
New State Contact Tracing App to Launch Next Week PDF Print E-mail
News
Written by GOV Press Wisconsin   
Friday, 18 December 2020 15:30

covid-19-india-testWI Exposure Notification app can alert you if you’ve been in close contact with a positive case

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Republican Legislators Set to Undo Clean Water Policy PDF Print E-mail
News
Written by Wisconsin Conservation Voters, Ryan Billingham   
Friday, 18 December 2020 15:20

clean-drinking-waterCommittee to meet Friday expected to suspend the emergency rule to limit toxic exposure of PFAS from firefighting foam.


MADISON – For months, despite inaction, Republican legislators have been making baseless claims of success and bipartisan progress on protecting our drinking water. Now, they are undoing the one small step they took this session, stopping any progress toward protecting our health while handing even more power over to polluting special interests.

The Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules (JCRAR), chaired by Sen. Steve Nass, will meet on Friday to suspend the emergency rule adopted by the DNR Board in October that would limit toxic exposure of PFAS from firefighting foam. If legislators are successful, they will undo the sole, miniscule piece of clean water legislation they passed this session.

“Their failure to adopt policies that keep PFAS pollution out of our environment and set standards that protect our children is a public health crisis,” said Jennifer Giegerich, government affairs director. “These emergency rules for firefighting foam were the very least they could – and should – be doing to help protect our friends and neighbors. What message is Chairman Nass sending to people exposed to PFAS who are facing lifelong health problems, when they are willing to suspend even this minimal emergency rule because polluters don’t want to take any responsibility?”

PFAS chemicals are having a profound impact on our health in Wisconsin and across the country. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has advised doctors that PFAS chemicals have been linked to increased rates of testicular and kidney cancer. Exposure can also lead to liver lesions, kidney degeneration, and damage to liver function. In addition, a number of large epidemiological studies have related higher maternal exposure of these chemicals to lower birth weight. There is also evidence that PFAS can make vaccines less effective.

These chemicals build up in our environment and our bodies and do not breakdown. Once they are in our water supply, it’s extremely difficult to remediate. The toxic firefighting foam was used in military and firefighter training exercises, as well as firefighting activities. Now, the chemicals are showing up in hotspots across the state.

Wisconsin Conservation Voters likened the Republican-led legislature’s inaction on safe drinking water to their inaction on COVID-19.

“We know what we need to do to save lives when it comes to COVID-19 and when it comes to toxic chemicals in our drinking water,” said Ryan Billingham, communications director. “Based on their inaction this year, these legislators have zero credibility when it comes to protecting public health. Time and again they’ve chosen to protect their political piggybanks over protecting our lives and the lives of our loved ones.”

“We urge the members of JCRAR to let these minimal rules go forward and begin working on the longer range solutions to prevent PFAS pollution that were laid out in the Wisconsin PFAS Action Plan, which was released yesterday,” said Giegerich.

The full Wisconsin PFAS Action Plan can be found here.

 
Green Bay Establishes Covid-19 Business Relief Grant Program PDF Print E-mail
News
Written by Green Bay Mayor's Office Press   
Friday, 18 December 2020 15:01

covid-19-workers-meatpackingCovid-19 Business Relief Grant Program (CV-BRG) provides funding to businesses in the City of Green Bay to help stabilize or prevent shutdowns.

Last Updated on Saturday, 19 December 2020 15:18
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UI Audits Show the Need to Modernize PDF Print E-mail
News
Written by Melissa Agard Press   
Friday, 18 December 2020 14:47

unemployment-application-wiYears of GOP neglect have left outdated technology and systems at DWD, needless delays in Unemployment Insurance payments.

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Green Bay clerk vacancy is an opportunity to expand voter access PDF Print E-mail
News
Written by Wisconsin Conservation Voters, Ryan Billingham   
Thursday, 17 December 2020 17:13

vote-47-mbConservation group calls upon city leaders to nominate and confirm a new city clerk who will work to increase voter access by building on the successes of 2020.

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$2 Billion Invested in Wisconsin Communities in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic PDF Print E-mail
News
Written by GOV Press Wisconsin   
Thursday, 17 December 2020 16:36

covid-19-restaurant-emptyAs state nears end-of-year fiscal cliff, Evers Administration provides update on investments assisting restaurants, small business owners, families, healthcare workers, among others.

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Wisconsin PFAS Council Releases Action Plan PDF Print E-mail
News
Written by GOV Press Wisconsin   
Thursday, 17 December 2020 14:31

clean-drinking-water-faucetAction Plan includes 25 action items for addressing emerging chemicals

Last Updated on Saturday, 19 December 2020 14:44
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Building Commission Approves $350 Million for Key Projects PDF Print E-mail
News
Written by GOV Press Wisconsin   
Thursday, 17 December 2020 14:25

veterans-home-kingProjects are important investments in the future of our state’s infrastructure.


MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced Wednesday the State of Wisconsin Building Commission approved a total of approximately $350 million in key projects across the state on Tuesday. 

“Whether maintenance and repair or renovating and expanding buildings where our UW students will learn and innovate, these projects are important investments in the future of our state’s infrastructure,” said Gov. Evers.

Highlights of approvals include:

  • Improvements at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at King;
  • Phase 2 of a Utility Replacement project at Bascom Hall/Lathrop Drive at UW-Madison;
  • Construction of the Veterinary Medicine Addition and Renovation at UW-Madison;
  • Construction of the Chemistry Building/Central Utilities Expansion project and Student Union Renovation project at UW-Milwaukee;
  • The release of $500,000 Building Trust Funds-Planning for the preliminary design of the Engineering Building Replacement project at UW-Milwaukee;
  • Construction of lab and classroom renovation projects for UW-Whitewater and UW-Milwaukee for the Classroom Renovations/Instructional Technology Improvements program;
  • Construction of infrastructure renovation/replacement projects for UW-Milwaukee and UW-Stout for the Minor Facilities Renewal program; and
  • Construction of eight maintenance and repair projects located at various locations in five counties across the state for the Departments of Corrections, Health Services, Natural Resources, and the UW-System.

The Building Commission is chaired by Gov. Evers and made up of the following members:

  • State Senator Janis Ringhand;
  • State Senator Jerry Petrowski;
  • State Senator Patrick Testin;
  • State Representative Jill Billings;
  • State Representative Rob Swearingen;
  • State Representative Mark Born; and
  • Citizen member Summer Strand
 
Governor's Blue Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity Releases Report PDF Print E-mail
News
Written by GOV Press Wisconsin   
Thursday, 17 December 2020 14:09

wisconsin_farmTop 10 recommendations included would commit state government to rural prosperity, create new partnerships with rural and tribal communities, and invest to address rural Wisconsin’s most promising opportunities.


MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced Wednesday the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity has released “Rural Voices for Prosperity: A Report of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity,” which calls for coordinated measures across state government to meet the needs of Wisconsin’s rural communities.

The report features 10 overarching recommendations that, taken together, would commit state government to a comprehensive approach to rural prosperity, create new partnerships with rural and tribal communities in the designing and delivering state services, and invest more thoughtfully to address rural Wisconsin’s critical challenges and most promising opportunities. The report can be found here.

tony-evers“I want to thank the members of the commission who’ve done an extraordinary job this year seeking out and listening to rural voices and communities to make recommendations to move our state forward together,” said Gov. Tony Evers. “This report provides a critically important view of what rural residents and community leaders across our state need as we begin crafting our 2021-23 state budget and other important priorities.”

Gov. Evers created the commission in January as part of his State of the State address. The 12 commission members are community leaders from across the state who reflect the breadth of rural and tribal economies, professions, and populations.

From August through mid-October, the commission conducted three virtual conversations open to all rural Wisconsinites, invited anyone to submit written ideas through the Commission website, and met in-person or virtually with stakeholder groups. Over 500 people from across the state provided their ideas to the Commission.

Commissioner Gina Tomlinson of Buffalo County echoed the reaction of all the Commissioners, “Wisconsinites took this opportunity to come forward and share their rural communities’ challenges and concerns. It is my hope and dream that this report will help rural Wisconsin move forward to not only to survive but thrive.”

The 10 overarching recommendations include:

  • Create and appropriately resource a place within the Wisconsin state government that understands and champions the unique attributes of rural Wisconsin—including Native Nations;
  • Continue the governor’s efforts to make the needs and priorities of rural communities and Native Nations a forethought, rather than an afterthought;
  • Take an “all-of-government approach" to doing right by rural and tribal communities;
  • Ensure rural places and Native Nations in rural Wisconsin get a fair shake in accessing state and federal resources;
  • Look beyond Wisconsin’s borders for good ideas;
  • Unleash the full power of communities to innovate and act by updating state laws that restrict local agency;
  • Reinvest in the Wisconsin Idea and the University of Wisconsin, its satellite campuses, and our state’s network of community and technical colleges as unique and valuable assets;
  • Rebalance state business incentives to ensure economic development prioritizes the assets of Wisconsin people, communities, and businesses;
  • Invest in vital ingredients for our better future; and
  • Continue the work of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity.


In addition to the 10 overarching recommendations, the report summarizes what residents told the Commission –  including challenges that are stifling rural prosperity, how the state and local governments have been helpful, and promising ideas worth exploring. Those ideas include:

  • Establishing a strategic roadmap for Wisconsin’s forestry sector;
  • Investing in agricultural supply chain gaps that inhibit market development, such as meat processing infrastructure and workforce development;
  • Supporting childcare professional development, mentoring, and information sharing;
  • Elevating success stories from rural Wisconsin communities that have succeeded at providing better broadband and coverage;
  • Examining how the state could encourage more investment in renewable energy projects; and
  • Boosting state support for outdoor recreation project implementation.

Commissioner Dave Falk of Wood County noted, “The passion the participants in our listening sessions have for their communities was evident during every session.  While our rural communities are very diverse, spanning all four corners of the state, there were many common areas of concern.”

Commissioner Tom Landgraf of Dane County added, “The readers of this report will gain insight into the unique and significant issues facing rural Wisconsin residents. They will also get a glimpse at strategies to enhance rural economic and community development, education, health systems, housing, technology, innovation, and agriculture.”

Commissioners were assisted in their work by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC) Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP), with assistance from the Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group (Aspen CSG). The public input received by the Commission is already being used to tackle a top issue in rural communities—broadband. This fall ORP launched the Broadband Connectors Pilot Initiative in partnership with the Public Service Commission to provide technical assistance to six communities in qualifying for public- and private-sector broadband expansion funds.

“The commission’s report and the Broadband Connectors Pilot Initiative are just the first steps in our efforts to ensure vibrant, successful rural communities that will be home to many more generations of Wisconsinites,” said WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes. “I am excited to receive their report and get to work implementing many of these suggestions.”

Wisconsin is one of only few states to establish a rural-specific coordinating office in state government.

“The need for a rural lens when designing both state and federal policy and programs – and for engaging rural people in that design – is emerging across the country as critical to changing rural prospects,” said Janet Topolsky, executive director of Aspen CSG. “The fact Wisconsin has established its new Office of Rural Prosperity and this commission is clear evidence that state leaders recognize that need.”

Commissioner Pamela Boivin of Menominee County said, “As a Menominee tribal member, I am proud to have been a part of this process to give our rural communities the platform to showcase their values along with their unique assets.”

The commission hopes to continue the discussion with rural Wisconsinites beyond this report – and for opportunities to move forward with ideas discussed in the report, whether that’s through the upcoming biennial budget process, working with state agencies and programs, or looking for support through federal government and new public-private partnerships.

Commissioner Jeff Tucker of Eau Claire County summed up these hopes: “I truly believe our work will help our state leadership develop a plan for the prosperity and sustainability of rural Wisconsin for generations to come.”

To learn more about the work of the Commission and to read the full report, please visit: https://wedc.org/rural-prosperity/blue-ribbon-commission.

 
Budgeting to Reflect the Will of the People PDF Print E-mail
News
Written by Jeff Smith, State Senator District 31   
Wednesday, 16 December 2020 08:35

amstuck-and-othersSen. Smith writes about the budget process and People’s Budget listening sessions hosted by Governor Evers. Wisconsinites need to know they can get involved and advocate at every stage of the process.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 16 December 2020 16:01
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