http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/barack-obama-dnc-2020-s5.pngObama had hoped that Donald Trump might show some interest in taking the job seriously, but he never did. Now, this administration has shown it will tear apart our democracy to win.

The California senator, 55, is the first woman of color on a major party’s presidential ticket, and is welcomed by large parts of the Democratic Party, including the leading progressives.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/trump-oshkosh-081820-s5.jpgIn the Oshkosh-Neenah region alone, communities have experienced a net *loss of 1,800 manufacturing jobs since Donald Trump’s inauguration.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/farm-family-s5.jpgSen. Jeff Smith writes about the ways we can support our state’s family farms and preserve Wisconsin’s status as an agricultural leader in the country.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/michelle-obama-dnc-2020-s5.png"He has had more than enough time to prove that he can do the job, but he is clearly in over his head," says former first lady. "It is what it is."

Move comes days after the Postal Service warned states it might not be able to deliver ballots to election offices in time to be counted.

Green Bay Metro Transit On-Demand service announcement scheduled for August 17 at Transit Center.

Green Bay, WI – Green Bay Metro and Via, a leader in public mobility solutions, will launch a new service on August 17, called “GBM On-Demand.”  This new service will complement and extend the City’s existing transit infrastructure with affordable, efficient and convenient shared rides to key transit hubs, and designated commercial and medical destinations.  GBM On-Demand marks the first Microtransit service in the state of Wisconsin, offering riders a glimpse into the next generation of public transportation.

There will be a press conference on at 11:00 am on August 17th in the Green Bay Metro Conference Room, 901 University.

Using the mobile app created by Via, GBM On-Demand will connect multiple passengers traveling in the same direction.  There is also a telephone number for residents without access to smartphones. GBM On-Demand benefits riders by allowing real-time booking and flexible travel around three service zones across the city. The service also includes wheelchair-accessible vehicles, maintaining access for all Green Bay area residents.

This dynamic shared-transit solution is the same price as a traditional Green Bay Metro bus ticket.  Riders can pay for a GBM On-Demand ticket directly through the app with a credit card, use a Green Bay Metro ticket, or provide a weekly or monthly pass. Rides can be booked between zones 1 and 2, and within zone 2 during daytime service hours, which run from 5:45 a.m. - 7:45 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. on Saturday.

Mayor Eric Genrich states that, “Green Bay Metro, under Director Kiewiz’s forward-looking leadership, continues to innovate to meet the needs of our transit riders. The launch of GBM On-Demand is just the latest example. I look forward to the continued evolution and expansion of GBM On-Demand in the coming months and years, as we strive to find ways to meet the mobility needs of all community residents with 21st century technologies.”

In line with public health guidelines, riders will be provided with in-app wellness checks and reminders before booking.  The Microtransit vehicle’s capacity will be limited to allow for social distancing.  Cough guards will be placed between passengers and the driver.

The second phase of GBM On-Demand’s launch begins on August 24 with late night service. GBM On-Demand late-night service fills public transit gaps.  Traditional public transit routes are usually more limited.  GBM On-Demand will extend rides to all locations within zones 1, 2, and 3 during the evening hours of 7:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Monday to Friday.

About Via and Green Bay Metro:

GBM On-Demand represents the next phase of the relationship between Green Bay Metro and Via to expand equitable access to public transit in the Green Bay area.  In March 2020, the partners launched a paratransit service with improved booking windows and shorter travel times, providing new flexibility and freedom for residents in need of wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Via is re-engineering public transit, from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, on-demand network. First launched in New York City in September 2013, Via’s technology is also deployed worldwide through dozens of partner projects with public transportation agencies, private transit operators, taxi fleets, private companies, and universities.  Via seamlessly integrates public transit infrastructure with cutting-edge on-demand mobility. For more information, visit www.platform.ridewithvia.com.

Wisconsin 19th Amendment Celebration Committee celebrates Sharlen Moore of Milwaukee.

MADISON — First Lady Kathy Evers today announced that “Women Who Inspire,” a program of the Committee to Celebrate the Centennial Anniversary of Wisconsin's Ratification of the 19th Amendment, will highlight Sharlen Moore, co-founder and director of both Youth Justice Milwaukee and Urban Underground in Milwaukee.  

“The Committee’s ‘Women Who Inspire’ feature allows us to celebrate the women who make our state stronger every day with their ambitious hard work, inspiring leadership, and dedication to building better communities,” said First Lady Evers who chairs the Committee. “These women are doing critical work to move our state forward, not unlike the Suffragists 100 years ago, so it is fitting that we recognize their good work as we celebrate this milestone.”

Ms. Moore was nominated by Debra Cronmiller, Executive Director, League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, as a woman who inspires us for her work advocating for alternatives to youth incarceration through Youth Justice Milwaukee, and through Urban Underground encouraging the next generation of leaders and supporting youth-led social justice campaigns in the areas of health, education, public safety, and juvenile justice reform. Ms. Moore was recommended to the state League by the League of Women Voters Milwaukee County.

“We have long admired Sharlen's work in the Milwaukee community,” said Peggy Creer, President, LWV Milwaukee County. “We are proud to be able to work with her in engaging young people in important issues facing our city.”

Committee members were invited to nominate and interview women who inspire them to feature on the Committee website with the intent of inspiring a broad bipartisan audience and bringing more diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, age, geography, background, and identity to the women's rights conversation. All nominees that will be featured on the website were submitted by members of the Committee and will be featured on a rotating basis leading up to the 100th anniversary of enactment of the 19th Amendment in August. 

The website separately highlights notable Wisconsin social activists and trailblazers, such as Vel Phillips, Ada Deer, Justice Shirley Abrahamson, Belle Case LaFollette and others with links to outside resources. The 19th Amendment Committee was formed by Executive Order 19​ on April 11, 2019 and is comprised of Wisconsin’s women in elected and appointed state office and other women leaders and experts.

Website will provide information on how money is being spent.

MADISON —​ Gov. Tony Evers announced Thursday the launch of Wisconsin’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Investment dashboard website. The website will provide transparent and regularly updated information regarding how and where Wisconsin is investing federal funding, including significant funding from the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

“From Wisconsin's farmers and small business owners, to our families and workers, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected every community and industry across our state,” said Gov. Evers. “That's why we are investing these funds in the resiliency of Wisconsinites by providing support to the folks who need it most during these challenging times. Our new website will allow Wisconsinites see for themselves how these critical funds are being invested in communities across our state.”

To date, Gov. Evers has announced $1.72 billion in initiatives funded by CARES funds, which are highlighted on the Response and Recovery Investment dashboard. Through these funds, Wisconsin has been able to provide more than 10 million pieces of personal protective equipment and more than 1 million testing and lab supplies to local communities and tribal partners, invest in more than 12,000 small businesses, and support nearly 12,000 Wisconsin farms. These initiatives include but are not limited to:

• Routes to Recovery local government reimbursement ($200 million)
• Wisconsin Rental Assistance Program (WRAP) ($25 million)
• Hospital Funding ($40 million)
• Health care provider payments ($110 million)
• WI Farm Support Payment program ($50 million)
• Food security initiative ($15 million)
• Higher education funding ($37 million)

For more information on the Response and Recovery Investment Dashboard please visit: https://doa.wi.gov/Pages/COVIDRelief-Investments.aspx.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/coronavirus-voting-us-abcnews-s5.jpgCOVID-19 pandemic has hurt all of us, but recovery exposes the inequality as African Americans recover at a much slower rate.