Long time Representative from western Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District decides to step down after 24 years of service.

Madison, Wis. -- On Tuesday, Rep. Ron Kind announced he will not be running for re-election in 2022. In response, Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler issued the following statement:

“For 24 years, Ron Kind has been an outstanding leader for Wisconsin and the people of the 3rd Congressional District. His bipartisan, pragmatic approach has consistently delivered for his constituents. The Democratic Party of Wisconsin is grateful for Rep. Kind’s extraordinary service and commitment to improving the lives of Wisconsinites, and for his family’s support of his distinguished and tireless public service.

“Thanks in large measure to Rep. Kind’s constant engagement with grassroots organizing, the Democratic Party has tremendous local strength throughout the 3rd Congressional District, and we are eager to support the next Democratic candidate to ensure that this critical area continues to be well-represented in Congress.”

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/elderly-crowd-s5.jpgGovernor vetoes GOP bills that reflect national effort to damage democracy.

The bill provides $17.5 billion for major projects that are too large or complex for traditional funding programs, and a $55 billion investment in clean drinking water, including dedicated funding to replace lead service lines and the dangerous chemical PFAS.

MADISON Wis. -- Wisconsin Mayors are endorsing President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal and highlighting the positive impact it will have on their cities across the state.

Mayors from the five largest cities in Wisconsin penned an op-ed in The Cap Times, saying the bipartisan deal represents that, “Our democracy can deliver results for the American public.”

The Cap Times: Wisconsin mayors: Infrastructure deal a road to a more equitable, sustainable future

• “We, as mayors of Wisconsin’s five largest cities, stand together in support of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal (BID) negotiated by President Joe Biden and a group of Democratic and Republican senators this month.”

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• “As mayors, the vast majority of our work is bipartisan or nonpartisan. Our residents rightly expect their local elected officials to ensure the pothole on their street gets fixed, the water from the tap is clean and the bus runs on time, regardless of whether they have a “D” or “R” next to their name on the ballot. We applaud our federal lawmakers who are taking the same approach to address these issues on a national scale.

• “Not only do we support the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, but we also commend what it represents: Our democracy can deliver results for the American public. We look forward to working with our federal partners in the administration and in Congress to restore and rebuild our nation’s infrastructure and set future generations of Wisconsinites on a road to prosperity.”

Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels also expressed his support for the deal and provided local context on how the deal will specifically support the infrastructure needs of Manitowoc.

Seehafer News: Manitowoc Mayor Calls on Senate to Pass Infrastructure Investment Bill

• “The policies agreed to will grow the economy, create good jobs, enhance our competitiveness, and make our economy more sustainable, resilient, and just.

• “The bill provides $17.5 billion for major projects that are too large or complex for traditional funding programs, and a $55 billion investment in clean drinking water, including dedicated funding to replace lead service lines and the dangerous chemical PFAS.”

Superior Mayor Jim Paine highlighted how the deal will provide funding for restoration projects around the St. Louis River, one of the most polluted sites on the Great Lakes.

CBS News Duluth: Mayor Jim Paine backs federal infrastructure deal

• "This is the most significant investment in public funds in maybe the last 100 years. We don't see this level of investment from the federal government anymore.”

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/michael-gableman-fcj-s5.pngObjectivity of former state Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman to review 2020 election results for Republicans is questioned in newspaper report.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/wisc-state-fair2-s5.jpgOn-site vaccination clinic brings COVID-19 vaccines and free cream puffs to many during Wisconsin State Fair’s opening days.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/kids-at-beach-s5.pngIndustry is seeing recovery above 2020 numbers as travelers make up for missed vacations.

Evers signs law Friday to create uniform rules across Wisconsin.

MADISON, WI- Today Governor Evers signed into law Senate Bill 120, which creates a standard Use of Force definition for law enforcement, and provides a penalty if this standard is violated. On this signing, Co-Chair of the Speakers Taskforce on Racial Disparities Representative Shelia Stubbs (D-Madison) released the following statement:

“The Speakers Taskforce on Racial Disparities Subcommittee on Law Enforcement Policies and Standards worked diligently for 7 months to craft real reform. For an extra month I chaired a workgroup of experts in law enforcement, religious leaders, and leaders in the community to create a standard Use of Force definition.”

“It was an honor to lead this effort, and I am proud to announce that real work has led to real results. Through difficult conversations and with diverse perspectives, we were able to find common ground and create a meaningful standard for the use of force. Now this standard is law across the state of Wisconsin.”

“By signing Wisconsin Act 75 into law, Governor Evers has ensured that every law enforcement agency has a standard for use of force. By eliminating discretion and creating uniformity, all agencies will be better able to serve and protect the people of Wisconsin. Our communities deserve accountability and transparency, and this legislation is a great step in the right direction”

“I want to thank my fellow Co-Chair Majority Leader Representative Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna) for trusting my leadership to create this definition. I also want to thank the Taskforce members that put extra time and extra effort to make a meaningful impact. By staying at the table, you helped make Wisconsin a better place to live and work. In addition, I want to thank leaders on both sides of the aisle for helping move this legislation forward. Without your hard work, none of this would be possible.”

Takes action on Police standards, crimes taken against elderly, and environment.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today took action on six bills. The governor signed the following bills:

Senate Bill 120, now 2021 Wisconsin Act 75:

• Creates standards for when an officer may use force and deadly force;
• Creates a duty to report noncompliant use of force;
• Creates a duty to intervene to prevent or stop noncompliant use of force; and
• Creates whistleblower protections for officers who report (or are believed to have reported) noncompliant use of force or intervened to prevent or stop it.

“I am glad to sign this bipartisan bill today that provides clear use of force standards and clear requirements for reporting and intervening in noncompliant use of force incidents,” said Gov. Evers. “This is another step forward in creating a more equitable, just, and safer Wisconsin for every community and to ensure accountability and transparency in our law enforcement systems. That said, our work is far from done and we must continue to strive towards meaningful change to address the systemic injustice that plagues our state and country.”

Senate Bill 17, now 2021 Wisconsin Act 76:

• Increases penalties for crimes committed against an elder person;
• Increases the penalty for sexual assault of an elder person;
• Creates a crime of physical abuse of an elder person;
• Creates a procedure for a court to freeze or seize a defendant's assets if charged with a financial exploitation crime involving an elder person; and
• Allows an elder person seeking a restraining order to appear in court via telephone or live audiovisual means.

“Aging and older Wisconsinites are particularly vulnerable to financial and physical abuse and exploitation, and unfortunately, we are seeing a devastating and concerning rise in these crimes,” said Gov. Evers. “This bill is an important bipartisan action to help put an end to elder abuse and protect some of our most vulnerable loved ones and neighbors.”

Senate Bill 91, now 2021 Wisconsin Act 77:

• Requires the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to create a general permit for hydrologic restoration activities, including wetland, stream and floodplain restoration and management, that result in a net improvement in hydrologic connections, conditions, and functions.

Senate Bill 151, now 2021 Wisconsin Act 78:

• Directs the environmental compliance audit program to change the amount of time a regulated entity has to correct violations identified in an audit from 90 days to 60 days generally, 180 days if the entity is a small business stationary source, and 360 days if the entity is a small business stationary source and the corrective action involves a pollution prevention modification;
• Eliminates the requirement that an entity must notify the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) no fewer than 30 days before beginning an audit; and
• Requires the DNR and Department of Justice (DOJ) to consider whether the entity is a small business stationary source that has committed a minor violation when determining whether to pursue criminal action.

Senate Bill 248, now 2021 Wisconsin Act 79:

• Initiates various changes to the state’s electronic waste recycling program including expanding the definition of covered schools to include all public elementary or secondary schools, charter schools, private elementary or secondary schools, and all tribal schools;
• Narrows the types of consumer printers covered, by excluding floor-standing printers, automated teller machines and point-of-sale receipt printers;
• Raises the threshold for requiring a manufacturer to pay a registration fee;
• Requires manufacturers to report the weight of electronics collected from rural counties separately from electronics collected from urban counties;
• Requires the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to create a program to provide grants to expand electronics recycling and recovery programs in underserved areas of the state;
• Creates an 18-month transition period that runs from July 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023, and after the transition year, a program year would run from January 1 to December 31; and
• Increases fees and thresholds by 50 percent during the transition period to account for the additional six months.

In addition to signing the above bills, Gov. Evers today also vetoed Senate Bill 119. The governor's veto message is available here.

While COVID spreads in Wisconsin, GOP spreads misinformation.

MADISON - On Friday, former Sheriff David Clarke will headline a rally in Madison to call for a full forensic audit of the presidential election in Wisconsin.

Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) released the following statement:

“While COVID-19 continues to spread in Wisconsin, Republicans are more focused on spreading misinformation about the 2020 election. This rally is embarrassing and hurtful. It erodes trust in government and takes our eye off the very real issues we should be working together to address. No one in the state legislature is questioning the results of their own election yet Republicans somehow believe extreme conspiracy theories about the presidential results. This rally is a farce and merely an attempt to stoke the flames of division.

“Businesses are still recovering. Schools are working hard to prepare for the upcoming school year. Our local communities are tightening their belts while doing their best to maintain essential services for the people they serve. Instead of tackling these problems, Wisconsin Republicans are joining up with a disgraced former Sheriff to perpetuate something that is simply not true and harms our state and its people.”

Maj. Gen. Albert H. Wilkening died in April, commanded the Guard from 2002 to 2007. Funeral services will be held in the village of Oregon Saturday.

MADISON — On Thursday, Gov. Tony Evers ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Aug. 7, 2021, as a mark of respect for former Wisconsin Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Albert H. Wilkening, who passed away on April 8, 2020, at the age of 74.

Wilkening had a long career of service in the U.S. military. He served as the Adjutant General of the state of Wisconsin commanding the Wisconsin National Guard from 2002 to 2007, during which time he oversaw the federal and state missions of the Wisconsin Air and Army National Guards. In 2003, Wilkening was appointed by former Gov. Jim Doyle to chair the Governor’s Homeland Security Council and serve as the governor’s Homeland Security Advisor. Throughout his career, Wilkening also received numerous awards and recognition such as the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, among many other accolades.

“Maj. Gen.Wilkening was a dedicated public servant with a longstanding commitment to serving our country and the people of our state,” said Gov. Evers. “Our thoughts are with Maj. Gen. Wilkening’s family and loved ones as they honor his life and years of service to the state of Wisconsin.”

Funeral services will be held for Wilkening in the village of Oregon on August 7, 2021.

Executive Order #129 is in effect from sunrise to sunset on Sat., August 7, 2021, and is available here.