Seven years into Scott Walker’s career as governor and we have little to show for his promises.
MADISON - Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) released the following statement Wednesday in response to the Assembly’s passage of a $76 billion budget that is rigged against regular Wisconsinites:
“Here we are, nearly seven years into Scott Walker’s career as governor with little to show for his promises. The non-partisan Fiscal Bureau stated in a new report today that Walker and Republicans are spending more money than they will have in the next biennium. By 2021, we’ll be nearly $1 billion in the hole.
Wisconsinites care about ensuring every individual in their community has an equal opportunity to succeed in an economy that is fair. Those are our priorities, and our state budget should reflect them.
I’m proud of my colleagues who fought for every Wisconsinite, not for the special interests that Republicans are beholden to. The truth is, this budget is rigged against Wisconsin families. Legislative Republicans had many opportunities to improve the budget for working families. Instead, they bickered all summer and failed to pass a budget that provides increased wages for workers, that makes health care more affordable, and that fixes crumbling roads and bridges. By delaying a sustainable transportation solution, Republicans are ensuring our roads will continue to deteriorate and will be even worse two years from now.
Simply put, Gov. Walker’s budget increased taxes on working families and parents, and they refused to provide help to Wisconsinites drowning in student-loan debt.
We can do better. The people of Wisconsin deserve better.”
*****
Assembly writer Olivia Hwang submitted this story.
The Governor and Republicans were quick to say we can’t afford very minimal investments in Wisconsin residents, but they can’t give away our money fast enough when a billionaire shows up for a hand out.
GREEN BAY - As someone who helped Marinette Marine land the Navy LCS contract that created thousands of new jobs in Northeast Wisconsin and around the state, I am supportive of responsible efforts to create jobs regardless of which party those ideas come from.
Unfortunately, the deal negotiated by Governor Walker and Senate Republicans is short on protections and long on risks to the taxpayers of the 30th Senate District who will be forced to contribute up to $90 million as their share of nearly $3 billion in cash payments to Foxconn, a $100 billion corporation based in Taiwan and China. That’s nearly $500 for every person and $1200 for every family of four in our district.
The Governor and Republicans are quick to say we can’t afford to make very minimal investments to help the nearly 1 million Wisconsin residents refinance their student loans at lower rates or help nearly 1.5 million private workers save for retirement. But no sooner does a billionaire show up with their hand out, they can’t give away our money fast enough.
The Governor used to say that the people know better how to spend their money than the government does. Except when it comes to giving one of the wealthiest people on Earth a few billion dollars of other people’s money. Never mind that $500 or $1200 for a family could go a long way to helping them make ends meet, or help pay for technical college or job training. When it comes to helping average folks or rich billionaires we now know who the Governor and Republicans truly care about.
Make no mistake, this is the largest taxpayer giveaway in U.S. history. And despite the claims of supporters, it comes with very few guarantees that Foxconn will uphold their end of the agreement. In fact, Foxconn thinks so little of the people of our state that they couldn’t even bother to show up at one of the two public hearings on this deal to answer questions, ensure they will be accountable to the taxpayers, or even just say thank you.
P.T. Barnum must be laughing.
***
State Senator Dave Hansen (D - Green Bay) released this statement Tuesday on the passage of the Foxconn deal in the Senate.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 13 September 2017 13:32
Written by Chris Larson, State Senator, District 7
Wednesday, 13 September 2017 11:14
Deal Fails to Protect Wisconsin Taxpayers, workers victims of a Foxconn automation ‘bait and switch.’.
MADISON - Our Wisconsin economy must be built on rewarding hard work and innovation by creating more opportunities for our small businesses, innovators, communities, and children to reach their full potential. Choosing a foreign corporation over our Main Street businesses is a dangerous and desperate gamble.
From listening to my neighbors, it is abundantly clear that this proposal is a bad deal for Wisconsin.
That’s why my Democratic colleagues and I offered common sense protections for our neighbors through amendments that would maintain environmental safeguards and ensure the health and safety of our waters and lands. We also offered an amendment that would have protected Wisconsin workers from being victims of a Foxconn automation ‘bait and switch.’
Perhaps the most common sense amendment offered to allow our Wisconsin communities a real opportunity to weigh-in on their priorities for our state. In every corner of Wisconsin, local communities have passed referenda to invest more in our neighborhood schools as the GOP turned their backs on our kids time and again. If we are going to pick a billion dollar corporate giveaway over our schools, we should allow the taxpayers a chance to sign off via a referendum.
At the end of the day, Senate Republicans rejected our common sense protections and were not able to guarantee that our neighbors would not be on the hook for the $3 billion handout included in the Walker/Trump/Foxconn proposal. For these reasons, I stood with Wisconsin families and voted against the largest state taxpayer giveaway to a foreign corporation in U.S. history.
*****
Senator Larson released this statement Tuesday regarding the passage of the Walker/Trump/Foxconn proposal in the State Senate.
U.S. Senate hopeful says Foxconn deal is proof Republicans are listening.
MADISON, WI - Senate Assistant Majority Leader Leah Vukmir, R–Brookfield, issued the following statement Tuesday upon passage of the Foxconn bill in the state Senate:
“Wisconsinites have been calling on their elected officials to listen to them and put their interests first. The Foxconn deal is proof that we are listening, and we are — once again — getting things done.
“This will allow Wisconsin to lead the way and have quality, good-paying jobs for our workers and families for years to come. As technology evolves, we have heard from people who are afraid of what that means for their industries. Our action today will ensure that manufacturing continues to play an important role in Wisconsin’s economy.
“I am thrilled about what this investment means for our state and the significant ripple effects it will have for Wisconsin business. It goes without saying that Foxconn would not be coming to Wisconsin if it weren’t for the bold reforms that Republicans have enacted over the past few years. Real leaders produce results, and we are seeing those results today.
“I thank President Trump, Speaker Ryan, Gov. Walker, and my colleagues in the state Capitol for working together to make this possible.”
Last Updated on Wednesday, 13 September 2017 11:13
Written by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, Matt Rothschild
Tuesday, 12 September 2017 10:07
Make sure Tuesday, Sept. 12 is a Fair Maps Day of Action.
MADISON - I know you were disgusted by the way Scott Walker and his cronies in the legislature rigged our electoral maps back in 2011.
And I know you’re in favor of fair maps and nonpartisan redistricting – no matter which party holds power.
Currently, there is a bill languishing in the legislature that would end gerrymandering in Wisconsin.
I need you to rattle some cages in the State Capitol so it doesn’t languish there any longer. We need a hearing on this bill!
Tuesday, Sept. 12 is a Fair Maps Day of Action.
Please contact the committee chairs in the Assembly and the Senate who preside over this crucial issue and urge them to hold a public hearing on it.
In the Assembly, that’s Rep. Kathy Bernier (pronounced “BURN-yer) and the bill is AB44. Please call her office at (608) 266-9172.
In the Senate, that’s Sen. Devin LeMahieu (pronounced LEMMA-hue), and the identical bill is SB13. Please call his office at (608) 266-2056.
You may be asked if you live in their district. Tell them this legislation affects us all, and as chairperson of this important committee they represent everyone in our state on this matter, and it’s up to them to set the agenda for public hearings.
You may also be asked – or wonder yourself – whether the case before the U.S. Supreme Court on Wisconsin’s redistricting won’t solve this problem. While the court case is historic, whichever way the court rules, it won’t take the map-drawing out of partisan hands. Only the pending legislation would do that.
So please make your call tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 12!
The Wisconsin Democracy Campaign is pleased to be participating in this coordinated action sponsored by the Fair Maps Coalition (#FairMaps), of which we’re an integral part.
Thanks for picking up your phone and making these two calls.
Written by Citizen Action of Wisconsin, Matt Brusky
Friday, 08 September 2017 10:12
Hurricanes and other human-made climate disasters, the latest Foxconn news, the state budget, and Trump’s attack on young immigrants with the termination of DACA.
STATEWIDE - As Hurricane Irma rampages toward Florida, we discuss the political implications of Hurricanes and other human-made climate disasters.
The panel considers the latest Foxconn news, including a likely vote in the senate next week, and a new amendment that sends lawsuits directly to the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
The GOP continues to wrangle over the state budget. Accion Ciudadana organizer Luz Sosa joins us to discuss Trump’s attack on young immigrants with the termination of DACA, and Anna Dvorak tells us about the movement for Fair Election Maps
"It is my hope that the Republican led Congress fixes this mistake by the Trump Administration", says Sen. Tim Carpenter of Milwaukee.
MADISON – State Senator Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee) today released the following statement regarding the Trump Administration’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
"I am proud that the United States of America is a great and diverse nation made up of immigrants from around the world and their descendants. Our country – and certainly the South Side of Milwaukee, where I have lived all my life – is richer for it.
"That is why I was extremely disheartened with the news that the Trump Administration is ending the very popular Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA). It is my belief that allowing the children of undocumented immigrants (800,000 young people) who were brought here at a very young age (Dreamers) to stay is the moral thing to do.
"We have seen time and again the contributions of these Dreamers to our country. They were raised here, they share our values, and they strengthen the fabric of our country. I will advocate from my position for immigration reform that is fair, just, and moral. Now is not the time for nativist rhetoric or cheap political stunts.
"It is my hope that the Republican led Congress fixes this mistake by the Trump Administration. We cannot be a nation that tears families apart and throws people’s lives into chaos and uncertainty at the whims of politicians."
Plan doesn’t create a sustainable funding solution, is littered with political pork, and sneaks in non-budget policy changes that strip local control.
MADISON - Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) released the following statement after reviewing the Republican Joint Finance Committee transportation plan:
“Republicans spent more than two months squabbling with each other and this is the result – a spending plan that still doesn’t create a sustainable funding solution, that is littered with political pork for their buddies, and sneaks in non-budget policy changes that strip local control from counties, towns, and cities across Wisconsin. Maybe we should have sent legislative Republicans back to school today because, yet again, they are failing.
Wisconsin families deserve real solutions that address our crumbling roads and failing bridges. Wisconsin families deserve a government that relies less on debt. They deserve a government that is honest that the Republican solution means drivers will continue to spend more on front-end alignments and road delays out of their family budget. Republicans want to push the costs off onto our children. Republicans want to lower wages for transportation construction workers. That is not the future Democrats want for Wisconsin. We can and must do better.”
Written by Citizen Action of Wisconsin, Matt Brusky
Friday, 01 September 2017 10:44
The important role of unions, Hurricane Harvey, and the mining industry’s latest push to roll back Wisconsin’s mining moratorium.
MILWAUKEE - Happy Labor Day Weekend Wisconsin! Our panel discusses the vital role labor unions play in creating democratic workplaces, real economic opportunity, and access to the middle class.
We reflect on the devastation in Houston in the wake of Hurricane Harvey and the role climate change and bad public policy played in its creation.
Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters (WLCV) organizer Matt Dannenberg educates us on the mining industry’s latest push to roll back Wisconsin’s mining moratorium which protects our water and environment. Robert previews the next health care fight this fall in the federal budget and Jorna tells us about Congressman Grothman’s demand for other federal budget cuts to pay for Hurricane Harvey relief.
MADISON – Rep. Sondy Pope (D-Mount Horeb) offered the Democratic Weekly Radio Address Thursday on the new school year and the same old Republican tricks:
"On Tuesday, students across Wisconsin will pack their backpacks and head back to the classroom. Yet, we still don’t have a finalized state budget," Rep. Pope said. "Wisconsin has a proud tradition of quality public education. We need to make sure our kids have the tools they need to succeed as the future workforce of our state."
The audio file of this week’s address can be found here, and the video can be found here or below.
A written transcript of the address is below:
"Hi, I’m Representative Sondy Pope, ranking Democrat on the Assembly Committee on Education, with this week’s Democratic radio address.
"On Tuesday, students across Wisconsin will pack their backpacks and head back to the classroom. Yet, we still don’t have a finalized state budget. That means school districts across our state are left in the lurch, unsure about how much money they have to provide quality education for our children.
"That is why I was surprised this week when the Republicans on the Joint Finance Committee advanced a funding option for Wisconsin schools that still doesn’t make up for the mistakes of the past. Today, we’re still $1 billion dollars short of where we should be. Not a single proposal from Republicans would fill that hole.
"Wisconsin has a proud tradition of quality public education. We need to make sure our kids have the tools they need to succeed as the future workforce of our state.
"Democrats have a plan to put more money into schools and to lower property taxes. You can learn more about our plan at WICanDoBetter.com. That’s WICanDoBetter.com.
"As Democrats, we support our public schools, our teachers, and most of all, our students. As our main priority, we will continue the fight for them and the future of our great state.
Seven years into Scott Walker’s career as governor and we have little to show for his promises.
Wisconsinites care about ensuring every individual in their community has an equal opportunity to succeed in an economy that is fair. Those are our priorities, and our state budget should reflect them.
The Governor and Republicans were quick to say we can’t afford very minimal investments in Wisconsin residents, but they can’t give away our money fast enough when a billionaire shows up for a hand out.
The Governor and Republicans are quick to say we can’t afford to make very minimal investments to help the nearly 1 million Wisconsin residents refinance their student loans at lower rates or help nearly 1.5 million private workers save for retirement. But no sooner does a billionaire show up with their hand out, they can’t give away our money fast enough.
Deal Fails to Protect Wisconsin Taxpayers, workers victims of a Foxconn automation ‘bait and switch.’.
That’s why my Democratic colleagues and I offered common sense protections for our neighbors through amendments that would maintain environmental safeguards and ensure the health and safety of our waters and lands. We also offered an amendment that would have protected Wisconsin workers from being victims of a Foxconn automation ‘bait and switch.’
U.S. Senate hopeful says Foxconn deal is proof Republicans are listening.
“This will allow Wisconsin to lead the way and have quality, good-paying jobs for our workers and families for years to come. As technology evolves, we have heard from people who are afraid of what that means for their industries. Our action today will ensure that manufacturing continues to play an important role in Wisconsin’s economy.
Make sure Tuesday, Sept. 12 is a Fair Maps Day of Action.
Hurricanes and other human-made climate disasters, the latest Foxconn news, the state budget, and Trump’s attack on young immigrants with the termination of DACA.
"It is my hope that the Republican led Congress fixes this mistake by the Trump Administration", says Sen. Tim Carpenter of Milwaukee.
"I am proud that the United States of America is a great and diverse nation made up of immigrants from around the world and their descendants. Our country – and certainly the South Side of Milwaukee, where I have lived all my life – is richer for it.
Plan doesn’t create a sustainable funding solution, is littered with political pork, and sneaks in non-budget policy changes that strip local control.
“Republicans spent more than two months squabbling with each other and this is the result – a spending plan that still doesn’t create a sustainable funding solution, that is littered with political pork for their buddies, and sneaks in non-budget policy changes that strip local control from counties, towns, and cities across Wisconsin. Maybe we should have sent legislative Republicans back to school today because, yet again, they are failing.
The important role of unions, Hurricane Harvey, and the mining industry’s latest push to roll back Wisconsin’s mining moratorium.
MADISON – Rep. Sondy Pope (D-Mount Horeb) offered the Democratic Weekly Radio Address Thursday on the new school year and the same old Republican tricks:
"Hi, I’m Representative Sondy Pope, ranking Democrat on the Assembly Committee on Education, with this week’s Democratic radio address.