MADISON - Senator Mark Miller released the following statement regarding the opinion in Gill v. Whitford by the United States Supreme Court:

“I am hugely disappointed the Supreme Court dismissed this case for lack of standing. I hope by returning this case to the district court that already ruled these maps unconstitutional, a remedy to finally allow voters to elect their representatives and not the other way around, will be found.

“Today’s opinion makes it clear that elections have consequences and the need for non-partisan redistricting reform is as important as ever. Time to get to work.”

The Foxconn deal is hitting taxpayers with more and more hidden fees beyond the $3 billion price tag initially advertised.

MADISON – After the Republican-controlled Joint Finance Committee again prioritized Foxconn-related projects over other communities across Wisconsin, Senator LaTonya Johnson released the following statement:

“Credit cards are advertised with ‘no hidden fees.’ Why? Because consumers really hate signing up for something and then finding out there are all kinds of hidden fees added in the fine print.

“Likewise, the Foxconn deal – which is already way too rich in my opinion – is hitting taxpayers with more and more hidden fees beyond the $3 billion price tag initially advertised.

“The transportation funding plan approved by Republicans on the Joint Finance Committee today is yet another example of taxpayers getting hit with the hidden costs of this bad deal. To add insult to injury, the I-94 north-south project should have been completed in 2016, but it’s not. This is because, for the past couple of budget cycles, the majority party has continued to delay projects, has failed to come up with a long-term transportation funding solution and has left Wisconsin roads with some of the worst rankings in the nation.

“Today, Republicans chose to funnel more funding to Foxconn projects rather than using federal highway funds to fix local highways across the state. This move comes even after up to $90 million from the State Highway Rehabilitation Fund has already been raided for Foxconn-related roads.

“The Foxconn deal keeps looking worse for taxpayers as our crumbling highways across the state continue to be neglected, costing every motorist who will pay more for car repairs caused by poor road condition.

“We need to stop putting all of our chips on Foxconn and make sure we maintain our economic infrastructure statewide, so all of our Wisconsin communities can prosper.”

Results from Tuesday’s special legislative elections, NE WI's own Lindsay Dorff on gerrymandering, and Attorney General Brad Schimel’s lawsuit to sabotage the ACA.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/juneteenth-1900-s5.jpgOn Tuesday we remember a critical piece of our country’s heritage, a day that honors and remembers the historic struggle for freedom of our ancestors.

Thank you judge, the campaign for U.S. Senate, Medicare at risk, and more money for Foxconn.

Sen. Patty Schachtner talks about the issue of suicide and how we have to invest in mental health resources.

MADISON, WI – Senator Patty Schachtner (D-Somerset) offered the weekly Democratic radio address today.

The audio file of this week’s address can be found here.

A written transcript of the address is below:

“Hi, I’m State Senator Patty Schachtner with this week’s Democratic Radio Address.

“Suicide is an issue that touches every Wisconsin community. It affects our families, our students, and our colleagues. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in our nation, with 121 Americans dying by suicide each day.

“As a medical examiner, I work closely with law enforcement to investigate deaths and speak with families. I know that each death by suicide creates a ripple effect that touches family, friends, and neighbors.

“I also know that these deaths are preventable and that we can do more to reach people who are struggling.

“That’s why I supported legislation to provide funding for a 24/7 text-based suicide prevention hotline.

“It is why I partner with schools not just to implement trauma-informed care, but to create trauma-responsive communities.

“In the next legislative session, we have an opportunity to expand access to mental health resources, and reduce the number of deaths by suicide.

“One priority is to join 34 other states and expand Medicaid, which can save Wisconsin taxpayers millions of dollars and ensure more people have access to health care at the same time.

“Another is to revisit the Medicaid reimbursement rate for services offered during a mental health emergency detention.

“Moving forward means that we need to invest in our priorities. That means investing in mental health resources.

“Thank you.”

Citizen Action radio discusses the races for Governor, U.S. Senate, and the critical special election in the 1st State Senate District in Northeast Wisconsin.

Sen. Jennifer Shilling tells us how we can support Wisconsin’s family farmers and ensure everyone can enjoy healthy, affordable and locally-grown food options.

MADISON, WI – Senator Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) offered the weekly Democratic radio address today.

The audio file of this week’s address can be found here.

A written transcript of the address is below:

“Hi, I’m State Senator Jennifer Shilling with this week’s Democratic Radio Address.

“I don’t know about you, but my family looks forward to June all year. Not just because school is out, but because June is Dairy Month in Wisconsin!

“It’s a time for us to celebrate all of our hardworking dairy producers, milk processors, and local farm families that make Wisconsin “America’s Dairyland.”

“Throughout the month, you can take advantage of many family-friendly activities including parades, cheese tastings, and my favorite – dairy breakfasts on the farm!

“These events highlight the importance of our farming heritage and are a great way to learn more about where our food comes from.

“This month is also a good time to ask ourselves how we can support local farmers and strengthen our communities.

“In the legislature, Democrats have championed successful initiatives like Farm to School and the Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin program. We’ve fought to expand health care access, invest in broadband infrastructure and protect funding for UW-Extension agents who work one-on-one with area farmers.

“By promoting financial security and expanding economic opportunities, we can support Wisconsin’s family farmers and ensure everyone can enjoy healthy, affordable and locally-grown food options.

“I hope you’ll join me in celebrating June Dairy Month by getting out and learning more about our local dairy farmers. To find an event in your area, you can visit “HoorayWisconsinDairy.com” and enjoy all of the great events Wisconsin has to offer.”

Milwaukee Police hassle Buck's guard Sterling Brown, Foxconn production plans, worker legal rights in the workplace, and Leon Young’s sudden decision not to run.

Next Monday, May 28th, is Memorial Day. Since the Civil War, approximately 1.4 million Americans have be killed serving our country. Let’s take a little time to honor them.

MADISON, WI – Senator Fred Risser (D-Madison) offered the weekly Democratic radio address today. 

The audio file of this week’s address can be found here: 
http://media2.legis.wisconsin.gov/multimedia/Sen26/risserradio052418.mp3

A written transcript of the address is below:

“Hi, I’m State Senator Fred Risser. This coming Monday, May 28th we observe Memorial Day. Its history began after the Civil War in 1868 - then known as Decoration Day – as a time to decorate the graves of those who died in the Civil War with flowers.

"Since the Civil War, approximately 1.4 million Americans have been killed serving our country and defending our personal freedom and liberties. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit the American Soldier's Cemetery in Normandy, France. It was an unforgettable feeling standing on the sands of Omaha Beach, where the D-Day landing took place, contemplating what those courageous American Soldiers suffered for us and to pay respects to the 9,387 heroes buried there.

"I happen to be the last living veteran of World War Two to be currently serving in the Wisconsin Legislature. I firmly believe we can't turn our backs on our veterans, of not only WWII but of all wars, after all the sacrifices they and their families have endured. Please, take a moment to practice a little patriotism this Memorial Day and remember those veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”