MILWAUKEE - We discuss quadriplegic Carl Schulze’s epic 92 mile ride to the Capitol in Madison in his wheelchair to protest Medicaid cuts and support increases to caregiver wages. His individual act of protest helps keep the pressure on elected officials who are failing to meet the moment.

We continue our analysis of the recently completed State Budget, analyzing its shortcomings on public education, child care, corrections, and health care. This all leads naturally to the big question hanging over Wisconsin politics, will Governor Evers run for re-election?  We also blast news that the GOP State Legislature majority paid $26 million to right-wing law firms for litigation legalized by the Lame Duck session of 2018, causing former Republican State Senator Dale Schultz to respond: “$26 million could have bought a lot of child care, could have bought a lot of health care, could have bought a lot of education.”

We close with review of federal activity including the U.S. Senate rescinding over $1 billion already appropriated for PBS and NPR. Also, Trump is planning on bypassing the Baldwin-Johnson judicial nominating commission in seeking replacement for retiring Federal Appeals Court Justice Dianne Sykes, and of course the biggest non-story of the week, the Epstein files.

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http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/veteran-older-s5.jpgState Republican action is careless and callous to veterans, says Smith.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/laura/us-capitol-big-bill-2025-s444.pngGovernment is about moving the money around and right depends on whose side you're on.

MILWAUKEE - We discuss the tragic, climate change fueled Texas floods and the perils of gutting the government. Wisconsin Congressman Derrick Van Orden who is still hiding from his constituents claimed credit for Wisconsin’s extra Medicaid dollars after voting to cut the healthcare program, prompting Congressman Mark Pocan to compare him to an arsonist who gives advice to his victims.

We continue our autopsy of the recently signed state budget, a missed opportunity for Wisconsin. We talk about the debilitating nature of the current Democratic leadership style that cedes power and demobilizes the public in the face of an increasingly authoritarian opponent. We dissected the last second hospital medicaid tax increase that gave more money with no strings attached to monopolistic health systems. The disgraceful education funding details in the budget are coming home to roost this week as school districts like Green Bay declare they will need to go to referendum and make cuts.

We close with a preview of the upcoming State Legislative session and exciting new legislation we will be organizing support for ahead of the 2026 election.

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http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/teacher-med-elementary-s453.jpgBipartisan agreement secured after months of negotiations includes significant investments in child care, K-12 schools, and the UW System statewide in 2025.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/laura/patriot-2025.png“Freedom” in America has become little more than a slogan. Other countries provide healthcare, education, and dignity without bragging about it. Meanwhile, the U.S. drowns in debt and calls it patriotism. We’re not the freest. We’re just the loudest.

MADISON, WI – Yesterday, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed into law 2025 Wisconsin Act 9 and 2025 Wisconsin Act 10, which would establish a framework for certifying psychiatric residential treatment facilities and establish a statewide system for sharing minors’ mental health safety plans.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/tony-evers-signs-dmv-s5.jpgBudget bill negotiated between Gov. Evers and Republican leaders is best alternative available, say Green Bay Senator.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/laura/needy-greedy-2025-s422.pngTrump’s “big beautiful bill” isn’t policy—it’s punishment. With $3.3 trillion in giveaways to the rich and a scorched-earth campaign against the poor, sick, and working class, this is America 2025: where billionaires get tax breaks and hungry families get cut off.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/healthcare-wicovered-web-s459.pngAdvocates urge Governor Evers to demand and deliver a better budget that truly works for Wisconsin.