President, First Lady coming to Superior to reaffirm Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to build back better.

MADISON, Wis. – Today, President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden are traveling to Wisconsin to celebrate the impact the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will have on Superior and surrounding lakeside communities. Ahead of the President’s visit, Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler released the following statement:

“Thanks to the close partnership between President Biden, Governor Evers, and our Democratic delegation in Congress, the federal government is funding and prioritizing projects that will benefit every city and town in our state – from Superior to Milwaukee to Platteville.

“Today is a celebration of President Biden and Democrats delivering much-needed relief to our state and a referendum on the Wisconsin GOP – including Superior’s own representative, Tom Tiffany – who voted against these critical investments without concern for the communities they represent. Despite Wisconsin Republicans’ obstruction, working families in Superior and throughout Wisconsin are thankful to President Biden and Democrats for providing the largest federal investment in infrastructure in history.

“President Biden’s infrastructure law is going to benefit every neighborhood in the Badger State – especially in communities along the Great Lakes – and is just another example of how the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress are working to build Wisconsin back better.”

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will dedicate millions in funding from the Biden-Harris administration to ensuring that Wisconsin’s ports are efficient – lowering costs for families and small businesses, reducing supply chain bottlenecks, and improving air quality. The Port of Superior-Duluth will receive $19 million from the infrastructure law, funding critical reconstruction and dredging efforts that will revitalize the largest port on the Great Lakes.

This trip reaffirms the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to delivering for Wisconsin – in just one year, Vice President Kamala Harris, EPA Administrator Michael Regan, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, and more administration officials have visited the Badger State.

Read more about how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will benefit Wisconsin’s ports here.

MADISON, Wis. – Friday, following President Biden nominating Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the United States Supreme Court, Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler issued the following statement:

“Judge Jackson is a top jurist with strong experience practicing law and on the federal bench – her merit, her experience, and her unwavering dedication to the law make her an exceptionally qualified nominee. In nominating the eminently qualified Judge Jackson, President Biden has fulfilled his promise to nominate the first Black woman to the Supreme Court of the United States.

“By confirming Judge Jackson, the U.S. Senate will deliver a superb jurist to the nation’s highest court. As the first Supreme Court Justice to have served as a public defender, Judge Jackson will offer a vital perspective to the Supreme Court and stand up for the law and Constitution—not a conservative political agenda—on the issues that matter most to Wisconsinites, from voting rights to health care.

“Today, President Biden made history with his choice of nominee. Soon, Judge Jackson will be making history as one of our nation’s great Supreme Court Justices.”

To learn more about Judge Jackson’s undeniable accomplishments as a public defender, Vice Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, Judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit visit: www.whitehouse.gov/KBJ/.

Republicans in the state Assembly passed legislation Tuesday that would make most private school students eligible for a taxpayer-funded tuition subsidy.

MADISON, Wis. – On Tuesday, Republicans in the state Assembly passed a bill that could raise property taxes for Wisconsinites by as much as $577 million, according to a Department of Public Instruction analysis.

This disastrous bill would direct funding from neighborhood public schools towards private schools, at a huge cost to Wisconsin residents already facing rising costs.

In addition to support from legislative Republicans, gubernatorial candidates Rebecca Kleefisch and Kevin Nicholson have long supported similar policies which would redirect funds to unaccountable private schools and send property taxes soaring.

The legislation is a signal of harmful policies to come for Wisconsin residents if Republicans take control of the governor’s office. After historic tax relief under Gov. Evers and other policies to move our state forward, Republican legislation like this will hurt working families and fixed income seniors.

This is despite Wisconsin public schools’ ranking as eighth best in the nation under the leadership of Gov. Evers, after falling to 18th less than five years ago under the Walker-Kleefisch administration.

Gov. Evers is helping Wisconsin families get ahead. That’s why he has cut income taxes by 15% during his first term, and has proposed giving a portion of the state’s surplus back to each Wisconsin tax filer and their dependents through a $150 tax credit – giving a family of four $600. Gov. Evers’ surplus plan will also improve education quality while delivering $188 million in property tax relief.

“With this proposal to raise property taxes by nearly $600 million, Republicans continue to prove that their policies would hurt working families,” said Democratic Party of Wisconsin Rapid Response Director Hannah Menchhoff. “Radical Rebecca Kleefisch and Kevin Nicholson are only interested in dividing our state further by defunding our public schools and skyrocketing property taxes. That math doesn’t add up.”

Read more about the Republican plan to raise property taxes below:

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Bill offering private school vouchers to all students could raise property taxes as much as $577M, DPI says

Republicans in the state Assembly passed legislation Tuesday that would make most private school students eligible for a taxpayer-funded tuition subsidy — a plan that could raise property taxes by as much as $577 million, according to an estimate from the state education agency.

The bill would lift enrollment and household income limits in the state's private school voucher programs, allowing families who are already paying tuition at private schools to start receiving a public subsidy.

[…]

Since 2011, Republican lawmakers have expanded the [private-school voucher] program to include wealthier students and to areas outside of Milwaukee.

The Department of Public Instruction estimates a bill passed 59-34 Tuesday would raise property taxes by as much as $577 million for residents living outside of Milwaukee. In Milwaukee, the property tax impact would be about a $2 million increase, according to the estimate from DPI.

"This local property tax hike is over a half of a billion dollars a year and that is to fund a competing school system that began 30 years ago as a little pilot program for our students in poverty," Rep. Sondy Pope, D-Mount Horeb, said.

[…]

The DPI's analysis of the bill's effect on property taxes assumes an enrollment increase of 67,869 students in the statewide and Racine programs. Currently, a total of 18,392 students are enrolled among private schools participating in those voucher programs.

Overall, 48,919 students are enrolled in the state's four voucher programs, including those in Milwaukee and for students with disabilities.

Another 35,876 students attend the same private schools but are paying full tuition — many of which would be eligible to begin receiving a voucher to subsidize the cost under the bill passed Tuesday that would lift income limits on all of the state's programs and enrollment limits in the statewide program.

Overall, about 119,000 students are enrolled in private schools across Wisconsin.

Property taxes are likely to increase in areas of the state if the bill is implemented because school district officials are allowed under state law to raise revenue to make up for the loss of state aid when students residing in the district enroll in private schools using a private school voucher.

Vouchers provided under the Racine and statewide programs are funded by redirecting the state aid that would have gone to the public school district where the student using a voucher resides.

Tribal nations are critical to our state’s past, present and future, says Rep. Stubbs.

MADISON, WI- Tuesday, Stockbridge-Munsee President Shannon Holsey delivered the 18^th annual State of the Tribes address. On this occasion, Representative Stubbs (D-Madison) released the following statement.

“It was an honor to hear the wise words of Stockbridge-Munsee President Shannon Holsey, and to recognize the sovereign tribal nations of Wisconsin. It is clear, Wisconsin is not Wisconsin without the people of our tribal nations. I commend President Holsey for her leadership, and for sharing the issues that continue to face sovereign tribal communities.”

“During her speech, President Holsey shared support for increased economic opportunity, involvement in our democracy, and protection for our natural resources. Her comprehensive speech showed the deep history of tribal involvement in our state, and their vital role moving forward. I applaud her leadership and look forward to uplifting the voices of Wisconsin’s first inhabitants in throughout this next year.”

“President Holsey also noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to domestic violence programs across Wisconsin. I wholeheartedly agree that Wisconsin needs more resources for victims of this kind of violence, and we must address how this violence impacts entire communities.”

“The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Taskforce is hard at work collecting data, assessing the impact this violence has on families, and coming up with legislative solutions. This Taskforce is a direct effort to confront this very real issue in indigenous communities, and I am proud to support it in any way that I can.”

“Our sovereign tribal nations are critical to our state’s past, present and future. As a state, we must uplift their history, recognize their sovereignty, and appreciate all of their contributions to our shared community.”

Senator Agard says Tuesday's bills prove that the Republican agenda is focused solely on anti-democratic principles and conspiracy theories.

Madison, WI - Tuesday, Senate Republicans brought forward a series of bills that would limit our democracy and restrict voting rights. Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) released the following statement:

“Republicans in Wisconsin continue to promote the ‘Big Lie’ and attack our democratic institutions. The series of bills today continue to prove that the Republican agenda is focused solely on anti-democratic principles and conspiracy theories. The Republican obsession with the 2020 election needs to end. Our elections are safe, free, and fair. Our election workers and administrators do admirable, selfless work in the interest of safeguarding our democracy.

“It is shameful that Republicans continue attacking voting rights rather than empowering Wisconsinites and working to ensure that our elections are more accessible for everyone. This attempt to chip away at our democracy is disturbing and intolerable.

“My Democratic colleagues and I are committed to protecting voting rights. We are committed to supporting BIPOC communities whose rights are constantly under siege by a majority party that is intent on limiting their voices. We are committed to supporting clerks and election officers who work so hard on Wisconsinites’ behalf. We are committed to upholding one of our most sacred of principles: the doctrine of one person, one vote.

“Everyone in Wisconsin should breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Governor Evers’ veto pen will strike down these damaging bills. We must remain vigilant in spite of the GOP’s pursuit of power to limit the people’s voice in Wisconsin and nationally.”

MADISON, Wis. - Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler issued the following statement on the endorsement of Mayor Cavalier Johnson for Mayor of Milwaukee:

“The Democratic Party of Wisconsin is proud to endorse Mayor Cavalier Johnson for Mayor of Milwaukee. Cavalier represents a new generation of leadership, and brings the vision and solutions necessary to build a more prosperous, more just Milwaukee. While Republican politicians seek to score political points through fear and division, Cavalier remains focused on the priorities that matter to Milwaukeeans: safe streets, good jobs, and a strong middle class.

“Today, Wisconsin Democrats speak in one voice: Cavalier Johnson is the mayor Milwaukee needs, and Bucks in six!”

Wisconsinites are tired of the division and the hate coming from the GOP, say DEMS.

MADISON, Wis. — Tonight is Governor Evers’ 2022 State of the State address. And while Governor Evers has been busy delivering for working families, Republicans have been focused on brutal internal fighting and partisan games. Election conspiracy theorist Tim Ramthun continued to vie for a Trump endorsement, and Rebecca Kleefisch and Kevin Nicholson ramped up their insults at one another.

On WSAU’s Feedback last week, Kleefisch called Nicholson an “opportunist” who will “say or do anything” to “become part of the political establishment that he claims to hate so much” [8:19]. Nicholson, meanwhile, came out against Kleefisch’s plan to make radical changes to our election system, calling it “an attempt to grab headlines” — while proposing his own unnecessary changes, in an attempt to grab headlines.

Kleefisch alluded that all this back and forth could turn the primary into “a dumpster fire,” and placed the blame on Nicholson, who “lights the matches and tosses them in” [12:04]. In all this back and forth, not a single Republican candidate running for governor is focused on solutions for the real problems that face Wisconsin. All they have to offer the state is a divisive primary for governor that is tearing their party apart.

“How can Republicans expect to run the state when their own party is turning into, as Rebecca Kleefisch calls it, ‘a dumpster fire,’” said Democratic Party of Wisconsin Communications Director Iris Riis. “Wisconsinites are tired of the division and the hate coming from the GOP. Governor Evers knows that doing the right thing is more important than ‘winning’ petty political fights — that’s why he was elected by the people in 2018, and that’s why no matter who the GOP nominates, Wisconsin will elect him again in 2022.”

MADISON, Wis. — This week marks the ninth anniversary of the day Rebecca Kleefisch and Scott Walker refused to expand BadgerCare and turned down billions of dollars in investments for health care in Wisconsin.

The Walker-Kleefisch administration was notorious for championing policies that hurt Wisconsinites for their own political gain.

Expanding BadgerCare at the time Kleefisch was in office would have:

• Made 82,000 Wisconsinites eligible for care,
• Saved the state $643 million,
• Decreased the uninsured population by sixteen percent.

As if blocking access to affordable health care wasn’t enough, Kleefisch also supported a lawsuit that Walker authorized, which would have ended protections for 2.5 million Wisconsinites with pre-existing conditions. And while Kleefisch railed against expanding affordable health care for all Wisconsinites, she benefited greatly from her husband’s government-run health care plan.

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler released the following statement:

“Nine years ago, Rebecca Kleefisch and Scott Walker decided to put partisan political spite above health care for Wisconsinites. Today, their failure on BadgerCare expansion still blocks 90,000 people from affordable health care. And for what? All because Kleefisch and Walker couldn’t stand that the check was signed by a Democratic president. Republicans will do anything to make sure Democrats fail, even if it comes at the expense of Wisconsinites.

“We can’t trust Rebecca Kleefisch with our health care. Her radical agenda for our state includes stripping away Wisconsinites’ right to make their own personal reproductive health care decisions, repealing the Affordable Care Act—which would result in more than a million Wisconsinites losing their health insurance—and continuing to reject BadgerCare expansion, which means Wisconsinites’ taxes go to pay for insurance in other states because we refuse to accept $1.6 billion in federal dollars. . We’ve already watched Walker and Kleefisch turn up their noses at high-speed trains built for Wisconsin. Let’s not let Kleefisch give away our taxpayer money and our health care too.”

Says Johnson has failed to bring jobs and investment back to Wisconsin

Milwaukee - Friday, Alex Lasry released the following statement on Republican Senator Ron Johnson’s continued refusal to stand up for Wisconsin workers and his continued attempts to blame others for his words:

“If we want the best trucks, done on time–and on budget–those jobs should be brought here to Wisconsin. We have the best trained and most efficient workers in the world, and the necessary facilities to get the job done. 

“Throughout Ron Johnson’s two terms, he has failed to bring jobs and investment back to Wisconsin, and that is exactly what is happening once again. Ron Johnson is rejecting more than a 1000 good union jobs and he knows that won’t fly with Wisconsinites, so now he is making excuses and trying to blame everyone but himself. We need another Senator who will deliver for Wisconsin, not just make excuses.

“I want to be a partner for Tammy Baldwin to bring investments like these good union jobs to Wisconsin. I have a proven record of raising wages, bringing jobs and investments to our state, and building things right here in Wisconsin. That’s exactly what I’ll do as Wisconsin’s next U.S. Senator.”

The Democratic Primary Election for the United States Senate will be held Tuesday, August 9th, 2022. For more information about Alex Lasry’s campaign, visit www.alexlasry.com.

"I did vote for you [Johnson] because you were something different. I have been disappointed with your policies and more specifically in your [siding] with one person over the country." - Debra, a former supporter from Kenosha.

MADISON, Wis. – Yesterday, Ron Johnson held a tele-townhall where Wisconsinites, including those who voted for him, peppered him with questions about his record of putting politics over Wisconsin families, his refusal to fight to bring more than 1,000 good-paying manufacturing jobs to his own hometown of Oshkosh, and his opposition to helping working families afford child care.

See more below about the grilling Ron Johnson took from Wisconsinites fed up with his self-serving agenda:

The American Independent: Frustrated Wisconsin voters remind Ron Johnson why his approval rating is 35%

The Republican senator got an earful from angry voters at a town hall on Tuesday night.

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) announced last month he will break his term-limits pledge and seek a third term this November. He said days later that his sagging approval ratings — around 35% in recent polls — are entirely the media's fault and claimed, "I'm not a polarizing figure at all."

On Tuesday night, several of his constituents joined his telephone town hall and made it clear that they strongly disagree with those self-assessments.

Johnson was grilled by multiple callers from across Wisconsin about his recent comments and his record.

Susan, a self-described 50-something "disabled veteran," noted the lack of good jobs available in Kenosha and high costs, saying "I want your answer to why you shipped jobs to South Carolina and not Kenosha, Wisconsin? We need help!"

Johnson, who has been under fire for refusing to try to persuade the Wisconsin-based Oshkosh Defense to locate 1,000 new manufacturing jobs in the state instead of to South Carolina, had argued on Saturday, "It's not like we don't have enough jobs here in Wisconsin. The biggest problem we have in Wisconsin right now is employers not being able to find enough workers."

Johnson told Susan that "economic development is not universally distributed" and that the best approach is "to have a competitive tax system and a reasonable regulatory environment, and then you get out of the way and allow entrepreneurs." Pressed further, Johnson scolded the caller for not listening to his answers and moved on.

Debra, a former supporter also from Kenosha, called out Johnson, who voted with President Donald Trump 86% of the time and ranked 60th out of 100 for bipartisanship in The Lugar Center/McCourt School's index for the last Congress, for not being bipartisan enough and for his fealty to the former president.

"I did vote for you because you were something different. I have been disappointed with your policies and more specifically in your [siding] with one person over the country," Debra said. "At what point are you going to quit complaining about what has or hasn't happened in your eyes and when are you gonna start reaching across the aisle and start working with your Democratic colleagues to get things done?"

"I'd say you're probably relying too much on reports in the news media that aren't accurate," he responded, noting that he had worked with both parties to pass non-controversial right to try legislation in 2018 and that he had been a leader in promoting dangerous conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I bring the attitude 'Let's concentrate on areas of agreement, let's not exploit political divisions,'" Johnson claimed, making no mention of his repeated false claims about the 2020 election and the Jan. 2021 Capitol insurrection by Trump supporters.

Another constituent named Garrick criticized the millionaire Johnson over his recent comments suggesting that providing affordable child care is not "society's responsibility" and pointed out the contradiction between that and Johnson's abortion views.

"You're supposed to be pro-life, or at least you're running on a pro-life platform, but you say it isn't society's responsibility to take care of other people's children. Yet we're giving tax breaks to millionaires, billionaires, and wealthy corporations and I don't know how you're gonna get the pro-choice side to make logical decisions and have the kid if we're not even giving the tools of daycare to be able to make that decision," Garrick said.

Johnson pointed to a disputed estimate that a Democratic proposal in the Build Back Better package to pay child care workers a livable wage would mean a $13,000 per year cost increase for some families and tried to suggest that by "society" he had only meant the federal government. "I was talking about the fact that another federal government program when we're $30 trillion in debt when all this deficit spending is sparking inflation," he said.

Pressed further, Johnson complained, "It's very unusual that people won't let me answer the question, so we're gonna cut off Garrick."

Michael, who also identified as a retired military officer, questioned Johnson's decision to break his promise to only serve 12 years in the Senate, asking: "In the military, respect and trust go a long way. In 2016, you stated you only plan to run for one more term. How can we trust you if you go against what you stated you wanted to do?"

Johnson, who had co-sponsored a 2011 constitutional amendment proposal to limit all senators to two six-year terms, answered that he had hoped to retire after that period but simply couldn't "walk away" from the nation's problems now.

"It was my very strong preference, and trust me, my wife's very strong preference, to serve out this term and go home," he claimed. "But that country is in a different place today than it was in 2016."

"I feel really bad that I've been here now probably 11 years and we've doubled the debt. Obamacare's still in place, and we've doubled the debt," Johnson told a right-wing podcaster last summer. "I don't feel like my time here has been particularly successful."

The callers on Tuesday night's phone town hall seemed to agree with Johnson on that point.