State Senator joined with UnityPoint Meriter nurses at a press conference Tuesday advocating for a fair contract.

MADISON - Tuesday, Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) and Democratic colleagues from the State Senate and State Assembly joined with UnityPoint Meriter nurses at a press conference advocating for a fair contract as they head into further contract negotiations this week. Senator Agard released the following statement:

“The UnityPoint Meriter nurses have not chosen the easy path. No one makes the decision to give a strike notification lightly. Inherently, they have chosen a career in nursing because they are caretakers. They ensure our community is healthy and safe, and ensure our family members are cared for during the most challenging times in their lives.

“The fact is, you can’t talk about nurses as “health care heroes” and then treat them as less than that. The commitment, passion, and determination of Wisconsin’s nurses has never been more clear. Everyday, they advocate for their patients and now they are simply advocating for themselves. To every nurse at UnityPoint Meriter, I honor your sacrifice, I understand the value in the work that you do, and I will stand shoulder to shoulder with you throughout these contract negotiations until you get a fair deal.

“Everything the UnityPoint Meriter nurses are calling for is what each of us would expect from a job including: a safe work environment, fair compensation, and work-life balance. They are simply asking for a fair deal so they can take care of themselves and their families.”

Holsey is currently serving her third term as the President of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians, after becoming the youngest person ever elected to the post in 2015.

Milwaukee - Alex Lasry today announced the endorsement of Shannon Holsey, President of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians. President Holsey is the latest addition to a growing list of people from across the state who are supporting Alex Lasry to be Wisconsin’s next U.S. Senator.

“We need a U.S. Senator that will put in the work necessary to understand and represent the issues facing Wisconsin’s native nations,” said President Shannon Holsey. “Alex Lasry is engaging tribal leaders and learning about the concerns of our constituents and how to serve a very diverse state with a broad set of needs. He is the person that I trust to represent Wisconsin’s sovereign tribal nations, and I’m proud to endorse his campaign to be Wisconsin's next U.S. Senator.”

Holsey is currently serving her third term as the President of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians, after becoming the youngest person ever elected to the post in 2015. Holsey also serves as President of the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, representing the eleven member tribes in Wisconsin and as the Treasurer of the National Congress of American Indians, the oldest, largest and most representative American Indian and Alaskan Native organization. Holsey has been active in Democratic politics and was chosen as one of Wisconsin’s electors to cast the state’s Electoral College votes for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in 2020.

“I could not be more excited to have the support of President Shannon Holsey,” said Alex Lasry. “President Holsey has been a leader both in Wisconsin and nationally and has been a strong advocate for Wisconsin’s tribal nations. I look forward to working with her and I’m extremely grateful to have her on our team as we continue to build the statewide coalition to start delivering real results for the people of Wisconsin.”

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

Gallagher joined all of his fellow Republicans in opposing the American Rescue Plan signed into law by President Biden Thursday.

MADISON — Republican Congressman Mike Gallagher voted this week to reject more than $5.7 billion for Wisconsin’s state and local governments, including millions for the counties and cities he represents in Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District. 

Gallagher joined all of his fellow Republicans in opposing the American Rescue Plan signed into law by President Biden yesterday. In doing so, he opposed more than $14.7 million for the city of Appleton and more than $25.2 million for his own hometown of Green Bay.

Gallagher also voted against more than $174 million for Eighth District counties.

“Help is on the way for Wisconsin families and businesses, but only because Mike Gallagher didn’t get his way,” said Chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, Ben Wikler. “The American Rescue plan includes $1,400 survival checks for American families, extended unemployment benefits, funding for vaccine distribution, and aid to help cities and states pay essential workers and provide vital services. None of those measures should be partisan or controversial one year into a global pandemic, but Mike Gallagher continues to put politics over people.”

The pandemic and recession have simultaneously increased spending needs and devastated revenues for state and local governments. The State and Local Fiscal Aid funding in the American Rescue plan will allow Wisconsin counties and municipalities to retain or rehire first responders, public health officials, and other essential public servants and to preserve critical services for residents.

Below are the funding allocations for Eighth District counties, which Congressman Gallagher worked to derail.

• $14,759,070 for the city of Appleton
• $25,234,117 for the city of Green Bay
• $51,306,292 for Brown County
• $9,714,453 for Calumet County
• $5,366,038 for Door County
• $3,963,048 for Kewaunee County
• $7,825,634 for Marinette County
• $883,608 for Menominee County
• $7,356,290 for Oconto County
• $36,439,139 for Outagamie County
• $7,932,109 for Shawano County
• $9,889,197 for Waupaca County
• $33,340,304 for Winnebago County

Local races take center stage in latest round of endorsements.

MADISON – Wisconsin Conservation Voters is proud to announce its endorsements for candidates running for office in the Spring 2021 election.

This slate of endorsements focuses on local candidates in local elections. Wisconsin Conservation Voters is proud to be working shoulder-to-shoulder in communities across the state to identify and support candidates whose values intersect with its own.

“Our endorsed candidates share our values: clean water, clean air, accessible public lands, an equitable, safe democracy, and the pursuit of clean energy,” said Executive Director Kerry Schumann. “We’re proud to endorse this most recent slate of local candidates who will fight for a brighter, cleaner, more equitable Wisconsin.”

The Wisconsin Conservation Voters Board vets candidates through a questionnaire, a personal interview, and research on each prospective candidate and their campaigns. For local races, Wisconsin Conservation Voters forms local committees to conduct this vetting process, which allows for a better understanding of local issues, concerns, and community connections.

Wisconsin Conservation Voters endorses the following candidates:

Northeast

• Wendy Bolm, Appleton Common Council District 1
• Brad Firkus (i), Appleton Common Council District 3
• Alex Schultz, Appleton Common Council District 9
• Kyle Lobner (i), Appleton Common Council District 13
• Walt Lontkowski, Appleton Common Council District 15
• Jonathon Hansen (i), De Pere Common Council District 2
• Andrew Becker (i), Green Bay School District (at large)
• Bryan Milz, Green Bay School District (at large)
• Cindy Boyle, Town of Peshtigo Board of Supervisors Chair

West

• Mitch Reynolds, City of La Crosse Mayor
• Mackenzie Mindel, La Crosse Common Council District 8
• KC Cayo (write-in candidate), La Crosse Common Council District 9
• Rebecca Schwarz, La Crosse Common Council District 10
• Mark Neumann, La Crosse Common Council District 13
• Jim Swanson, School District of the Menomonie Area (at large)
• Donna Thibado, School District of the Menomonie Area (at large)

Southeast

• Dana Kelley, Milwaukee School Board District 4
• Jilly Gokalghandi, Milwaukee School Board District 5
• Marcela Garcia, Milwaukee School Board District 6
• Henry Leonard, Milwaukee School Board District 7
• Darrin Madison, Milwaukee County Board District 10
• Brendan Burns, West Allis-West Milwaukee School Board (at large)
• Emily Siegrist, Village of Brown Deer Board of Trustees (at large)

Legislature

• Karl Jaeger, Assembly District 89 (special election)

“The old quote that ‘all politics is local’ rings true in Wisconsin,” said Organizing and Political Director Seth Hoffmeister. “Local candidates running for offices like school board, common council, and county boards often have the greatest impact on the direction of a community. These candidates are conservation minded and are working to make their communities cleaner, healthier, and more equitable. Their dedication to those shared ideals will have a positive impact on Wisconsin’s future.”

For more information, go to conservationvoters.org/elections.

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Engaging voters to protect Wisconsin’s environment.

Their leadership puts contrast with Republicans in stark relief. Ron Johnson, Bryan Steil, Scott Fitzgerald, Glenn Grothman, Tom Tiffany, and Mike Gallagher set out to delay and destroy this legislation, and they all voted against it.

MADISON - Wednesday, thanks to Democratic leadership, the American Rescue Plan passed the House and now moves quickly to President Biden for his signature. Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler issued this statement celebrating Democratic leaders for making relief possible: 

“When President Biden took office, he promised that help was on the way — and today, thanks to Democratic leadership, that promise is a reality. Every single Wisconsin Democrat helped make this historic legislation possible. Senator Tammy Baldwin, and Representatives Mark Pocan, Ron Kind, and Gwen Moore, all played a role in delivering critical funding for vaccine distribution, passing $1,400 survival checks for American families, extending unemployment benefits, and approving bold policies that will cut child poverty in half. This is why we elect people to serve. This is what leadership looks like. This is how we will end this pandemic and build back better — in communities across Wisconsin, and around the country. 

“Their leadership puts the contrast with Republicans in stark relief. Every single Wisconsin Republican — Ron Johnson, Bryan Steil, Scott Fitzgerald, Glenn Grothman, Tom Tiffany, and Mike Gallagher — set out to delay and destroy this legislation, and they all voted against it.

“We are so grateful to have Democratic leaders who could overcome these cynical tactics, and secure real help for Wisconsin families and businesses. Thank you Senator Baldwin and Representatives Pocan, Kind, and Moore for standing with the people of Wisconsin — and standing for our recovery.”

Milwaukee - Alex Lasry announced the endorsements of seven current and former Milwaukee Common Council members in support of his campaign for the United States Senate.

Lasry’s list of Milwaukee Common Council endorsements includes:

• Common Council President Cavalier Johnson
• Alderman and former Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton
• Alderman Mark Borkowski
• Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd
• Alderman Khalif Rainey
• Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa
• Former Common Council President Willie Hines

“Alex has been a great community partner. He’s not afraid of tackling the big problems in our city and he’s willing to lead in ways that pull everyone together.” said Alderman Ashanti Hamilton. “That’s exactly the kind of representation Wisconsin needs in the U.S. Senate and that’s why I’m endorsing Alex Lasry.”

“The community-first approach that Alex has shown to address the issues that face Milwaukee and Wisconsin is the kind of collaborative attitude that we will need from our next Senator,” said former Milwaukee Common Council President Willie Hines. “We need someone that has the ability to bring people together from all different backgrounds to get things done. I’ve seen Alex do this in Milwaukee, and I know that he will do the same thing for all Wisconsinites, regardless of where they live.”

“Under Alex’s leadership, the Milwaukee Bucks have been a shining example of what corporate citizenship can be. It makes a real difference in a community to have an organization advancing issues and policies that make the lives of the surrounding residents better,” said Alderman Khalif Rainey. “With someone like Alex representing us in the United States Senate, this can be a reality for businesses and communities across Wisconsin and across the country. I’m proud to endorse Alex to be our next U.S. Senator.”

“Alex does everything that he can to fight for Wisconsin and the City of Milwaukee,” said Alderman Mark Borkowski. “Whether it was building the arena to create jobs for Wisconsinites and business for Wisconsin manufacturers or working to land the Democratic National convention here, Alex has been one of the most vocal proponents for our state. We need this energy in the U.S. Senate, we need someone who will fight every day for Wisconsin.”

Additionally, Johnson, Dodd, and Zamarripa appeared in Lasry’s announcement video to kick off the campaign.

“I am honored by the outpouring of support from these great Milwaukee leaders,” said Alex Lasry. “I couldn’t be prouder of the diverse, statewide coalition that is supporting our growing campaign for the United States Senate.”

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

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/voting-dropbox-s5.jpgWe need to protect early voting, automate registration, improve ADA accessibility, and allow people who have been convicted of a felony to vote upon release, say rights advocates.

Attorney Rachel Maes, has been named one of the “40 Best LGBT Lawyers Under 40”. She is running for Brown County Circuit Court Judge.

BROWN COUNTY, WI - Candidate for Brown County Circuit Court Judge, Attorney Rachel Maes, has been named one of the “40 Best LGBT Lawyers Under 40” by The National LGBT Bar Association, an affiliate of the American Bar Association.

“Each year, the LGBT Bar recognizes LGBTQ+ legal professionals (practicing lawyers, law professors, corporate counsel, members of the judiciary, politicians, etc.) under the age of 40 who have distinguished themselves in their field and have demonstrated a profound commitment to LGBTQ+ equality. Awardees are recognized each year at our Lavender Law® Conference and Career Fair.

The LGBT Bar has a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that this critical value should infuse every aspect of our work, including our awardee selection processes. We recognize that the 40 Under 40 awards serve in significant part to identify truly excellent LGBTQ+ lawyers within and to the greater legal community, and in so doing, play an important part in building a pipeline for the future success of LGBTQ+ lawyers. There are far many more worthy candidates nominated each year than the available 40 award slots. The Bar is proud that the final full class of 2021 winners reflects our organizational commitment to supporting and lifting up nominees who, in addition to being excellent LGBTQ+ lawyers, fairly represent identities of our most marginalized populations, including transgender and nonbinary people, people of color, bisexual people, people with disabilities, and women.”

More information about Atty. Rachel Maes can be found on her website maesforjudge.com, on Facebook, and on Instagram.

Health Care Heroes deserve respect, protection, and a voice in the workplace, says Madison area State Senator.

MADISON - This past month, nurses at UnityPoint Health-Meriter have been at the bargaining table with management, advocating for a fair contract that would create a more collaborative, safer, and respectful work environment that will improve the lives of nurses and patients. Meriter nurses voted on March 5th to authorize their bargaining committee to do what is necessary to win a fair contract, including authorizing them to issue a strike notice, if absolutely necessary. Today, Senator Agard (D-Madison) called on Unity Point-Meriter to settle a fair contract that meets the needs of nurses in our community. Senator Agard released the following statement:

“Nurses have been here for us throughout the worst pandemic in a century, it’s time for us to be there for them. For too long, nurses have been asked to do more with less, provide care without adequate support or resources, and have not been respected as the professionals and essential workers they are.

“This pandemic has exposed serious inequities in our healthcare system. The fact is, the contract platform the UnityPoint-Meriter nurses have put forward is what we all want in our lives: a safe work environment, fair compensation, and work-life balance.

“It is time for our community to understand nurses' worth and their importance in all of our lives. Today, I want to say to all the nurses at UnityPoint Meriter that I honor their sacrifice, I understand the value in the work that they do, and I will stand shoulder to shoulder with them throughout these contract negotiations.”

Wisconsin Republicans are more zealous than ever in their march against democracy.

MADISON --  Voting rights are under attack by Republican politicians in Madison and across the country. From the Supreme Court to state legislatures and election boards, Republicans are pursuing a radical agenda aimed at restricting the right to vote and undermining our democracy.

In a new op-ed from Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler, the stakes of this fight are laid bare: how the GOP broadsides against the Voting Rights Act and obstruction in Congress could leave Gov. Tony Evers as democracy’s last line of defense in Wisconsin.

Read more from Chair Wikler on Crooked here, or find excerpts below:

Democrats in other states were excited to stop worrying about Wisconsin and Arizona for a few years. 

I have bad news.

Last week, the Supreme Court heard a case that is ostensibly about specific changes to Arizona’s voting laws. In practice, however, experts fear that the Court’s 6-3 conservative majority will use it as a vehicle to gut what remains of the Voting Rights Act. 

H.R.1., the urgently-needed For The People Act, would repair the damage—but faces challenging prospects. If the Court strikes and H.R. 1 doesn’t pass, Gov. Tony Evers (D-WI) will likely be the last line of defense against Republicans’ assault on democracy in Wisconsin and, with it, America. …

“The grim reality is that there are many states, including the Electoral College swing states of Arizona and Georgia, where Republicans control both houses of the state legislature and the Governor’s office. Last week, the House of Representatives passed H.R.1, which would safeguard voting rights around the country. But that bill appears to face an uphill battle in the Senate, where Democrats might have to find 50 Senators willing to vote to reform or eliminate the filibuster. If H.R.1 stalls, new voter suppression bills will almost certainly become law in states where Republicans hold trifectas. …

“We still live with the consequences of Wisconsin Republicans’ war on free and fair elections today. In the 2016 presidential election, thanks in part to new voter ID laws, Wisconsin turned red for the first time since 1984, helping deliver the White House to Donald Trump. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI) even admitted that was the point of the restrictions. And because of the 2011 gerrymandering, Republicans have near-supermajorities in the Wisconsin Assembly and Senate, even though our state is among the most perfectly purple in the nation.

Across lines of race, class, geography, and even political party, we should all be able to agree that Wisconsin and our country are strongest when our government reflects voters’ wishes. For the last two years, Evers has been a bulwark against the further erosion of that core principle. Today, Wisconsin Republicans are more zealous than ever in their march against democracy, and with the Arizona case now under review, the Supreme Court seems poised to further clear the path. 

The conclusion is simple: If we believe in a representative government of, by, and for the people, we must make it our mission to re-elect Evers and his fellow midwestern Democrats in 2022.”