Legislative Republicans Continue Political Games With Vote Against Medicaid Expansion, Marijuana Legalization, Clean Drinking Water

MADISON -- Today, Wisconsin Republicans continued playing political games with our state’s recovery and the lives of Wisconsin’s families as they voted to gut Gov. Tony Evers’ Badger Bounceback budget plan, removing common-sense policies supported by the majority of Wisconsinites including expanding access to quality health care, legalizing and taxing marijuana, and ensuring clean drinking water.

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

“Governor Evers’ Badger Bounceback is a bold, bipartisan plan to address the big problems facing Wisconsin and make sure our state bounces back stronger than ever before. Today, Republicans voted to rip apart policies that Wisconsin families urgently need. The GOP’s decisions will slow down Wisconsin’s recovery and hurt the very people the legislature is supposed to represent.

“Over the past couple months, Republicans in the legislature have treated Wisconsin’s pandemic recovery as a political game instead of an opportunity to  build a stronger Wisconsin for decades to come. From the start, they have wholly dismissed proposals that have broad, bipartisan support from Wisconsinites. They have tried every political stunt imaginable. Fundamentally, Republican lawmakers are not listening to their constituents. People across the state, regardless of political affiliation, support the Badger Bounceback, including expanding access to health care, legalizing and taxing marijuana, ensuring clean drinking water, and instituting universal background checks.

“It’s no surprise that the governor’s agenda reflects what the people of Wisconsin want: the Governor, unlike the GOP, actually asked them. Governor Evers spent time listening to folks across the state before the budget was written. He put in the time and effort to understand how we can address the big problems and meet the needs of our families and small businesses. Now, the legislature has a choice: they can keep playing political games, delaying action, and slowing Wisconsin’s recovery, or they can finally work with Governor Evers and Democrats to get this done.”

Wisconsinites support major aspects of the governor’s Badger Bounceback agenda:

• 70 percent of Wisconsinites support expanding BadgerCare – that would mean more families able to access quality health coverage, and bringing $1.6 billion in federal tax dollars back to Wisconsin over the next two years.
• 58 percent of the state supports legalizing marijuana, and taxing it like we already do alcohol. That would mean $165 million in tax revenue each year for the state and funds that can be reinvested in our communities.
• 55 percent want to see increased investment in our K-12 public schools. Not only that, but restoring the state’s two-thirds funding commitment has also been backed by a Republican-led bipartisan commission.
• 80 percent of Wisconsin voters support universal background checks for those buying firearms, including at gun shows. Governor Evers’ plan takes action to increase gun safety by finally getting this done and also implementing red flag laws to keep our communities safe.

MADISON -- Today, Vice President Kamala Harris makes her first visit to Wisconsin since taking office, only a few months into the first term of the Biden Administration. Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler released the following statement ahead of the visit:

“President Biden and Vice President Harris are delivering big time for Wisconsin. The American Rescue Plan has certainly lived up to its name—and then some. In partnership with Governor Evers and Wisconsin’s Democratic Congressional delegation, they’ve put checks in the pockets of 89% of adults in Wisconsin, made it possible to administer more than 4 million vaccine doses in our state, and driven our unemployment rate down to 3.8 percent — well below the national average.

“Today’s visit by the Vice President to Milwaukee, so early into the first term, drives home how committed President Biden and Vice President Harris are to getting Wisconsin families and small businesses the support they need to not only recover from the pandemic but to bounce back better. So many Wisconsinites feel both pride and relief to have a true federal partner who is committed to investing in our people and infrastructure to make our cities and our state a better place. As we begin to recover from such a difficult year, this visit is just what the doctor ordered.”

MADISON - Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) released the following statement after the shooting at the Oneida Casino complex last night:

“My heart is breaking for those in the Oneida Nation and the Green Bay area. I am thinking of the victims of this horrible violence. They were people who loved and were loved. I am thinking of the families and loved ones left behind. They will carry this senseless tragedy on their soul forever, and I am sending my love to them as they mourn this unspeakable loss.

“We can’t become numb to these horrific events. We cannot treat mass shootings as part of the background noise in our everyday lives. Over time, and with each news report, we are chipping away at the core of who we are as a nation.

“To the Green Bay community and Oneida Nation - you have my thoughts and support. I will support you by working tirelessly to bring about the changes needed to address these incidents of gun violence. I will carry you with me every day in my work as we look to find solutions to this uniquely American problem. And I will never accept that these incidents are inevitable. It is time to make change. Now. We can’t wait another day.”

"What really drives the economy is small business and this American Rescue Act basically is more than a game changer”- Darren Price, Tomah small business owner

MADISON -- With the effective distribution of vaccines and the aid in the American Rescue Plan, small businesses in Wisconsin are able to keep their doors open, and Wisconsinites’ lives are beginning to return to normal -- no thanks to every single congressional Republican, all of whom voted against the American Rescue Plan.

“Wisconsin’s small businesses are the foundation of our state’s economy, and because of  President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, they’ll have the assistance and resources they need to keep their doors open,” said Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler. “Thanks to Democratic leadership in the White House, Congress, and from Gov. Evers here in Madison, we’ve made tremendous progress in these 100 days to get shots in arms and get folks back to work.”

Read more:

Wisconsin Public Radio: Wisconsin Business Owners Say Federal Stimulus Can Help Them Build Post-Pandemic Futures

Leaders of Wisconsin businesses in hard-hit sectors say the millions in federal aid set to be distributed is a chance to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic's effects and make lasting changes in their industries.

Restaurant and hospitality business owners spoke Wednesday at a virtual listening session convened by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. The session included businesses from urban and rural parts of the state, who discussed how funds from the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package can help them in the short term and set up Wisconsin businesses for success after the pandemic.

WXOW: Rep. Ron Kind discusses American Rescue Plan and the benefits for small businesses in the La Crosse area

Kind said he supported the American Rescue Plan because it was direct feedback from small businesses that they listened to and are trying to help to buy some time while vaccinations are ramping up and people are getting back out.

He explained that part of the American Rescue Plan is the Paycheck Protection Program which is money given to small businesses that they can use for wages, salaries, utilities, rent payments, and other things they needed to cover but couldn't because of the virus.

[...]

Darren Price, owner of BP Smokehouse in Tomah, said this funding has been crucial for so many small businesses.

"What really drives the economy is small business and this American Rescue Act basically is more than a game changer," said Price. "We're not out of the woods yet, but I can tell you that it looks much brighter now than it did a year ago and even six months ago."

Kenosha News: WATCH NOW: Serving up restaurant relief: Local owners take a look at new federal assistance

The COVID-19 pandemic has not been kind to the restaurant industry, but a new federal assistance program may help some turn the tide.

The Biden Administration has signed the American Rescue Plan that includes $28.6 billion for restaurants as part of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The Small Business Administration will manage it.

The aid couldn’t come fast enough, industry leaders said.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 'Help is on the way': Wisconsin will issue $420 million in relief funds to small businesses, Gov. Evers says

Gov. Tony Evers announced Thursday he will pour $420 million into small businesses through the Wisconsin Tomorrow Small Business Recovery Grant program.

Evers made the announcement at The Ruby Tap, a wine bar and shop in Wauwatosa.

According to a news release, the funds provided by the American Rescue Plan Act can potentially benefit 84,000 small businesses that generate between $10,000 and $7 million in annual revenue.

MADISON —​ Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #113 calling a special election for the 37th Assembly District, as a vacancy has been created by the election of State Senator John Jagler to the 13th Senate District. 

Gov. Evers ordered the special election to be held on July 13, 2021. If a primary is necessary, it will be held on June 15, 2021.  

Circulation of nomination papers for candidates may begin today, April 27, 2021, and must be filed by 5 p.m. on May 18, 2021. 

Executive Order #113 is available here.

Madison, WI – Tuesday, Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all charges brought against him in the killing of George Floyd. On this verdict, Rep.Stubbs issued the following statement:

“George Floyd should be here today. While I am proud that Officer Chauvin will be held accountable for his actions, the work does not end here. As leaders we must pass meaningful reforms so that this senseless violence doesn’t touch another community”

“This verdict is no substitute for Mr. Floyd’s life. At the end of the day, a mother lost her son and their family will never be the same. The Floyd family will never have full justice, but today they can rest knowing that Office Chauvin was rightfully charged, tried and convicted.”

“This is a somber victory for racial justice, but systemic racism will not be solved with a single verdict. Our current criminal justice system continues to fail communities of color across the board. We need leaders at all levels of government to remain committed to fighting for equity, and reforming our criminal justice system.”

WisDems thank Governor Evers, President Biden for leadership.

MADISON -- Wisconsin has reached over 4 million COVID-19 vaccines administered, marking an important milestone in Wisconsin’s road to recovery.

Wisconsin has consistently ranked among the top states in the nation for vaccine distribution. More than 70 percent of Wisconsites aged 65 and older have been fully vaccinated, and over 50 percent of all Wisconsinites have received at least their first dose. At the beginning of April, Gov. Evers expanded vaccine eligibility in Wisconsin to everyone aged 16 and older. The Evers Administration’s vaccine distribution effort has been widely praised, including by State House Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu.

President Biden’s American Rescue Plan has provided a huge boost in funding to get vaccines into Americans’ arms more quickly. The bill, which passed over opposition from every single Congressional Republican — and despite Ron Johnson’s attempt to single handedly delay it— included $64.71 billion for improving vaccine administration and distribution, including $175.4 million for public health workforce development in Wisconsin.

“Today, thanks to Governor Evers’s leadership, Wisconsin crossed an important milestone in the fight to end this pandemic,” said Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler. “Governor Evers and his administration are doing an excellent job of getting shots in arms as quickly as possible. Additionally, the investments from the American Rescue Plan and the support from the Biden administration on the vaccine rollout has made a tremendous difference. We still need to keep up the fight in the coming months—people across the country are still suffering from the devastating impacts of COVID-19. But today’s four-million-dose milestone is a sign that together, we can end this pandemic and bounce back better than before.”

Madison, WI – On Tuesday, April 20^th the Speakers Taskforce on Racial Disparities Subcommittee on Law Enforcment Policies and Standards conducted its final meeting, and will send its report to the Speaker of the Assembly, Representative Robin Vos (R-63). On this milestone, Representative Stubbs (D-77) released the following statement:

“Seven months ago, The Speakers Taskforce on Racial Disparities was created to end racial disparities that exist at every age and in every aspect of a person’s life across the State of Wisconsin. Devastating instances of police violence highlighted the need to reform our policing system. As a legislator, and as a Black mother, I could not stand by as these events tarnished the relationship between the community, and law enforcment.”

“When we created this Taskforce, we made it clear that the time for partisan games was over. We brought community leaders, leaders of faith, and experts in law enforcment to the table to draft recommendations that would be the basis of bipartisan legislation. Today I am proud to say that the recommendations of this Subcommittee have been finalized, and we will be delivering our report to Speaker Vos.”

“We had many tough conversations over the past seven months, but I am proud we took the time to give these issues adequate consideration, and reach consensus on a variety of topics. However the work does not end here. In order to address systemic racism, we need all hands on deck. This Taskforce is proof that Democrats and Republicans can work towards bipartisan reform, and better serve the people of Wisconsin”

“Today we celebrate the progress of the Taskforce, but tomorrow we begin the hard work of making these recommendations a reality. I want to thank all the members of the taskforce for putting in the work necessary to make real change. We are now one step closer to making Wisconsin a better place to live and work”

New deal saves Wisconsin taxpayers $2.77 Billion.

WASHINGTON, DC - Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers this week successfully negotiated an agreement between the state and Foxconn, saving taxpayers $2.77 billion. The new agreement also maintains accountability measures requiring job creation to receive incentives and protects hundreds of millions of dollars in local and state infrastructure investments made in support of the project. The previous deal, agreed to by the Walker-Kleefisch administration, had delivered bloated tax breaks to Foxconn on the backs of Wisconsin taxpayers.

On the 2018 campaign trail, Gov. Evers had promised to work with Foxconn to negotiate a better deal that worked for Wisconsin. The new deal marks the fulfillment of that campaign promise. 

Read more about Gov. Evers’ landmark deal below:

Associated Press: Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers clawing back Foxconn state tax breaks
Foxconn Technology Group, the world’s largest electronics manufacturer, has reached a new deal with reduced tax breaks for its scaled-back manufacturing facility in southeast Wisconsin, Gov. Tony Evers and the company announced on Monday.

Wisconsin Public Radio: Evers, Foxconn Reach New Agreement Lowering Burden On Taxpayers
Foxconn Technology Group has reached a new deal, with reduced tax incentives, for its scaled back project in Racine County, Gov. Tony Evers and the company announced Monday.
[...]
Wisconsin has denied the technology manufacturing giant any consideration of tax credits because there's no activity in Mount Pleasant resembling any of the detailed production included in the original $3 billion contract with the state.
In a statement, Evers said it has been his goal to "find an agreement that works for Wisconsin taxpayers while providing the support Foxconn needs to be successful here in our state." 

Wisconsin State Journal: State, Foxconn say new deal reached for southeast Wisconsin manufacturing plant with fewer tax credits
After more than a year of negotiations, state and Foxconn Technology Group officials say they have reached a new agreement regarding the Taiwan-based company’s manufacturing plant near Racine that would provide Foxconn fewer state tax credits than originally agreed upon.

WBAY: Evers announces renegotiated Foxconn contract, saves taxpayers $2.77 billion
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has announced a contract between the Wisconsin Economic Development (WEDC) and Foxconn has been renegotiated.
According to Evers’ office, the renegotiations will save Wisconsin taxpayers a total of $2.77 billion compared to the previous contract.
Under the new contract amendment, which Evers says was approved by the WEDC Board of Directors on Tuesday, Foxconn will be eligible to receive up to $80 million total in performance-based tax credits during the course of six years.

Channel 3000: Speaker Vos shares excitement for Foxconn deal with Wisconsin
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos released a statement Tuesday in response to the amended agreement between Foxconn Technology Group and the state.
Under the new contract, Foxconn will be eligible for up to $80 million in state tax incentives. Gov. Tony Evers shared details of the new contract Tuesday.
Vos approved of the agreement and expressed excitement toward the company’s continued growth in Mount Pleasant.

MADISON - Rep. Hintz issued the following statement on Tuesday’s verdict against Derek Chauvin:

“George Floyd should be alive today. I am encouraged that the jury found Derek Chauvin guilty, but their finding does not bring George Floyd back. It does not erase the loss for those who knew him, and the trauma for those for whom his death hits close to home.

“Today’s verdict must be followed by systemic change across our nation as we work for justice. As an elected official, I will continue listening to the Wisconsinites who are speaking out about their lived experiences in our state and I will continue working to reform the systems that perpetuate violence against people of color.

Today, in a new legislative session, I again urge my colleagues to take action to address the systemic inequities that permeate our state and undermine confidence in our criminal justice system. These problems have not gone away, and leaders at all levels have a duty to respond. We must make change happen.”