MADISON - After the Wisconsin Assembly Republicans voted to strike down the protective mask mandate, Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler issued this statement:

“Wisconsinites will lose their lives because of the actions of Robin Vos and Wisconsin’s Republican state legislators. Striking down COVID protections, in defiance of top scientists and the CDC, will make this pandemic worse and undermine our economy, our schools, and our health. Governor Evers issued these protections to protect people against COVID-19, and the GOP has torched them only to hurt Governor Evers. Nearly 6,000 Wisconsinites have lost their lives to this pandemic. What Robin Vos is doing is cruel and disrespectful to their families, and to the millions more who fear that the virus will take their loved ones. The Republican vote to repeal this mask mandate is reckless and dangerous to the people of Wisconsin.”

Madison, WI - Dr. Sheila Briggs is up with the first digital ad of the State Superintendent's race.  Titled "Equity," the 15-second ad shows her vision for Wisconsin's public schools-- a vision where all of our kids can be successful, regardless of zip code, race, income level, first language or ability status.

The ad can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/DTS9t3pv76U

The following is a statement from Sheila Briggs:

"I'm so thankful for all of the support we have received so far in this race.  It has made this ad possible.  Working together, we can have a public education system that supports all of our kids across Wisconsin."

On Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 Dr. Sheila Briggs announced her candidacy for State Superintendent of Public Instruction.  Briggs began her 30-year career as a kindergarten teacher in Madison, where she later served as a principal and school administrator. In 2011, she was appointed to serve as Assistant State Superintendent by Tony Evers, and she was reappointed to the position by State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor in 2019.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/juneteenth-1900-s5.jpgBlack history tells us stories of resistance and survival, while teaching us about the impact of Black heritage and culture.

Senator Johnson has been dogged by rank partisanship and cowardice. He should resign now, or be held accountable by the people of Wisconsin, say WisDems.

MADISON - Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler released the following statement after Senator Ron Johnson voted against President Biden’s nominee for Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:

“It’s fitting that Senator Johnson’s last act as chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee was to try and block a key national security post. Mayorkas is not only eminently qualified, endorsed by four former DHS Secretaries, and previously confirmed by the Senate, but Johnson’s own former staff secretary urged him to support the nominee. This nay vote is indefensible.

“In his role as a Senate Committee Chair, Ron Johnson has actively abetted atrocious policies like family separation that violated human rights, undermined our nation's core values, and left us more isolated and less safe in the world. Then Johnson threatened to hold national security hostage in order to prevent Trump's impeachment trial. Now, in voting against Mayorkas—the first Latino and first immigrant nominated to be secretary of DHS—he has underscored his refusal to help fix what he helped to break in our government.

“Johnson’s tenure in the Senate has been dogged by rank partisanship and cowardice, and he has proven time and again that there is nothing he won’t do or sacrifice in order to win cheap political points. Voting against Mayorkas is yet more proof that Senator Johnson should resign now - or be held accountable by the people of Wisconsin.”

Group provides a comprehensive guide for election-related information. The spring primary will be held on February 16, 2021.

MADISON - Today, President Joseph R. Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States, and Vice-President Kamala D. Harris was inaugurated as the 49th Vice-President of the United States. Rep.Stubbs (D-77) released the following statement:

“I want to congratulate President Biden on becoming the 46th President of the United States, and I look forward to seeing his administration succeed over these next four years. After four years of divisiveness, it is refreshing to see compassionate leadership enter the White House”

“It cannot be overstated that today is a historic day for women, especially women of color. As a Black and South Asian American, Vice-President Kamala D. Harris is now the first person of color to serve as Vice-President. In addition, Vice-President Harris is the first woman to ever hold this position. As a Black woman, it is inspiring to see someone with my shared experience help lead our country into a better tomorrow. I hope all young woman of color will think back today, and remember that there is no limit on what they can accomplish.”

“This new era of leadership will move our country into a more equitable future. While there is still so much work to be done, I am excited to see what this new administration will accomplish. It is refreshing to know that the Executive branch of our federal government is in the hands of these two dedicated public servants”

State Assembly Democratic Leader looks forward to working with Biden-Harris Administration.

MADISON – Today, President Joseph R. Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States of America. Rep. Hintz (D-Oshkosh) released the following statement:

“I congratulate President Biden on his inauguration as President of the United States of America. The last four years have tested the very foundations of our democracy, eroded trust in government, and diminished our nation’s reputation around the world. I am confident President Biden’s experienced leadership, his message of hope and decency, and his commitment to bringing America’s best and brightest minds together to address the challenges of today means brighter days are ahead of us.”

Also today, Vice President Kamala D. Harris was sworn in as Vice President, becoming the first woman, first Black person and first South Asian American person to hold that office. Rep. Hintz continued, “I congratulate Vice President Harris on her inauguration, which is a first for our nation in so many ways. She will be an extraordinary leader who brings experience, compassion and creativity to the office of vice president, and she will show millions of people, young and old alike, a new face and voice of leadership.”

Rep. Hintz concluded, “I wish President Biden and Vice President Harris the very best as they formally begin their work on behalf of our country.”

Finger pointing and political games will not help their constituents any more than ours, says Assembly Democratic Leader, as people wait months for unemployment checks.

Working families across Wisconsin are fed up, fixing Wisconsin’s broken unemployment system will take all hands on deck, says new Green Bay legislator.

MADISON, WI ﹘Last week, Governor Evers called for our state leaders to come together by special session to address the critically important issue of fixing Wisconsin’s broken unemployment system. Gov. Evers’ proposal includes a series of common sense solutions to provide Wisconsinites with direct and immediate relief by clearing our Unemployment Insurance (UI) backlog and modernizing our UI technology.

While the special session was set to occur today, Speaker Vos, yet again, gaveled in and gaveled out. Across our state and our country, people have lost their jobs, homes and livelihood due to the economic insecurity linked to COVID-19. Wisconsinites should be able to have their UI claims processed quickly. We cannot afford to wait any further. By refusing to even consider the proposal, legislative Republicans are politicizing the process rather than trying to help the people of our state.

“Working families across Wisconsin are fed up with our broken unemployment system,” said Representative Shelton. “It is infuriating that after years of intentional sabotage of the Department of Workforce Development by Assembly Republicans, they refuse to do their job by even debating possible solutions. Since the start of the pandemic, Wisconsinites have experienced catastrophic delays in the processing of their unemployment claims. People are struggling to pay their mortgage or rent and to put food on the table. Let’s come together and deliver relief without further delay. We need and deserve immediate action.”

A constituent of the 90th AD, Patricia Bury, provided further comment, ”As a professional woman who has never filed for unemployment before, I cannot believe the difficulty I’ve had receiving my benefits. It has almost led me to the brink of financial ruin. I implore the state legislature to come together to reach a reasonable solution.”

The next Assembly floor session is January 26, 2021. Democrats remain steadfast in our commitment to get Wisconsinites the relief they need now.

MADISON - Today, The YWCA of Rock County hosted the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration. Representative Stubbs (D-77) was honored as the commemoration’s keynote speaker. Her statement on the event is below:

“It was an honor to speak from the heart at the YWCA’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration. This annual event celebrates the work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, and reminds us all that injustice anywhere, is injustice everywhere.”

“Today, we must remember to stand vigilant against injustice on all levels. We cannot accept a society that privileges some, and disadvantages others. As Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King said: ‘What happens to one directly, happens to all indirectly’. We must keep this knowledge in our hearts as we reflect on the injustices of police brutality, and systemic racism. ”

“As we celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy, and the legacy of all civil rights leaders, it is vital that we remember how our actions create a better community. The time is now to fight against systemic racism, and end racial injustice.”

“I want to thank the YWCA of Rock County for hosting this event, and to Executive Director Angela Moore and Racial Justice Director Amiee Leavy for inviting me to speak. It was a pleasure to speak to all those in attendance, and to remember the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”