CONTACTS:
KATY OTTO (JUVENILE LAW CENTER)
OFFICE: 215-625-0551 ext. 128 CELL: 240-478-9387 EMAIL: [email protected]

MOLLY COLLINS (ACLU OF WISCONSIN) 414-272-4032 x215
EMAIL: [email protected]

Milwaukee, WI – Today the ACLU of Wisconsin and Juvenile Law Center, with pro-bono assistance from Quarles & Brady, filed a request for a preliminary injunction in federal court to halt the unconstitutional use of solitary confinement and other inhumane conditions and practices for youth in state-run correctional facilities. The suit was originally filed in January on behalf of youth confined in the Lincoln Hills School for Boys and the Copper Lake School for Girls. Earlier this week, the groups filed an amended complaint with additional children incarcerated at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake as plaintiffs.

“Isolating, handcuffing and pepper spraying children is not only dehumanizing and traumatizing,” said Larry Dupuis, Legal Director of the ACLU of Wisconsin. “It is also unnecessary and counterproductive. As experts in the field show, these practices actually undermine institutional safety and security. As a result, most juvenile correctional facilities no longer use pepper spray, restraints or punitive solitary confinement.”

Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake incarcerate about 150 to 200 youth, some as young as 14 years old. It confines about 15 to 20% percent of the youths at any given time in seven or eight by ten foot solitary confinement cells for 22 or 23 hours a day. On top of that, the guards keep many of these children in handcuffs attached to a belt around their waists, and then handcuffed to a table or desk, during the hour or two they are allowed out of their cells. Guards throughout Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake also regularly use peppers spray on the youth, causing pain and burning and impairing their breathing and health.

“These practices are so harmful that we’re taking decisive action to stop them immediately,” said Jessica Feierman, Associate Director of Juvenile Law Center. “Putting children in solitary, shackling them to tables, and pepper spraying them isn’t rehabilitation – it’s abuse.”

As the Complaint asserts, these practices violate children’s constitutional rights, including their rights to substantive due process, as guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and their right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment, as guaranteed by the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The plaintiffs are seeking immediate relief for the young people in these facilities while this case is being litigated.

CONTACT: Molly Collins, ACLU of Wisconsin, 414-272-4032 x 215, [email protected]
Ryan Karerat, ACLU, 212-284-7388, [email protected]

MILWAUKEE – The national ACLU, ACLU of Wisconsin, and volunteer attorneys from the law firm Hawks Quindel sued Wisconsin’s state university system and insurance board today over their refusal to provide gender-affirming health insurance coverage to state employees who are transgender.

The suit was filed on behalf of Alina Boyden, a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Shannon Andrews, a cancer researcher at the University of Wisconsin Medical School.

“The state continues to deny our clients coverage for medically necessary treatment simply because they are transgender, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment,” said John Knight, of the ACLU’s national Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and HIV Project. “All that transgender people like Alina and Shannon are asking for is to be treated like everyone else, and that includes respect and coverage for the health care you need.”

The Group Insurance Board approved coverage for such medically necessary care in July 2016, but under pressure from the state Attorney General, voted in closed session to rescind these essential benefits in December. The clients are two transgender state employees who filed challenges to the exclusion with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and are now seeking relief in federal court.

“Many people can relate to paying into an insurance plan only to be told that the treatment they need is not covered,” said Andrews. “But when the reason you are denied coverage is because of who you are, it is even more painful. And it’s clearly discrimination.”

“Too many transgender people continue to face discrimination in all facets of life, including health care access, and so I felt compelled to stand up and try to do something about it,” said Boyden.

“The state should not be playing games with its transgender employees’ essential medical needs,” said Chris Ott, ACLU of Wisconsin Executive Director. “It has cruelly backtracked on its promise to provide access to care that the medical community agrees is necessary. Most people would hate to have the government make health care decisions for them. Our clients have experienced both, and it needs to stop.”

Counsel on the filing includes Larry Dupuis of the ACLU of Wisconsin, John Knight of the ACLU’s LGBT & HIV Project, and Nick Fairweather and Mike Godbe of the law firm Hawks Quindel.

Find the complaint here: http://aclu-wi.org/media/aclu-files-suit-wisconsin-over-denial-insurance-coverage-transgender-state-employees

Contact: Diane Schlipper, (608) 264-5158, TTY: (608) 264-5006

MADISON, WIS. – Jeffrey M. Anderson, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced today the unsealing of an indictment that charges eight individuals with various crimes related to the distribution of methamphetamine.  The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury sitting in Madison on March 29.

The indictment charges the following individuals:

1.      Christopher Dutton, 43, Madison;

2.      Olivia Halvorson, 28, Browntown, Wis.,

3.      James Nehls, 30, Iowa County, Wis.;

4.      Sean McLyman, 42, Madison;

5.      Brandon Frank, 42, Argyle, Wis.;

6.      Sean Brown, 33, Encino, Calif.;

7.      Amanda Brown, 30, Encino, Calif.; and

8.      Joel Ringelstetter, 48, Lone Rock, Wis.

Sean Brown and Amanda Brown are brother and sister.

All the defendants, with the exception of Joel Ringelstetter, are charged with conspiring from September 2015 to February 2017 to distribute methamphetamine.  The indictment alleges that the amount of methamphetamine attributable to defendants Dutton, Frank, and Sean Brown was 500 grams or more.

The indictment also charges some of the defendants with other offenses.  Nehls is charged with one count of attempting to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute.  Halvorson is charged with three counts of distributing methamphetamine.  Frank is charged with two counts of distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.  Sean Brown is charged with three counts of distributing methamphetamine and one count of distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.  Ringelstetter is charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.  McLyman is charged with two counts of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

Dutton, Nehls, McLyman, Frank, and Ringelstetter were arrested today, and made an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Madison this afternoon.  They will remain in custody pending a detention hearing.  Halvorson was also arrested today; she will make an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Madison tomorrow.  Sean Brown was arrested in California today, and no date has been set for his appearance in Wisconsin.  Amanda Brown is not in custody.

If convicted, due to the amount of methamphetamine the indictment alleges to be attributable to Dutton, Frank, and Sean Brown, they each face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison on the conspiracy charge.  For Brandon Frank and Sean Brown, the counts which allege the distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of 40 years.  All the defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years on each of the other charges.

The charges against these eight individuals are the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Dane County Narcotics Task Force; Dane County Sheriff’s Department; Madison Police Department; UW-Madison Police Department; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Sauk County Drug Task Force; Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force; Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office; State Line Area Narcotics Team; and Rock County Special Investigations Unit.

The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Diane Schlipper and David Reinhard.

You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Contact: Elizabeth Altman, (608) 264-5158, TTY: (608) 264-5006

MADISON, WIS. — Jeffrey M. Anderson, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Pheng Vang, 32, Menomonie, Wis., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William Conley to 15 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine.  This prison term will be followed by five years of supervised release.  Veng pleaded guilty to this charge on November 14, 2016.

Vang was held responsible for selling at least 4.5 kilograms of pure methamphetamine during the course of his criminal activities.   His sentence was enhanced because officers found guns at the farm in Colfax where much of the methamphetamine activity took place.  In addition to this conviction, the defendant has an extensive criminal history, consisting of drug and alcohol offenses, property crimes, and crimes of violence.

In sentencing Vang, Judge Conley was troubled that Vang exploited drug addicted individuals in a callous way.  It also appeared to Judge Conley that the defendant was more interested in earning easy money that earning legitimate money.

The charge against Vang was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation; West Central Drug Task Force; Dunn, Eau Claire, Chippewa, and St. Croix County Sheriffs’ Offices; Menomonie and Eau Claire Police Departments; and La Crosse County Emergency Response Team.  The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman.

Madison, Wis. – Today, Attorney General Brad Schimel announced the appointment of Brian O’Keefe to Administrator of the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI).

“Anybody who has worked with Brian knows his passion for law enforcement and public safety,” said Attorney General Schimel. “As DCI Administrator, Brian will provide the highest caliber assistance and support to local law enforcement agencies.”

“Attorney General Schimel could not have picked a better choice to lead DCI,” said Marquette County Sheriff Kim Gaffney, President of the Badger State Sheriffs’ Association. “On behalf of all the sheriffs in the State, I can say we are more than pleased with the cooperation and collaboration Brian has brought to the table as DLES Administrator and we look forward to continuing the relationship with him as DCI Administrator. During these trying times for Wisconsin law enforcement, we need a leader like Brian O’Keefe.”

O’Keefe joined DOJ in 2011 when he was appointed by former Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen to be Administrator of DOJ’s Division of Law Enforcement Services.  Attorney General Schimel re-appointed him to this same position upon his election.

O’Keefe has helped lead many of Attorney General Schimel’s initiatives, including the Dose of Reality prescription drug abuse prevention campaign, prescription drug disposal, officer wellness and suicide prevention, enhanced law enforcement training for the investigation of sexual assaults and domestic violence, and new and innovative law enforcement training to meet the challenges of today’s policing environment.

O’Keefe has built a reputation statewide for successfully collaborating with the Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police organizations, and the major police unions, in order to enhance law enforcement’s ability to keep their communities safe and return home safely at the end of their shifts each day.

“Brian O’Keefe is nothing short of a legend in the law enforcement community and Wisconsin will be well-served to have him at the helm of DCI,” said Sheboygan Chief of Police Chris Domagalski, President of the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association. “From his technical expertise as a homicide detective to his unbridled dedication to ensuring that Wisconsin law enforcement officers are the best-trained and best-equipped in the country, Brian is simply the finest partner police departments in this state have ever had.”

O’Keefe began his law enforcement career with the Milwaukee Police Department as Police Aide in 1981 and worked his way through the ranks, primarily in the Criminal Investigation Bureau, retiring in 2008 as the Deputy Chief in charge of the Criminal Investigation Bureau. O’Keefe continued his career with M&I Bank, working in Corporate Security before returning to public service in 2011 at DOJ.

O’Keefe is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy and was elected to the Executive Board for the Wisconsin Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates. O’Keefe is also a member of several state and national law enforcement organizations and is currently on the Executive Committee of the Law Enforcement Standards Board, where he serves as Secretary.

CONTACT ADF MEDIA RELATIONS: (480) 444-0020 or www.adfmedia.org/home/contact

The following quote may be attributed to Alliance Defending Freedom President, CEO, and General Counsel Michael Farris regarding Friday’s Senate confirmation of Judge Neil M. Gorsuch as the newest member of the U.S. Supreme Court:

“ADF congratulates Neil Gorsuch, who will be the newest member of the high court and a natural successor to Justice Scalia. His confirmation should surprise no one given the high praise he has received from people across the ideological spectrum. The American Bar Association gave him its highest rating, and his integrity, professional competence, and judicial demeanor have earned him respect from all quarters. ADF hopes that he will continue to interpret the Constitution as our founders intended and affirm our most fundamental freedom—religious liberty, which includes the right not to be discriminated against because of one’s religion. This basic principle will be at stake right away on April 19 when the Supreme Court hears oral arguments in Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia v. Comer.”

Gorsuch will fill the position previously held by Justice Antonin Scalia, who died on Feb. 13, 2016. This is the second time that the Senate has voted to confirm the Coloradan for federal judicial service. In 2006, by a unanimous voice vote, the Senate confirmed him to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit.

Extended commentary by Farris and ADF Senior Counsel Jim Campbell regarding Gorsuch is available on the ADF blog.

Alliance Defending Freedom is an alliance-building, non-profit legal organization that advocates for the right of people to freely live out their faith.

# # #

Contact: Jennifer J. Caddick, 312-445-9760 (office), 315-767-2802 (cell)

Beach cleanup season begins around the Great Lakes; Volunteers removed over 40,000 lbs of trash in 2016

Thursday, April 13, 2017 (Chicago)  – As spring finally begins to appear around the Great Lakes, volunteers are heading out to beaches for a spring cleaning. The Alliance for the Great Lakes’ Adopt-a-Beach program mobilizes thousands of volunteers who give back to their local beaches each year. April, especially Earth Day, marks the unofficial beginning of the beach season around the Great Lakes as many groups hold their first Adopt-a-Beach events of the year.

Last year, 15,181 Adopt-a-Beach volunteers picked up 40,211 pounds of debris as part of 1,388 cleanups around the region. In addition to cleaning up beaches, volunteers collect valuable data. The data is shared with beach managers and scientists. The results: cleaner beaches and data on pollution sources that can be used to develop solutions to pollution problems.

Data collected by Adopt-a-Beach volunteers gives insight into the most common and problematic types of litter. In 2016, the majority of trash picked up by Adopt-a-Beach volunteers (87%) was plastic. Plastic is problematic for a number of reasons. In addition to being an eyesore, it can harm the lakes and animals that live in them. Over time, plastic litter breaks down into small pieces which can be eaten by birds, fish, and other wildlife.

Plastic was the most common material of litter, and includes a wide range of items like cigarette filters, water bottles, food containers, or even left behind beach toys. The three most common types of litter found in 2016 were tiny trash (made up of broken down pieces of plastic and glass), smoking-related litter, and food-related litter. Most litter found on Great Lakes beaches is anthropogenic, meaning it originated from human activity.

“Keeping Great Lakes beaches and shorelines beautiful is no small task, and it couldn’t be done without the incredible efforts of volunteers all over the region,” said Joel Brammeier, Alliance for the Great Lakes President & CEO. “Each cleanup, when combined with hundreds of similar events across the Great Lakes, makes a big difference for the lakes.”

Volunteers interested in participating in Adopt-a-Beach can find events in their community, or start their own cleanup, by visiting www.greatlakesadopt.org.

The Alliance for the Great Lakes works to protect the Great Lakes for today and tomorrow. We involve tens of thousands of people each year in advocacy, volunteering, education, and research to ensure the lakes are healthy and safe for all. Learn more at greatlakes.org and greatlakesadopt.org. 

Contact: Senator Jon Erpenbach, 608-266-6670

Madison – Almost Sunrise, a feature length documentary film featuring two Wisconsin Veterans from Milwaukee, will be screened in the Wisconsin State Capitol Monday, April 24^th at 2pm in room 411 South. Following the screening Anthony Anderson, featured in the film, will discuss the movie and answer questions. Invited are members of the Legislature, Legislative Service agencies, staff, media, local veterans and the public.

“Our veteran communities deserve every opportunity to succeed and a fair Legislature examines how we can get there. I am honored to be able to host a screening of this important film. As we look for more creative ways to support veterans in our communities, the work of this film and the Veterans Trek helps us explore what works. Having a discussion about moral injury and how we treat PTSD in veterans can only improve our policy decisions,” said Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton).

Almost Sunrise website: http://sunrisedocumentary.com/

Wisconsin State Capitol Screening of Almost Sunrise

2pm, Monday April 24^th, Room 411 South

Open to the public

The Almost Sunrise website offers visitors and veterans to learn about moral injury, promote wellness, connect with communities, and to help change legislation.

Contact: Colleen McDonald, 262-312-4370 (office), 414-801-3146 (cell)
[email protected]

NBA legend and cancer survivor Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scheduled to deliver keynote.

MADISON, WIS. – April 20, 2017 – The American Cancer Society is honored to present its Fan of the Year Award to the family of Glen Pretti from Mt. Horeb, and the Spirit of Hope Award to childhood cancer survivor Ian Lock from Fond du Lac, at the 10^th annual Coaches vs. Cancer Wisconsin Gala on Saturday, April 29, at the Monona Terrace in Madison.

These awards are given annually at the Coaches vs. Cancer Wisconsin Gala to individuals who demonstrate courage, passion, and hope in the fight against cancer.

Glen Pretti passed away from pancreatic cancer in October 2016. A husband, father, and commercial real estate broker in the Madison area, Pretti was also a former athlete who enjoyed coaching youth basketball for the Wisconsin Hoops Select Basketball program. In Pretti’s honor, Wisconsin Hoops Select Basketball held a fundraiser earlier this month that collected more than $8,400 for the American Cancer Society. Prior to his family receiving the Fan of the Year Award, a special video tribute to Pretti will be shown.

“We’re so grateful for the passion, dedication, and support that Wisconsin Hoops Select has shown to the American Cancer Society and the Pretti family,” said Marieanna Wild, senior development manager for the American Cancer Society in Madison. “The dollars they raised will help us fund innovative cancer research and provide the resources people need when facing a cancer diagnosis.”

Ian Lock was 16 years old when he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma – a rare form of bone cancer. Thanks to advances in cancer research shortly before Ian’s diagnosis, doctors saved his leg using a cadaver bone, along with nearly 20 rounds of chemotherapy. Today, Ian is cancer-free and a senior at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn., studying biology and economics.

Ian also currently volunteers for the American Cancer Society and its advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). He’s passionate about the role cancer research plays in saving lives, and testified before Congress in 2013 to advocate for increased federal funding for cancer research.

“While we still don’t know what exactly caused my cancer, what I do know is if the National Institutes of Health hadn’t funded the cancer research that led to new treatments – I could have lost my leg and even my life,” Ian told members of Congress. “As you can imagine, cancer research means a lot to me.”

Ian will share his remarkable story of survivorship at the Coaches vs. Cancer Wisconsin Gala as part of a “raise-the-paddle” fundraiser to benefit pediatric cancer research.

The Coaches vs. Cancer Wisconsin Gala is part of the American Cancer Society’s larger Coaches vs. Cancer Wisconsin program. Each year, more than 85 teams from schools and universities throughout Wisconsin and a variety of sports host Coaches vs. Cancer fundraisers to support the American Cancer Society. Their success and statewide impact will be celebrated at the gala, and several coaches will be recognized for engaging their teams in this effort.-

Since 2008, the Coaches vs. Cancer Wisconsin Gala has raised $5.6 million to support the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving mission. In addition to a three-course dinner and live and silent auctions, the evening will include an inspirational program highlighted by remarks from NBA legend and cancer survivor Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

This year’s gala sponsors include Mike & Cheryl Shult and Family; Research Products Corp.; Bo & Kelly Ryan; Wind River Financial; The University Book Store; and Golfers vs. Cancer.

For more event details, contact Marieanna Wild, senior development manager, at [email protected] or 608-662-7543.

The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 2 million volunteers saving lives in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society’s efforts have contributed to a 25 percent decline in the cancer death rate in the U.S. since 1991, driven by less smoking, better treatments, and earlier detection. We’re finding cures as the nation’s largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at (800) 227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

Contact: Jonathan Barry, (608) 266-8369

MADISON – The Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL) today approved $500,000 in State Trust Fund Loans to support two community projects in Wisconsin.

The BCPL approved the following loans:

• Town of Leon, Waushara County / Finance dam repair / $300,000
• Town of Pleasant Springs, Dane County / Finance road repairs / $200,000

The BCPL operates entirely on program revenue, without taxpayer money, and distributes more than 96 cents of every dollar of interest earned on BCPL State Trust Fund investments to Wisconsin’s public schools.  The 2017 earnings of $32.1 million provide the sole source of state funding for K‑12 public school library materials.

A list of 2017 library aid received by each public school district is available at: (http://bcpl.wisconsin.gov/docview.asp?docid=28101&locid=145).

Established in 1848 by the State Constitution, the BCPL consists of the Secretary of State Doug La Follette, State Treasurer Matt Adamczyk, and Attorney General Brad Schimel.  The BCPL manages the Common School Fund, which was created in Article X of Wisconsin’s Constitution, as a permanent endowment to benefit public education.

To learn more about the agency, visit http://bcpl.wisconsin.gov.

Contact: Jonathan Barry, (608) 266-8369

MADISON – The Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL) today approved nearly $27.7 million in State Trust Fund Loans to support fifteen community projects in Wisconsin.

The BCPL approved the following loans:

• City of Beaver Dam, Dodge County / Finance TID development incentive / $1,000,000
• Village of Bloomfield, Walworth County / Refinance BCPL loan #2015068.02 / $68,493.30
• Village of Bloomfield, Walworth County / Refinance BCPL loan #2016113.01 /$38,769.27
• Village of Bloomfield, Walworth County / Refinance BCPL loan #2017074.01 / $540,000
• Village of Bloomfield, Walworth County / Refinance BCPL loan #2017102.01 / $200,000
• Village of Bloomfield, Walworth County / Finance 2017 budget shortfall / $635,000
• Village of Bloomfield, Walworth County / Finance 2017 capital budget / $260,000
• Town of Dunkirk, Dane County / Purchase patrol truck, road equipment, and finance road repairs / $200,000
• Kenosha Unified School District, Kenosha County / Finance energy efficiency projects / $16,355,000
• Town of Longwood, Clark County / Purchase road grader / $152,000
• Town of Martell, Pierce County / Construct municipal shop building / $450,000
• Town of Onalaska, la Crosse County / Purchase refuse and recycle carts / $220,000
• City of Owen, Clark County / Finance TID #4 projects / $680,000
• Town of Plum Lake, Vilas County / Purchase ambulance / $150,000
• Racine School District, Racine County / Purchase and remodel building / $6,750,000

The BCPL operates entirely on program revenue, without taxpayer money, and distributes more than 96 cents of every dollar of interest earned on BCPL State Trust Fund investments to Wisconsin’s public schools.  The 2017 earnings of $32.1 million provide the sole source of state funding for K‑12 public school library materials.

A list of 2017 library aid received by each public school district is available at: (http://bcpl.wisconsin.gov/docview.asp?docid=28101&locid=145).

Established in 1848 by the State Constitution, the BCPL consists of the Secretary of State Doug La Follette, State Treasurer Matt Adamczyk, and Attorney General Brad Schimel.  The BCPL manages the Common School Fund, which was created in Article X of Wisconsin’s Constitution, as a permanent endowment to benefit public education.

To learn more about the agency, visit http://bcpl.wisconsin.gov.

Contact:
Kevin Kane- (414) 550-8280, [email protected]
Robert Kraig- (414) 322-5324, [email protected]

Statewide: In a media call this morning Citizen Action of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Council on Children and Families, and substance use disorder experts Dr Richard Brown and Jesse Heffernan raised concerns about Gov. Scott Walker proposed Medicaid waiver seeking permission from the Trump Administration to make a series of changes in the state’s BadgerCare program. Listen to the entire media call here.

Governor Walker’s proposed Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver, which will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services later this week, makes a series of changes in BadgerCare which apply to adults without minor children. These include charging premiums, requiring participation in job training programs, a 48 months on time limit on enrollment, and a requirement for drug use screening and testing.

The experts who spoke on the call argued that these change, if approved by the federal government, would force many low income Wisconsinites off BadgerCare without providing and viable alternative for access to health care. Although this might save money initially, it will be far more expensive for the state in the long run.

According to experts who spoke on the call, the drug testing proposal would be costly, impractical, and counterproductive.

“The whole idea is misguided. Depriving drug-addicted people of Medicaid will deprive them of high quality healthcare. This is the last thing we want during our current opioid epidemic,” said Dr. Rich Brown, founder of Wisconsin Initiative to Promote Healthy Lifestyle at UW School of Medicine “The Internet is full of guidance on how people who are using drugs can escape detection. Drug testing will likely not to identify most drug users and will be a total waste of time and money. Wisconsin already has many people on waiting lists to receive treatment. The longer people wait, the less likely they will actually end up in treatment. The $48 million proposed for drug testing would be much better used to reduce wait times for people who already want treatment.”

“Scott Walker is playing politics with the health and safety of people who need medical care the most. His forced drug testing proposal flies in the face of decades of medical science which has determined that substance use disorders are a disease not a moral failing,” said Robert Kraig, Executive Director of Citizen Action of Wisconsin. “If Walker was really interested in tackling the opioid epidemic and reduce substance use, he would fully fund voluntary prevention, screening, and treatment programs recommended by public health experts. Instead, he is playing on the worst stereotypes about people with substance use issues and all moderate income people who can’t afford to buy health coverage on their own.”

“The fact is we don’t even have the number of treatment beds in this state to handle a major influx of patients if people’s coverage is at risk,” said Jesse Heffernan, Certified Recovery Coach at Helios Addiction Coaching. “Governor Walker’s proposal perpetuates stigma and does not prioritize prevention. For someone who is actively using or seeking recovery, how can we expect them to pull themselves up by their bootstraps when they are facing a constant struggle. This is not the recipe to make someone a productive member of society again.”

“Walker’s proposed time limit on BadgerCare is likely to cut off people with chronic conditions. The proposal overall will likely lead to a less healthy workforce and much higher uncompensated care for hospitals,” said Jon Peacock, Research Director at Wisconsin Council on Children and Families. “This waiver will make Wisconsinites less healthy and will result in a smaller Wisconsin workforce.”

Contact:
Katie Crawley, Mayor’s Office
[email protected]

Katherine Klausing, RENEW Wisconsin
[email protected], (614) 406-1105

April 24, 2017 – Madison. Today the Cities of Madison and Middleton announced the launch of the MadiSUN Solar Group Buy program, a collaborative program that helps residents easily and affordably invest in solar electric systems on their homes. The announcement continues the steady stream of renewable energy commitments and solar projects announced in Wisconsin, and follows 2016’s successful solar group buy program—the largest in Wisconsin to date.

The MadiSUN Solar Group Buy program will enable Madison and Middleton residents to “go solar” together.  Through the group buy program, a team of community members requests offers from solar companies across the region. The program then pre-qualifies a price and service provider to make it as easy as possible for people to join the program. The City’s investment in marketing and competitive bidding will drive down the cost for each participant. The cost of installing solar has never been lower, and households can receive a Federal Tax Credit for 30 percent of the system cost, while Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program offers up to $2,000 in additional rebates.

The program, through its contractor RENEW Wisconsin, has begun recruiting interested households to participate. This summer, citizens can learn more and sign up at madisunsolar.com.

Madison Mayor Paul Soglin lauded the group buy program. “These programs are proven vehicles for making rooftop solar more accessible and affordable for homeowners in the community, and that’s why we thank MadiSUN,” he said.

The City will partner Summit Credit Union to offer a special Solar Energy Loan Program where residents can finance 100 percent of a solar electric system with no fees or collateral. “Summit Credit Union is thrilled to continue partnering with the City of Madison bringing solar technology to the area,” they said in a statement.  Details on the MadiSUN loan program can be found on the website summitcreditunion.com or by calling 800-236-0985.

Six educational events were also announced as part of the program, aimed at helping residents learn more about solar energy and the options available for installing solar. All events are free and open to the public. The dates, times, and locations information sessions are available at www.madisunsolar.com/upcoming-events.

Madison earned a “gold” designation from SolSmart, the highest level of recognition from a national program under the U.S. Department of Energy’s SunShot Initiative. The “gold” designation recognizes the city’s efforts to accelerate solar development, from improving permitting and zoning for solar, to investing in financing and solar workforce training programs.  Madison recently became the first community in Wisconsin to commit to a goal of 100 percent renewable energy. The City is already progressing toward that goal, including initiatives like a citywide solar apprenticeship program whose trainees will install another 100 kilowatts of solar on city facilities.

Middleton Mayor Gurdip Brar pointed to the city’s many solar developments in recent months, such as the 100kW atop the Middleton Police Station. “We at the City of Middleton are proud to work with our neighbors to bring the benefits of solar energy to all of our communities here,” he said. “Going forward, Middleton and Madison are going to be cooperating a lot more,” he said.

“2017 is going to be a great year for solar, and we encourage Middleton families to take advantage of this opportunity,” Brar said. “This is a great day for our communities.”

Homeowners Josh Feyen and Jay Edgar hosted the event outside their home, where they installed 6 kW of solar panels in 2016 as part of that year’s MadiSUN Group Buy program.  The array also powers their new car, a hybrid-electric Chevrolet Volt.  Feyen estimates that the system will pay for itself through energy cost savings in about 10 years “and then we’re going to be getting about 20 years of free electricity, including charging our car three times per week. So if you think about it, we’re saving a lot of money from the energy we’re creating and the gasoline we’re not putting in our car,” said Feyen. They were also able to take advantage of the federal tax credit and rebates from the Focus on Energy program.

Feyen and Edgar have also been talking to family and friends about the benefits of the MadiSUN program. “We’ve kind of been Johnny Appleseed,” Edgar says.

MadiSUN Program Manager Katherine Klausing concluded by saying, “We’ve built a lot of momentum leading to this event. As successful as the past year has been, we believe 2017 is going to be even better.”

Sign up to learn more about the program at https://madisunsolar.com.

Contact: Bill Arnold, (414) 286-3285

Nominations for the 2017 Frank P. Zeidler Public Service Award are being accepted until the close of business on Friday, June 30, 2017.

The honor is awarded annually to recognize an outstanding city resident who best exemplifies Frank P. Zeidler’s legacy of social justice and civic accomplishment. The award was established by the Common Council in 2006, and city residents who are not elected officials are eligible for consideration. Last year’s winners were Rose Daitsman, a lifelong advocate for many human rights issues, and Andre Lee Ellis, an activist, community leader, and theatre director.

Milwaukee attorney Art Heitzer, chair of the award’s selection committee, said the committee welcomes nominations of worthy candidates for the Zeidler award from individuals or organizations. “We are fortunate that Milwaukee is rich with individuals from diverse communities who pay it forward and contribute their time and talent in remarkable ways to make our city a better place,” he said. “If you know of someone who fits that description, please nominate him or her for the Frank P. Zeidler Public Service Award by June 30th.”

The selection committee also includes Alderman Robert J. Bauman, activist Jack Murtaugh, historian John Gurda, lawyer Arthur Harrington of Godfrey & Kahn, civil rights activist and retired founder of the New Concept Self Development Center, Inc. — June Perry, and a representative of the Frank P. Zeidler Center for Public Discussion, Shelley Bruehling. 

2017 Zeidler Public Service Award

Nomination forms are now available on the city website or by contacting Joanna Polanco (414-286-2366 or [email protected]).  Anyone can nominate themselves or others, but nominees must be city residents who are not publicly-elected officials.

Please submit six copies of the nomination letter (three pages maximum) by June 30, 2017, along with the nominee’s resume and any supporting materials that would help the committee make its selection. Send to: Ms. Joanna Polanco, City Hall Room 205, 200 E. Wells St., Milwaukee, WI 53202.

Contact:  Amber Meyer Smith, (608) 251-7020 x16, [email protected]

Madison, WI — Clean Wisconsin, the state’s oldest and largest environmental group, issued the following statement in response to the Wisconsin Senate’s passage, on a party-line vote, of a bill that limits regulation of high capacity wells:

CONTACT: Melissa Moore Baldauff, Director of Communications
414.278.4216 Office
772.579.6936 Cell
[email protected]MilwaukeeCountyWI.gov

CARW declares East-West reconstruction to be top legislative priority of 2017-18

MILWAUKEE – Stopping work on the planned I-94 East-West freeway project will make it more difficult to attract additional economic development to Milwaukee and Waukesha counties and hurt the region’s effort to grow, the leader of the area’s largest commercial real estate group said today.

Tracy Johnson, president and CEO of the Commercial Association of REALTORS® Wisconsin (CARW), said that further delays to the East-West corridor project will be a deterrent in site selection for new businesses considering a move to the area and will also damage the region’s ability to attract companies looking for expansion locations. She indicated that making necessary infrastructure improvements – particularly continuing East-West rebuilding efforts – is the organization’s No. 1 legislative priority for 2017-18.

“Having an old, deteriorating freeway section that is congested, unsafe and woefully inadequate harms our members’ ability to close deals, lease and sell space and interest new business in the area,” she said.

Jeff Hoffman, CARW’s immediate past board chairman and a principal at the commercial real estate firm of Cushman & Wakefield / Boerke, said a good transportation network is key to economic growth and job creation and consistently ranks as a Top 5 issue among business executives determining desirable locations for commercial investment.

“Southeast Wisconsin’s robust transportation system, of which the East-West corridor is a critical part, has helped the region attract such signature developments as IKEA, Uline, Amazon, the Mayfair Collection, The Corridor and The Corners of Brookfield, not to mention $3 billion worth of new development in downtown Milwaukee,” Hoffman said. “But that kind of progress will hit a speed bump if the state cannot continue to provide the needed infrastructure that businesses and residents rely on for jobs, commerce, tourism, recreation and more.”

Originally built in the early 1960s and bookended between an $800 million investment in the Marquette Interchange and a $1.7 billion investment in ongoing work in the Zoo Interchange, the I-94 East-West corridor runs for 3.5 miles between 16^th and 70^th streets. The stretch is a main artery for commerce in the state of Wisconsin and carries between 140,000 and 160,000 vehicles per day – 30,000 more than its 1950s-era design intended. The average crash rate is 2-3 times higher than the statewide urban freeway average and at some points, more than 4 times higher.

Planning and engineering to rebuild the outdated corridor has been ongoing since 2012, and was expected to continue with construction anticipated in 2018/19. In February 2017, however, funding for the project was unexpectedly dropped from the state’s proposed 2017-19 budget.

“While we applaud efforts by the state to eliminate waste and inefficiency, stopping the East-West project now would be a major roadblock to Wisconsin’s business, job and economic growth,” Johnson said. “It would also squander the millions of dollars already spent on engineering and design and the more than $2 billion spent to overhaul the interchanges feeding into the corridor.”

CARW members have met with members of the Wisconsin Joint Committee on Finance and other legislators to discuss the East-West corridor, Johnson said additional outreach is planned to encourage legislators to take the necessary steps to restore funding to keep the project moving forward.

“Wisconsin has made tremendous strides in creating an environment where our state is ‘open for business,’ and there have been measurable results,” Johnson said. “But you can’t be ‘open for business’ if there is a ‘road closed’ sign on one of the most critical stretches of highway in the state.

“There are 21,000 businesses, 310,000 jobs and 540,000 residents within a five-mile radius of the heart of the East-West corridor, and it is in the state’s best interest to get this project back on track,” she added. “Failure to do so would hurt Wisconsin now and have negative consequences that will reverberate throughout the entire state economy for years to come.”

Contact: Lynn Vollbrecht, (608) 313-3375 (phone), (952) 393-5824 (cell)
[email protected]

BELOIT, Wis.—On Monday (April 24) morning, Community Health Systems’ Chief Executive Officer Julie Sprecher presented the 2016 Community Health Centers Friend award to Rep. Amy Loudenbeck, of Wisconsin’s 31st District.

Each year, the Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association presents a small number of bi-partisan state and federal legislators with the award, in recognition of their support for community health centers’ work to advance access to medical, dental, and behavioral health care.

“I’m honored to receive the Community Health Centers Friend Award from the Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association,” Loudenbeck said, after a tour of CHS’s Beloit location. “It was great to visit and tour the Beloit Area Community Health Center to receive this award. I’m particularly excited about their forthcoming behavioral health services and increased access to dental care.”

Wisconsin’s health centers serve hundreds of thousands of individuals statewide, providing primary, oral and behavioral health care for hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin residents.

“We’re so appreciative of Representative Loudenbeck’s continued support of some of our state’s most vulnerable children and families,” said Sprecher. “We were happy to present her with this award, and glad she came to our Beloit Area Community Health Center to witness our growth and expansion first-hand.”

Beloit Area Community Health Center (BACHC) of Community Health Systems, Inc. has been offering comprehensive care for our community since 1999. The health center provides medical and dental care for area residents of all ages, and offers a sliding-fee-scale discount based on patients’ income and family size. For more information call (608) 361-0311 or visit www.chsofwi.org.

Contact: David Kolovson
(Pocan) 202-225-2906

Washington, D.C.  – U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) released the following statement after House Republicans introduced an amendment to the Trumpcare plan, which failed to get a vote on the House Floor last month. The amendment allows states to opt-out of popular provisions in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Protections for preexisting conditions and requirements that insurers cover basic services like maternity care, cancer screenings, and addiction treatment could be taken away. In addition, the Republicans’ amendment even exempts Members of Congress and their staff, ensuring they will keep these ACA protections.

“House Republicans showed their hand when they exempted themselves from their own plan. If this latest version of Trumpcare isn’t good enough for Members of Congress, it’s not good enough for the American people.

“The reason Trumpcare failed, was that the American people took a long hard look at what the President and Speaker Ryan put on the table and flatly rejected it. Now, House Republicans are trying to introduce a worse version of Trumpcare that will likely cause more people to lose health insurance, make it harder for people with preexisting conditions to get coverage, and leaves people at the mercy of insurance companies.”

CONSTITUTION PARTY OF WISCONSIN

608-561-7996

[email protected]  

Madison-On March 28, 2017, LRB 2039/1 was introduced to the Wisconsin State Legislature.  This “Right to Carry” bill would allow for the concealed carry of a firearm without a concealed carry license anywhere in the state where an individual is legally allowed to carry a firearm. 

Given the complete lack of leadership that the Republicans have in Wisconsin regarding all things relating to the US Constitution, it is very unlikely that this bill will become law. In fact, the Constitution Party of Wisconsin (CPoW) has decided not to say “I told you so.” Rather, CPoW has chosen to predict, as of this date, that the Republicans are so pathetic and weak, that they will definitely not have enough votes in their own party to pass the Right to Carry bill. The fact that they control the Wisconsin State Assembly, Senate and Governor’s Office will not deter them from snatching defeat out of the jaws of victory.

“This ought to be a no-brainer,” said CPoW State Chairman, Andrew Zuelke. “US Citizens have a God-given, unalienable right to keep and bear arms, as outlined in the 2nd Amendment of our constitution. Law-abiding citizens do not need permission from their government to exercise this right. Why is that so difficult for the Republicans to understand?”

The position of the Constitution Party is clear: The Constitution Party upholds the right of the citizen to keep and bear arms. We oppose attempts to prohibit ownership of guns by law-abiding citizens, and stand against all laws which would require the registration of guns or ammunition.

The Constitution Party has been a leader on this issue since its inception in 1992. While the democrats blatantly try to strip law abiding citizens of their right to keep and bear arms, the Republicans continue to do what they do best; cave-in to the democrats.

“Once again we [the Constitution Party] have proven to be the only conservative party left in Wisconsin,” said Jerry Broitzman, CPoW Vice Chairman. “The Republican Party has gone the way of the Whigs. We are the only political party who can oppose the democrats.”

If you want a political party with principles, you only have one choice; the Constitution Party. Join a group of people who are willing to fight for our conservative principles, not run and hide. Go to www.constitutionparty.com to learn more.

Contact: Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726
[email protected]

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 4/4/17) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on law enforcement authorities to investigate two acts of vandalism targeting a Muslim prayer space at Marquette University in Wisconsin as possible hate crimes.

Muslim students say the Islamic prayer room in the university’s Alumni Memorial Union was vandalized in November after the presidential election and again following the announcement of President Trump’s second “Muslim ban” executive order.

SEE: Muslim Prayer Space Tarnished
https://marquettewire.org/3969315/news/increased-muslim-hate-speech/

“It is concerning that these acts of vandalism occurred after an election in which Islamophobia was promoted and exploited, and following the announcement of the second ‘Muslim ban,’” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “The vandalism should be investigated as possible hate crimes, and the perpetrators should be brought to justice.”

Hooper noted that CAIR recently decried what it termed the Trump administration’s “deafening silence” on a growing number of anti-Muslim incidents in recent days, part of an unprecedented spike in anti-Muslim incidents nationwide that began during the recent presidential campaign and accelerated following the November 8 election.

SEE: CAIR Decries Trump Administration’s ‘Deafening Silence’ on Series of Anti-Muslim Incidents Nationwide
https://www.cair.com/press-center/press-releases/14225-cair-decries-trump-administration-s-deafening-silence-on-series-of-anti-muslim-incidents-nationwide.html

CAIR-OK Releases 2016 Civil Rights Report Showing Spike in Anti-Muslim Hate Incidents
http://www.cair.com/press-center/press-releases/14236-cair-ok-releases-2016-civil-rights-report-showing-spike-in-anti-muslim-hate-incidents.html

Since the beginning of the year, CAIR has called for investigations of possible bias motives for 35 incidents targeting mosques in Colorado, Florida, Ohio, Iowa, Kentucky, Georgia, Arizona, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Texas, and a number of other states. By comparison, in the January-March period in 2016, CAIR recorded 19 such incidents.

CAIR: This Map Shows How Many Mosques Have Been Targeted Just This Year (CNN)
http://edition.cnn.com/2017/03/20/us/mosques-targeted-2017-trnd/index.html

In a soon-to-be-published report, CAIR will detail a more than 50 percent increase in anti-Muslim bias incidents in 2016 over 2015. That figure is accompanied by a more than 40 percent increase in anti-Muslim hate crimes in the same period.

CAIR is asking American Muslims and Islamic institutions to take extra security precautions and is offering Muslim community leaders free copies of its booklet, “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety.” The booklet may be requested through CAIR’s website: http://www.cair.com/mosque-safety-guide.html

The Washington-based civil rights and advocacy organization urges community members to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR’s Civil Rights Department at 202-742-6420 or by filing a report at: http://www.cair.com/civil-rights/report-an-incident/view/form.html

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

Easement to Allow Public Access to Half Mile of Popular Trout Fishery Near Paoli

It will be easier to fish one of area’s most popular waterways under a new agreement between Dane County and a local property owner, County Executive Joe Parisi announced today.   The County is looking to acquire an easement for a half mile of frontage along the West Branch of the Sugar River near Paoli.  The easement is adjacent to one of the County’s largest conservation projects, the Falk Wells Sugar River Wildlife Area.

“The Sugar River is not only a top notch fishery, it’s also one of our county’s most picturesque natural resources as it winds through the farm fields of southwestern Dane County,” Parisi said.  “We’ve done a lot of work in this area in recent years to protect highly valuable land and water resources while making sure those of all ages have the opportunity to get outside and enjoy all our county has to offer.”

The Sugar River is a cold water trout stream and this half mile meandering stretch of the river is located just south of Verona and near the unincorporated community of Paoli.  The easement is adjacent to Dane County’s Falk Wells Sugar River Wildlife Area,  hundreds of acres acquired along the Sugar River in 2013 for preservation and outdoor recreation.

https://www.countyofdane.com/press/details.aspx?id=3040

A decade ago, Dane County created a program to protect and restore popular fishing streams with the goal of making it easier for families to get outdoors and enjoy these waterways.  Since creation of this streambank easement fund in 2007, the County has permanently protected over 19 miles of stream and river frontage, opening up new areas for public fishing access.

Under terms of the agreement, the County will purchase the easement for $31,600.  The parcels will continue to be privately owned with the public fishing managed by the Dane County Parks Commission.

The resolution authorizing purchase of this easement will be reviewed by the County Board of Supervisors in the coming weeks.

Contact: Scott Adrian
608-266-4114

In response to rising fears in the community resulting from the President’s policies on immigration, Dane County is moving forward with new services to help local immigrants, County Executive Joe Parisi announced today.

“Real people, working hard every day to raise their kids and support their families are unnecessarily living in fear and looking for reasons for hope,” Parisi said.  “By starting up a fund for the community to build upon and dedicating a new county position to connect those in need of services to help that’s available, we’re responding to the unnerving and uninformed policies coming from Washington D.C.”

Parisi first introduced the new services for immigrants in partnership with community providers several weeks ago.

https://www.countyofdane.com/press/details.aspx?id=3975

A resolution authorizing the new services is slated for final approval this evening.

The new $150,000 Immigration Assistance Fund will be housed with a community partner, such as the Madison Community Foundation.  Partnering organizations will look to raise additional dollars in the months to come to help meet the growing need for immigration and citizenship services in the area.  In turn, they’ll access the funds for the work they do in the community.

The new position, housed in Dane County Human Services, will serve as a point of contact for those in community inquiring about existing county services and do outreach work to make sure those eligible for help are linked with the appropriate public or non-profit resources.  The position will team with county resources already in neighborhoods such as Joining Forces for Families.

“Like the rest of America, immigrants define the culture of our great county.  Whether it’s Syttende Mai, Festa Italia, Fiesta Hispana or Africa Fest we celebrate the diversity of who we are all across Dane County each year,” Parisi said.  “That’s why it’s imperative we stand together in support of our friends, neighbors, families, and employers and do our part to offer a little hope and optimism in what’s become such an unnecessarily divisive time in our nation’s history.”

Contact:
Brandon Weathersby
[email protected]
(608) 260-2409

OMAHA – As Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert campaigns alongside Wisconsin’s Governor Scott Walker—a failed Republican presidential candidate who is one of the least popular governors in the entire country—the Nebraska Democratic Party and the Democratic Party of Wisconsin are highlighting the extreme views and out-of-touch policies Stothert and Walker share.

Mayor Stothert bragged to the media that Governor Walker “governed like I’ve governed.”

“Stothert and Walker are two perfect motivators for Democrats and Independents to get to the polls for Heath Mello,” said Jane Kleeb, Nebraska Democratic Party Chair. “Stothert brags Walker governs exactly like her–a major red flag to voters since that means women are not valued the same as men in the workplace, preventative care gets defunded because of an extreme right political agenda, climate change gets ignored and working class families get left behind as big corporations have the red carpet rolled out for tax breaks and special favors all on the backs of middle-class families.”

“Scott Walker has already done enough damage to Wisconsin the economy and its workers – we don’t need to export his failure to other states,” said Martha Laning, Chair of the Democratic Party. “In Scott Walker’s Wisconsin, poverty is up, labor participation is down, the state government is broke, and thousands of manufacturing jobs are fleeing the state. Scott Walker’s failed trickle-down economic policies simply don’t work, and the last thing we need is Walker exporting his economic failures to hardworking communities like Omaha.”

Walker is known by working class families all across the country as the Governor who does the Koch brothers bidding and removes basic workplace organizing rules for better pay and safe working conditions.

The Stothert-Walker event takes place on April 24 from 3-5pm at DC Centre 11830 Stonegate Drive in Omaha.

Here is what a Stothert-Walker Agenda looks like for our families:

1. EQUAL PAY REPEALED
The Walker Record: In Wisconsin, Governor Walker repealed an equal pay law, making it more difficult for women to earn the same wages as men.
The Stothert Record: In Omaha, Mayor Stothert failed to support an equal pay law that was proposed on the City Council.

2. PLANNED PARENTHOOD DEFUNDED
The Walker Record: Governor Walker defunded Planned Parenthood, taking away women’s access to crucial health care services.
The Stothert Record: Mayor Stothert pledged she’d support efforts to defund Planned Parenthood.

3. DONALD TRUMP FANS
The Walker Record: After Walker’s own presidential campaign failed to win a single vote, Walker enthusiastically endorsed Donald Trump in a primetime speech at the Republican National Convention
The Stothert Record: After touting the support of Nebraska’s biggest Trump fans—from Dave Heineman to Taylor Royal—Mayor Stothert is now desperately importing out-of-state Trump supporters like Scott Walker to prop up her flailing campaign.

4. MINIMUM WAGE DENIED
The Walker Record: Governor Walker called the concept of having a minimum wage ‘lame’ and eliminated the state’s living wage law.
The Stothert Record: Mayor Stothert refused to sign legislation that aimed to raise the minimum wage for hard-working Omahans.

5. CLIMATE DENIAL
The Walker Record: As Governor of Wisconsin, Scott Walker has moved to reduce the role of science and climate change in policymaking.
The Stothert Record: As Mayor of Omaha, Jean Stothert is ignoring climate change by falsely claiming it’s not an important issue to Omahans.

Contact:
Brandon Weathersby
[email protected]
(608) 260-2409

MADISON — Joining a chorus of stories across the country, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel published a Sunday story highlighting activism across Wisconsin that has translated to a record-breaking fundraising and grassroots activism in support of Senator Tammy Baldwin’s re-election campaign.

Contact:
Brandon Weathersby
[email protected]
(608) 260-2409

Contact: Steven Michels, (608) 267-7874

Madison – Following an open season, the West Shore Pipeline Company has notified the state that they will not replace a pipeline for gasoline and other products servicing northeast Wisconsin. Since the closure of the 110 mile segment of the West Shore Pipeline in March 2016, the state has worked with local officials and industry leaders to maintain an adequate fuel supply in the region.
“In light of this announcement, the state will continue to work with our partners to assist the industry in developing long-term, market-based solutions to manage an adequate fuel supply for the region at a reasonable price for consumers,” Secretary Scott Neitzel said. “We’d like to thank our partners for their continued efforts to limit the impact of this pipeline’s closure on citizens in the region.”

Since the pipeline’s initial closure, Governor Walker directed DOA, the Public Service Commission, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Natural Resources to lead the state’s efforts to work with local, state, and industry leaders to keep the area well supplied at reasonable prices for consumers.

CONTACT: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722
On the Web: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/news.htm
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WIWorkforce
On Twitter: @WIWorkforce

MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today released the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates of unemployment and employment statistics for metro areas, major cities, and counties in Wisconsin. The estimates include updates for February 2017 and the preliminary estimates for March 2017. These numbers are not seasonally adjusted. In brief, the estimates showed:

Metropolitan Statistical Areas: Preliminary March 2017 unemployment rates decreased in all areas over the year when compared over the year to March 2016 and over the month to February 2017. The largest over the year decline was 1.2 percent in Racine. The latest rates ranged from 2.6 percent in Madison to 4.5 percent in Racine.

Municipalities: Preliminary March 2017 rates decreased in all of the state’s 32 largest municipalities when compared over the year to March 2016 and over the month to February 2017. The latest rates ranged from 2.3 percent in Madison to 5.7 percent in Beloit.

Counties: Preliminary March 2017 rates decreased in all 72 counties when compared over the year to March 2016 rates and in 71 of 72 counties when compared over the month to February 2017. The largest over the year decline was 2.3 percent in Bayfield county. The latest rates ranged from 2.5 percent in Dane to 7.9 percent in Iron.

The release of the March 2017 local rates follows last week’s release of BLS monthly estimates showing a preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.4 percent in March 2017, dropping to its lowest rate since April 2000. Data also showed both total labor force and employment in Wisconsin reached an all-time highs in March, while the number of unemployed individuals was its lowest since June 2000.

Other indicators of the state of Wisconsin’s economy include:

Wisconsin’s labor force participation rate increased to 68.4 percent and continues to outpace the U.S. rate of 63.0 percent in March.
Wisconsin saw a preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.4 percent in March 2017, down 0.3 percent from February and at its lowest rate since April 2000.
Initial UI claims ended 2016 at their lowest level in their last 30 years. Year 2017 initial UI claims are running at their lowest levels since 1989.
Continuing unemployment claims ended 2016 at their lowest level since 1973. Continuing unemployment claims in Wisconsin are running the lowest in at least the past 30 years.

MADISON, Wis. – Five individuals and organizations dedicated to protecting, preserving and increasing the number of trees lining city streets, filling community parks and beautifying neighborhoods throughout the state earned recognition from the Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council at the recent 2017 Wisconsin Arborist Association/DNR conference in Green Bay.

“The awards recognize and thank individuals and organizations for their work and commitment to the trees, plantings, habitat and economic benefits they provide,” said Kristin Gies, co-chair of the Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council’s award committee. “Reviewing the nominations each year is a wonderful way to see the great things happening around Wisconsin and to support healthy community forests.”

The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council advises the Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry on the best ways to manage urban and community forest resources.

The recipients of the awards include:

• Distinguished Service: Sean Gere, 6-time state champion climber, ISA certified arborist, arboriculture researcher/educator, member of the American Society of Consulting Arborists, the Tree Care Industry Association, and Wisconsin Urban Wood and owner of Gere Tree Care in Madison, Wisconsin. He received this award for contributions to urban forest health, safety of arborists, and community education and awareness. Sean is involved in research and teaching on topics related to tree care, urban ecosystems, and safety for members of the tree care industry, and providing programming for community members to help people and the environment exist together in mutually beneficial ways.
• Project Partnership: The Popple Trail Invasive Species Removal Project in Webb Park, Reedsburg earned this award for the excellent demonstration of a collaborative partnership involving numerous community groups of all ages. Because of their effort to remove invasive buckthorn and plant trees to restore the urban forest and enhance wildlife habitat, the recreational and educational opportunities of an urban corridor were increased.
• Innovations in Urban Forestry: This category includes two winners. Adam Alves, Dane County Forestry Specialist, was recognized for creating sustainable partnerships providing outreach and educational events around arboriculture including climbing events for kids of all abilities. He is the founder of the Dane County Regional Arborist Group dedicated to sharing knowledge and skills involved in urban forestry and promoting arboriculture as an exciting viable career option. WholeTrees, a Madison-based architectural design and building-products company focused on bringing low-value forest byproducts into high-value building markets, received the second award in this category for their use of whole urban local trees in the construction of Festival Foods at the Galaxie in Madison. This project involved extended collaborations and generated income for local businesses employing researchers, engineers, builders, and foresters throughout the Madison area. The project demonstrated how continued partnerships between cities and local businesses can find new ways to utilize local wood for building.

• Lifetime Achievement: Dick Rideout received this award in recognition of his leadership, organizational skills, and dedication promoting and improving urban forestry, which has had a lasting impact on arboriculture in Wisconsin, the Midwest and across the country. Dick served as Wisconsin’s first urban forestry coordinator. Until his retirement in 2015, his career focused on ensuring the future of healthy urban forests in Wisconsin and the U.S. His legacy includes the DNR Urban Forestry Grants Program, Champion Tree Program, Urban Forestry Awards, and engagement in the Tree City, Tree Line, and Tree Campus Award programs and Arbor Day observances and activities across Wisconsin.

Interested in previous winners? Have ideas for nominees? The deadline for 2018 nominees is October 31, 2017. However, you can nominate your community tree champions any time. Learn more by visiting DNR.wi.gov and searching for the Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council.

Strategic Communications Company Adds Veteran Broadcaster

[BROOKFIELD, WISC…] Edge Messaging, LLC is expanding its strategic communications team with the addition of Dan Deibert as Director of Creative Services and Innovation. Deibert brings a quarter century of broadcasting experience to the firm. He has hosted radio shows in Chicago and St. Louis, as well as in Wisconsin’s three largest media markets.

“Dan is one of the most creative individuals I’ve ever come across and luring him to leave broadcasting and come aboard our team is a huge coup for our clients,” said Edge Messaging President Brian Fraley. “I created this job description with a Dan Deibert-type in mind, and then decided to make a play for the real deal.”

Deibert comes to Edge Messaging from legendary WOC where he co-hosted the “AM Quad Cities” morning program on the iHeart Media-owned station. He previously hosted shows in Milwaukee at iHeart’s NewsTalk 1130 WISN, on Madison’s WTDY and WTAQ/WGEE/WNFL in Green Bay. Deibert has also served as a regular fill in on Westwood One’s nationally-syndicated “Overnight America,” and in various time slots on Chicago’s WGN, St. Louis’ KMOX, and Milwaukee’s Scripps-owned AM620 WTMJ.

“I’m a storyteller at heart,” said Deibert. “I’m excited to get to work on behalf of our clients and help them tell their stories and effectively communicate with the audiences they need to target.”

As Director of Creative Services and Innovation, Deibert will immediately begin utilizing his podcasting, videography, graphic arts and multimedia production skills to enhance the services already provided by Edge Messaging.

“Our business and our team both continue to grow because we are relentless and deliver results for our clients,” said Fraley. “Dan knows we not only work hard, we work smart and are committed to helping our clients win.”

Edge Messaging is a Strategic Communications and Public Relations firm located in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. Edge Messaging’s clients include corporations, political candidates and nonprofits that range in size from Fortune 100 companies to voluntary grassroots organizations.

Contact: Amanda L. Brink
Email: [email protected]

I’m grateful for tonight’s results. First, I just want to thank my wife Kathy, my family, my supporters and everyone who came out to vote today. I’ve received enormous support in this campaign, and it has been truly heartwarming. I also want to acknowledge Dr. Holtz — stepping into the arena isn’t always easy. But I think that when you talk about the issues that really matter to folks, they show up and vote. Our campaign was about our kids, and the future of Wisconsin.

I believe the real winners tonight are Wisconsin’s 860,000 public school kids. The little girl in Altoona who loves playing her clarinet, the 4th grader in Greenfield who is excited about his computer class, and the kid from Three Lakes who is driven to invent and comes to school every day to work in the Fab Lab.

I believe in public education and I am proud of where we are today. We have high graduation rates, suspensions are down, attendance is up, and the number of kids earning college credit in high school is at an all-time high.

Despite these successes, we have serious challenges facing our schools. A larger share of our kids live in poverty, one in five students has a mental health need, the achievement gap between black and white students is too high and we have a growing teacher shortage that is furthered by divisive rhetoric.

Funding public schools is not a Republican or a Democratic issue, it is our obligation to care for our children, and our obligation to Wisconsin’s future prosperity. Education is the driving engine of our economy. Education gives kids a ladder of opportunity, and every child, not just some, deserve the resources Wisconsin should invest in them: kids with special needs, kids of color, kids who are immigrants and kids who come to school hungry.

I will continue to advocate for what is best for our kids and our future, but I need your help. With both the federal and state budgets in process, it is clear now, more than ever, we will have to continue to fight for public education and the resources our kids need. It takes more than just one person, one voice. So my ask tonight is this — volunteer in your local school, mentor a student, speak to your elected representative. These kids are Wisconsin’s future, and they need our help.

Join me in being their champion.

Contact:
Mark Rice
[email protected]
(608) 843-0171

Community Forum on Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility, Crimeless Revocations, and Community-Based Alternatives to Incarceration
Saturday, April 29 at 11 AM – 3 PM
Wisconsin Black Historical Society
2620 W Center St, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53206