Contact: Rep. Katrina Shankland, (608) 267-9649 MADISON – Rep. Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point), a member of the Joint Finance Committee, released the following statement today in response to Assembly Republicans’ so-called transportation plan: “Republicans have had more than six years to fund our transportation infrastructure and ensure its sustainability. Instead, they’ve punted over and over again, increasing the number of potholes across the state and nearly doubling the state’s transportation debt as percentage of revenue since Governor Walker took office. Town roads are going back to gravel and Wisconsin’s roads rank second worst in the nation. A real plan would invest

Contact: Pat Goss, 608-256-6891 [Madison, Wisconsin]: Following the release of the Assembly transportation funding proposal,  Pat Goss, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association, released the following statement: “While we are still reviewing the plan, we appreciate the Assembly leadership proposing the first new significant transportation revenue increase in nearly a decade.  The need to replace Wisconsin’s aging infrastructure has been well documented, and we look forward to providing feedback to lawmakers as the budget process continues.”

Contact: Office of Representative Chris Taylor, (608) 266-5342 MADISON – Earlier today, the Assembly GOP released their plan to “solve” Wisconsin’s transportation crisis.  Instead of fixing Wisconsin’s roads, which are some of the worst in the country, their plan gives more tax breaks to the wealthy. Notable provisions of the transportation plan include inexplicably both increasing and decreasing gas taxes, and more income tax giveaways for the rich who have already benefitted mightily under Republicans control of Wisconsin government. Rep. Chris Taylor (D-Madison) released the following statement: “The GOP thinks that all of the problems our state and hard-working Wisconsin families

Contact: Chris Rochester crochester@maciverinstitute.com [Madison, Wisc…] State Representative Dale Kooyenga and Assembly leaders rolled out a new plan today to better fund Wisconsin’s transportation system and dramatically reform the state’s income tax code. The proposal “puts Wisconsin on a long-term trajectory to improve our infrastructure while significantly lowering our tax burden.” In reaction to the proposal, MacIver Institute President Brett Healy issued the following statement: “Rep. Kooyenga deserves credit for his long-term thinking and bold ideas. It’s refreshing to see, instead of snarky texts or tweets, Rep. Kooyenga stepping up with an honest and genuine effort to move Wisconsin forward.” “While

Contact: Julaine Appling, 608-334-6435 info@wifamilyaction.org MADISON, WI – The following is a statement from Wisconsin Family Action President Julaine Appling on President Trump’s religious freedom Executive Order, signed earlier today. “Religious freedom and rights of conscience have been severely undermined in America in recent years. The Executive Order signed today by President Donald Trump represents a good first step towards restoring needed protection for those precious rights and the beginning of fulfillment of his campaign promises to protect the religious freedoms of Americans. But it is only a step. “The previous administration created a climate of hostility towards religion and

Contact: Ruben L. Anthony, Jr., PhD, 608.347.8224 ranthony@ulgm.org Threats Loom Against Gains of Last Eight Years; “Main Street Marshall Plan” is a Path Forward WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 4, 2017) – The National Urban League this week released the 2017 State of Black America: “Protect Our Progress,” at a moment when, President and CEO Marc H. Morial said, “so much economic and social progress stands at so much dire risk.” As a remedy, he presented the Main Street Marshall Plan: From Poverty to Prosperity, a sweeping proposal for economic and social revitalization of America’s cities and struggling neighborhoods. The centerpiece of State of Black

Contact: Madison Wiberg madison.wiberg@mail.house.gov Washington, D.C. – Today Rep. Mike Gallagher released the following statement after the House passed the American Health Care Act: “As the current healthcare system in America continues to break down, it’s become increasingly clear that the federal government does not know best when it comes to providing healthcare for the 323 million people in the United States. Millions of families have lost access to their preferred doctor, have had their health plan discontinued, or have had their premiums and deductibles rise so high that they’re effectively still uninsured. And while our national healthcare system was certainly broken prior

Contact: Evan Lukaske, (202) 485-3456 DCCC Chairman Ben Ray Luján released the following statement on the passage of the House Republicans’ repeal and ripoff health care bill: “Representative Sean Duffy just voted to increase your health insurance premiums and deductibles, toss 24 million Americans off of their insurance, and to slap you with an age tax if you’re age 50 to 64 – and they robbed Medicare while doing it. If that’s not bad enough, Duffy also voted to let health insurance companies charge you more if you have a preexisting condition. That means if you, your kids, or your parents are

Contact: Tony Palese, 608-266-5490 tony.palese@legis.wi.gov LA CROSSE, WI – After Congressional Republicans voted to increase health care premiums, limit coverage and enact an age tax on older Americans, Wisconsin Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) released the following statement: “Republican efforts to shift costs onto vulnerable families while giving massive tax breaks to the wealthy demonstrates a clear moral divide. The AHCA is a boon for insurance executives, drug companies and the wealthy at the expense of Wisconsin families and seniors. “I am shocked that Gov. Scott Walker and Legislative Republicans would support this dangerous plan that will impact thousands

Contact: Alec Zimmerman, (608) 257-4765 Baldwin and Fellow Democrats Offering More Political Games Instead of Real Reforms [Madison, WI]— Led by Speaker Paul Ryan, Republicans in the house today took a critical step toward fulfilling their campaign promise to repeal and replace Obamacare, reforming the healthcare system for hard-working Wisconsin families.  Meanwhile, Senator Tammy Baldwin has offered no solutions and continues to play political games instead of fighting for reforms.  The Republican Party of Wisconsin released the following statement: “While Republicans are taking steps to reform our healthcare system for Wisconsin’s hard-working families and small businesses, Democrats like Senator Tammy Baldwin