Wisconsin Bicycle Federation: Blasts trail killing amendment

Contact Dave Cieslewicz (chess LEV ich) at 608-698-4971 The Wisconsin Bicycle Federation is asking legislators to eliminate a state budget provision that could stop popular recreational trail projects in their tracks. The measure was slipped into the 19-page omnibus transportation budget amendment passed on a party line vote last week. It would prohibit local jurisdictions and the state Department of Transportation from using condemnation (also known as eminent domain) for the purpose of establishing or extending recreational trails, bicycle ways or lanes or pedestrian ways. “Joint Finance takes out all the governor’s policy provisions at the beginning of the budget

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Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty: Commends Gov. Walker for criticizing Superintendent Evers’ weak ESSA proposal

Contact: Cameron Sholty | WILL Communications Director cameron@will-law.org | 414-727-7416 | 262-409-9816 September 13, 2017 – Milwaukee, WI – The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty commends Governor Scott Walker for issuing a letter to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers that criticizes the missed opportunities to put forth a bold and meaningful state plan under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Under the new federal education law, ESSA, every state must submit a state plan to the U.S. Department of Education that will determine the direction of K-12 education policy in the state. Flexibility was built into the

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Assembly approves GOP amendment to budget, moves onto final debate

The state Assembly has moved onto debating the biennial budget’s passage after approving what GOP authors called a “technical” amendment. Democrats, whose 19 amendments to the budget were rejected, complained they weren’t being given enough time to review the GOP amendment. “You aren’t interested in lawmaking,” said Rep. Katrina Shankland, D-Stevens Point. “You’re interested in pushing things through.” But Vos said the amendment is “about as technical as can be” and is correcting drafting errors. Among the amendment’s provisions, according to a Legislative Fiscal Bureau summary, are: *deleting a provision requiring DOT to install a railroad gate crossing in Winnebago

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WED PM Update: Assembly debates budget bill, rejects Dem amendments; Walker’s trade mission

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — Assembly Republicans this afternoon were declining to make changes to the state budget to possibly win support from some of their GOP colleagues in the Senate. Though Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald has said he did not have the 17 votes needed to pass the bill in his house, a GOP amendment added to the budget included “n… Please log in to access subscriber content. If you don’t have a subscription, click here for a WisPolitics free trial and to view the different subscription options. Username or E-mail Password * Remember Me

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Citizen Action of Wisconsin: Wisconsin healthcare professionals thank Sen. Baldwin for co-sponsoring ‘Medicare for all’

Contacts: Robert Kraig (414) 322-5324 robert.kraig@citizenactionwi.org Kevin Kane (414) 550 8280 kevin.kane@citizenactionwi.org Statewide: Healthcare providers across Wisconsin are praising US Senator Tammy Baldwin for co-sponsoring the recently unveiled “Medicare for All” legislation authored by Senator Bernie Sanders. The “Medicare for All” bill builds on the Affordable Care Act (ACA). “The ACA was a good first step, but there is more that needs to be done to move our healthcare system forward,” said Dr. Kevin Fullin, a cardiologist in Kenosha. “In a time when Paul Ryan is proposing cuts to Medicaid and Medicare, I am proud of Sen. Baldwin for advocating

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Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors: Supervisor Taylor measure would limit the shackling of pregnant women

Contact: Brian Rothgery, Public Information Manager 414-278-4230 or brian.rothgery@milwaukeecountywi.gov MILWAUKEE – A measure opposing the practice of shackling pregnant and postpartum women within Milwaukee County correctional facilities will come before the Judiciary, Safety, and General Services committee of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors at 9:00AM on Thursday, September 14, before the full board considers the item next week. “The current method of shackling of pregnant women in Milwaukee County correctional institutions is not only unnecessary in most cases, it’s also cruel and inhumane. All women held in our jail, the House of Corrections, and the Juvenile Justice Center must

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Americans for Prosperity: Wisconsin should not empower shadowy public finance authority

CONTACT: Eric Bott, EBott@afphq.org MADISON, WI – Americans for Prosperity-Wisconsin today urged lawmakers in the strongest possible terms to reject an 11th hour proposal to give sweeping new powers to the Wisconsin Public Finance Authority (PFA), an obscure, quasi-governmental agency that issues high risk bonds for government and non-profit construction projects. The motion was inserted into the budget after closed door meetings with no public discussion. Unanswered questions abound about the implications of giving the PFA vast new powers including eminent domain and an expanded ability to issue bonds for economic development projects in foreign countries. Americans for Prosperity-Wisconsin Eric

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Reps. Subeck, Berceau, Sargent, Taylor: Madison women legislators distribute 300 donated backpacks with school supplies to Madison students

CONTACT: Rep. Subeck, (608) 266-7521 Rep. Berceau, (608) 266-3784 Rep. Sargent, (608) 266-0960 Rep. Taylor, (608) 266-5342 MADISON- During the last three weeks, Representative Lisa Subeck (D-Madison), Representative Terese Berceau (D-Madison), Representative Melissa Sargent (D-Madison), and Representative Chris Taylor (D-Madison) distributed 300 backpacks to elementary school students in Madison. The backpacks and supplies were donated by the Office Depot Foundation and distributed through the National Foundation for Women Legislators. “Back to school is such an exciting time, and I was thrilled to be able to hand out backpacks to students in the 76th Assembly District!” said Rep. Taylor. “Visiting community

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Rep. Grothman: Joint-employer rule hurts small businesses; must be rolled back

Contact: Bernadette Green, (202) 225-2476 (Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) today explored the growing threat to small businesses and franchises posed by the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) Obama-era definition of the joint-employer standard during a combined House Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Workforce Protections and Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions hearing. The subcommittee hearing specifically focused on Rep. Bradley Byrne’s (R-Ala.) Save Local Business Act (H.R. 3441), of which Grothman is a co-sponsor. The Save Local Business Act would roll back the expanded definition of the joint-employer rule to define joint employers as two

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Rep. Allen: Statement on State Treasurer’s support for Budget Transparency Act

Contact: Rep. Scott Allen (608) 266-8580 State Treasurer Matt Adamczyk sent an open letter to members of the Wisconsin State Legislature today in support of Rep. Allen’s and Sen. Nass’ Budget Transparency Act. Rep. Allen released the following statement: I am grateful for the State Treasurer’s support of AB 448, the Budget Transparency Act. Requiring budget motions to be posted online 48 hours before a vote is good government using 21st century technology. The Founders knew that an informed citizenry was key to protecting the principles of the Constitution. Treasurer Adamczyk has built substantial credibility in protecting the interests of

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Rep. Billings: To vote against State budget

Contact: Rep. Jill Billings (608) 266-5780 MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin State Assembly is taking up the state budget proposal for a final floor vote today. In anticipation of the budget’s passage, Rep. Jill Billings (D-La Crosse) released the following statement: “I am disappointed that the governor and Republicans have consistently refused to listen to constituents, who have time and again asked for a sustainable, comprehensive solution to our transportation crisis,” Rep. Billings said. “Without even considering long-term solutions offered by Democrats on behalf of the people of Wisconsin, Gov. Walker is once again borrowing hundreds of millions of dollars, kicking

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WisDems: Statement on Gablemen vetting

Contact: Melaniec@wisdems.org, 608-260-2409 Madison, WI – When state Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman announced in June he would not run for re-election next year, he indicated he planned to fill out his term on the court, allowing the Wisconsin people to choose their next Supreme Court Justice in an open election. On Wednesday it was reported that Justice Gableman is being vetted for a potential job in the Trump Administration, which has struggled to find people willing to serve. Immediately it was also reported that Gov. Scott Walker, who routinely joins his Republican cohorts to trump the will of the

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Assembly argues over budget provision on Racine Unified School District

Assembly Democrats say the biennial budget would re-segregate Racine-area schools by letting villages in the area vote to create their own school districts. But Republicans say the district has failed students with “embarrassing” test scores and graduation rates, adding that major changes are needed at the district. “What’s hurting [students] is a school district that fails and education they don’t get and opportunities they never receive,” said Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester. The provision would give the Racine district a one-year extension before a possible state takeover under the Opportunity Schools and Partnership Program, which was created in the last

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During trade mission, Walker cites ‘a lot of interest’ in Wis. following Foxconn announcement

Gov. Scott Walker today noted “a lot of interest” in Wisconsin during his trade trip so far relating to the Foxconn announcement, adding he’s heard from businesses interested in investing in the state because of it. Walker, on a press call with reporters this morning, said while he was in Japan earlier this week, he’s heard from people “not only impressed with Wisconsin getting that announcement … Please log in to access subscriber content. If you don’t have a subscription, click here for a WisPolitics free trial and to view the different subscription options.

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Source: Gableman being vetted for possible job in Trump admin

State Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman is being vetted for a possible job in the Trump administration, a source confirmed today. The source said the vetting process began before Gableman announced earlier this year he would not seek re-election. The source declined to provide details on what post Gableman may be appointed to other than saying it was not a judgeship. The Journal Sentinel firs… Please log in to access subscriber content. If you don’t have a subscription, click here for a WisPolitics free trial and to view the different subscription options.

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Wisconsin Bicycle Federation: Blasts trail killing amendment

Contact Dave Cieslewicz (chess LEV ich) at 608-698-4971 The Wisconsin Bicycle Federation is asking legislators to eliminate a state budget provision that could stop popular recreational trail projects in their tracks. The measure was slipped into the 19-page omnibus transportation budget amendment passed on a party line vote last week.

Read More »

Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty: Commends Gov. Walker for criticizing Superintendent Evers’ weak ESSA proposal

Contact: Cameron Sholty | WILL Communications Director cameron@will-law.org | 414-727-7416 | 262-409-9816 September 13, 2017 – Milwaukee, WI – The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty commends Governor Scott Walker for issuing a letter to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers that criticizes the missed opportunities to put forth

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Assembly approves GOP amendment to budget, moves onto final debate

The state Assembly has moved onto debating the biennial budget’s passage after approving what GOP authors called a “technical” amendment. Democrats, whose 19 amendments to the budget were rejected, complained they weren’t being given enough time to review the GOP amendment. “You aren’t interested in lawmaking,” said Rep. Katrina Shankland,

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Citizen Action of Wisconsin: Wisconsin healthcare professionals thank Sen. Baldwin for co-sponsoring ‘Medicare for all’

Contacts: Robert Kraig (414) 322-5324 robert.kraig@citizenactionwi.org Kevin Kane (414) 550 8280 kevin.kane@citizenactionwi.org Statewide: Healthcare providers across Wisconsin are praising US Senator Tammy Baldwin for co-sponsoring the recently unveiled “Medicare for All” legislation authored by Senator Bernie Sanders. The “Medicare for All” bill builds on the Affordable Care Act (ACA). “The

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Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors: Supervisor Taylor measure would limit the shackling of pregnant women

Contact: Brian Rothgery, Public Information Manager 414-278-4230 or brian.rothgery@milwaukeecountywi.gov MILWAUKEE – A measure opposing the practice of shackling pregnant and postpartum women within Milwaukee County correctional facilities will come before the Judiciary, Safety, and General Services committee of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors at 9:00AM on Thursday, September 14,

Read More »

Reps. Subeck, Berceau, Sargent, Taylor: Madison women legislators distribute 300 donated backpacks with school supplies to Madison students

CONTACT: Rep. Subeck, (608) 266-7521 Rep. Berceau, (608) 266-3784 Rep. Sargent, (608) 266-0960 Rep. Taylor, (608) 266-5342 MADISON- During the last three weeks, Representative Lisa Subeck (D-Madison), Representative Terese Berceau (D-Madison), Representative Melissa Sargent (D-Madison), and Representative Chris Taylor (D-Madison) distributed 300 backpacks to elementary school students in Madison. The

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Rep. Grothman: Joint-employer rule hurts small businesses; must be rolled back

Contact: Bernadette Green, (202) 225-2476 (Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) today explored the growing threat to small businesses and franchises posed by the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) Obama-era definition of the joint-employer standard during a combined House Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Workforce Protections and Subcommittee

Read More »

Rep. Billings: To vote against State budget

Contact: Rep. Jill Billings (608) 266-5780 MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin State Assembly is taking up the state budget proposal for a final floor vote today. In anticipation of the budget’s passage, Rep. Jill Billings (D-La Crosse) released the following statement: “I am disappointed that the governor and Republicans have consistently

Read More »

WisDems: Statement on Gablemen vetting

Contact: Melaniec@wisdems.org, 608-260-2409 Madison, WI – When state Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman announced in June he would not run for re-election next year, he indicated he planned to fill out his term on the court, allowing the Wisconsin people to choose their next Supreme Court Justice in an open

Read More »

Assembly argues over budget provision on Racine Unified School District

Assembly Democrats say the biennial budget would re-segregate Racine-area schools by letting villages in the area vote to create their own school districts. But Republicans say the district has failed students with “embarrassing” test scores and graduation rates, adding that major changes are needed at the district. “What’s hurting [students]

Read More »

Source: Gableman being vetted for possible job in Trump admin

State Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman is being vetted for a possible job in the Trump administration, a source confirmed today. The source said the vetting process began before Gableman announced earlier this year he would not seek re-election. The source declined to provide details on what post Gableman may

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