Contact: Patricia H. Hinchey, (570) 479-1794, phinchey@psu.edu Daniel J. Quinn, (517) 203-2940, dquinn@greatlakescenter.org EAST LANSING, Mich. (Nov. 7, 2017) — A report issued by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute in September attempted to compare the rates of teacher absences for teachers in public schools and charter schools. The report called on policymakers to address high rates of teacher absenteeism through ESSA implementation plans in order to hold teachers more accountable. However, an academic review released today finds that the report lacks support for its major claims, ignores known discrepancies in data, and draws unwarranted conclusions. Patricia H. Hinchey, Penn State

Contact: Rep. John Nygren (888) 534-0089 Madison– State Representative John Nygren (R-Marinette), Co-chair of the Joint Committee on Finance, released to following statement in reaction to Wisconsin Prescription Drug Monitoring Program data: “The data released by the Wisconsin Prescription Drug Monitoring Program is very promising. When comparing the 2017 April-June time period to the same months in 2016, 2017 saw 17.5 million fewer opioid dosages dispensed. This represents a 12% decrease from the previous year. This 12% decrease helps close the door to future addiction. “I firmly believe that this decrease is a direct result of the hard work we

Contact: Britt Cudaback, britt.cudaback@legis.wi.gov, 308.440.2939 MADISON – Late last week, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Mark Hogan announced the WEDC board would have the opportunity to review the contract between Wisconsin and Foxconn before voting on it. Hogan released the contract yesterday afternoon, less than two full days before the WEDC board is expected to vote on it this Wednesday. Today, State Representative Melissa Sargent (D-Madison) sent a letter to Secretary Hogan demanding once again that the Foxconn contract be available for public review prior to its approval, and released the following statement: “You’re telling me that

Contact: Keri O’KeefeContact: Keri O’Keefe  Wisconsin Historical Society  Phone: 6082619597  E-Mail: keri.okeefe@wisconsinhistory.orgTuesday, Madison, Wis. – The Wisconsin Historical Museum once again presents, “Ever Gleaming: The Enduring Love Affair with the Aluminum Christmas Tree” on Friday, November 24. “These aluminum trees appealed to a space-age notion of modern living,” notes Mike Hollander, interim director of the Wisconsin Historical Museum. “No need to travel out to the tree lot or worry about needles falling onto the carpet; these shiny trees were an expression of the new age of modern living where life was clean, automated and easy.” Aluminum trees were extremely popular

CONTACT: Ana Garic Communications Coordinator Madison International Trade Association Ph: 608-335-3936 Communications@mitatrade.org Madison, WI – The Madison International Trade Association (MITA) will host an informational session on November 14th covering the latest trends in E-commerce and international developments related to B2B trends. The event takes place at the Fluno Center for Business Educations, located at 601 University Ave. Madison WI. Registration starts at 11:30 a.m.; the program begins at 12:30 p.m. and includes lunch. Our featured speaker, Rick Smith, Director of Global eBusiness at Promega Corp. will share his experiences on innovative E-commerce strategies that can help companies expand their

Contact: Mitch Brey, Campaign Manager Phone: 920-323-9585 Email: mitchbrey@gmail.com MADISON, WI – Pam Porter today announced her campaign for Dane County Board Supervisor in District 6, on Madison’s east side. She brings decades of experience as a non-profit leader, social justice advocate, and committed environmentalist to the Dane County Board. She and her wife, Mare Chapman, have lived in the district for 30 years. Already, Pam has received support from hundreds of neighbors and key progressive leaders who have worked with her. As a former aide to County Executive Kathleen Falk, Pam understands Dane County government and is prepared to

CONTACT: Capt. Joe Trovato | ngwi.pao@mail.mil | 608-242-3048 MADISON, Wis. — A two-day exercise in Columbia County and at Wisconsin’s Emergency Operations Center in Madison kicks off Nov. 14. The exercise is in conjunction with a national-level exercise, known as GridEx, which takes place on Nov. 15-16. The public should not be alarmed or concerned if they notice an increased law enforcement presence and military personnel, as well as vehicles and equipment, including non-military unmanned aerial vehicles, in the area beginning the morning of Nov. 14. The exercise will continue until mid-morning the next day. GridEx aims to test local,

Contact: Melanie Conklin, 608-260-2409 For inquiries on the Senate race, contact: Brad Bainum New Report: “Wisconsin taxpayers lose out on millions after Scott Walker, lawmakers repeal anti-fraud law”  Sen. Leah Vukmir was on the budget committee that quietly pushed through the repeal to Gov. Scott Walker who killed the anti-fraud law; while AG Brad Schimel advised repeal even though it means Wisconsin can recoup less money from corporate fraud MADISON — The False Claims Act was a powerful and effective tool that helped Wisconsin recoup money from corporations that ripped off Wisconsin taxpayers, until Republicans quietly eliminated it two years ago. This initial weakening

Contact: Jay Schroeder:  920-450-7591 I am announcing my candidacy today for Wisconsin Secretary of State. One year from today will be the retirement party. Doug La Follette has been Secretary of State for a total of 38 years and literally ran the office in the ground. From a total of 49 employees down to 2 and a budget of $5 million down to $265,000. In fact his office is literally in the basement of the capitol. Even Democrats over the years never reinstated his office with increased staff or a budget because of his gross incompetence. The one thing Doug