Boys and Girls Clubs of Wisconsin: Select first state director

CONTACT: Zandra Hagberg, (608) 661-4723 Madison – The Wisconsin Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs has hired Andy Gussert as their inaugural statewide director, with a goal of organizing, mobilizing and building capacity statewide. Boys & Girls Clubs serve more than 154,000 youth across Wisconsin, at 88 sites located in 45 cities. “As we partner with Wisconsin government to increase academic standards, prevent opioid abuse, reduce juvenile arrests, and develop smart workforce skills for tomorrow, Andy is the right choice to lead the team,” said Alliance President Dan Hebel, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club in Fond du Lac. “Wisconsin

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Rep. Subeck: Gun store security legislation Receives Public Hearing

CONTACT: Zach Madden, 608-266-7521(office) 920-627-5773 (cell) MADISON – Today, the Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety held a public hearing on AB 728, which would require retail businesses that sell firearms to secure all firearms when the business is unattended. Last April, a Janesville gun shop was robbed of eighteen guns and two silencers by an individual who smashed a glass door to gain entry. The man responsible has been convicted, but the firearms have not been recovered. In October of last year, criminals drove a vehicle through the front window of a Cross Plains gun shop and

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Speaker Ryan: Statement on Parkland, FL Shooting

CONTACT: AshLee Strong, Doug Andres 202-225-0600 Washington—House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) today issued the following statement: “This is an unspeakable tragedy. It is nothing short of true evil to attack innocent children. While we now wait to learn more, we are so grateful to law enforcement and all those who brought this horror to an end. Let us all keep the victims in our hearts. A long night lies ahead for many families. Right now, the whole country is standing with the Parkland community.”

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Milwaukee County Exec. Abele: Thanks County Board for their thoughtful consideration of Jim Sullivan as Milwaukee County parks director

CONTACT: Carly Wilson 414.278.4212 Office Carly.Wilson@MilwaukeeCountyWI.gov MILWAUKEE – In advance of the Thursday, Feb. 15 special meeting of the Milwaukee County Board, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele thanks the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors for its thoughtful consideration of Jim Sullivan as Milwaukee County Parks Director. “Jim’s leadership has been an integral part of the success we’ve had at Milwaukee County”, Abele said. “From his service in the Naval reserve to the community on the Wauwatosa City Council and to the Wisconsin State Senate, and most recently with Milwaukee County’s Department of Child Support Services, Jim has a lifelong commitment to making Milwaukee County a

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Rep. Kitchens: State Building Commission approves Peninsula State Park infrastructure project

Contact: Rep. Joel Kitchens                                                               (608) 266-5350 MADISON – State Representative Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay) released the following statement after the State Building Commission voted earlier today to approve funding for infrastructure improvements at Peninsula State Park: “I am thrilled to hear that the Building Commission has approved funding for Peninsula State Park’s efforts to update and replace the outdated facilities throughout the park. Peninsula State Park is one of the most popular and visited parks in our state. Heavy use of the facilities due to high traffic volumes has left some amenities in the park in dire need of repairs and

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One Wisconsin Now: Big corporate special interest shows Michael Screnock the love, candidate for high court signals he’ll return their affection

MEDIA CONTACT Mike Browne, Deputy Director mike@OneWisconsinNow.org (608) 444-3483 Partisan and Special Interests Pour Over $755,000 to Benefit Screnock Campaign MADISON, Wis. — The latest information on media advertising buys reveals the right-wing, corporate special interests are showing state Supreme Court candidate Michael Screnock the love on Valentine’s Day. According to information obtained by One Wisconsin Now, the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) today dropped over $50,000 more in spending on ads to boost Screnock, bringing their total to a whopping $529,000-plus. “The right-wing partisans and special interests are showing their love for Michael Screnock,” said One Wisconsin Now Research Director Joanna

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Badger Institute: Launches Center for Opportunity

Institute welcomes first member of new Visiting Fellows program CONTACT: Badger Institute President Mike Nichols at 262-389-8239 or mike@badgerinstitute.org Feb. 14, 2018 — The Badger Institute today announced it is launching a Center for Opportunity that will focus on public policies related to poverty alleviation, criminal justice, upward mobility and occupational licensing. The Institute also announced the first member of its new Visiting Fellows program. “The Badger Institute Center for Opportunity will build on the cutting-edge research and storytelling that we began more than a year ago in the areas of corrections, criminal justice and professional licensure reform — all of which will help ensure opportunity for folks who

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Vukmir campaign: Leah Vukmir sends U.S. Sen. Baldwin a Valentine perfect for Wisconsin’s most extreme liberal

Contact: Jessica Ward, (414) 422-5712 Madison, Wis. — On Valentine’s Day, U.S. Senate candidate Leah Vukmir sent a gift of custom candy hearts to her Democrat opponent, Sen. Tammy Baldwin. Written on the custom hearts were items liberal politicians such as Baldwin adore — taxes, government shutdowns and the swamp. The card read: “Tammy, These break my heart, but I know you lo… 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     Forgot Password

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WED PM Update: Walker calls on lawmakers to pass youth prison overhaul before session adjourns

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — Gov. Scott Walker said today it was “imperative” the Legislature approve a juvenile prisons package before adjourning next month. But Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald continued to call the legislation a “heavy lift,” saying his caucus may only be able to put in place a framework to change how Wisconsin houses young offend… 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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Department of Administration: State of Wisconsin to purchase Tommy G. Thompson Commerce Center

  Contact: Steve Michels, (608) 267-7874 MADISON – The State of Wisconsin is continuing its effort to lower the number of private leases and reduce operational costs by exercising an option to purchase the Tommy G. Thompson Commerce Center located at 201 W. Washington Avenue in Madison.  The building is currently owned by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), an independent state authority.  “Over the remaining life of the building, the purchase will save Wisconsin taxpayers an estimated $85 million in operational costs,” Secretary Scott Neitzel said.  “The purchase of the Tommy G. Thompson Center advances our long-term strategy to lower the

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Rep. Subeck: Assembly Republicans block attempt to close ‘Dark Store’ loophole, leaving local property taxpayers to foot the bill

CONTACT: Zach Madden, 608-266-7521(office) 920-627-5773 (cell) MADISON – Yesterday, Assembly Republicans voted down consideration of a bill that would close the ‘Dark Store’ loophole. Based on a Supreme Court decision in 2008, big box retailers are allowed to base their tax assessments on their value as a vacant store rather than a store in operation. This so-called ‘Dark Store’ loophole saves corporate retailers millions of dollars and shifts the burden of those savings to homeowners and other businesses. “It is unfortunate that Assembly Republicans failed to close the dark store loophole, siding with big box retailers over their local communities,” said Rep. Subeck.

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Sen. Vinehout: Rep. Vruwink Introduce “Moving Broadband Forward” Bills

CONTACT: Sen. Kathleen Vinehout – 608-266-8546 Rep. Don Vruwink – 608-266-3790 MADISON – State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma) and State Rep. Don Vruwink (D-Milton) introduced their “Moving Broadband Forward” bills today. The package of four bills provide $100 million a year in grants for broadband expansion for the next two years. The legislation also removes costly and time-consuming roadblocks when municipalities want to start their own broadband utilities. Under the bill, municipalities and the state Department of Transportation would be allowed to install empty conduit lines for future fiber optics as part of road and sidewalk projects. This eliminates the need to

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Rep. Sargent: Statement on child tax rebate and annual sales tax holiday

Contact: Britt Cudaback, britt.cudaback@legis.wi.gov, 308-440-2939 MADISON – Today, Assembly Bill (AB) 944, Governor Walker’s plan for a one-time child tax credit and sales tax holiday, was recommended for adoption on a party-line vote by the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means. State Representative Melissa Sargent (D-Madison), ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement about today’s vote: “The chickens are coming home to roost for Wisconsin Republicans. Seven years’ worth of their failed policies have finally caught up with them, so their last-ditch effort is to buy votes at $100 apiece. Well, I have news for

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Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors: Supervisor Anthony Staskunas opposes paid parking in county parks

Contact: Brian Rothgery 414-278-4230 or brian.rothgery@milwaukeecountywi.gov MILWAUKEE – Supervisor Anthony Staskunas joined several colleagues on the Milwaukee County Board who have expressed their opposition to paid parking in Milwaukee County parks. Staskunas said he opposes creating obstacles for people to enjoy our parks. “After listening to my constituents and studying the preliminary work done by the pay-to-park workgroup, I am opposed to charging for parking in Milwaukee County parks.  We should be looking at strategies to increase the use and enjoyment of Milwaukee County parks, rather than exploring proposals with the potential to limit usage, which is what I believe

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Boys and Girls Clubs of Wisconsin: Select first state director

CONTACT: Zandra Hagberg, (608) 661-4723 Madison – The Wisconsin Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs has hired Andy Gussert as their inaugural statewide director, with a goal of organizing, mobilizing and building capacity statewide. Boys & Girls Clubs serve more than 154,000 youth across Wisconsin, at 88 sites located in 45

Read More »

Rep. Subeck: Gun store security legislation Receives Public Hearing

CONTACT: Zach Madden, 608-266-7521(office) 920-627-5773 (cell) MADISON – Today, the Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety held a public hearing on AB 728, which would require retail businesses that sell firearms to secure all firearms when the business is unattended. Last April, a Janesville gun shop was robbed

Read More »

Speaker Ryan: Statement on Parkland, FL Shooting

CONTACT: AshLee Strong, Doug Andres 202-225-0600 Washington—House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) today issued the following statement: “This is an unspeakable tragedy. It is nothing short of true evil to attack innocent children. While we now wait to learn more, we are so grateful to law enforcement and all those who

Read More »

Milwaukee County Exec. Abele: Thanks County Board for their thoughtful consideration of Jim Sullivan as Milwaukee County parks director

CONTACT: Carly Wilson 414.278.4212 Office Carly.Wilson@MilwaukeeCountyWI.gov MILWAUKEE – In advance of the Thursday, Feb. 15 special meeting of the Milwaukee County Board, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele thanks the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors for its thoughtful consideration of Jim Sullivan as Milwaukee County Parks Director. “Jim’s leadership has been an integral part of the

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Rep. Kitchens: State Building Commission approves Peninsula State Park infrastructure project

Contact: Rep. Joel Kitchens                                                               (608) 266-5350 MADISON – State Representative Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay) released the following statement after the State Building Commission voted earlier today to approve funding for infrastructure improvements at Peninsula State Park: “I am thrilled to hear that the Building Commission has approved funding for Peninsula State

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One Wisconsin Now: Big corporate special interest shows Michael Screnock the love, candidate for high court signals he’ll return their affection

MEDIA CONTACT Mike Browne, Deputy Director mike@OneWisconsinNow.org (608) 444-3483 Partisan and Special Interests Pour Over $755,000 to Benefit Screnock Campaign MADISON, Wis. — The latest information on media advertising buys reveals the right-wing, corporate special interests are showing state Supreme Court candidate Michael Screnock the love on Valentine’s Day. According to information

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Badger Institute: Launches Center for Opportunity

Institute welcomes first member of new Visiting Fellows program CONTACT: Badger Institute President Mike Nichols at 262-389-8239 or mike@badgerinstitute.org Feb. 14, 2018 — The Badger Institute today announced it is launching a Center for Opportunity that will focus on public policies related to poverty alleviation, criminal justice, upward mobility and occupational licensing. The Institute also announced

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Rep. Subeck: Assembly Republicans block attempt to close ‘Dark Store’ loophole, leaving local property taxpayers to foot the bill

CONTACT: Zach Madden, 608-266-7521(office) 920-627-5773 (cell) MADISON – Yesterday, Assembly Republicans voted down consideration of a bill that would close the ‘Dark Store’ loophole. Based on a Supreme Court decision in 2008, big box retailers are allowed to base their tax assessments on their value as a vacant store rather than a store

Read More »

Sen. Vinehout: Rep. Vruwink Introduce “Moving Broadband Forward” Bills

CONTACT: Sen. Kathleen Vinehout – 608-266-8546 Rep. Don Vruwink – 608-266-3790 MADISON – State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma) and State Rep. Don Vruwink (D-Milton) introduced their “Moving Broadband Forward” bills today. The package of four bills provide $100 million a year in grants for broadband expansion for the next two years. The

Read More »

Rep. Sargent: Statement on child tax rebate and annual sales tax holiday

Contact: Britt Cudaback, britt.cudaback@legis.wi.gov, 308-440-2939 MADISON – Today, Assembly Bill (AB) 944, Governor Walker’s plan for a one-time child tax credit and sales tax holiday, was recommended for adoption on a party-line vote by the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means. State Representative Melissa Sargent (D-Madison), ranking Democrat on the

Read More »

Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors: Supervisor Anthony Staskunas opposes paid parking in county parks

Contact: Brian Rothgery 414-278-4230 or brian.rothgery@milwaukeecountywi.gov MILWAUKEE – Supervisor Anthony Staskunas joined several colleagues on the Milwaukee County Board who have expressed their opposition to paid parking in Milwaukee County parks. Staskunas said he opposes creating obstacles for people to enjoy our parks. “After listening to my constituents and studying

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