Daily Archives: September 14, 2018
AFP-Wisconsin TV ad says state ‘can’t afford’ Evers
The conservative Americans for Prosperity-Wisconsin has a new TV ad that says Wisconsin “can’t afford Tony Evers.”
The second ad the group has run in the general election opens with the narrator saying “every dollar matters,” but “we could pay more, much more” with Evers.
The narrator says Evers is open to a hike in gas taxes, “Even a dollar more per gallon.
New tolls too. He says everything is on the table.”
Shortly after Evers won the Dem primary, Walker suggested his Dem rival would seek to raise the gas tax, now 32.9 cents a gallon, by a dollar. Evers initially said “Everything is on the table” when asked about the suggestion. But his campaign said later in the day he wasn’t open to a hike of $1.
The narrator asks who would benefit from Evers’ higher taxes because his policies “will drive up the costs of construction.”
The narrator concludes the spot, “Higher taxes. Higher costs. We can’t afford Tony Evers.”
AFP-Wisconsin said it’s a $1.3 million buy that will run throughout the state. But it didn’t specify in which markets.
See the ad:
AFP-Wisconsin: Launches new 7-figure TV ad: We can’t afford Tony Evers
CONTACT: Eric Bott, [email protected]
Group’s New Ad Spotlights Real Costs of Evers’ Policies
MADISON, Wis. – Americans for Prosperity-Wisconsin (AFP-WI) on Friday announced a new $1.3 million ad buy to supplement its grassroots efforts urging Wisconsinites to vote against Tony Evers in the race for governor. The 30-second spot underscores Evers’ support for policies that would mean higher costs for road construction and his openness to increasing the gas tax by a dollar more per gallon. When asked about his support for a dollar per gallon gas tax hike, Evers said “everything is on the table.” When asked about how much of a gas tax increase he would consider too much, Evers said “I have no range.” The seven-figure investment is AFP-WI’s second television ad opposing Evers and will run on cable, broadcast, and digital platforms throughout the state.
Baldwin campaign: Over 100 ‘Veterans for Tammy’ announced at Milwaukee event
Contact: [email protected]
Over 100 VETERANS FOR TAMMY Announced at Milwaukee Event
Wisconsin veterans from across the state and every branch of U.S. military back U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin’s bipartisan leadership and stand up against special interest attacks
MILWAUKEE — U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today announced VETERANS FOR TAMMY, a coalition of over 100 Wisconsin veterans from across the state and every branch of the U.S. military who are backing U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin’s bipartisan leadership to support veterans and standing up to special interest attacks against their health care.
“Our veterans have served and sacrificed so much for our country and as a nation, we owe it to them to make sure they have the care and support they have earned and deserve,” said Tammy Baldwin. “Today, I’m humbled to be joined by so many of our Wisconsin veterans from across the state as we call for continued bipartisan action to support and protect our veterans, our active duty servicemembers and our military families.”
“Tammy Baldwin is working to make sure Wisconsin veterans receive the care they deserve, and as a doctor and veteran I’m proud to stand with her,” said Dr. Kathy Hartke, USAF veteran. “Tammy wrote and fought to pass Jason’s Law, which helps stop the overprescribing of opioids at the VA. And she’s pushing to reform the VA and remove red tape so that a veteran and their doctor are at the center of health care decisions.”
“I know firsthand that Tammy Baldwin is doing right by our veterans. Whether it’s ensuring they have the good health care, community support, or opportunities for good-paying jobs, Tammy Baldwin is fighting for us,” said Bob Hesselbein, USAF Lieutenant Colonel (ret.), Vietnam War helicopter pilot. “As a 28-year military veteran, I know what it takes to get things done. I’ve seen Tammy Baldwin in action and I know she cares about Wisconsin veterans, our issues and priorities and gets things done for us in Washington.”
Over 100 Wisconsinites have joined VETERANS FOR TAMMY to support Tammy Baldwin’s work in the Senate to do right by our veterans and make sure they have the care, community support, and good-paying jobs that they have earned and deserve:
Jason’s Law
Wisconsin U.S. Marine veteran Jason Simcakoski went to the VA to get help, but instead got hooked on prescription drugs and tragically died in 2014. Tammy worked closely with the Simcakoski family, Republicans and Democrats, veterans service organizations, and medical professionals, to write and pass bipartisan legislation known as Jason’s Law.
Jason’s Law holds the VA accountable and is helping stop the overprescribing of opioids at the VA. Jason’s Law is working — recent data shows it has helped the Tomah VA decrease the number of veterans on chronic opioids by 47 percent.
Tammy Baldwin is continuing to work across the aisle to support and strengthen Jason’s Law. Just this week, Baldwin successfully secured $52 million in bipartisan appropriations legislation to fully implement Jason’s Law in VAs nationwide.
Improving Veterans’ Care
As veterans face some of the most complex health challenges, Tammy Baldwin has worked across party lines to make sure they receive the best care possible, whether they seek care at the VA or out in their community.
Working with Republicans and Democrats, Tammy Baldwin passed legislation that cuts the VA’s unacceptable appeals backlog and helps our veterans get back to living their lives. And Tammy has stood up to efforts backed by powerful special interests to privatize the VA and put profits ahead of our veterans’ care.
Tammy Baldwin also supported the bipartisan VA MISSION Act, which was signed into law by President Trump this year. This major veterans care law will help fix the broken VA Choice program, remove burdensome regulations, and put a veteran and their doctor at the center of health care decisions. The legislation also included important reforms from Baldwin that will protect veterans receiving care in the VA or in their communities.
Creating Good-Paying Jobs and Strengthening Veterans’ Support
Tammy Baldwin is working to make sure that when our veterans return home, they have the good paying jobs and community support that they need. Tammy introduced the BRAVE Act — bipartisan legislation that reduces the unemployment rate for veterans and creates more full-time jobs for them.
Standing up for our military families, Tammy has worked to protect our active duty servicemembers from unfair eviction, exploitative debt collection practices, and other fraudulent schemes.
When Wisconsin failed to qualify for funding for homeless veterans programs in 2017, Tammy quickly organized a bipartisan effort to reverse the cuts and successfully saved the homeless veterans programs.
VETERANS FOR TAMMY includes:
John Aldridge of Boulder Junction, USMC
Mark Andersen of Madison, USA
Steve Antholt of Sun Prairie, USA
Mike Balistriere of Wauwatosa, USMC
Andy Berg of Kenosha, USA
Eldor Bethke of Madison, USA
Dave Boetcher of Waunakee, USA
Doug Bradley of Madison, USA
Margaret Breisch of Menomonie, USA
Steve Brown of Salem, USA
Randy Bryce of Caledonia, USA
Tim Burr of Oostburg, USA
William Anthony Busching of Appleton, USAF
Melody Carranza of Milwaukee, USA
Jim Carroll of Gresham, USN
Barb Casper of Fond du Lac, USAF
Bob Chernow of Grafton, USA
Walt Christensen of Fort Atkinson, USA
Bill Christofferson of Sun Prairie, USMC
William Crawford of Coloma, USN
Keith Cribbs of Manitowoc, USN
Doug Curler of Deerbrook, USMC
Jeff “Doc” Dentice of Muskego, USA
James Doherty of Sun Prairie, USN
Don Ekstrom of Washburn, USA
Christian Ellis of Sheboygan Falls, USMC
Walt Ellis of Oostburg, USN
Margaret Engebretson of Balsam Lake, USN
Cari Fay of Merrillan, USMC
Robert Finsland of Superior, USN
Peter Formiller of Madison, USAF
Phil Fransen of Belleville, USAF
Sarah Godsave of Menomonie, USMC
Dan Goglin of Ashland, USMC
Jay Graff of Waupun, USMC, USA
Lyle Gray of Cedarburg, USA
Dr. Kathy Hartke of Brookfield, USAF
Gary Hawley of Stevens Point, USCG
Bill Healy of Cadott, USA
Lee Hennick of Eau Claire, USA
Tyrone Hillard of Milwaukee, USN
Randy Hoelzen of West Salem, USA
Kenneth Holdorf of Marinette, USN
Alice Holstein of La Crosse, USAF
Bob Hood of Columbus, USA
Ben Ingaldson of Mount Pleasant, USAF
Greg Jenson of Stoughton, USCG
Charlotte Jerney of Verona, USA
William Johnson of Mequon, USA
Mary Jonker of Kenosha, USA
Matthew Joyce of Merrimac, USAF
John Kelm of Saukville, USAF
Tim Kenney of Milwaukee, USAF
John Kidd of Chippewa Falls, USMC
Kevin Killeen of Slinger, USN
Richard Kirchhoff of New Berlin, USA
Mary Kolar of Madison, USN
Joshua Koss of Neenah, USMC
Cliff Kruse of Green Bay, USA
Eric Larsen of Eau Claire, USN
Eric Larson of Marinette, USCG
Gerald Luke of Park Falls, USN
James Macon of Milwaukee, USMC
Mark A. Martello of Tomahawk, USN, USA, USAF
Robert Maurice of Verona, USA
Mac McDermott of De Pere, USN
Joseph McGonigle of Madison, USAF
Dan McGlynn of Madison, USA
Scott McIntyre of Superior, USA
Gary Metzer of Oconomowoc, USA
Senator Mark Miller of Monona, USAF
Representative Nick Milroy of South Range, USN
Jeffrey Mirate of Prairie Du Sac, USN
Dave Moffitt of Waupun, USAF
Carolyn Morgan of Madison, USAF
Chris Mullenbach of Whitefish Bay, USAF
Maury Mussa of Green Bay, USA
Henry C. “Hank” Newell of Mosinee, USA
Saul Newton of Milwaukee, USA
John Nusbaum of Green Bay, USAF
John E. “Gene” O’Connell of Big Bend, USN
Chris Olig of Fredonia, USMC
Ervin Ott of Sheboygan, USA
Tom Palzewicz of Brookfield, USN
Stephen J. Piotrowski of Madison, USA
Ted Poull of Saukville, USA
Roger Quindel of Milwaukee, USA
Christine Rahlf of Cedarburg, USN
Jerome Rahlf of Neenah, USAF
Antonio Ramos of Waukesha, USMC
Stephen Rasmus of Chippewa Falls, USN
Steve Rasmussen of Boyceville, USN
Roger Reed of Lancaster, USA
Angela Russell of Waukesha, USA
Curtis Schmitt, Jr. of Greenfield, USA
Mike Schoenebeck of Green Bay, USAF
Robert Sinklair of Prairie du Sac, USN
Mark Smith of Oconto Falls, USAF
Tom Snider of Winneconne, USN
Rebecca Solen of Mt. Pleasant, USA
Clif Sorenson of Eau Claire, USAF
Richard Sperko of Milwaukee, USN
Tracey Sperko of Milwaukee, USN
Luke Sticht of Oregon, USN
Sheri Swokowski of DeForest, USA
Hank Thomas of Menomonie, USN
Bob Turner of Racine, USAF
Kurt Voelkers of Waterford, USN
Keith Wagner of Wilmot, USAF
Richard Wentzel of Edgar, USMC
Stephen White of Milwaukee, USMC
DPW: Statement on Scott Walker’s empty promise to protect Wisconsinites’ health care
Contact: Alex Japko, [email protected]
Just now, Scott Walker said that he would call a special session “if something were to change” to federal law protecting people with pre-existing conditions.
What Walker doesn’t acknowledge: the fact that a lawsuit he signed off on is the greatest present threat to those protections.
DPW released the following statement in response to his empty promises and twisted logic:
“For nearly eight years, Scott Walker has been dead set on undermining protections for people with pre-existing conditions and has no credibility on the issue going forward,” said DPW Spokesperson Alex Japko. “If Walker was serious about protecting Wisconsinites’ health care, he would have done so years before it became a huge political liability. This latest promise is just more squirming from a governor who knows his record on health care is indefensible.”
Evers ad responds to attacks on Middleton teacher
Tony Evers’ guv campaign released a new TV ad today seeking to refute spots that have attacked him over a Middleton teacher who kept his license even after viewing porn at work and making inappropriate comments about female students.
The spot features Ellen Lindgren, who says she was the Middleton School Board president that oversaw “that teacher.” She opens the ad asking if viewers have seen “these false attack ads” as clips of spots from Walker and independent groups are shown.
“They’re not true,” she declares.
She says the truth is the teacher was fired, but an independent arbitrator gave him his job back “because of a legal loophole” and two courts upheld the decision.
“That’s why Tony Evers worked with both parties to change the law,” Lindgren says to close the spot. “So instead of running false, nasty attack ads, Scott Walker should focus on his own record. That’s the fact.”
The spot is the third that address the attacks. The Greater Wisconsin Political Fund and the Democratic Governors Association also have run ads addressing the allegations.
Evers’ campaign said it starts today on cable.
Evers campaign: Cook Political Report moves WI-Gov race from lean R to toss-up
(608) 501-2762
TONY-MENTUM: Cook Political Report Moves WI-Gov Race from Lean R to Toss-up
Madison, WI — Today, the Cook Political Report moved the Wisconsin gubernatorial race from “Lean Republican” to “Toss Up”, another key sign of momentum building behind Tony Evers’ campaign.
This change follows the Evers campaign’s recently announced strong fundraising haul, raising more than $2.5 million in the month since his primary victory. And it comes right after Scott Walker has been hit with a week of negative headlines, with his own former transportation secretary accusing him of hiding the truth on transportation spending and slamming his failure to maintain Wisconsin’s infrastructure, and Politifact calling his desperate attacks on Tony Evers “misleading” and “mostly false.”
The Cook Political Report’s ratings update is the most recent change in Evers direction. Previously, Inside Elections also moved the race from “Leans Republican” to “Toss Up” along with Sabato’s Crystal Ball, RealClearPolitics, Governing Magazine, and Daily Kos Elections.
“This is just the latest example that our campaign has the momentum we’ve already seen all across the state,” said Tony for Wisconsin Campaign Manager Maggie Gau. “Tony’s positive vision to invest in Wisconsin is resonating with voters who are tired of Scott Walker playing political games with our state’s future. Instead, families in Wisconsin are ready for Tony’s plan to improve schools, lower healthcare costs, and fix our failing infrastructure. It’s time for a change.”
Evers campaign: New ad hits back on Walker’s false, desperate attacks
Contact: [email protected]
(608) 501-2762
Former Middleton School Board President: “Instead of running false, nasty attack ads, Scott Walker should focus on his own record.”
MADISON – Today, Tony Evers’ campaign released a new ad responding to Scott Walker’s false, disgusting attacks regarding license revocation. The ad features Ellen Lindgren, the former Middleton School Board President who was involved in the teacher case at the center of several Walker campaign and special interest group ads.
Evers’ ad can be viewed here, and a full transcript is below.
“Ellen” Transcript:
Have you seen these false attack ads? They’re not true.
I know—I was the school board president that oversaw that
teacher.
The truth is: we fired him, but an independent arbitrator gave him his job back because of a legal loophole.
Two courts upheld that decision. That’s why Tony Evers worked with both parties to change the law.
So instead of running false, nasty attack ads, Scott Walker should
focus on his own record.
That’s the fact.
Fitzgerald urges Shilling to gauge support among Dem caucus for Kimberly-Clark incentive package
Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald is urging Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling to gauge how many of her caucus members back an incentive package for Kimberly-Clark as Gov. Scott Walker implored the chamber to pass the bill.
But Shilling, D-La Crosse, accused Fitzgerald and fellow GOP Sen. Roger Roth, one of the bill’s main backers, of trying to “pass the blame because of their inability to get this done.”
And the task of finding enough support to pass the bill took another hit with Sen. Steve Nass, R-Whitewater, now the second GOP member to publicly oppose the bill. With an 18-15 majority, Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, would need every remaining GOP vote and at least one Dem member to pass the bill.
Sen. Chris Kapenga, R-Delafield, has previously said he couldn’t support the package, and Nass aide Mike Mikalsen told WisPolitics.com yesterday the lawmaker doesn’t believe it’s “sustainable to go with Foxconn-level tax credits” for Kimberly-Clark.
“We’re hearing from a lot of other places that most states are saying, ‘What are you doing? You can’t sustain this. You’re handing out credits that are above what’s considered reasonable,'” Mikalsen said.
The latest volleys on the legislation came after Gov. Scott Walker told reporters in Milwaukee yesterday he wants the Senate to come back on the bill, which has been stalled since it cleared the Assembly in February. Kimberly-Clark officials this week say they wanted a vote on the bill by month’s end, and Walker has taken to social media in recent days to say it needs bipartisan support to get done.
Walker spokeswoman Amy Hasenberg said the guv wouldn’t call lawmakers back for a special session because it would require them to take up a new bill. Instead, he is hoping lawmakers call themselves back in extraordinary session to finish work on the bill that’s already cleared the Assembly. She added Walker is encouraging senators to tour the Fox Valley plant that could remain open if the package is passed.
“We’d like both Democrats and Republican to come together to vote for this plan and save jobs in this state,” she said.
But Shilling Chief of Staff Kara Pennoyer said the La Crosse Dem hasn’t heard recently from Fitzgerald or Roth, whose Appleton area district includes the Kimberly-Clark plant. She added Shilling and Fitzgerald spoke last month after Republicans caucused in the Wisconsin Dells and she was told the Senate GOP wasn’t going to be able to pass the bill.
“We weren’t asked for votes, we weren’t asked to schedule a caucus or anything. We have not done so because we’re not in charge,” she said.
After Shilling knocked the guv’s call this morning, Fitzgerald issued a statement urging her to bring back her caucus on the legislation.
“Along with the governor’s efforts to build support for the proposal, I am continuing to work on bringing the votes together within the Republican caucus,” he said.
She fired back in a statement, “Senators Fitzgerald and Roth seem to have forgotten that they are still in the majority and are trying to pass the blame because of their inability to get this done. They have already killed this bill once and it doesn’t look like their Republican majority is any closer to getting a deal done this time around.”
The bill the Assembly passed included Foxconn-like incentives, including a boost in tax credits for job retention to 17 percent, up from the current 7 percent. Kimberly-Clark would also get refundable tax credits for 15 percent of capital expenditures, up from the typical 10 percent, over a five-year period. The company would also get a five-year sales tax exemption on those expenditures.
Mikalsen said Nass believes Foxconn was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring a new industry to Wisconsin. He had hoped lawmakers could consider a smaller package of credits for Kimberly-Clark, but was told if the Senate came back, it would be to take up the Assembly bill.
“Fiscally the state can’t provide this to all,” Mikalsen said.
Foxconn: Issues request for proposal for design enhancements to Foxconn Place Green Bay
Media Contacts: [email protected]
Foxconn Issues Request for Proposal for Design Enhancements to Foxconn Place Green Bay
Calls for ideas to upgrade landmark downtown building, The Watermark, which will house a Wisconn Valley Innovation Center and serve as Foxconn’s North East Wisconsin hub for talent and partners
Milwaukee, WI – Foxconn Technology Group (Foxconn) announced today it has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Design / Build firms to provide design services to modernize and enhance Foxconn Place Green Bay at “The WaterMark” located at 301 N. Washington St., Green Bay, Wisconsin.
“Foxconn Place Green Bay will be a cornerstone in the Wisconn Valley Innovation Center network that we are building across the state. We are looking for a firm who can bring to life design ideas for a working space that will inspire innovative ideas and promote collaboration with companies and entrepreneurs based in North East Wisconsin,” said Dr. Alan Yeung, Foxconn Director of U.S. Strategic Initiatives and President of FEWI Development Corporation. “Our goal is to leverage The Watermark’s great downtown waterfront location to create a regional hub to attract talent and connect with suppliers and partners that will be part of the AI 8K+5G ecosystem that Foxconn is creating in Wisconsin. In doing so, we hope to contribute to Green Bay’s attractiveness as a center for business and commerce.”
Foxconn Place Green Bay will become home to 200 employees focused on developing applications for the AI 8K+5G ecosystem, and building partnerships with suppliers, start-ups and other companies that will be part of this ecosystem. From this office, Foxconn will also collaborate with academic institutions including University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, and St. Norbert College to attract and develop the talented workforce in the region.
As part of Foxconn’s “Wisconsin First” approach, Design / Build firms with strong track records in Wisconsin will be given preference in the RFP process. The RFP focuses on providing design and build services that include:
- A “co-working’ environment where employees, companies and entrepreneurs who work on innovative ideas and cutting-edge solutions, socialize and collaborate.
- A “pipe-line” to attract and retain a technology-based workforce for Foxconn.
- An ‘application area’ for Foxconn’s 8K+5G technology.
- A center for brand and culture building.
Completed proposals are due by 10:00am CDT on September 28, 2018 delivered to 611 E. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI, c/o Adam Jen. Foxconn’s goal is to occupy the finished space in December 2018, or as soon as possible. To learn more about the RFP process please attend an information session on Thursday, September 20th from 8am to 10am at the Hyatt Regency, 333 Main St., Green Bay, WI.
Foxconn Place Green Bay is one of three Foxconn locations across Wisconsin, in addition to the Wisconn Valley Science and Technology Park in Mount Pleasant. Together with Foxconn’s North American Headquarters in Milwaukee and Foxconn Place Chippewa Valley in Eau Claire, Foxconn Place Green Bay is part of the talent and innovation network that Foxconn is building in Wisconsin.
FRI AM Update: New guv’s race ads; weekly radio addresses
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FRI News Summary: Walker calls on Senators to pass Kimberly-Clark incentives; Ryan urges Republicans to tout economic gains
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FRI REPORT: Source: Possible WEDC package for K-C wouldn’t replace deal hung up in Senate
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Gov Walker: Issues executive order relating to Hurricane Florence
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 14, 2018
Contact: Amy Hasenberg, (608) 266-2839
Governor Walker issues executive order relating to Hurricane Florence
MADISON – Governor Scott Walker issued Executive Order #308 and a corresponding directive today to help those in Hurricane Florence’s path.
“We want to make sure our fellow Americans have the help and aid they need from our state as they recover from Hurricane Florence,” said Governor Walker.
The order and corresponding directive:
- Authorizes the adjutant general to call elements of the Wisconsin National Guard to state active duty to assist civilian authorities;
- Allows permanent state employees who are certified Red Cross disaster relief volunteers to take a leave of absence up to thirty days to provide specialized disaster services in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia;
- Suspends certain restrictions and limitations to help carriers transport vital emergency relief supplies more efficiently.
The executive order and the corresponding directive are attached.
EO_308_State_of_Emergency_Hurricane_Florence.pdf
9.14.18_Disaster_Relief_Directive.pdf
Gov. Walker: Announces $4 million in new direct assistance available to businesses, homeowners impacted by flooding
| Contact: Amy Hasenberg, (608) 266-2839 |
| Saving Our Small Towns: Governor Walker Announces $4 Million in New Direct Assistance Available to Businesses, Homeowners Impacted by Flooding WEDC, WHEDA launching new programs to provide small businesses and homeowners with forgivable or no-interest loans for flood-related cleanup, repairs |
| COON VALLEY – Wisconsin homeowners and businesses impacted by the recent flooding will be eligible for financial assistance for repair, cleanup and other costs under two new programs that will provide up to $4 million in funding, Governor Scott Walker announced today.The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) is launching a new $2 million Flood Relief Loan program that will provide no-interest loans of up to $10,000 for repairing homes damaged by flooding.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), in conjunction with its regional partners, is unveiling a $2 million Disaster Recovery Microloan Program aimed at small businesses that will provide an immediate source of funds for necessary restoration work and related expenses. “While the floodwaters have receded, we know hundreds of businesses and homeowners are still dealing with the costs associated with the flooding that hit much of the state,” said Governor Walker, who announced the programs Friday in Vernon County. “We are implementing these new programs to give residents and business owners an immediate source of funds to make needed repairs without having to cut through a lot of red tape.” The two programs are being announced as businesses and homes in 21 counties were damaged last month after heavy rains caused widespread flooding. More than 4,300 homes and 140 businesses have sustained more than $150 million in damage, according to preliminary estimates from Wisconsin Emergency Management. WHEDA Flood Relief Loans The new loan program will help fill any financial gap, after all insurance proceeds and available federal aid have been used, to repair damaged homes. The maximum loan amount per home is $10,000 and funds must be used to repair flood damage. The majority of loan funds must be used to repair or replace heating, electrical or plumbing systems, foundations and/or structural elements. “WHEDA recognizes that many homeowners have been devastated by damaging flood,” said WHEDA Executive Director Wyman Winston, who joined Governor Walker in Friday’s announcement. “This new product will help fill any financial gap, after insurance proceeds and other available federal aid have been used, to repair the home.” The no-interest loans will be secured by a subordinate mortgage on the home. Although periodic payments are not required, repayment would be due upon the sale of the home during the first 10 years. The loan will be forgiven if not repaid within 10 years. Loan eligibility requirements include:
Homeowners interested in applying for a WHEDA Flood Relief Loan can call 1-800-562-5546. WEDC Disaster Recovery Microloan Program Under the program, WEDC will award grants to regional entities that will provide the microloans of up to $15,000 to assist businesses with a short-term source of funds for repair work and operating expenses until more long-term recovery funding can be secured. The no-interest loans have a two-year repayment period, with payments deferred for at least six months. Forgivable loans of up $15,000 may also be offered to small businesses. “A natural disaster like the recent floods can have a devastating economic effect on small business owners as they struggle with having to repair damage to their business and other related expenses,” said Mark R. Hogan, secretary and CEO of WEDC, who also attended Friday’s announcement. “This new program provides an immediate source of funds to help impacted businesses quickly recover from this disaster.” The loans can be used for procurement of cleanup and restoration services, operating expenses, temporary space, and repair and reconstruction work. To be eligible for a loan, a business must be located in or directly adjacent to a region where the authorized regional entity has received an allocation; must have suffered measurable physical damage because of the disaster; and must intend to resume business operations in the community as quickly as possible. While the loan program will be available to businesses in all 72 counties, WEDC is initially working with regional entities in the areas of the state that were hit hardest by the flooding: The Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission, the Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission; and the Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP). “WEDC’s program is designed to provide affordable financing to businesses between the time of the disaster and when more long-term financial assistance can be obtained from FEMA, state or insurance programs,” said Greg Flogstad, director of the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission, which serves nine counties in western Wisconsin. “We appreciate WEDC’s proactive approach in starting to develop this program prior to this flood disaster.” For more information about the microloan program, visit wedc.org/disasterrecovery. Governor Walker also urged business in southwestern Wisconsin that were affected by the flooding to attend a resource workshop hosted by the WEDC at 9 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 17, at the Viroqua American Legion, 120 N Rusk Ave, Viroqua. At the workshop, representatives from state, federal and regional agencies will cover topics including business planning assistance, best practices in working with insurance providers, funding resources and more. |
Gov. Walker: Approves contract to reconstruct Black Earth bridges
| Contact: Amy Hasenberg, (608) 266-2839 |
| Governor Walker Approves Contract to Reconstruct Black Earth Bridges |
| MADISON – Governor Scott Walker today approved a $2.8 million emergency contract to reconstruct two US 14 bridges in Black Earth damaged by flooding in August. Governor Walker declared a State of Emergency in Wisconsin on August 29, 2018 because of wide-spread flooding and storm damage in numerous counties.Work to replace the bridges is underway. Construction is scheduled for completion in mid-November. Kraemer North America of Plain, WI is the primary contractor. The project includes the replacement of the structures spanning Black Earth Creek in western Dane County. |
Grothman campaign: Kohl’s true colors revealed
Contact: Timothy Svoboda, (920) 375-1217 or [email protected]
Washington, D.C. lobbyist turned Congressional candidate, Dan Kohl, started touting himself as a moderate Democrat when he moved to Wisconsin barely a year ago. However, a recent article has revealed his radical viewpoints.
Key Takeaway 1: Kohl was a key player for the far-left lobbying organization, J Street, which has received hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations from George Soros, and doled out over 99 percent of their $10 million in political contributions to Democrats.
Key Takeaway 2: J Street is an organization used to prop up extremist liberal politicians, and has shoveled over $175,000 to Kohl, making him one of their top prospects.
Hartwig campaign: Millennial republican candidate celebrates 25th birthday on the campaign trail
Contact: Travis Hartwig – [email protected]
(GREEN BAY) – In the middle of the election season Republican State Treasurer Candidate, Travis Hartwig, will be celebrating his 25th birthday while attending his 3rd “Meet & Greet” event of the week. Since Saturday, Hartwig’s campaign has hosted events in Kenosha, Racine and Green Bay and attended events in Oshkosh, Kewaunee, Fond du Lac and Greenfield. Hartwig has made it a priority to meet voters around the state since he first announced his candidacy in April.
“We are visiting every part of this great state” said Hartwig. “While my opponent is hosting a fundraiser in D.C. to raise tens of thousands of dollars from lobbyists, I want to spend every moment getting to know the great people in my home state. I believe that money doesn’t win elections, people do.”
It makes sense that our opponent would spend the majority of her time raising money in Washington D.C., she has lived there far longer than she has lived in Madison. With the exception of her government job in Colorado, her and her husband have spent their entire adult lives in Washington D.C. Despite her claims of private sector financial experience, her career consists of various public sector, political, or governmental consulting jobs. Her history represents the swamp, the politically network-driven type of career that Wisconsin voters are tired of seeing.
Hartwig, who is the only statewide candidate in his 20’s, has also been a vocal critic of the democrats appeal to youth voters. Stating that he believes “democrats say what it takes to get elected, but republicans in the state of Wisconsin have a track record of pro-youth policy.”
After decades of growing tuition costs, Republicans in Wisconsin have frozen college tuition for 6 years. They are pledging to continue the tuition freeze for an additional 4 years if Governor Walker is reelected this fall. In addition, Republicans plan to take additional steps to address the issue of student loan debt. As reported by The Cap Times, the Walker Administration released a proposal for “a refundable tax credit of $1,000 per year, for up to five years, for college graduates who completed their education at a college or university located in Wisconsin.” This would equate to $5,000 directly in to the hands of recent college grads who are burdened with student loan debt.
Hartwig, who grew up in East Troy, WI, holds a double major in Finance and Business Economics from Carroll University. He was a Mutual Fund Administrator at U.S. Bank Fund Services in downtown Milwaukee and owns a home in Oak Creek, WI.
Travis Hartwig is running for State Treasurer as a life-long conservative that believes Wisconsin taxpayers need a watchdog. He will use his experience to make the office more efficient and find ways to cut government spending because he believes that you do a better job of spending your hard-earned money than the government does.
One Wisconsin Now: Statements on Scott Walker latest corporate welfare scheme
MEDIA CONTACT
Mike Browne, Deputy Director
[email protected]
(608) 444-3483
Desperate Governor Calling for ‘FoxValleyCon’
MADISON, Wis. — One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross released the following statements about Gov. Scott Walker’s 11th hour election year call to pass legislation giving a $100 million-plus check to a company which paid $1 worth in net state tax over the last four years available, according to records from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
“Kimberly-Clark has had $1 in Wisconsin state net tax burden the last four years available. Now Gov. Walker is calling for the passage of a giveaway that equates to over $166,666 per job.
“Scott Walker’s ‘FoxValleyCon’ is the same as Foxconn, taxpayer-funded corporate welfare to try and save Scott Walker’s political career instead of investing in our schools and communities.”
Project North initiative unveiled by gener8tor
Gener8tor has unveiled the Project North initiative, an exclusive corporate innovation group including some of the state’s biggest companies.
After building out this network behind closed doors for three years, gener8tor co-founder Troy Vosseller says the project was “becoming an open secret.”
“We wanted to formally reveal Project North specifically to highlight the tremendous work being done by our members and the tremendous amount of time, effort and resources they have invested into the startup and corporate ecosystems,” he said.
In all, 37 national and multinational corporations in the Midwest region are part of the group. They’re based in Michigan, Nebraska, Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Greg Robinson is managing director of Madison’s 4490 Ventures, the project’s sponsor. He says Project North is “creating a fast track for startup growth while also helping legacy corporations more easily transition amid changing economic trends… It’s had a significant and measurable impact on the local ecosystem.”
The members-only network has four main components: the OnRamp conference series, sourcing and retreats, quarterly roundtables, and Executives on a Plane.
See more at WisBusiness.com.
Rep. Neubauer: Testifies in front of U.S. Department of Education
Contact: Elizabeth Shimek, 608-237-9166
Rep. Neubauer testifies in front of U.S. Department of Education
Students, not predatory institutions, deserve support & protection
RACINE, WI – State Representative Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) testified in front of the U.S. Department of Education yesterday in the third and final public comment hearing on Secretary Betsy DeVos’ proposed negotiated rulemaking committee:
“Secretary Betsy DeVos has drawn back the Obama Administration’s progress toward protecting students impacted by fraudulent and predatory lenders and institutions of higher education. Under her watch, the Department of Education is deregulating predatory for-profit institutions and lenders. Sec. DeVos regularly threatens to discontinue loan forgiveness programs for the students cheated by predatory and fraudulent institutions, and for those who work in public service. Her policies support high-dollar corporate interests over people, effectively auctioning off our chance at the American Dream.”
Neubauer presented personal stories submitted by constituents, speaking to how the higher education system has changed over the last four decades and the burdens Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z will face with rapidly ballooning student debt. She also provided context for the current student loan crisis, stating:
“When my parents went to college, many people could earn their tuition through summer and campus jobs. But the minimum wage has not kept pace with inflation, and tuition has increased at 7% per year for decades. Aid and scholarships have not kept pace. We were told “student debt is ‘good debt’” and that this mortgage on our future would lead to a better life. But as America’s collective student debt burden approaches 1.5 trillion dollars, it is clear that this system has gone terribly wrong.”
Neubauer concluded, “We are not asking for a handout. We are not asking to take the easy way. We are asking for the same opportunity our parents’ generation had at a quality education. We are willing to work hard, but we need a fair shot. That won’t be possible if our own Department of Education’s policies are stacked against us from the start.”
Rep. Thiesfeldt: Two new direct assistance programs and 2-1-1
Contact: Paulette Kozar
Phone: 608-266-3156
Deadline for reporting flood damage today
Madison – Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt announced that 2-1-1 reporting should be completed today so that the process for a Presidential Disaster Declaration can move forward. Wisconsin homeowners and businesses impacted by the recent flooding should contact 2-1-1 with any damages.
Governor Walker has announced two new programs available to businesses, homeowners impacted by flooding. Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) launching new programs to provide small businesses and homeowners with forgivable or no-interest loans for flood-related cleanup, and repairs. To find out more information on the two programs, please see links below:
WHEDA Flood Relief Loan can call 1-800-562-5546.
For general information and updates about the recent flooding, please visit Ready WI at:
http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/flooding/AUG2018.asp
Study committee members say statewide standards needed for police body cam implementation
Members of a commission tasked with tackling legislation on the use of police body cams agree that the Legislature should set some minimum standards on their implementation statewide.
But they vary greatly on the parameters of the bill, as well as what measures it should include to govern things such as the retention of body cam footage and more.
The Leg Council Study Committee on the Use of Police Body Cameras was created after legislation that would have set uniform standards for the retention and release of body camera footage died this session. There were two different bills: one from GOP Sen. Patrick Testin and Rep. Jesse Kremer, which cleared the Assembly but wasn’t taken up by the full Senate; and another from Dem Sen. Chris Larson and Rep. Chris Taylor, which never got a hearing.
While the body hasn’t taken a position on either bill, the differences in approach under those pieces of legislation bled into the commission’s proceedings yesterday, when members met at the Leg Council office in Madison.
Taylor, the commission’s vice chair, called for legislation that would outline standards for when body cams should be recording during interactions with people. The Madison Dem in her bill outlined when such encounters should be filmed.
But Testin, the chair, cautioned against “mandating too much.” His bill relied heavily on law enforcement agencies’ recording policies, and didn’t stipulate when cameras should be recording.
Other members agreed with Testin, R-Stevens Point, including fellow commission members Monroe County DA Kevin Croninger and Brown Deer Police Chief Mike Kass.
“It’s not up to the Legislature to come up with some model policy,” Kass said, adding: “Don’t legislate down to that minutiae of every single time it has to be on or off.”
But Taylor argued the public should have a general idea as to when to officers will be filming their interactions.
“I agree we don’t want to micromanage … but there has to be some expectation about when these cameras are on or off,” she said.
Members also talked about the need for guidelines surrounding data retention, as police departments will have to pay for storing the footage and all won’t likely have the budget for unlimited space; and open records-related concerns.
They largely agreed on legislation that would set up different tiers dictating how long law enforcement agencies would need to retain footage in different situations.
Taylor’s bill had called for retaining footage for six months, while Testin’s bill laid out 120 days as the baseline. Taylor’s bill also contains requirements to retain footage for 42 months or until the issue is resolved under a series of incidents, including: discharging a firearm, use of force, death or bodily harm and more.
But Testin’s bill only laid out three situations in which footage must be retained until the completion of the case: death or physical injury; custodial arrest; and a search during an authorized temporary questioning.
Taylor called for legislation that would set up a retention schedule specifically in the case of a discharged weapon or the use of force.
But Croninger argued that language would be “a bit redundant,” adding: “If you’re discharging your firearm at a human being, it will result in a review process.”
Taylor countered: “I’d rather, if evidence is potentially going to be destroyed, I’d rather be more inclusive at least on the front end than less inclusive.”
Testin agreed there are some aspects from Taylor’s bill that could end up in a final draft.
“I think there’s some things we can incorporate,” he said.
Szerlong campaign: Statement regarding Rock County Agricultural Forum
Contact: Gabriel Szerlong (608) 561-1184 or [email protected]
Gabriel Szerlong, Republican Candidate for Wisconsin’s 43rd Assembly District, released the following statement regarding the agricultural forum at Johnson Tractor in Janesville, Wisconsin on Wednesday September 12, 2018.
“Thank you to the host organizations, Rock County Farm Bureau and Rock County Ag. Business Council for organizing a very important and well-attended event for residents interested in learning more about the positions of state, local and federal candidates on agricultural issues.”
“I was disappointed that my opponent chose to attend a facilities planning workshop for a potential tax increase referendum for the Milton School District, and requested a special allowance in order to be able to make a few brief remarks prior to the start of the forum. By not engaging in the forum in a meaningful way, I got the impression that Rep. Vruwink’s legislative duties were not as high of a priority as they should be.”
“If elected, I pledge to take advantage of every possible opportunity to engage with and listen to the farming community. There are many challenges facing farmers right now, and I thought it was disrespectful of my opponent to not stay to participate in the forum. Everyone is aware of Rep. Vruwink’s long-time obsession with raising taxes in the Milton area; perhaps they would like to know his views on the agricultural industry which is a major economic driver in Rock County and across the 43rd Assembly District. “
The 43rd Assembly District contains portions of Rock, Walworth, Dane and Jefferson counties including Whitewater, Milton, Edgerton, Footville, part of Oregon and surrounding towns.
Terry Larson: What’s wrong with Attorney General Schimel?
The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com.
Attorney General Schimel is a judicial branch lap dog. He takes his direction from the judiciary rather than the citizens of Wisconsin who elected him.
When he took office, AG Schimel understood that the citizens of Wisconsin were not interested in sanctioning same-sex marriages. We had amended our state constitution to add a definition of marriage in 2006, and we re-elected the previous attorney general while he enforced our state’s marriage laws and actively defended our constitution. But AG Schimel allowed the Supreme Court’s 2015 Obergefell vs Hodges opinion to be enforced upon us as law anyway, making those marriages “legal” in our state.
The Obergefell opinion was the high point in the Supreme Court’s abuse of constitutional authority when it declared that state laws which didn’t provide for same-sex marriages were unconstitutional, and then told us same-sex marriages were legal in our states just because they told us so. This was the high point in the federal government taking for itself all powers reserved to the states by the Constitution, states which had always regulated marriage until that day.
No court opinion revises or repeals our state laws or enacts new laws for the citizens of Wisconsin – that is, unless you have an attorney general like Schimel, who allows court opinions to do so.
In a constitutional republic, we elect our legislators to make the laws we all agree to live under. In a banana republic, you don’t have to be elected to make laws.
Same-sex marriages should have been made legal by our state legislature only after the citizens of Wisconsin had directed our elected representatives to make them legal.
AG Schimel failed to perform his most basic job function when he stopped enforcing our state’s marriage laws, which only provide for certain forms of heterosexual marriages, after his SCOTUS masters gave us their opinion.
AG Schimel undermines both our federal and state constitutions, which he took an oath to support, when he allows any court to make our laws for us.
Voters may choose to overlook these mistakes because Schimel is “a good man,” he’s not a Democrat, he rides a Harley, or whatever. But he needs to be replaced (Don’t worry – he’ll find another job).
AG Schimel needs to be replaced because this practice of enforcing court opinions as law must end. It will not end if you re-elect him, and it will escalate if you elect the other candidate, Kaul.
This will matter to everyone reading these lines, because soon the Supreme Court will offer its opinion that males who want to be females have a constitutional “right” to “identify and express themselves” as females; and therefore a “right” to share public facilities, including bathrooms, locker rooms, and showers with females in Wisconsin. Progressive employers and businesses in Wisconsin have already begun requiring females to share facilities with males, and progressive educators in our schools have already begun teaching boys and girls that their gender is fluid.
I would prefer to see AG Schimel replaced before he goes along with that court opinion. If you replace AG Schimel with me, the enforcement of court opinions as law in Wisconsin will end.
As Attorney General, I will also end several other things in Wisconsin, including the destruction or removal of veterans’ memorials, the creation of sanctuary areas for illegal aliens, and infringements upon the freedom of religion or speech or the right to bear arms, which we have under both our federal and state constitutions.
–Larson is the Constitution Party of Wisconsin’s candidate for attorney general.
U.S. Rep. Kind: Now accepting applications for national service academies
Contact: Aaron White
Phone: 202-225-5506
In Case You Missed It:
Rep. Ron Kind’s Office Now Accepting Applications for National Service Academies
La Crosse –U.S. Rep. Ron Kind’s office is now accepting applications from individuals interested in attending one of our nation’s service academies. Students must submit their applications by Friday, October 19, 2018.
“I am always impressed by the motivated, disciplined young Wisconsinites that seek to attend our nation’s military academies,” said Rep. Ron Kind. “Each year I am able to nominate outstanding students from western and central Wisconsin to become our military leaders of the future, and I’m looking forward to meeting this year’s applicants.”
A Congressional nomination is required for students interested in attending the following academies:
- U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York
- U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland
- U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado
- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York
The application process is open to any United States citizen who will be a high school graduate. Generally, high school students entering their senior year apply for admittance for the following year.
Interested applicants can obtain the necessary forms and information by contacting Mark Aumann in Rep. Kind’s Eau Claire office at (715) 831-9214. For more information on the nomination process please visit Rep. Kind’s website: kind.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations.
U.S. Rep. Sensenbrenner: Bipartisan group of lawmakers introduces bill to stabilize pending interstate sales tax chaos
CONTACT: Christopher Krepich, 202-225-5101
WASHINGTON, D.C. This week, Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05), Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (CA-14), Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC-03), and Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-19) introduced the Online Sales Simplicity and Small Business Relief Act to clarify interstate sales tax collection requirements in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in Wayfair v. South Dakota.
Rep. Sensenbrenner: “This bipartisan legislation reins in the taxation free-for-all created by the Supreme Court’s ruling in Wayfair. Online sellers need clarity and stability in the sales tax arena. Our bill will protect small businesses and Internet entrepreneurs from excessive regulatory burdens. Throughout the Fifth Congressional District, I continually hear from businesses that they need ‘certainty.’ This bill provides that.”
Background: In June, the Supreme Court handed down a ruling in Wayfair v. South Dakota that overturned decades of precedent regarding online and interstate sales tax collection requirements. In the Wayfair decision, the Court struck down the “physical presence” standard established under National Bellas Hess, Inc. v. Department of Revenue of Ill. and Quill Corp. v. North Dakota. Under that precedent, out of state sellers, also known as remote sellers, were not required to collect sales tax on transactions made in a state in which they did not have a “physical presence,” such as an office, store, or warehouse.
Moving forward, all remote sellers that continue to do out of state business will be required to navigate the more than 10,000 different tax jurisdictions each time they complete a transaction. While some retailers can absorb the costs of the additional regulatory burden, thousands of independent online entrepreneurs will be harmed.
The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing in July titled “Examining the Wayfair decision and its Ramifications for Consumers and Small Businesses.”
How the bill works: The Online Sales Simplicity and Small Business Relief Act bans retroactive taxation, establishes an orderly phase-in of compliance obligations, and creates a small business exemption. Specifically, it bars states from imposing sales tax collection duties on remote sellers for any sale that occurred prior to June 21, 2018the date of the Wayfair decision. It also prevents states from imposing sales tax collection duties before January 1, 2019. Finally, it provides a $10 million exemption for small business sellers, until the states produce a compact, approved by Congress, to simplify collection to the point where no small business exemption is necessary.
You can view the full the text of the bill here.
USDOJ: Green Bay man convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl resulting in one death and two overdoses
CONTACT: Dean Puschnig
PHONE: 414-297-1700
MILWAUKEE, WI – United States Attorney Matthew D. Krueger announced today that a federal jury had convicted David Shanks, 37, of Green Bay, of conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, conduct which resulted in death. As a result of his conviction and two prior felony drug convictions, Shanks faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison. The jury also convicted Shanks of five other drug-related counts, including distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of heroin/fentanyl/methamphetamine resulting in death, and distribution of heroin/fentanyl resulting in substantial bodily injury to two overdose victims.
The trial evidence established that between August and October 2017, Shanks was the leader of a conspiracy involved in the daily sale of heroin, laced with fentanyl, and methamphetamine. Shanks’s sale of heroin/fentanyl resulted in the overdose death of one individual on Sept. 10, 2017. Shanks also was responsible for overdoses by two individuals on Sept. 22, 2017. Fortunately, paramedics and law enforcement were able to provide lifesaving assistance to both individuals. Cooperating witnesses testified that Shanks was responsible for distributing large quantities of heroin and methamphetamine in the greater Green Bay and Iron Mountain, Michigan, areas. Witnesses described seeing Shanks with baseball-sized quantities of heroin and $5,000 stacks of money generated by his drug sales.
United States Attorney Krueger stated, “This case demonstrates the devastating impact the sale of heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine has on communities and families across Wisconsin and across the country. Federal, state, and local law enforcement remain committed to doing everything possible to hold those responsible for this devastation accountable.”
The following agencies participated in the investigation: Brown County Drug Task Force, Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Green Bay Field Office, Green Bay Police Department, and Green Bay Fire Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William Roach and Zachary Corey.
Vukmir campaign: Wisconsin Senate in The Hill’s “10 seats most likely to flip”
Contact: Jessica Ward, (608) 213-5939
The Hill on Tuesday put Wisconsin on its top 10 Senate races most likely to flip list saying… “Baldwin was never among those mentioned by Democratic and Republican leaders as being particularly vulnerable. She is now.”
Senate rankings: 10 seats most likely to flip
The Hill
Sept. 11, 2018
The race for the Senate has become an all-out brawl as Republicans fiercely defend their slim 51-49 majority against a Democratic Party sensing momentum is on its side.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) acknowledged Tuesday that Republicans will be facing a “storm” in the November midterm elections, describing the races as “a knife fight in an alley,” while adding he was still hoping that Republicans would retain their majority “when the smoke clears.”
Republicans still have the upper hand, as Democrats must defend 10 seats carried by President Trump in 2016, but Democrats believe they have a narrow path to take the Senate.
10. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.)
Trump’s narrow win in Wisconsin in 2016 fueled hope among Republicans that they could pick up a second Senate seat in the Badger State. But Baldwin was never among those mentioned by Democratic and Republican leaders as being particularly vulnerable.
She is now. Baldwin is the most liberal of the Senate Democrats up for reelection this year in states Trump won, and her Republican opponent, state Sen. Leah Vukmir, has been bullish in casting the one-term incumbent as too far to the left.
Walker campaign: In new TV ad to air during Packers game, Lieutenant Gov. Kleefisch sets the record straight on pre-existing conditions
Contact: Austin Altenburg
[email protected]
VIDEO: In New TV Ad to Air During Packers Game, Lieutenant Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch Sets the Record Straight on Pre-Existing Conditions
Lieutenant governor shares her story as cancer survivor, says she’s “shocked” at false attacks by Tony Evers and his Democrat allies
[Madison, Wis.] – The Walker campaign on Friday launched a new statewide TV ad featuring Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch that sets the record straight on pre-existing condition coverage in Wisconsin, sharing her story as a cancer survivor and laying out the governor’s reforms to bring down health care costs and his commitment to maintain coverage of pre-existing conditions. The ad buy includes air time during Sunday’s Green Bay Packers game.
In the ad, Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch lays out the facts of Scott Walker’s Health Care Stability Plan, which will lower premiums for hard-working families after they skyrocketed under Obamacare. She then reiterates their commitment to maintaining coverage for those who have pre-existing conditions – making clear that people with pre-existing conditions are already covered in Wisconsin, and under Scott Walker’s leadership they always will be.
You can watch the ad, entitled “They Always Will Be,” here. The ad begins:
Rebecca Kleefisch: I’m Rebecca Kleefisch
I’ll never forget my battle with cancer, or the impact it had on my family.
That’s why I’m shocked Tony Evers and his allies say Scott Walker would end protections for people with pre-existing conditions.
People like me.
Our bipartisan plan helps people keep their coverage by lowering premiums.
Today in Wisconsin, people with pre-existing conditions are already covered.
And as long as Scott and I are in office, they always will be.
The spot will run on television as well as on a range of online and social media platforms. It is the latest in a series of ads the Walker campaign is running on the governor’s strong record of getting positive things done and his plans for more bold reform to keep Wisconsin working for generations to come.
See below for more information on Scott Walker’s work to lower premiums, increase choice, and provide certainty to seniors and those with pre-existing conditions through his Health Care Stability Plan:
- Wisconsin’s health care system is ranked first in the nation for quality.
- Because costs for hardworking families are rising under Obamacare, Scott Walker has been a prominent critic of Obamacare, and his opposition has included ongoing efforts to push the U.S. Senate to repeal it after the U.S. House of Representatives did – both before and since Washington’s failure to do so in 2017.
- With Obamacare premiums skyrocketing 44 percent this year and Washington failing to act, Scott Walker signed his bipartisan Health Care Stability Plan into law – investing $200 million to help lower premiums for Wisconsin families.
o Under Scott Walker’s plan, Obamacare premiums are expected to be 3.5% lower in 2019 than they are today, and 11% lower than if Wisconsin had taken no action at all. - Scott Walker’s administration is currently seeking the longest available waiver for Wisconsin to provide SeniorCare – the program to help make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.
- In addition, the governor is working to guarantee coverage for individuals with preexisting conditions in an effort to provide stability and peace of mind in Wisconsin, regardless of what happens in Washington.
Walker TV ad counters suggestion he backs repealing protections for pre-existing conditions
Gov. Scott Walker’s latest TV ad features Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch vowing protections for those with pre-existing conditions will remain in place as long as the two are in office.
The spot responds to an ad from a group associated with the Democratic Governors Association. It features a woman fighting breast cancer who charges Walker “doesn’t seem to care about families like mine.” It also charges Walker would allow insurance companies to take away protections for those with pre-existing conditions.
Kleefisch opens the new Walker ad saying she’s never forgotten her battle with cancer and that’s why she’s shocked “Evers and his allies say Scott Walker would end protections for people with pre-existing conditions. People like me.”
She adds their bipartisan plan helps people keep their coverage by lowering premiums, and people with pre-existing conditions in Wisconsin are already covered.
“And as long as Scott and I are in office, they always will be,” she says to close the spot.
Walker’s campaign said it will air statewide, including during the Green Bay Packers game on Sunday.
WI Dept. of Military Affairs: Wisconsin Guard ready to assist with hurricane response
CONTACT: Capt. Joe Trovato | [email protected] | 608-242-3048
The Wisconsin National Guard stands ready to assist civil authorities, if needed, with the response to Hurricane Florence.
As Florence battered the East Coast, four UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters departed Wisconsin Sept. 14 en route to Maryland, where they will stage in a standby status in the event those resources are requested by civil authorities.
The West Bend, Wisconsin-based Blackhawks and approximately two dozen crew members are medevac helicopters with hoist and medical treatment capabilities.
The movement to Maryland represents a training opportunity while simultaneously pre-positioning forces in the region should authorities in affected states need additional assistance. The Wisconsin National Guard is part of a nationwide response, in which states communicate their requests for assistance and resources via Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) requests. The crews would mobilize to a state active duty status in the event of an approved EMAC request for assistance from another state.
More than 7,000 troops from the National Guard and the active component nationwide are standing by ready to assist, according to the Department of Defense. DoD is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to pre-position helicopters, vehicles, and supplies in the region so the department is prepared to assist FEMA and other federal and state partners, as needed.
Sgt. Emily Cash, a flight operations specialist from Cross Plains, Wisconsin, said it’s a rewarding experience to have the opportunity to serve in times of emergency, especially given the context of the past few weeks of flooding in Wisconsin, where her own town felt the impact. She also said that serving when people need it was one of the factors that motivated her to join the Guard in the first place.
“When things hit the fan and they need help, it’s nice to know that we can go out there and help them and they can gain a greater appreciation for what our training is, what we do and that we’re not just hanging out on drill weekends and going home,” she said. “We’re training for a mission every single time we come in here to be able to go and do this stuff if we get called up.”
Warrant Officer 1 Steven Baumel, a Blackhawk pilot, from Horicon, Wisconsin, agreed.
“This is what we train for, so it’s very exciting to actually go out and do our jobs, and I’m confident that we’re going to do it well,” he said. “We train regularly in different scenarios, different weather, different everything, so this is what we’re here for in the National Guard. We’re supposed to be ready for stuff like this. It’s very exciting. Everyone is excited to get there and motivated.”
The medevac crews bring a variety of resources and capabilities that civil authorities could employ in the response ranging from search and extraction capabilities using a hoist, to medical treatment.
“I think it’s a great thing,” Sgt. Jonathan Walsh, a flight medic said. “We’re going out to help people who can’t help themselves. They’re in a pretty bad situation, so I think it’s kind of an honor to be in the position that we’re in. A lot of people would love to be in a position to do this. So it’s an honor to do it.”
Both Walsh and Cash recently returned from combat deployments to Afghanistan, and both were looking forward to the possibility of employing the skills and experience they built there to help their fellow Americans here at home.
Serving in times of emergency is one of the National Guard’s core missions, and thousands of National Guard troops are on duty assisting civil authorities in states affected by Hurricane Florence. In fall 2017, thousands of National Guard troops mobilized in support of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Approximately 650 Soldiers from the 32nd “Red Arrow” Infantry Brigade Combat Team supported civil authorities in Florida last fall where they provided humanitarian relief, security, and traffic control support to communities. Blackhawk medevac crews also deployed to the U.S. Virgin Islands last fall to transport patients in need of medical care to health care facilities, and Airmen from the Wisconsin Air National Guard deployed to Puerto Rico to assist in re-establishing communications on the island and provide mass feeding capabilities to first responders and civilians.
The Wisconsin Guard has also been busy assisting civil authorities here in Wisconsin. Hundreds of Guardsmen assisted with sandbagging efforts after torrential rains soaked southern Wisconsin in late August and early September, and Soldiers responded on multiple occasions to flooding in summer 2017 in Monroe County and Burlington, Wisconsin.
A West Bend-based crew also recently pulled two stranded kayakers to safety from a marsh near Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and in the summer of 2016, they also rescued a member of the Bad River Reservation in need of kidney dialysis when extreme flooding cut off the reservation from land routes.
The Wisconsin National Guard simultaneously continues to maintain a high operational tempo with worldwide deployments in support of its federal mission as the primary combat reserve of the Army and Air Force. More than 350 Soldiers from the Milwaukee-based 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery deployed to the Middle East this summer and more than 25 Soldiers from the 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade’s Military Engagement Team deployed to the Middle East in March. Meanwhile, a team of Soldiers from the 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment deployed to U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in March to provide public affairs support there. Nearly 30 Soldiers from the West Bend-based 248th General Aviation Support Battalion recently returned from a deployment to the Middle East. Wisconsin Army National Guard aviators from Detachment 5, 641st Aviation returned from Afghanistan earlier this summer, and approximately 85 Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation returned from a nine-month deployment to the Middle East in January. Another 35 Soldiers from West Bend’s Company C, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation returned from a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan in November.
Also in November, approximately 270 Airmen from the 115th Fighter Wing returned to Madison from a deployment to Korea, and more than 100 Airmen from the 128th Air Control Squadron at Volk Field returned from Southwest Asia. Approximately 70 Airmen from the 128th Air Refueling Wing in Milwaukee are in the midst of deployments worldwide, and other Airmen from the 128th deployed earlier in the fall as well.
WI DNR: 2018 Wisconsin fall hunting and trapping forecasts available online
CONTACT: Sawyer Briel, DNR communications, 608-282-5334
MADISON – Fall hunting and trapping seasons in Wisconsin are well underway, and a number of hunting and trapping forecasts are now available to help hunters and trappers prepare for their time in the outdoors.
Forecasts for the following species can be found at the links below – each forecast is located on the corresponding species page:
- 2018 Fall Deer Hunting Forecast;
- 2018 Fall Upland Game Bird Hunting Forecast;
- 2018 Fall Migratory Bird Hunting Forecast;
- 2018 Fall Bear Hunting Forecast; and
- 2018 Fall Furbearer Hunting and Trapping Forecast.
For more helpful information for deer season, be sure to check out season two of the Wild Wisconsin web series and Off the Record Podcast. Learn more atdnr.wi.gov, keywords “wild wisconsin.”
To receive email updates regarding deer hunting in Wisconsin, visit dnr.wi.gov and click on the email icon near the bottom of the page titled “subscribe for updates for DNR topics,” then follow the prompts and select the “white-tailed deer” distribution list (found within the “hunting” list).
For more general information regarding hunting in Wisconsin, search keyword “hunt.” For more updates throughout fall hunting seasons, follow the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on our social media platforms.
Wisconsin Farmers Union: Voices support for merger moratorium bill
Contact: Danielle Endvick, 715-471-0398 or [email protected]
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Wisconsin Farmers Union is among a diverse coalition of agricultural
groups that have stepped forward this week in support of a bill that seeks to halt the mega-mergers that are sweeping the agribusiness, food manufacturing and grocery industries.
Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) introduced the agribusiness merger moratorium bill Sept. 14. This
legislation is the House companion to The Food and Agribusiness Merger Moratorium and Antitrust Review Act of 2018 (S-3404) introduced in late August by Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ).
The bill calls for an 18-month moratorium on food and agribusiness mergers and the establishment of a federal commission to study ways to strengthen antitrust oversight in agricultural sectors.
In the past few years, chemical and seed company acquisitions and mergers have allowed just three companies to control two-thirds of the crop seed and nearly 70 percent of agriculture chemical markets.
“It is time to hit pause on these mega-mergers and the growing trend of vertical integration in U.S. agriculture,” said Wisconsin Farmers Union President Darin Von Ruden. “The U.S. is losing farmers at an alarming rate, and we’re seeing a lack of competitive markets in seed, agro-chemical and many other ag sectors, thanks in no small part to an unprecedented number of mergers that have swept across the nation’s food and agriculture industry.”
Von Ruden stressed the urgency of addressing consolidation in agriculture. “These mergers hurt farmers who are facing fewer options and rising input costs amid declining farm incomes,” he said. “Net income for U.S. farmers has dropped by nearly 50 percent since 2013.”
Hyper consolidation hasn’t been limited to seed and agrochemical sectors. America’s meatpacking industry is also deeply concerning, Von Ruden pointed out, noting four firms now control 71 percent of hog slaughter and 85 percent of cattle slaughter.
“This growing vertical integration is decimating family farms and allowing buyers and processors to impose unfair conditions on farmers,” Von Ruden added. “The farmer’s share of retail sales of agricultural goods has plummeted to just 15 cents on the dollar.”
WFU members who were in Washington, D.C. this week for the National Farmers Union Fly-In recognized Rep. Pocan for his efforts. “This bill is a key example of the kind of advocacy that has made Rep. Pocan a friend of family farm agriculture and a fitting recipient for the Golden Triangle Award, Farmers Union’s highest legislative honor,” Von Ruden said.
National Farmers Union has endorsed the bill along with 16 state Farmers Union organizations and an array of other food and agricultural groups.
WisDems: Scott Walker has undermined protections for Wisconsinites with pre-existing conditions for nearly a decade
Contact: Alex Japko, [email protected]
When Republicans tried to push through Graham-Cassidy last year, a law that would have undermined pre-existing conditions protections, Scott Walker called it “awesome” and a “winner all the way around.”He even floated letting insurershike premiums for people with preexisting conditions if federal law was changed to allow it.
His animosity towards the ACA exists to this day. Walker signed off on a lawsuit that, if successful, would gut protections for people with pre-existing conditions.
To recap:
The law protecting Wisconsinites with pre-existing conditions: “A disaster”
Previous Republican attempts to gut those protections: “Awesome”
The Walker-approved lawsuit to gut protections for people with pre-existing conditions: Ongoing
“Scott Walker has been attacking protections for people with pre-existing conditions for as long as he’s been governor,” said DPW Spokesperson Alex Japko. “Walker can try to duck this issue all he wants, but his record speaks for itself. He’s failed to defend Wisconsinites’ health care in the past, and he can’t be trusted to do so in the future.”
WisOpinion.com: ‘The Insiders’ discuss Tommy Thompson’s prison reform ideas
The WisOpinion Insiders give their take on former Gov. Tommy Thompson’s prison reform ideas.
Sponsored by the Wisconsin Counties Association and Michael Best Strategies.
WisPolitics Midday – September 14, 2018
In today’s WisPolitics Midday Update:
- Poll numbers look good for Bryan Steil in CD1
- Arguments being renewed in the court case over Wisconsin’s district boundaries.
