Rep. Shannon Zimmerman (608) 266-1526 Madison… Rep. Shannon Zimmerman (R-River Falls) focuses on the budget in the Weekly Radio Address for Wisconsin State Republicans. Hi. This is Wisconsin State Representative Shannon Zimmerman. Wisconsin’s economy is in a great position thanks to a laser like focus on the economy over the last eight years. The dividend from this focus has produced an almost billion dollar surplus and has allowed the Legislature to invest in our priorities. The last budget invested over a half billion dollars in public education, held the line on property taxes, and increased grants for farmer assistance. The

CONTACT: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722 On the Web: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/news.htm On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WIWorkforce On Twitter: @WIWorkforce MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today released the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) preliminary employment estimates for the month of April. The data showed that Wisconsin’s unemployment rate declined to a new record low of 2.8 percent. Wisconsin’s labor force participation rate remained at 67.5 percent in April. In brief: Place of Residence Data: Wisconsin’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in April was 2.8 percent. The national unemployment rate in April was 3.6 percent. The seasonally adjusted data also showed that the number of

Contact: Representative Ron Tusler (608) 266-5831 Madison, WI –Representative Ron Tusler (R-Harrison) released the following statement regarding yesterday’s shooting at the Valley Transit Center in Appleton: “My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the firefighter killed in yesterday’s shooting, as well as the others who were injured, including an Appleton police officer.  It is always especially tragic when a first responder is injured or killed in the line of duty. On behalf of my family and the Third Assembly District, I extend our deepest sympathies.”

Complaint Alleges Deceptive Conduct that Contributed to the Opioid Epidemic MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul announced today the filing of a lawsuit against Purdue Pharma L.P., Purdue Pharma Inc., and Richard S. Sackler, Purdue’s former co-chairman and president, for alleged misconduct in marketing and sales of opioids that contributed to the opioid epidemic. Five states — Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, West Virginia and Wisconsin — filed separate lawsuits Thursday. “The opioid epidemic has shattered lives and strained communities across the state and the country,” said Attorney General Kaul. “Today, we filed suit against Purdue Pharma L.P., Purdue Pharma Inc.,

Contact: Jason Stein (608) 982-0323 jstein@wispolicyforum.org WPF Looks at Potential Effects on TIF MADISON – Changes proposed by Gov. Tony Evers to tax increment financing (TIF) would have major impacts on the main economic development tool for local governments in the state, lowering the revenues of existing TIF districts and putting limits on TIF going forward, according to a new report from the nonpartisan, independent Wisconsin Policy Forum (WPF). State budget provisions put forward by the governor would limit the use of tax increment district (TID) funds to make cash grants to developers rather than more traditional investments in public

Contact: Timothy Svoboda, (202) 225-2476 (Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) today released the following statement on Hamas’ missile attacks on Israel and the current state of Gaza. “Earlier this month, Palestinian militant groups, like Hamas, fired almost 700 missiles into Israel.” Said Grothman. “Israel was forced to respond to this attack by striking Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad facilities in Gaza. The root of this problem is Hamas’ unwillingness to govern Gaza responsibly. Though Hamas has control of the government in Gaza, it is still Egypt and Israel who maintain control of the borders. Gaza boasts a 42 percent unemployment rate

Contact: Representative Robyn Vining 608-266-9180 MADISON – Last week, Republicans in the Joint Finance Committee erased the budget proposal to authorize $40 million in borrowing to help municipalities replace lead laterals, which are the pipes that connect homes to the water mains under city streets. Without this bonding, homeowners likely will not be able to afford replacing lead pipes on their own, putting their families in danger of lead poisoning. Representative Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) issued the following statement in response: “I cannot believe we are turning our backs on children born into homes with lead in their water. It’s wrong and we

CONTACT: (608) 267-7669 MADISON – State Representative JoCasta Zamarripa (D-Milwaukee) released the following statement on the appointments of Latino Wisconsinites by Governor Tony Evers: “I’m grateful to Governor Tony Evers—he has prioritized appointing knowledgeable, experienced and diverse candidates to run our state. In particular, I would like to highlight the Latino Wisconsinites Governor Evers has chosen for leadership positions in his cabinet and beyond. From cabinet to various gubernatorial appointments, underrepresented communities are getting more of a voice than ever. Yesterday, Governor Evers appointed Joaquin Altoro as Executive Director of WHEDA. Altoro is the 2nd Latino Wisconsinite to join Governor

Contact: Representative Melissa Sargent Email: Rep.Sargent@legis.wi.gov Phone: (608)-266-0960 MADISON –Representative Melissa Sargent (D-Madison) issued the following statement to announce the release of LRB-3281/2, which permits pharmacists the ability to prescribe hormonal contraceptives and increases equitable access to birth control for Wisconsin women: “I am committed to ensuring that contraceptives are as accessible as possible for Wisconsin women, and that we remove any and all barriers that work to impede a woman’s ability to receive safe and effective birth control methods. This week Republican lawmakers released LRB-0325, a bill appearing similar to AB-968 that I have championed in past sessions, which would allow pharmacists

Life, Victims’ Rights, and Paper/Forestry Industry CONTACT: Rep. Felzkowski                                                                                              608-266-7694 Madison- Today, the Wisconsin State Assembly convened at the State Capitol to debate bills that protect Northern Wisconsin and the fine men and women who call it home. Rep. Mary Felzkowski (R-Irma) voted in favor of all the bills taken up – among them three

Contact: Iris Riis 608-256-7549 x2132 iris.riis@ppwi.org MADISON – Republicans in the Assembly today voted to pass bills that deliberately spread misinformation about abortion care and duplicate current law. Statement from Mel Barnes, Legal and Policy Director at Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin: “These bills are being pushed by the same people who want to make abortion a crime in all cases and block access to birth control and sex education. If they were interested in policies that support women and babies, they would be supporting Governor Evers’ Budget. His proposal invests in women’s health by accepting federal dollars to expand Medicaid and

CONTACT: Rep. Felzkowski                                                                                                                                                                                                   

CONTACT: Rep. Rick Gundrum (608) 264-8486 Madison – Today, Representative Rick Gundrum (R-Slinger) released this statement following the passage of four common sense bills in the Wisconsin State Assembly. “Earlier today, I enthusiastically voted in favor of four bills that ensure that a disturbing national trend toward expanded abortion practices does nottake hold in Wisconsin. The package passed today makes it abundantly clear that we will not allow the protections for the unborn to be negligently unraveled in our state. “When I ran for office, I made a commitment to the citizens of the 58th Assembly District that I would be an