Chippewa Falls, WI – Women farmers and landowners wear multiple hats and juggle various responsibilities, often providing key emotional support to family and community members. For many, the holiday season takes an extra toll on mental health, as do the winter months. Starting in January, Wisconsin Women in Conservation (WiWiC) will partner with Farm Well Wisconsin to provide two-hour virtual regional trainings to help women learn to recognize someone in need and respond intentionally and effectively, without putting their own mental health at risk. “Mental health is a topic that impacts everyone. For better or worse, women often take on

MADISON, Wis. – Thanks to strong leadership from President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Democrats in Congress, the national unemployment rate is now below 4%, the lowest of the pandemic. Under President Biden, the U.S. added over 6.4 million jobs in 2021 — hitting a record for highest job growth in a single year — and our country continues to bounce back from pandemic-era lows in employment as Democrats continue to lead one of the fastest economic recoveries in history. Here in Wisconsin, the unemployment rate has been consistently below the national average. Under Governor Evers, Wisconsin’s unemployment rate is

City of Racine – Today, City of Racine Public Health Administrator Dottie-Kay Bowersox announced that National Guard COVID-19 testing at Festival Hall has been extended through January 27, 2022. Hours will continue to be Mondays and Thursdays from Noon until 6pm.   In a statement Dottie-Kay Bowersox, the Public Health Administrator for the City of Racine had this to say:  “As anticipated with the end of the holiday season, COVID-19 cases are at the highest case rate that has been seen throughout the entirety of the pandemic at over 1,600 confirmed cases per 100,000 people. Because of the prevalence of the virus, individuals

MADISON, Wis. – In response to reports that Senator Ron Johnson will break his two term pledge and run for a third term in the Senate, Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler released the following statement: “Wisconsin voters will relish the opportunity to fire Ron Johnson, who has used his senatorial power to enrich himself and his wealthiest donors at the expense of the middle class. Johnson’s relentless attacks on working families, health care, and the bedrock principles of American democracy disqualify him from a third term, and his presence on the ballot will ensure that voters turn out

Madison, WI – Interim President of the University of Wisconsin (UW) System Tommy G. Thompson announced he will resign, effect March 18. Statement from WTCS President Dr. Morna K. Foy regarding the service of Tommy G. Thompson as Interim President of the UW System: “I appreciate and admire Governor Thompson’s willingness to step into the role of UW System President during a generational crisis and lead the organization with enthusiasm and professionalism. I enjoyed our partnership moving higher education in Wisconsin forward and applaud his exceptional years of public service. On behalf of the Board and the entire Wisconsin Technical College System,

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) led colleagues in urging the Biden Administration to ensure easy access to rapid COVID-19 tests for Americans across the country. In a letter Friday, the Senators pressed the Biden Administration to take needed steps to streamline access to at-home testing. The letter comes after the Biden administration announced additional actions to combat COVID-19, including through rapid COVID-19 tests. “As you work to draft guidance to allow Americans with private health insurance to be reimbursed for rapid, at-home COVID-19 tests, we urge you to take steps to make

MADISON – Sarah Godlewski issued the following statement today after rabid right-winger Ron Johnson broke his word to the people of Wisconsin and his decision to run for a third term leaked to the press. A recent poll showed Godlewski is well-positioned to beat Johnson in November and the only candidate leading the longtime politician, pulling ahead by 2 points (48-46). “Ron Johnson has failed Wisconsinites–looking out for corporate special interests and promoting conspiracy theories, not helping us,” said State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski. “Beating Ron Johnson is going to take a commonsense candidate who is focused on the kitchen table issues that matter to Wisconsin families

MADISON – Today, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) issued the following statement regarding the announcement that Senator Kathy Bernier (R-Chippewa Falls) will not seek re-election to the State Senate after 25 years of state and local service:  “Senator Bernier has been a tremendous asset to our caucus, and I thank Kathy for her 25 years of public service. Her expertise, knowledge, and good humor will be missed in the Senate.   “This session, Kathy served on the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee and was an integral part of a historic budget process which included more than $3 billion in tax cuts. She

Rep. Jesse James (R-Altoona) released the following statement on the retirement of Wisconsin State Senator Kathy Bernier: “Today, my esteemed colleague, State Senator Kathy Bernier, announced that she will not be seeking re-election for the 23rd Senate District. Her perseverance and passion as a legislator will be missed, and I would like to commend Senator Bernier for her many years of service to her community. Senator Bernier began her career in public service as the Chippewa County clerk in 1999, holding that position for twelve years. During her time as county clerk, Senator Bernier also served the Village of Lake

Madison…Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) released the following statement after Senator Kathy Bernier announced her retirement from the Wisconsin State Senate at the end of this term. “I would like to thank my friend Kathy for her service to the Legislature and the state of Wisconsin. From her role as Chippewa County Clerk to serving as the chair of the Committee on Elections, Election Process Reform and Ethics, vice-chair of the Committee on Education, and member of the Joint Committee on Finance, Kathy has earned the trust and support of her constituents. “Some of her great achievements include fighting for increased

Madison – On Friday, interim UW-System President Tommy Thompson announced he would be stepping down from the post in March. State Senator Alberta Darling issued the following statement in response. “Tommy Thompson loves Wisconsin and it showed during his leadership for the UW-System. I want to thank Tommy for his continued service to the state and for helping set a course for its future. Wisconsin is lucky to have a leader like Tommy Thompson. He has always been there when we needed him. His leadership as Governor helped deliver the largest property tax cut in state history, gave parents educational options,

MADISON – Rep. Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) released the following statement on Tommy Thompson’s resignation as interim President of the University of Wisconsin System: “President Tommy Thompson led the University of Wisconsin System through the last eighteen months of the COVID-19 pandemic, steering the ship with a steady hand through a rapidly changing landscape. The University of Wisconsin System is one of our state’s greatest assets, providing our students with a world-class education and prioritizing innovation for the benefit of Wisconsin as a whole. President Thompson has been a steadfast champion for the Wisconsin Idea, and I am very grateful for

MADISON – Senator Dale Kooyenga (R-Brookfield) released the following statement regarding Tommy Thompson’s announcement that he will resign on March 18 as President of the University of Wisconsin System: “When Governor Thompson took the helm of the UW System, it was because Wisconsin needed strong leadership for a critical institution at a difficult time. Tommy was the perfect man for the job. “Throughout his tenure, he vigorously pursued the System’s mission of providing the best possible education while energetically tackling unprecedented challenges. No admirer of Tommy, including myself, was surprised that once again Tommy Thompson proved he’s a man Wisconsin