U.S. Sen. Johnson: Statement on committee approval of legislation to end government shutdowns and hold Congress accountable

Contact: Austin Altenburg (Johnson), (202) 224-4751 Allison Green (Peters), (202) 834-2281 WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Gary C. Peters (D-Mich.), chairman and ranking member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement after the committee advanced the Government Shutdown Accountability Act during today’s business meeting on a bipartisan 10-2 vote: “Government shutdowns hurt people, damage our economy and benefit no one. Politicians have talked for years about ending government shutdowns without taking action. Today, we took a significant step to hold Congress responsible for doing its job. There’s still more work to be

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Sen. Ringhand: Appointed to Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy

Contact: State Senator Janis Ringhand: (608)266-2253; [email protected] State Senator Janis Ringhand (D-Evansville) has been appointed by Tony Evers to serve on Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy. The mission of the Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy is to measurably improve the financial literacy of Wisconsin citizens. The Council collaborates with government agencies, non-profits organizations and educators to promote financial literacy throughout the state. The Council works to provide incentives for educators, business organizations and government agencies to implement programs to improve financial literacy and serve as a sounding board for the Governor’s office and the Department of Financial Institutions by focusing

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Gov. Evers: Proclaims June 19th ‘Juneteenth Day’ in Wisconsin

Contact: [email protected] or 608-219-7443 MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers issued a proclamation declaring June 19th as Juneteenth Day throughout the state of Wisconsin. Juneteenth commemorates the day, in 1865, where the last slaves were informed of their freedom, effectively ending slavery in the United States. “Juneteenth is recognized throughout the United States and Wisconsin is proud to be a part of this important day,” Gov. Evers said. “This is a time to recognize the struggles of African Americans in our country’s modern history. While we use this time to reconcile with our past, we must also continue to make progress

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Gov. Evers: Orders flags to half-staff in honor of Officer John D. Hetland

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today ordered the flags of the United States and the State of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect for Patrol Officer John D. Hetland of the Racine Police Department, who tragically died in the line of duty on June 17, 2019. The order is effective beginning immediately and ending at sunset on the date of interment. “The people of Wisconsin mourn with the Racine community that Officer Hetland served faithfully for over 24 years,” said Gov. Evers. “Officer Hetland was a loving father and son, a valued member of his

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WisPolitics Midday: June 19, 2019

In today’s WisPolitics Midday update: At least one Republican Senator will vote against the budget. WI Supreme Court sets a schedule to announce “Lame Duck” Lawsuit decision.

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Sen. Shilling: Echoes bipartisan concerns with fiscally reckless Republican budget

Contact: Kate Constalie, [email protected], 608-266-5490 MADISON – Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) released the following statement after Republican Senator Steve Nass (R-Whitewater) announced he will vote “no” on the Republican budget proposal: “I echo Sen. Nass’ concerns with the fiscally irresponsible budget proposal that is being pushed by Republican leaders and special interests. The Republican budget protects tax breaks for millionaires while raising property taxes on working families by the highest amount in a decade. “Gov. Tony Evers’ original budget proposal is cohesive, fully balanced, and offers real solutions for tax relief for working families. Democrats are listening

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Clean Wisconsin: Trump’s ‘Dirty Power Plan’ won’t turn back clock on energy

MADISON, WI —Clean Wisconsin criticized the Environmental Protection Agency’s rewrite of the Clean Power Plan Wednesday, saying the new rule does not change the reality that clean energy like wind and solar are more economical than coal and natural gas. “Energy utilities are already seeing the writing on the wall for coal and natural gas, and they are making the shift to cleaner, cheaper, home-grown wind and solar energy,” said Scott Blankman, Clean Wisconsin’s Energy & Air Program Director. “Trump’s ‘Dirty Power Plan’ is an attempt to delay the renewable energy transition in Wisconsin and the U.S. Rather than investing

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Majority Leader Fitzgerald: Statement on budget discussions

Madison, WI — Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald released the following statement on Wednesday regarding the budget: “The budget that passed the Finance Committee serves as a conservative check on the document that Governor Evers introduced earlier this year. We’re bonding over $500 million less, taxing over $1 billion less, and nearly doubling the size of our rainy day fund. “On top of that, our budget cuts taxes by over $500 million. It invests $30 million in veterans programs. It takes care of our seniors by making significant investments in nursing homes that the governor failed to make. It pushes back

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Rep. Shankland: Introduces bipartisan 12-Month Contraceptive Care Act

MADISON – Today Rep. Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point) along with Rep. Ron Tusler (R-Harrison), Sen. LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee), and Sen. Kathy Bernier (R-Chippewa Falls) introduced the 12-Month Contraceptive Care Act. This legislation would allow women to fill their birth control prescriptions for up to 12 months at a time after receiving an initial 3-month supply. Wisconsin health insurance plans currently only cover prescriptions of birth control for 30 or 90 days. The most common causes of unwanted pregnancies are lack of access to reliable contraception and inconsistent use. Research has shown that dispensing a 12-month supply of birth control at one time reduces

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Treasurer Godlewski: BCPL provide $5.1 million for projects in Walworth County

MADISON – Yesterday, Treasurer Sarah Godlewski and the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL) approved two new loans in Walworth county worth $5.1 million.  The Town of Delavan will be receiving $5 million to finance needed fire station construction. Their deteriorating  fire station does not have the necessary space nor the modern equipment necessary to properly serve the people of Delevan and keep their community safe.   The Honey Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District will receive $100,000 in financing to repair and maintain the Honey Lake dam.   “Wisconsin’s water and public safety infrastructure is critical for our communities,” said Treasurer Godlewski. She continued, “When our

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U.S. Sen. Johnson: Statement on committee approval of legislation to end government shutdowns and hold Congress accountable

Contact: Austin Altenburg (Johnson), (202) 224-4751 Allison Green (Peters), (202) 834-2281 WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Gary C. Peters (D-Mich.), chairman and ranking member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement after the committee advanced the Government Shutdown Accountability Act during today’s

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WisPolitics Midday: June 19, 2019

In today’s WisPolitics Midday update: At least one Republican Senator will vote against the budget. WI Supreme Court sets a schedule to announce “Lame Duck” Lawsuit decision.

Read More »

Sen. Shilling: Echoes bipartisan concerns with fiscally reckless Republican budget

Contact: Kate Constalie, [email protected], 608-266-5490 MADISON – Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) released the following statement after Republican Senator Steve Nass (R-Whitewater) announced he will vote “no” on the Republican budget proposal: “I echo Sen. Nass’ concerns with the fiscally irresponsible budget proposal that is being pushed by

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Majority Leader Fitzgerald: Statement on budget discussions

Madison, WI — Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald released the following statement on Wednesday regarding the budget: “The budget that passed the Finance Committee serves as a conservative check on the document that Governor Evers introduced earlier this year. We’re bonding over $500 million less, taxing over $1 billion less, and

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Rep. Shankland: Introduces bipartisan 12-Month Contraceptive Care Act

MADISON – Today Rep. Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point) along with Rep. Ron Tusler (R-Harrison), Sen. LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee), and Sen. Kathy Bernier (R-Chippewa Falls) introduced the 12-Month Contraceptive Care Act. This legislation would allow women to fill their birth control prescriptions for up to 12 months at a time after receiving

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