Press Releases

According to the federal state-by-state data that everybody trusts and uses, Wisconsin is unfortunately dead last by far in job creation under Gov. Walker. No partisan political press release from the Walker Administration can change that.

These dismal jobs numbers make it clear why Gov. Walker and his partisan political cronies pushed their own unique, uncomparable jobs data three weeks before an election.

By releasing this data – which will not be reviewed until June 28 – Gov. Walker’s partisan political cronies are clearly trying to artificially improve the governor’s worst-in-the-nation jobs performance.

Given the fact that Wisconsin leads the nation in job losses, the governor has no reason to be engaging in a ‘Mission Accomplished’ victory lap based on hypothetical, partisan budget projections.

By any meaningful metric, Gov. Walker has the worst jobs record of any governor in the nation. While the nation as a whole has added jobs for 18 straight months, Wisconsin continues to move in the wrong direction.

This jobs report is more evidence that Wisconsin continues to head in the wrong direction under Gov. Walker. We need to be far more aggressive in advancing job creation policies, and I continue to extend my hand to work on a bipartisan basis.

The governor and his Republican allies say they are somehow improving the quality of education in Wisconsin. But numbers don’t lie.

If Republicans had simply done the right thing from the start it would have saved the people of Wisconsin a lot of time, effort and money.

Today’s ruling is a victory for Wisconsin workers and a victory for the people of our state. Unfortunately, it also serves as a reminder of the unprecedented abuses of power we have seen from Gov. Walker and legislative Republicans.

Now that Act 43 does not exist, we need to immediately begin to redraw the maps in a manner that is fully open and transparent and does not, in the words of the court, ‘needlessly move’ more than a million citizens of Wisconsin.

During a session when jobs and job training should have been the primary focus for all of us, Republicans pushing this bill forward to grab power and install more political allies was the last thing that should have closed out our session.

The legislative session is nearly over, and Republicans have shown no desire to devote any serious focus to job creation. I renew my call for a bipartisan process to select bills that will help put people back to work quickly.

The past year has been marked by new lows in partisanship, polarizing battles, ethics violations, brewing scandal, secrecy oaths and shutting out the public.

While the nation has added jobs every month for 17 straight months and neighboring states all posted job gains the past year, Wisconsin has fallen far behind under Gov. Walker and the Republican-controlled legislature.

The failure to pass a mining bill rests squarely on Scott Walker’s shoulders. His not being more directly involved in finding a pathway to move forward is why this state is losing out on mining jobs.

While current job estimates are promising, today’s revised actual numbers for the past year were worse than estimates, which is deeply troubling.

Republicans need to focus on quality education for all students in the majority of Wisconsin schools and stop pandering to private voucher special interests, which fund their campaigns.

Wisconsinites deserve all elected officials to be focusing on the jobs crisis – not wasting taxpayer dollars on protecting their own jobs.

Wisconsinites deserve all elected officials to be focusing on the jobs crisis – not wasting tax dollars on protecting their own jobs at the taxpayers’ expense.

One year ago, Gov. Walker set Wisconsin on a course that has left our state more polarized than ever before. Beginning with his attack on workers’ rights, the governor has continued to divide us while ramming his agenda through.

No matter how the governor tries to spin this, a negative budget balance that requires repair is not a positive outcome for Wisconsin.

This is an unprecedented low in a year that has already had so many blows to open government. With disturbing regularity we hear details of a new scandal, another example of secrecy or misleading the public.

Sadly, today is not about creating jobs – it is about the illusion of working to create jobs without any real progress on what needs to be our top priority.

It’s clear that the governor’s lack of focus and effort on jobs is not working for Wisconsin’s middle-class families.

It is time to set partisanship aside. Wisconsin cannot afford the legislature continuing to focus on special interest giveaways, anti-consumer legislation and extreme social issues. We need jobs.

Republicans' strategy has clearly become to discredit the constitutionally and democratically protected right of citizens to vote in recall elections when they believe they have been betrayed by an elected official.

I would very much like to believe Gov. Walker when he says he’s focused on creating family-supporting jobs, but his track record proves otherwise.

Gov. Walker made the centerpiece of his campaign a promise to create 250,000 jobs. Not only has he backed away from that promise, Wisconsin has actually lost jobs five months in a row since his budget passed – 34,900 jobs lost overall.

"2011 will go down in Wisconsin history – as an example of the power of citizens who joined together, got involved and fought back when they saw their state harmed and divided in a manner not keeping with our Wisconsin traditions."

Other states continue to benefit from ongoing national job gains. Unfortunately, instead of regaining ground that's been lost every month since passage of this Governor's economic plan, Wisconsin lost another 14,600 jobs in November.

Gov. Walker’s special legislative session was quietly adjourned last week without passing bills that would have actually created jobs. Now we are continuing to see the disastrous results of the Republicans’ lack of any meaningful focus on job creation.

“Republicans have spent an extraordinary amount of time and effort advancing Second Amendment rights, yet they apparently are willing to severely curtail our citizens’ First Amendment rights,” Rep. Barca said.

Gov. Walker’s special session, which he touted as a jobs session, was officially adjourned in skeletal session today. This closed the book on a dismal session that made it painfully obvious that for Republicans there is no focus or urgency on jobs.

The federal government might have taken care of this cost if Gov. Walker had sat down with them and negotiated before rejecting high-speed rail money out-of-hand. Instead, Wisconsin taxpayers are being forced to pick up the tab.

This is exactly the kind of cronyism, waste of taxpayer resources and abuse of power that undermines people’s faith in the ability of their government to represent their interest instead of the elite few.

Gov. Walker’s latest state building access policy that attempts to curtail the First Amendment rights of our citizens is an extreme example of his disregard for basic Wisconsin values and traditions.

Since the Madison-based 1st Battalion, 147th Command Aviation was ordered to active duty in January 2003, nearly 10,000 Soldiers and Airmen have deployed in support of our mission

Gov. Walker and Republicans continue to knock the wind out of Wisconsin's economy by refusing to change tactics, focus on jobs and undo the harm they have caused to working, middle-class families.

It appears that Gov. Walker and his fellow Republicans have thrown in the towel on job creation. That's a travesty and Wisconsin’s workers deserve better

Gov. Walker and his fellow Republicans need to explain why they do not have a sense of urgency and continue to refuse to prioritize struggling Wisconsinites that need help getting back on the job.

Allowing Gov. Walker to veto any recall rule from the GAB that he doesn't like, for an election that affects him personally, is the definition of an abuse of power.

It is well past time to focus like a laser on job creation. On that need, I agree wholeheartedly with the goal I hear my Republican colleagues talking about for a special session in mid-October.

It's long past time we roll up our sleeves and focus like a laser on creating jobs to provide economic security, expand opportunities, and reverse the damage the Republican agenda has inflicted on Wisconsin’s middle class families

Today Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) offered the first Democratic Weekly Radio Address

Today, Rep. Peter Barca, Rep. Donna Seidel, along with Sen. Mark Miller, introduced a bill to repeal measures that allow Gov. Walker to replace 39 civil service positions in state agencies with his own political appointees

Wisconsin workers and families want us to move forward together to create jobs.

This budget was largely balanced on the backs of public schoolchildren across our state and that will become increasingly obvious when school starts this week...

If Gov. Walker is sincere in his newfound desire to move past the partisanship and division he created to start working together, he needs to follow the lead of Ohio’s Republican governor, John Kasich.

Steitz’s defeat can only be viewed as a historic rejection of Gov. Walker’s extreme, divisive and hyperpartisan agenda

“Bob La Follette said, ‘The will of the people shall be the law of the land,’ and his words are painted on the ceiling in the governor’s conference room. These are words all public servants should live by.”

These elections represent a strong rejection of extremism. Last night, the people of Wisconsin sent a message to Gov. Walker and legislative Republicans telling them to stop the division and start listening to working families.

As a small business owner and Deputy Mayor, Senator-elect King knows how to work with anyone -- Democrats and Republicans, business and labor -- to get things done.

Congratulations to Senator-elect Jennifer Shilling on her resounding victory for the working families of the 32nd Senate District.

Gov. Walker and the Republicans in the legislature once again used partisan games and dirty tricks to shut citizens out of this process. But the fight to restore our democracy goes on and the voice of the people will be heard

This is a real test of leadership for Gov. Walker and whether or not he is sincerely interested in bringing Wisconsin together in a bipartisan fashion.

This gerrymandered Republican map is not only a blatant, partisan power grab – it makes Wisconsin a more polarized, divided state for the next decade.

Once again, Gov. Walker and legislative Republicans have made an extremely partisan, blatant power grab by drawing a map designed with the goal to ensure their party will be in control for the next decade...

The theme of Gov. Walker’s budget is that the middle class pays more and gets less. The vetoes only amplify these trends. This budget will further Gov. Walker’s reputation as the most polarizing governor in the nation

I have taken the liberty of helping you out with the attached draft letter to Republican Congressional leadership so you can make sure that your colleagues in Washington do not undermine the sole positive argument you have on this disastrous budget

Gov. Walker’s original location is fitting given that his budget gives tax breaks to special interests and creates loopholes for corporations to dodge taxes while working families have to work longer and harder to foot the bill.

This is a critical opportunity to help thousands of workers in the short term while they continue their job searches,” Barca said

Dear Governor Walker, There is no question that we disagree on many issues and we understand that this budget reflects your priorities and vision. You say you desire an open business climate.

Assembly Republicans continue to spend their time making it a priority to advance a social agenda when they should be creating jobs and growing our economy.

This budget desecrates our proud Wisconsin tradition of supporting our middle-class – the backbone of our state.

I applaud the court for opening the people's house to the people so they can actively participate in their government.

I had hoped the Supreme Court would recognize the importance of our open government tradition and the necessity of public participation in a democracy. I agree with Chief Justice Abrahamson in her dissent when she wrote, ‘By this interpretation,

Today Assembly Republicans claimed a surplus based on dishonest math, one-time transfers and accounting gimmicks.

Today Judge Sumi issued a permanent injunction on Act 10, clearly stating thatthe Republicans violated the Wisconsin Open Meetings Law in their rush to take away workers’rights.

Democracy takes a hit in Wisconsin today with a new law that will make it difficult for many people, particularly seniors, students and minorities, to exercise their Constitutional right to vote.

State Auditor Janice Mueller has been a devoted public servant, a skilled auditor, and a fiscal watchdog on behalf of the citizens of this state. As she announces her move forward beyond state service, I want to express

Secretary Huebsch accurately noted that ‘the piece of legislation that sparked this demonstration’ was Gov. Walker’s assault on workers’ rights. I appreciate his candor in that and in noting that none of the damage was malicious.

Senator Kohl has been an invaluable asset to all residents of Wisconsin, continually working to improve the lives of all citizens in the state. From his tireless work serving the elderly as Chairman of the Special

The increased state revenue is a positive sign that economic recovery and job-creation economic development initiatives enacted last session by Democrats, with bipartisan support, are having the desired impact. Budgeting is about making choices.

“I’m pleased Gov. Walker has reversed his direction when it comes to making sure prosecutors have the resources to fight crime in Wisconsin. Democrats tried three weeks ago to secure this needed

Senate and Assembly Democrats today called on Republican legislators to join them in supporting a simple fix to state law that will extend federally funded unemployment benefits for thousands of Wisconsin job seekers.

The nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau released its analysis today on the impact of Gov. Scott Walker’s budget on property taxes, fees and segregated funds.

Responding to the comments of Joint Committee on Finance co-chairs, Senator Alberta Darling and Representative Robin Vos, Senate Democratic Leader Mark Miller and Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca suggested that the first

The way Waukesha County Clerk Kathy Nickolaus revealed her discovery of 14,300 previously uncounted votes raises disturbing questions, particularly in light of her past partisan history.

In special session today, the Wisconsin State Assembly passed the most recent version of the budget adjustment bill, proving that Gov. Walker and the Republicans could have balanced current budget issues without trampling people’s rights.

Gov. Walker has repeatedly stated that all public employees must sacrifice, but it appears his political appointees are exempt from any sacrifice.

The Judge made it abundantly clear on Tuesday that Gov. Walker and his administration, including DOA Secretary Mike Huebsch, should not be implementing Act 10. I believe she made it clear then with her order that stop means stop

In conversations this evening with Legislative Council attorneys, I was informed that it is their opinion, as well as the opinion of the Legislative

Today’s decision by Dane County Circuit Judge Sumi is a fitting culmination of Sunshine Week in Wisconsin. Meetings that are not given a 24-hour, or even a two-hour, notice should never be held unless there is an emergency situation

In the budget adjustment bill, Gov. Walker gave himself an additional 37 political appointees, one more indication that defied his message that this bill was about fiscal responsibility

“This morning the governor signed a bill behind closed doors stripping away a half-century of Wisconsin workers’ rights and it seemed a fitting end for such a repugnant piece of legislation that passed in such an appalling manner.

Once again Republicans displayed utter disregard for the people of Wisconsin and their oath of office by ramming through a new version of their special session bill

Today Republicans in the Wisconsin State Assembly voted to end the rights of Wisconsin workers and do irreparable harm to families throughout the state. The vote passed 53 to 42

“I’ve been coming to this building since 1958 and I’ve never been denied access,” Obey stated.

Denying people access to the Peoples House of Democracy and their elected representatives is not acceptable, especially when it was not communicated to offices in the building and to the public or media in advance

The contempt displayed this evening toward democracy and the people of Wisconsin by the Republicans in the Assembly was appalling. But in truth, it should not have come as any surprise.

Democrats did not make a deal this morning. It’s not a deal when the majority shuts down the voice of the people

Yesterday I was asked repeatedly by reporters if the goal of Democrats who authored dozens of amendments had the goal of delaying this bill. I cannot express in strong enough terms that our goal is not to delay this bill.

Today Assembly Democrats visited Gov. Scott Walker hoping to personally deliver a letter offering to help him break the impasse that has led to what media has labeled chaos in our state

“But I must point out that there is one individual whose job it is to end this stalemate: Governor Scott Walker"

I am so proud to stand with working families across the state of Wisconsin today. In the most powerful show of unity in decades, we have joined together to send a powerful message to Gov. Walker and the entire state of Wisconsin.

Gov. Scott Walker and Senator Scott Fitzgerald released statements this afternoon calling for democracy to be respected. Sen. Fitzgerald admitted in his statement that the outpouring we are witnessing in Wisconsin is...

Given that this dramatic proposal will turn back 50 years of employee rights in just six days people must be given the right to express their viewpoint. Today working families showed up in record numbers in opposition to this bill.

It appears that Gov. Scott Walker plans to use the guise of a budget adjustment bill to put a permanent end to more than a half century of employee rights in Wisconsin.

This week Gov. Scott Walker kicked off an unusual series of press releases focused on what will not be in his budget or budget adjustment bills.

On Monday Gov. Scott Walker kicked off an unusual series of press releases focused on what will not be in his budget or budget adjustment bills. He has been criticized by media...

This special session should be designed to put people back to work immediately. I’m sure every single one of you know people who are unemployed. And every single one of you are aware of businesses that are in danger of closing.

What we should be doing with this emergency special session is passing bills that have the prospect of putting people back to work immediately. I met with the Governor his first week on the job and told him...

This new tort law signed today fails to create any jobs for Wisconsin, and worse, it harms victims of abuse and wronged consumers.

Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) and Democrats sought to improve the small tax credit bill (SS AB 7) that was before the Wisconsin State Assembly today with an amendment that would instead

The State Assembly is here today in special session because of that economic emergency. Bills we are taking up today should be addressing that economic emergency. These bills should be focused like a laser on job creation.

While I support the principle making changes to our state’s economic development agency to make it more nimble, as was recommended in the Be Bold report, I have very serious concerns about the level of detail and lack of transparency and accountability...

Yesterday incoming Assembly Democratic leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) reached out to Republic Gov.-elect Scott Walker to request that a series of bills that Democrats have been crafting, all of which are targeted at job

I write to request a meeting as soon as possible to discuss a series of job proposals members of our caucus would very much like to have included in the special session on jobs you intend to call after inauguration next Monday.

Today incoming Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) announced the 2010-11 Assembly Democratic committee assignments. Representative Barca announced the appointment of ranking committee members on Friday.

Today incoming Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) announced the appointments of ranking members to standing and joint committees for the coming legislative session.