Weekly Democratic Radio Address: School Referenda Up, State Funding Down
MADISON, WI – Senator Patty Schachtner (D-Somerset) offered the weekly Democratic radio address today.
Property Taxes Increase Under Walker
MADISON, WI – Wisconsin homeowners continue to get hit with higher property taxes as Gov. Walker and Republican lawmakers prioritize corporate tax breaks at the expense of local schools.
Statement on Republican Corporate Bailout Plan
MADISON, WI – Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer (D-La Crosse) released the following statement regarding Republican plans to consider additional corporate tax breaks after the November 6th election:
Senator Shilling: Wisconsin Budget Shock
MADISON, WI – After years of fiscal mismanagement, Wisconsin is facing a massive budget deficit based on new information from Gov. Walker’s administration.
Students encouraged to apply for Wisconsin Senate Scholar Program
LA CROSSE, WI – The Wisconsin State Senate Scholar Program is currently accepting applications from high school students aged 16 to 18. The Senate Scholar Program is a week-long educational program offered by the Wisconsin State Senate that provides high school students with a hands-on...
Wisconsin drivers to Gov. Walker: Just fix it!
MADISON, WI – A report from TRIP, a national transportation group, highlighted what many drivers already know: Wisconsin roads are in bad shape.
Sen. Shilling recognized as “Friend of Family Medicine”
MADISON, WI – The Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians (WAFP) recently named Sen. Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) as a 2017-18 “Friend of Family Medicine.”
Shilling statement on local flood damage
MADISON, WI – Significant structural damage, flooding, and a train derailment have been reported in western Wisconsin as a result of ongoing storms. In response to concerns about worsening local conditions, Senator Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) issued the following statement:
Wisconsin wages stuck in the past
MADISON – Despite Wisconsin being one of the first states to pass a statewide minimum wage standard, nearly a decade has passed since the last time the minimum wage was increased in July 2009.
Walker’s Foxconn Flop Tour Continues
EAU CLAIRE, WI – While Gov. Walker continues to tout his multi-billion-dollar state tax giveaway for Foxconn, the foreign mega-corporation has quietly rolled back its plans for a high-tech manufacturing plant.
Can’t pay back $1 million loan? WEDC says ‘No worries’
MADISON, WI – Amid concerns with Gov. Walker’s inability to enforce job creation contracts, observers are questioning the latest move by the Walker administration to write off a $1.1 million debt owed by a businessman convicted of fraud.
Walker continues to ignore prison assault crisis
MADISON, WI – While assaults at Wisconsin prisons have hit a record high under Gov. Walker, the administration has failed to meet a legislative mandate to improve worker safety.
Foxconn Folly Fueling Family Farmer Famine
MOUNT PLEASANT, WI – The largest state taxpayer funded giveaway to a foreign corporation in U.S. history has begun. As Republican officials joined President Trump for a ceremony marking the beginning of a foreign development project estimated to cost Wisconsin taxpayers over $4.5 billion...
Sen. Shilling Column: Supporting Wisconsin Farmers
I don’t know about you, but my family always enjoys the month of June. Not just because school is out, but because June is Dairy Month in Wisconsin!
Shilling Statement on GOP Election-Rigging Case
MADISON, WI – The U.S. Supreme Court delayed a decision on the merits of Wisconsin’s gerrymandered legislative maps, dealing a temporary setback to advocates for fair elections. In response to the ruling, Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling released the following statement:
GOP raids transportation fund for Foxconn (again)
MADISON, WI – After earlier reports exposed Republican plans to divert up to $90 million from state highway maintenance to fund Foxconn related projects, the Walker administration is doubling down on their transportation fund raid to subsidize the massive foreign corporation.
Shilling calls for action in wake of Sterling Brown arrest
MILWAUKEE, WI – With the release of video footage from the Sterling Brown arrest, Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) is renewing her call for state officials to address Wisconsin’s problems with racial profiling and disparities in the criminal justice system.
Foxconn ties to Walker campaign exposed
MADISON, WI – Questions are being raised as connections between Foxconn and Gov. Walker’s campaign were recently brought to light. The company leading the Foxconn development project is run by Jon Hammes, who currently serves as the finance chairman for Gov. Walker’s re-election campaign.
Shilling Celebrates Syttende Mai Weekend
MADISON, WI – Syttende Mai is held annually on May 17th celebrating Norway’s independence from Denmark. As Norwegian communities across the state prepare for this festivity, Senator Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) and other legislators marked the occasion by...
Republican confusion threatens hemp industry
MADISON, WI – After a proposal to allow growing industrial hemp in Wisconsin was signed into law, a known discrepancy ignored by Legislative Republicans has created chaos among farmers and families.
Shilling Statement on Joint Finance Appointment
MADISON, WI – After appointing Sen. LaTonya Johnson to serve on the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee, Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) released the following statement:
Planned Parenthood files lawsuit against Trump
MADISON, WI – To safeguard access to birth control and vital health services for the four million people who depend on Title X, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, along with affiliates in Utah and Ohio, have filed a lawsuit against the Trump/Pence administration.
GOP to hungry children: “Let Them Eat Cake”
MADISON – After prioritizing massive tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy, House Republicans are now proposing widespread cuts to food assistance programs that will impact thousands of children.
Sen. Shilling Column: Protect Wisconsin’s Conservation Legacy
It is hard not to celebrate Earth Day without a sense of pride. It was, after all, founded by former Wisconsin Governor and U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson. Created as a day for Americans to recognize environmental issues and promote conservation, the first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970.
Affordable Care Act is Working in Wisconsin
MADISON – Despite Republican efforts to undermine the Affordable Care Act, repeal patient protections and drive up costs, the landmark health care bill continues to provide much-needed relief to Wisconsin families.
Shilling statement on the passing of Vel Phillips
MADISON, WI – Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) issued the following statement regarding the passing of former Secretary of State Vel Phillips:
Walker’s latest attempt to boost lagging approval ratings
MADISON – After years of Republican tax breaks for multi-millionaires and the largest taxpayer handout to foreign corporation in U.S history, Gov. Walker signed into law a one-time campaign gimmick. Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) released the following statement.
Ryan departure leaves Foxconn future in question
MADISON – The retirement of Speaker Paul Ryan, combined with Gov. Scott Walker’s uncertain political future and the earlier ouster of Reince Priebus from Trump’ White House, is once again raising questions about the future of Foxconn in Wisconsin.
Shilling statement on the passing of Peg Lautenschlager
LA CROSSE, WI – Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) issued the following statement regarding the passing of former Wisconsin Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager:
Shilling calls for revamp of Walker’s $7 million millennial marketing campaign
After Gov. Walker and Legislative Republicans approved a $7 million taxpayer-funded ad campaign aimed at luring millennials back to Wisconsin from places like Chicago and Minneapolis, Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling noticed something was missing.
Democracy Wins in Wisconsin
MADISON, WI – After weeks of chaos and three court orders later, Governor Walker conceded, finally calling special elections in the 1st Senate District and 42nd Assembly District.
Column: Homeowners shouldn’t be left footing the bill
Imagine if you could pay lower property taxes by simply saying no one lives in your neighbor’s house. It sounds ridiculous but the sad reality is that large corporations are increasingly taking advantage of a legal loophole to avoid paying their fair share of local property taxes.
Senate Republicans throw in the towel
MADISON, WI – After a year dominated with Republican infighting, a 3 month overdue state budget, and last minute scrambling to boost lagging poll numbers, Senate Republicans are poised to adjourn the 2017-18 legislative session.
The time for action on gun violence is now
MADISON, WI – After Senate Republicans blocked a vote on a Democratic proposal that would give schools a revenue limit exemption to create and implement school safety plans, Democrats are calling for action. Senate Democrats are urging Senate Majority Leader Fitzgerald to step up and take action...
Republicans block school shooting precautions
MADISON, WI – In seeking to provide more protections for students, teachers and staff at local schools, Senate Democrats introduced an amendment that would provide revenue limit exemptions for expenditures made under a school safety plan. Republicans blocked the amendment that would allow schools ..
Walker’s war on struggling families
MADISON, WI – In an attempt to boost his approval ratings in a tough election year, Gov. Walker has called for a Special Session on Welfare Reform. The package of proposals that will create more barriers for struggling families to access food and long-term job training received a joint Senate...
Senate Dem Leader reacts to State of the State
MADISON, WI – Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) released the following statement in response to Gov. Walker’s State of the State address:
Senate Republicans throw elections into chaos
MADISON, WI – Senate Republicans voted to reject the appointments of Elections Administrator Mike Haas and Ethics Administrator Brian Bell despite both administrators receiving reviews of confidence by their bipartisan boards and no evidence of wrong-doing.
Voters Deserve Representation for Special Session
MADISON, WI – While residents in the 1st Senate District (SD 1) and 42nd Assembly District (AD 42) are left without representation in Madison, Governor Walker...
Shilling Statement on Special Session on Welfare Reform
MADISON, WI – Following Governor Walker’s announcement calling for a Special Session on Welfare Reform, Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) released the following statement:
Ads don’t reflect Governor’s priorities
MADISON, WI – A proposal pushed by Governor Walker to spend an additional $6.8 million on an advertising campaign...
Smoggy future for clean air under GOP control
MADISON, WI – The future of the state’s clean air is now being threatened by Republican bills that prioritize corporate profits over...
Walker’s latest hypocrisy
MADISON, WI – After vetoing additional funding for low-spending school districts just four months ago, Gov. Walker announced today that if re-elected, he will propose doing exactly that.
Gov. Walker’s hollow campaign gimmick
MADISON, WI – Days after former Corrections Secretary Ed Wall accused the Walker Administration of neglecting the Lincoln Hills ...
Column: The Wisconsin Way Forward in 2018
As I look back at the political battles of 2017, I’m reminded that our state does better when we all work together for the shared values...