JFC votes to restrict health care bargaining rights for public safety workers

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When Gov. Walker and the GOP-controlled legislature took away nearly all of the collective bargaining rights of Wisconsin public employees under Act 10 two years ago, one group was spared: public safety workers. At the time, Walker said he feared a potential strike by police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical service providers, so they received …

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Finally, some good news for Waukesha’s Golden Guernsey

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After the abrupt closing of Waukesha’s Golden Guernsey this past January, skepticism surrounding the recent sale of the plant is completely warranted. After all, the previous owner did not appear to have the best intentions for the company or its employees. But if the background and experiences of the new owner provide any indication of how the …

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DNR official: Wisconsin waters “likely” contaminated with cocaine, chemicals

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Minnesota researchers just released the results of two new lake studies, and the findings are startling. They found all kinds of chemicals in the water, from cocaine to swine antibiotics. The head of the Wisconsin DNR’s surface water bureau, Susan Sylvester, admitted on Monday that our waters likely contain similar contaminants. She also said the …

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Jefferson County Democrats to host “War on Women Panel” on 5/21/13

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Some of my favorite female Wisconsin politicos will gather in Jefferson County on May 21 for a “War on Women Panel.” Included in the discussion will be “how we fight back” against the Walker administration’s anti-woman ideology. Panelists will include Rep. Dianne Hesselbein, DPW Executive Director Maggie Brickerman, NARAL Wisconsin Executive Director Jenni Dye, and Emerge …

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Rep. Sensenbrenner to co-lead (long overdue) over-criminalization task force

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Just two years ago, then-Senator Jim Webb (D) tried to create a national task force to investigate the possibility that over-criminalization of minor offenses was leading to packed federal prisons, but Republicans filibustered his bill. Perhaps they were afraid it would lead to the legalization of marijuana, or if they lent support they would appear soft …

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United Wisconsin launches Wauwatosa petition drive to reverse Citizens United

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Ask most Wisconsinites if corporations are people, and they’ll likely say “no,” regardless of political affiliation. The issue of money in politics is equally non-partisan. In fact, many Wisconsinites would like to see unlimited spending removed from the political equation. That’s why a grassroots campaign to reverse Citizens United is picking up steam in all corners of …

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Gov. Walker to hold meeting on WEDC report in Waukesha on 5/8

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After the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) received a brutal report from the Legislative Audit Bureau last week, Scot Ross of One Wisconsin Now had this to say: “Gov. Walker’s WEDC has failed to perform at even a basic level of competency — doling out improper grants and awards to ineligible recipients, failing to track …

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Gov. Walker to GOP convention attendees: “I’m making it easier to get a job”

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Governor Walker’s budget is not exactly an easy sell, even to some in his own party. Republican legislators have already spoken out against portions of it, from Sen. Glenn Grothman to Sen. Luther Olsen to Sen. Mike Ellis. (When Walker loses Glenn Grothman’s support on an issue, you know it’s bad.) So it was unsurprising …

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As Chronic Wasting Disease spreads, Walker’s deer czar recommends “a more passive approach”

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The state of Wisconsin has struggled to control Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) since 2002, when it was first discovered here. Regulatory programs were implemented in an attempt to lessen the spread of disease. But the Walker administration eliminated some of those regulations in 2011, and now that the disease has spread, some are concerned that human health …

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Mike Tate, Lori Compas to speak at Drinking Liberally Waukesha on 5/6

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Drinking Liberally Waukesha (DLW) has hosted a variety of guest speakers since its inception a year and a half ago. From John “Sly” Sylvester to (now) Senator Tammy Baldwin, DLW has provided an opportunity to connect with speakers in a relaxed and informal setting. On Monday, May 6th, guests will include both Lori Compas and …

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Sen. Glenn Grothman (R) speaks out against provision in Gov. Walker’s budget

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It’s probably safe to say that Wisconsin liberals are not big fans of Sen. Glenn Grothman’s legislation; his viewpoints are to the far-right of the far-right, and he’s not shy about expressing them to anyone who will listen (like Sly). Personally, I cannot recall a time in recent history when I’ve agreed with Glenn Grothman on any …

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Vote Jeff Christensen for 2nd Vice Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin

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Jeff Christensen has become somewhat of a legend among Waukesha County Democrats; his willingness to challenge the Republicans on their own turf has essentially changed the culture here. So when he relocated from the Waukesha area to Madison recently, it was a loss. But Christensen is not giving up politics. In fact, he’s currently running …

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Waukesha Democrats seek volunteers for 2013 State Convention

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We Democrats may be in the minority here in Waukesha County, but that doesn’t mean we’re just going to willingly concede the entire county to the GOP. No way. In fact, as I mentioned back in March, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin will hold its annual statewide convention in Oconomowoc this year from June 7-8th, …

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Dear Sens. Baldwin and Johnson, please reject CISPA

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Here’s a copy of the email I have sent to Sens. Baldwin (D) and Johnson (R) regarding CISPA. Dear Senator,The current CISPA legislation (H.R. 624: Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act) is unacceptable as it stands. I ask that you inquire with the technology industry in order to craft a bill which does not garner …

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Protest planned at Sen. Ron Johnson’s office on 4/20

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Many constituents, myself included, were furious with Sen. Ron Johnson after he voted against expanded gun background checks earlier this week, and took to his Facebook page to let him know it.  Now, the Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort has planned a “We Will Be Heard” protest for this Saturday, 4/20, in front of Sen. Johnson’s office in …

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