Citizen Action of Wisconsin

Another new Citizen Action member joins North Side Rising today in Milwaukee!

Join Citizen Action today and get involved in your democracy >> https://secure.everyaction.com/3fiQOG3eOE6ztwe6-9dsvg2

Already a member, recruit a friend today!

Citizen Action announces more state legislative candidate endorsements and much more in the NEW Citizen Action Weekend '24 Newsletter.

Read now >> https://www.citizenactionwi.org/2024/08/23/weekend-24-august-23/

VOLUNTEER to make phone calls from home for Citizen Action endorsed candidate, Yee Leng Xiong for WI Assembly District 85, next Tuesday, August 27th, 5pm.

This seat is a Wausau area district that was formerly gerrymandered Republican before redistricting. Yee Leng Xiong winning it in November is critical for Democrats to win a majority in the State Assembly.

We need your help to make that happen.

RSVP now >> https://secure.everyaction.com/fEunQSwQ-EKYhD6TiP4sBQ2

Ron Johnson doesn't know what a coup is.

However, he does know what an insurrection is since he was involved in one as he tried to pass on fake electors on in D.C in 2021.

More on his involvement in fake electors >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWThxFobpac

Ron Johnson said Biden exiting the presidential race was a 'coup.' Experts say it doesn't fit the definition. A coup, short for the French phrase "coup d'etat," is trademarked by threats of violence or force to remove someone from power. It's also typically done in secret.

Are you excited about Kamala Harris?

Make sure voters hear from you. The election will be won or lost based on your willingness to talk to important voters. Your actions matter!

RSVP to volunteer to make calls to WI voters from your home with other callers from around the country next Thursday, September 5th, 4pm - 7pm. >> RSVP >> https://www.mobilize.us/peoplesaction/event/565765/

Citizen Action unveils more state legislative candidate endorsements and welcomes two of the newly endorsed candidates to the show, State Representative Jodi Emerson, who is running for reelection in a new more competitive district in the Chippewa Valley and Karen Kirsch who is running in Assembly District 7, a suburban Milwaukee district. We encourage our listeners to volunteer for a statewide phone bank for Yee Leng Xiong for WI Assembly District 85,next Tuesday, 8/27 at 5pm.

We rip this week’s Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s coverage of the appointment of a new CEO of a merged Froedtert ThedaCare Health and his un-fact checked claims that the merger will reduce costs.

We comment on Tony Evers’ “jazzed as hell”’ DNC roll call speech, Trump outspending Harris on TV in swing states, and why Democrats are worlds apart from the GOP on addressing climate change.

Listen now >> https://soundcloud.com/citizen-action-of-wi/bg656

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"State Legislative Wave?" Battleground Wisconsin Podcast - Citizen Action Wisconsin Citizen Action unveils more state legislative candidate endorsements and welcomes two of the newly endorsed candidates to the show, State Representative Jodi

“We have fair maps. We have our candidates. The primaries are over, and it is all systems go,” Chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party Ben Wikler said at a press conference last week. “For so long, we’ve been on defense. Now, we’re on offense. For so long, the best we can hope for was to be able to sustain the governor’s veto to prevent bad things from happening. Now, we can work to make good things happen.”

DONATE to help us win state legislative seats talking directly to voters on phones and doors >> https://bit.ly/2024BWFund

VOLUNTEER Next Tuesday, 8/27, 5pm, we are calling Wausau area voters in support of Leng Xiong for WI Assembly District 85. RSVP >> https://secure.everyaction.com/fEunQSwQ-EKYhD6TiP4sBQ2

Democrats go on offense, GOP look to defend legislative majorities with 10 weeks to go • Wisconsin Examiner Melissa Baldauff, a former Evers aide, and Scott Jensen, former Assembly Speaker, analyzed state legislative races at a WisPolitics panel.

New CEO of ThedaCare Health monopoly promises lower costs.

If you believe that your a fool! Wouldn't it be great if you could hold him to it when your bills come!

However, the outrageous claim is unquestioned or challenged by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel stenographer (journalist), despite excellent research saying that greater consolidation and monopolization of our health systems are driving up costs and reducing services.

The MJS's coverage of healthcare is abysmal. Read more about the health system crisis and potential solutions the MJS refuses to cover >> https://www.citizenactionwi.org/hospital/

New CEO takes helm at Froedtert ThedaCare Health, as the regional system looks to expand Imran Andrabi, the former head of ThedaCare, has taken over as CEO of the newly consolidated regional system Froedtert ThedaCare Health.

"The Democratic Party’s geographic foothold has shrunk in Wisconsin, amid a plunge in support among rural voters in the central, western and northern counties...

But if their share of the rural vote continues to decline, that would leave the party increasingly disadvantaged in congressional and legislative races, and on a knife’s edge in statewide elections."

Support our 2024 Battleground Fund where every dollar goes to talking to voters on doors and phones all over Wisconsin, including rural voters >> https://bit.ly/2024BWFund

Next Tuesday, 8/27, 5pm, we are calling Wausau area voters about Yee Leng Xiong for WI Assembly District 85. RSVP >> https://secure.everyaction.com/fEunQSwQ-EKYhD6TiP4sBQ2

As DNC gathers, Democrats grapple with its fall among Wisconsin's rural voters As Democrats gather for the DNC, can the party stabilize its fall with voters in rural Wisconsin?

Looks like Wisconsin is fired up for Kamala Harris for President!

Now it's time to talk to Wisconsin voters who will never attend a rally but will be critical to winning the election.

Volunteer to make phone calls from your home, tomorrow, Thursday, August 22nd, 4pm - 7pm CDT, in support of Kamala Harris for President with our national network People's Action.

RSVP >> https://www.mobilize.us/peoplesaction/event/565765/

Kamala Harris Milwaukee rally during DNC was the largest of her run so far, campaign says Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, drew a crowd of 18,000 to Fiserv Forum Tuesday night, the campaign said.

UAW International Union President Shawn Fain told reporters Tuesday that working-class people can see themselves in the new Democratic presidential ticket.

“There’s a very distinct difference in these two people and where they stand with working-class people,” Fain said of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Fain, who spoke to the Democratic National Convention on its first night on Monday and is often critical of former President Donald Trump, called him a “con artist.”

“He didn’t do a damn thing for autoworkers when he was president,” Fain said, noting that Trump appointed Peter Robb as general counsel to the National Labor Relations Board, who Fain called a “union buster.”

UAW’s Shawn Fain predicts working-class support for Harris-Walz ticket • Wisconsin Examiner UAW president Shawn Fain told Democrats and the press that Kamala Harris would support unions and earn the votes of working-class people.

Volunteer to make phone calls to Wisconsin voters, tomorrow, Thursday, August 22nd, 4pm - 7pm CDT, in support of Kamala Harris for President with our national network People's Action.

RSVP >> https://www.mobilize.us/peoplesaction/event/565765/

Total failure by school privatizers in Milwaukee needs to be investigated.

Milwaukee school board recall effort fails The group turned in petitions that appeared to have unverified names signed by the same person. In some instances, addresses were linked to abandoned homes, according to documents submitted to the Milwaukee Election Commission.

State Department of Health Services Secretary Kirsten Johnson, who served on the task force, told reporters Monday that Medicaid expansion would’ve helped “dampen the losses” that led Hospital Sisters Health System to close two hospitals and a network of clinics in western Wisconsin.

“If a CNA were to be covered by Medicaid, or may already be covered by Medicaid, they could potentially work eight to nine hours more a week, so a full day of additional care that could be provided by an individual, and they could still maintain their Medicaid coverage,” she said. “We do have many working adults in Wisconsin who are covered by Medicaid who would benefit.”

Report: Medicaid expansion, incentives for rural care could address workforce challenge Wisconsin could shore up its health care workforce by expanding Medicaid, reducing barriers to training and incentivizing working in underserved communities, according to a new state report.

"Most voters, (Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear) said, were not worried about political labels, but about jobs, health care, transportation, school quality and safety."

Join us talking to rural voters about funding public schools,creating good jobs, and reducing the cost of healthcare next Tuesday, Aug. 27th, 5pm - 8pm, in support of Yee Leng Xiong for WI Assembly District 85. RSVP now >> https://secure.everyaction.com/fEunQSwQ-EKYhD6TiP4sBQ2

Democrats trying to reverse election losses in rural America urge focus on economy • Wisconsin Examiner Gov. Andy Beshear urged rural Democrats to reject social issues and left-right ideological framing in favor of pocketbook issues

"I will tell you, it was a little tough to get volunteers before the (presidential) switch, and now we are regularly sending out 100 shifts every weekend (in Racine)," Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer, D-Racine, said in an interview. "People are showing up because they are so excited about the momentum, the hopefulness and the joy of this campaign opportunity, and that, of course, is hugely helpful to our folks as well."

VOLUNTEER with Citizen Action calling Wausau area voters next Tuesday, Aug. 27th, 5pm in support of Yee Leng Xiong for WI Assembly District 85 >> https://secure.everyaction.com/fEunQSwQ-EKYhD6TiP4sBQ2

Wisconsin Democrats say enthusiasm boost could lift party to success in legislative races A shift in energy since Kamala Harris rose to the top of the Democratic ticket has the party optimistic about state level races.

Make calls from home for Citizen Action endorsed candidate, Yee Leng Xiong for WI Assembly District 85, next Tuesday, August 27th, 5pm - 8pm. You will be well trained at 5pm before making calls.

This seat was a gerrymandered Republican seat before redistricting and Yee Leng Xiong winning it is critical for Democrats to win a majority in the State Assembly. We need your help to make that happen.

RSVP >> https://secure.everyaction.com/fEunQSwQ-EKYhD6TiP4sBQ2

More data on why progressive candidates won key Democratic state legislative primaries in Wisconsin last week and are the model for the future.

"Politically, self-described liberals make up a higher share of Democrats here (62%) than they do nationally (57%)... People who call themselves “very liberal” make up 21% of Democrats in the state today, compared to 13% a decade ago. People who call themselves simply “liberal” have grown from 33% to 42% of Democrats. These two categories combined make up 62% of the state’s Democrats today, compared to 46% a decade ago."

The numbers would be even starker if we went back to 2000 when moderates and conservatives dominated the party.

Progressive values win in Wisconsin!

Donate now to help progressives win state legislative seat this November >> https://bit.ly/2024BWFund

Gilbert: As DNC meets, here is how the Democratic coalition has changed in Wisconsin As Wisconsin Democrats gather in Chicago for the 2024 national convention, they will represent a party whose makeup has changed over the past decade.

We agree with Wisconsin Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguez sounding the alarm at the Democratic Convention that escalating healthcare costs and access to a full range of healthcare are critical issues in the 2024 election.

Help us talk about healthcare with voters at the doors and on the phones to help elect progressives this November >> https://bit.ly/2024BWFund

Lt. Gov Sara Rodriguez says access to health care at risk this election during DNC speech Lt. Gov Sara Rodriguez says access to health care at risk this election during DNC speech

"For too long communities across Wisconsin like Sheboygan, Wausau, Superior, and Chippewa Valley have had their voices silenced through gerrymandering but thanks to the tireless work of volunteers, organizers, and democratic leaders who never stopped fighting for fair maps we finally have competitive races in many more communities across the state." - Rep. Greta Neubauer, the assembly minority leader.

Donate now to help progressives win state legislative seat this November >> https://bit.ly/2024BWFund

Wisconsin Democrats see a path to majority in Madison with new legislative maps Both Democrats and Republicans are feeling confident in Wisconsin voters.

Two years ago last Friday, President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act, the biggest climate bill in American history, and continued infrastructure build-out is key to realizing the twin goals of emissions reductions and job creation.

Join us in our organizing to fight climate change and create good union jobs, contact, [email protected]

Read more about Inflation Reduction Act at 2 >> https://prospect.org/environment/2024-08-16-inflation-reduction-act-at-two/

Headed to Chicago this week?

10 Things To Do in Chicago That Aren't Taking Pictures at the Bean—and Don't Involve Giving Money to Large Corporations If you're coming to Chicago for the Democratic National Convention or live here and want to know more about your city, forget The Bean and check out these important spots.

"The motive behind the amendments was to punish the governor for having the authority to distribute one-time COVID-related funds without Republican input.

(Legislative Republicans) already had done enough to throw sand in the gears of government, and the voters weren't fooled by the latest attempt to do yet more mischief.

Might this blowback carry over to the crucial legislative races in November? That's why Mel Brooks' admonition to "be afraid, very afraid," could apply to this Wisconsin Legislature."

Donate to help us elect progressive state legislators this November >> https://bit.ly/2024BWFund

Opinion | Note to Wisconsin GOP leaders: Be afraid The resounding defeat of two cheap-shot constitutional amendments on Tuesday could be a sign that voters are fed up with Republican shenanigans.

We will NEVER forget about Wisconsin!

We have already made tens of thousands of calls and knocks before the August primary election helping progressive win primaries. Now, help us win state legislative seats this November so we can change this state!

DONATE TODAY >> https://bit.ly/2024BWFund

'Thou shalt not forget Wisconsin': Haunted by 2016, Democrats are all in on the Midwestern battleground In 2016, Democrat Hillary Clinton famously did not campaign in Wisconsin, losing the state narrowly to former President Donald Trump. In 2024, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris has visited the state a half-dozen times, underscoring Wisconsin's importance as part of the Democratic "blue wall."

"(Citizen Action member) Chrysa Ostenso, a small business owner in Ladysmith, a city in Rusk County, had been paying almost $2,000 a month in health care premiums – just for herself and her husband

“But once the American Rescue Plan (ARP) went through, it went down to about $280 per month,” she said.

Ostenso and her husband Erik passed on the saving – almost $24,000 per year – to their employees in the form of higher wages. They also helped employees obtain their own health insurance plans through the state exchange set up by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which passed in 2010 when Joe Biden was vice president.

“It was the first time most of them had health care coverage. Everyone should be able to afford quality health care,” says Ostenso, whose young daughter faced a serious cancer diagnosis in the years before ACA and was booted off the family’s insurance plan, setting up a mad scramble for coverage. “We are all just one accident, one illness, away from catastrophe.”

This Rusk County small business owner is saving big on health care premiums – and her employees benefit, too Record Number of Wisconsinites have lower and better health care benefits, thanks to Biden-Harris legislation

"Turning Point Action hasn't said who is underwriting the "chase the vote" operation in Wisconsin this year, and it's unlikely to ever to disclose that information to the public."

We are powered with your small donations, support our 2024 Battleground Fund where every dollar goes to talking directly to voters to help progressive candidates win in November >> https://bit.ly/2024BWFund

Dark-money group Turning Point Action is spending millions to help Trump win Wisconsin Turning Point Action, a far-right group headed by activist Charlie Kirk, has built a sweeping ground operation to lift Donald Trump in Wisconsin.

Historic week for progressives! Now it is on to November!

Read our member spotlight on Randy Radtke from Wausau.

And learn about upcoming events in the NEW Citizen Action Weekend Newsletter >> https://www.citizenactionwi.org/2024/08/16/weekend-24-august-16/

The Inflation Reduction Act ensured that 43,000 Wisconsinites were able to keep their health insurance, reduced the cost of insulin for nearly 32,000 Wisconsin seniors, and incentivized manufacturers to invest in the state and create more clean energy jobs.

The job is just getting started!
Help us talk to voters this fall about healthcare for all and clean energy jobs >> https://www.mobilize.us/peoplesaction/event/650000/

Two years in, here’s how the Inflation Reduction Act has helped Wisconsin The Inflation Reduction Act ensured that 43,000 Wisconsinites were able to keep their health insurance, reduced the cost of insulin for nearly 32,000 Wisconsin seniors, and incentivized manufacturers to invest in the state and create more clean energy jobs.

Rich California banker trying to buy a U.S. Senate seat in Wisconsin has wife defend his demeaning comments about single moms and their kids.

“Eric Hovde’s words speak for themselves. He insulted the children of single mothers just like he has insulted Wisconsin seniors, farmers, and those struggling with their weight. Wisconsinites deserve a senator who respects them, not one who demeans them.” - Tammy Baldwin campaign spokesperson

The wife of Republican Wisconsin US Senate candidate Hovde takes aim at female Democratic incumbent The wife of Republican U.S. Senate candidate Eric Hovde is taking center stage in her husband’s campaign in the days after he secured the party nomination.

"During the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last month, Van Orden accused an anti-war protestor of assault which prompted a police investigation and the activist's arrest. He even made a statement about how it “[appeared] to be an incident of political violence" on the social media platform X, ending with: "Nothing will change until these people are held accountable."

Given that his claim turned out to be bunk, I think it's only fair he is held accountable for his bogus assault claims...

Since Van Orden told officers he wanted to press charges, there is an additional video of the conversation he had with a police officer. In it, the officer alerts the congressman about a question investigators will ask, “Did you feel pain?”

Van Orden replies: “I have really bad hips.”...

My take is that, if you write as an “expert on the lost art of manhood,” then your behavior must exemplify what you think it is to be a big tough man. It’s news to me that being an alpha male includes being a whiny fragile prima donna with bad hips." - Kristin Brey

Derrick Van Orden should be held accountable for crying wolf about assault claim Rep. Derrick Van Orden cried wolf when he claimed he was a victim of political violence. Instead, he made a mockery of his claims about manhood.