Progressive Advocates Kick Off Scott Walker Farewell Tour With a Positive Economic Agenda, and Cake!

MADISON, Wis. — Progressive advocates are kicking off a “Scott Walker Farewell Tour” by promoting a positive economic agenda for Wisconsin’s future. The Tomorrow Wisconsin plan focuses on solutions for the economic challenges facing Millennial and Generation X voters, the age groups that now comprise the largest electoral bloc in the United States, and in Wisconsin.

“It’s time to say goodbye to the obstruction of Scott Walker and hello to a better future for Wisconsin,” said One Wisconsin Now Program Director Analiese Eicher. “Too many people are feeling the pinch of Walker’s failed policies and they’re desperate for an economic agenda that speaks to their concerns. That’s what ‘Tomorrow Wisconsin’ is all about.”

The Tomorrow Wisconsin agenda focuses on five key issues:

• Student Loan Debt Refinancing
• Paid Family and Medical Leave and Sick Days
• Affordable Child Care
• Job Security and Livable Wages
• Access to State Pension System

“The Black community and Milwaukee have been neglected while Scott Walker has been focused on what’s best for his own political career,” said Angela Lang, Executive Director of Black Leaders Organizing for Communities (BLOC). “It’s what we get from career politician Scott Walker but it’s not what we deserve or what we need.”

Stagnant wages, skyrocketing student loan debt and rising costs for essentials for multi-income families, like child care, are leaving Wisconsin families feeling the pinch and under increasing financial pressure. They’re struggling to save for their retirement, and a extended personal or family illness could mean economic disaster.

State legislation has been introduced to address concerns including a plan to help student loan borrowers refinance their loans, just like you can with a mortgage; a plan to allow private sector workers to participate in the state pension system; the restoration of the state equal pay law for women and men; income tax credits for child care; and lifting limits on expanding the family and medical leave law.

However, the opposition of Scott Walker and the Republican controlled legislature has stymied action on issues like helping student loan borrowers and restoring state equal pay protections while they pander to the wealthy and corporations. Not only are Wisconsin families poorer for the GOP’s obstruction, but Wisconsin is falling behind while other states that are taking action are benefitting from vibrant economies.

“The trickle down policies of the past we get from Scott Walker aren’t helping the families of today. We face challenges unlike previous generations, with debts like student loans and expenses like child care, and we need new solutions,” concluded One Wisconsin Now Research Director and parent of two young children Joanna Beilman-Dulin.