Federal Court’s Split Decision Denies Hearing on Wisconsin Voter ID Law
Today the Federal 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, by a 5-5 vote, decided it will not hear en banc a challenge to the Wisconsin voter ID law.
Wisconsin
5.5 Million Plus Reasons Why Scott Walker’s Ethics Reform Plan Was a Lie
MADISON, Wis. — In an “Ethics Reform Plan” Scott Walker proposed while running for Governor, he promised he would not accept contributions from the date of his inauguration until the signing of the state budget. A review of Gov. Scott Walker’s campaign finance records by One Wisconsin Now shows that for each budget he introduced between […]
#TBT Eight Million Reasons Four WI Supreme Court Justices Must Recuse in Walker-John Doe Case
A reminder from April 14 of how four of seven Wisconsin Supreme Court Justices owe their current elected position to the millions of dollars in spending in their races by the Wisconsin Club for Growth and Wisconsin Manufactures and Commerce. Gov. Scott Walker has previously asked the appeal of the Peterson ruling go directly to […]
State Job Website Falls Tens of Thousands of Jobs Short of Claimed Listings
MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Scott Walker and his Department of Workforce Development publicly tout over 70,000 job openings as being posted on a state website, jobcenterofwisconsin.com. But according to a Channel 27 News report on One Wisconsin Now’s review of the site, the reality is that Gov. Walker has once again come up far short on […]
Walker: Where Have We Heard That Before?
In his first term in office Gov. Scott Walker signed at least nineteen bills or budget provisions into law that were drawn from corporate bill factory ALEC.
Wisconsin one of three states to reject food-stamp increase
“Once again, the people of Wisconsin pay the price for Gov. Walker’s presidential ambitions,” said One Wisconsin Now executive director Scot Ross. “We’re dead last in the Midwest in jobs under Gov. Walker, and apparently he doesn’t care what this is doing to Wisconsin families.” [Capital Times]
NRA to Gov. Walker: ‘Thanks a Million’
MADISON, Wis. — The National Rifle Association is trying to revive the flailing campaign of Gov. Scott Walker by placing a $1 million television buy for the next month in several markets around Wisconsin. The $1 million buy covers markets in La Crosse, Green Bay and Wausau. “Gov. Walker has bent over backwards to serve […]
Lawsuit challenging teacher contracts politically motivated, says One WI Now
A lawsuit accusing the Madison School Board of engaging in illegal collective bargaining to the detriment of children and taxpayers was filed by a Milwaukee-based conservative legal group that is a “front” for Gov. Scott Walker, says the director of a Madison progressive advocacy group. [Capital Times]
Court to hear arguments on secret Scott Walker investigation
Gov. Walker has refused responsibility for his actions or to be held accountable for his bad decisions. [MSNBC]
The Latest ‘Wisconsin Comeback’ Under Gov. Walker: Budget Deficits
MADISON, Wis. — In a recent TV ad the increasingly desperate campaign of Gov. Walker claims to have eliminated budget deficits. But the release of new tax collection figures could put the current budget crafted by Gov. Walker and the GOP-controlled legislature hundreds of millions of dollars out of balance and balloon a projected shortfall in […]
Will Gov. Walker Answer the $700,000 Question?
MADISON, Wis. — Despite claims made by Gov. Walker to the media that he was an intractable supporter of reducing mining regulations, as reported in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel today Walker as a state legislator voted for the so-called “mining moratorium” bill authored by environmental champion, former Madison Democratic State Rep. Spencer Black. “Scott Walker […]
Jacob Schimmel: Walker breaks ‘covenant’ with students
Common sense would tell you that when crucial educational programs are cut, people are going to make a lot of noise. But under the noise, Gov. Scott Walker was able to swiftly yet quietly eliminate a program that this state’s students are in dire need of — the Wisconsin Covenant Scholars program. [La Crosse Tribune]
Gov. Walker Can’t Dispute Facts of One Wisconsin Now WEDC Report
The increasingly desperate campaign of Gov. Scott Walker hastily convened a press conference yesterday to dispute the undeniable facts that his policies and administration have been an utter failure on job creation.
Corporate Special Interests, Gov. Walker Buy Supreme Court Victory Over Workers, Voters
MADISON, Wis. — Today’s state Supreme Court decisions supporting Gov. Scott Walker’s attacks on workers and voters were spearheaded by a four-member majority bloc that was elected through $8 million in spending by two of Walker’s biggest special interest supporters – Wisconsin Club for Growth and Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce. “The corporate special interests like Club […]
WMC MIA on Walker Attacks on Wisconsin Business
MADISON, Wis. — One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross released the following statements on Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce comments on outsourcing and Wisconsin jobs. ”Wisconsin Manufactures and Commerce has spent millions of dollars to put Gov. Scott Walker into office, so it’s no surprise they won’t complain about his irresponsible attacks on a home-grown Wisconsin […]
Latest Finance Report Shows Walker Took Another $167,000 from Businesses That Got WEDC Funds
A review of Gov. Scott Walker’s most recent campaign finance report reveals he continues to reap a windfall of campaign donations, nearly $167,000 in just the last six months, from individuals associated with state businesses getting tax breaks, loans and grants through his WEDC.
Outsourcing’s new frontier: Scott Walker’s campaign ads
“Gov. Walker is so committed to outsourcing that’s he’s even outsourcing stock footage jobs overseas,” said Scot Ross, executive director of the liberal group One Wisconsin Now. [Capital Times]
Gov. Scott Walker on Denying Women Equal Access to Contraception: If at First You Don’t Succeed Try, Try Again
This week the Walker administration announced it is halting enforcement of Wisconsin’s equity law, using the Hobby Lobby decision as justification, despite being quoted as saying, “It really hasn’t been an issue for us.”
Gov. Walker’s Cross Country Cash Grab Rolls On
Walker reports an astounding 56 percent of his campaign’s cash grab comes from individuals and special interest groups from outside of Wisconsin — $4.5 million.
Gov. Walker’s Campaign Launches Political Attack on a Successful International Corporation Based in Wisconsin that Provides 1,000 Jobs
In his latest negative television ad, Gov. Scott Walker’s campaign attacks Trek Bicycles - an international company, headquartered in Wisconsin and employing 1,000 state residents.
Gov. Walker’s WEDC Doubles Down on Sending State Tax Dollars to Businesses Shipping Wisconsin Jobs Overseas
Walker’s WEDC responded to news reports revealing how they sent millions in tax credits to businesses that cut Wisconsin jobs and shipped work overseas by declaring they’ll do it again.
More heat than light in flap over Schimel’s response to One WI Now
Brad Schimel, the lone Republican candidate for state attorney general, ignited a firestorm with his response to a letter alleging pay-to-play politics… One Wisconsin Now called Schimel’s response, which it received in January and made public in June, “shocking and disappointing.” Schimel’s remarks were also blasted by the three Democrats vying in the Aug. 12 primary for […] [Isthmus]
Walker Television Attack Ignores Corruption, Cronyism, Incompetence of His Privatized Commerce Department
Gov. Scott Walker’s campaign today announced a new negative television blitz against former Wisconsin Commerce Secretary and business leader Mary Burke.
Will State Big Business Lobby Answer the Question, Is Gov. Walker Still Doing It?
MADISON, Wis. — Contained in hundreds of pages of recently unsealed John Doe investigation court documents is information about the participation of the state big business lobby, the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC), in a scheme termed “criminal” by prosecutors orchestrated by Gov. Scott Walker’s campaign. Since the release of the documents, Walker has refused to […]
Still No Answer From Gov. Walker to One Simple Question
Court documents released last week have shed new light on Gov. Walker’s effort to evade state campaign regulations using a scheme prosecutors have called “criminal.”
One Simple Question Gov. Walker Must Answer: Are You Still Doing It?
MADISON, Wis. — Court documents from the latest John Doe criminal investigation of Gov. Walker reveal he was at the center of what was described as a national “criminal scheme” to evade campaign laws. One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross said there is one simple question Gov. Walker must answer as his 2014 and beyond […]
Details of judges’ decisions to halt John Doe probe
“Basically what happened was is that they got caught and they are trying to use any and all legal arguments to try and get the case thrown out so they can save their bacon. It’s very simple,” said Scot Ross. [WLUK-TV]
Republican Attorney General Candidate Brad Schimel Running (Literally) From Questions
Brad Schimel abruptly ran out of a television interview – to attend his political fundraising event - when asked about his comments defending a legislator’s introduction of a bill to dramatically lower the child support payments of a millionaire campaign contributor.
DA: Lawmakers, donors working together expected
A Republican prosecutor running for attorney general suggested it’s not unusual for legislators to work with campaign donors on legislation, calling the collaboration the “essence” of government, an email a liberal group released Wednesday shows. One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross said Waukesha County District Attorney Brad Schimel’s remarks indicate he believes lawmakers can […] [Associated Press]
Brad Schimel declines to investigate Kleefisch child-support bill
“Why can’t a legislator press for legislation that benefits a person who has contributed to their campaign?” Schimel asked in an email to the liberal group One Wisconsin Now. “Isn’t that the essence of representative government?” Schimel, a Republican running for attorney general, went on to say politicians should not solicit donations “in exchange for […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]
One Wisconsin Now Slams Gov. Walker on Capitol City Sunday
Scot Ross, executive director of the liberal group One Wisconsin Now, isn’t buying Walker’s answer. “There’s something there,” said Ross. “All this discussion about a settlement comes after there’s been discussion about the records being made public from the investigation and I think that’s what he fears the most.” [WKOW-TV]
One Wisconsin Now says WEDC money going to Scott Walker donors like Edgewater developers
A liberal advocacy group is leveling heavy criticism at the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, claiming the quasi-private agency championed by Gov. Scott Walker is delivering financial assistance to campaign donors. [Capital Times]
Desperate Attempt by Gov. Walker to Keep Documents Secret From the Public?
“Seeing what was revealed in just a fraction of the documents from the first John Doe criminal probe of Gov. Walker and his associates, it’s no wonder he’s desperate to keep more of the paper trail of his record of cronyism, corruption and incompetence away from the media and the public,” said Ross. [WMTV-TV]
Gov. Walker Reportedly in Settlement Talks to End Criminal Investigation of Alleged Campaign Wrongdoing
MADISON, Wis. — Are settlement talks between Gov. Walker and state prosecutors a desperate attempt to keep documents from a second, ongoing “John Doe” criminal investigation of Walker’s campaign from ever becoming public? One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross noted that word of a deal has heated up as more documents from an earlier John […]
One Wisconsin Now Hits Gov. Walker over Alleged John Doe Deal
“There is no question that Gov. Walker is driven by political ambition for higher office and his next election. And he is clearly, and rightly, concerned about what additional document dumps from the criminal investigations of his administration and campaign will do to his 2014 election prospects and 2016 presidential ambitions. What remains to be […] [WQOW-TV]
Is Gov. Scott Walker’s Book Deal Legal?
MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Scott Walker has, according to his state ethics filing, received more than $1,000 in compensation for “writing” a book. But how much more? According to One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross, Walker’s refusal to fully disclose the details of his book deal prevents the state ethics officials and the public from […]
Private Voucher School Application Data Shows Overwhelming Support for State Public Schools
Time and again students in public schools outperform those in voucher schools, while parents and taxpayers alike get more accountability.
One Wisconsin Now requests federal election observers at polls in November
The liberal group One Wisconsin Now is asking for federal election observers to monitor the state’s November elections, citing concerns over voter intimidation. Scot Ross, the group’s executive director, sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder Tuesday, noting that federal observers had monitored elections in 2012 — and saying that recent Republican policies […] [Wisconsin State Journal]
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, others praise Voter ID ruling
On the One Wisconsin Now blog, Scot Ross writes that the bill pending in Congress to address the student loan debt crisis is a help, but far from being a solution to the now $1.2 trillion problem. [Capital Times]
Gov. Walker’s Administration Continues Secrecy with Wisconsinites
MADISON, Wis. — Governor Scott Walker continues engaging in a pattern of secrecy with the public he was elected to serve. His administration recently refused to fulfill a simple request for email communications between the Governor and his chief of staff. In Milwaukee County, Scott Walker’s administration went to great lengths to limit public scrutiny of […]
RGA doubling down
One Wisconsin Now executive director Scot Ross, citing unnamed industry sources, said the RGA has reserved $770,000 in Milwaukee, $620,000 in La Crosse and Eau Claire, $230,000 in Green Bay and $340,000 in Wausau and Rhinelander. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported similar figures Thursday. [Wisconsin State Journal]
Has the Republican Governors Association Hit the Panic Button?
MADISON, Wis. — According to a report in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, a media firm that has already purchased $2 million in television airtime this year on behalf of the Republican Governors Association (RGA) has reserved another nearly $2 million worth of time in the final weeks before the November election. One Wisconsin Now Executive Director […]
Legal Filings Show Walker Ousted GAB Chair After Board’s Unanimous Vote to Proceed with John Doe Investigation
MADISON, Wis. — Just released filings related to the ongoing John Doe investigation into allegations of illegal coordination between Gov. Scott Walker’s campaign and a host of conservative organizations show Gov. Walker withdrew his own 2011 appointment of then-Government Accountability Board Chair David Deininger following a unanimous vote by the board to proceed with an investigation […]
Eight Million Reasons Wisconsin Supreme Court Justices Should Recuse on Walker Request to Hear Corruption Investigation
One Wisconsin Now has filed a formal letter urging four of the court's justices to recuse themselves from a legal request by the campaign of Gov. Scott Walker related to the ongoing John Doe investigation.
Liberal group asks Supreme Court to stay out of John Doe case
One Wisconsin Now sent the court a letter saying two groups involved in the investigation — Wisconsin Club for Growth and Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state’s chamber of commerce — helped get the court’s four conservative-leaning justices elected. The two groups have spent a combined $7.3 million to support Annette Ziegler, David Prosser, Michael […] [Associated Press]
Liberal group asks Supreme Court to refuse to take John Doe case
A liberal group on Monday asked the state Supreme Court to refuse to take a case related to a secret investigation of fundraising and spending in Wisconsin’s recent recall elections. Scot Ross, the executive director of One Wisconsin Now, argued in a letter to the court that the four conservatives on the seven-justice court should have […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]
Scott Walker campaign asks Supreme Court to intervene in ‘John Doe’ investigation
Citing numbers from the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, OWN executive director Scot Ross noted the four-member conservative majority on the court had benefited from millions of dollars in outside spending by the groups targeted by the investigation. “The parties that Gov. Walker’s legal appeal would protect from investigation have spent millions to put a right-wing majority on […] [Wisconsin State Journal]
Gov. Walker and Special Interest Pals Go Venue Shopping for Friendly Court
MADISON, Wis. — Defense lawyers for Gov. Walker are reportedly appealing to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and its right-wing majority, to try to protect him from prosecutors investigating alleged illegal coordination between his campaign and right-wing groups. One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross questioned whether the conservative court majority might be too friendly with Gov. […]
National Equal Pay Day Update: Are Gov. Walker and GOP Making Wisconsin Less Equal?
Instead of trying to help, Gov. Walker and the legislature have taken Wisconsin backwards and put us alongside Alabama, South Carolina, Mississippi and Utah as the only five states lacking equal pay protections in state law.
National Progress Now ‘March Badness’ Tourney Reaches Finale
Progress Now affiliates One Wisconsin Now and Pennsylvania’s Keystone Progress are wagering a selection of their state’s craft brews that their Governor will prevail as the worst of the worst.