Wisconsin

Turning Back the Clock on Voter Rights

The desire to return to the “way things were” can be a sweet sentiment. What can be wrong with a return to better, simpler times? Nostalgia in politics normally means longing for a better time for certain groups only; namely white men. Legislators try to do this in a litany of ways. Pushes for abortion […]

Assembly Committee Considers Ban on Comprehensive Reproductive Health Coverage for Women in State Government

MADISON, Wis. — The following are the statements of One Wisconsin Now Program and Development Manager Analiese Eicher regarding today’s Assembly Committee on Health public hearing on Assembly Bill 216, legislation to restrict reproductive health care options for women state employees and their families: “Unable to ban abortion, anti-choice zealots in the Wisconsin State Legislature […]

GOP Budget Plan: Another Massive Tax Giveaway to the Wealthy

MADISON, Wis. — One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross released the following statements regarding Rep. Dale Kooyenga’s announcement of a new GOP tax scheme doling out over $400 million in new tax breaks that overwhelmingly benefit the wealthiest in the state: “Another state budget under Gov. Walker and the GOP controlled legislature, another massive […]

As Wisconsin’s Walker Appears to be Testing Waters, ‘Truth Squad’ Debunks ‘Pants on Fire’ Claims

The “Scott Walker Truth Squad,” as activists from Progress Iowa and One Wisconsin Now call themselves, told reporters at a news conference that Walker has the credentials to win favor among Republican caucus kingmakers, such as The Family Leader, an organization headed by Bob Vander Plaats, and that the political support makes him a candidate to fear. “I know […] [Ames Patch]

One Wisconsin Now Statements on Republican Voter Assault Bill

MADISON, Wis. — One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross released the following statements regarding legislation being circulated by Rep. Jeff Stone (R-Greendale) that systematically attacks voter rights in ways no other single piece of legislation has in the history of the state of Wisconsin. “This Republican bill is the single largest assault on voter […]

Walker’s Iowa speech sparks political buzz about 2016

It was also on the minds of his critics, some who went to Iowa from Wisconsin to blast Walker at a news conference prior to the governor’s speech. “We all know what Scott Walker thinks about rights. The rights of 175,000 workers taken away,” said Scot Ross of One Wisconsin Now [WISN-TV]

Eyes are on Governor Walker for Iowa speech and 2016

“We are at the bottom of job creation and yet he’s not doing his job. Instead, he’s crisscrossing the country going to Connecticut, New York, and Iowa,” Scott Ross of One Wisconsin Now said. [WBAY]

Scott Walker in Iowa: Quid Pro Quo Among Political Pals or 2016 Trial Balloon?

Scot Ross, the executive director of the Wisconsin group, said Walker has exaggerated and is “spinning yarns” about the successes of his conservative agenda as he “pursues his ambition for higher office,” according to a news release. Ross said Walker’s jobs creation record is one of the worst in the country, that Wisconsin “is rated […] [Johnston Patch]

One Wisconsin Now Travels to Iowa to Share Walker “Resume of Failure”

DES MOINES — Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker is traveling to Iowa today to address a gathering of Republican Party activists in another of an increasing number out-of-state sojourns as he ponders a bid for national office. Also making the trip is One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross, along with copies of the Walker “Resume […]

GOP lawmaker to Election Day observers: Get a little closer

“Wisconsin enjoys some of the highest rates of voter participation in the nation, a distinction we are rightfully proud of,” said Scot Ross, executive director of One Wisconsin Now. “Yet it seems the GOP in Wisconsin wants to take us in the opposite direction with their latest proposal to make it easier to harass and […] [Capital Times]

One Wisconsin Now to Travel to Iowa as Gov. Walker Pursues Presidential Ambitions

MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Scott Walker continues to travel the country in pursuit of his national political ambitions, instead of focusing on his job in Wisconsin. As he travels to Iowa to address the Polk County GOP on Thursday, May 23rd, One Wisconsin Now will also be making the trip to share the real Walker […]

As Nation Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Voter Registration Act, Wisconsin Assembly Republicans Consider New Voter Obstruction Legislation

MADISON, Wis. — Today marks the 20th anniversary of the National Voter Registration Act, legislation that has improved the voter registration system and helped millions of Americans to do their civic duty and vote. Meanwhile, Assembly Republicans have scheduled a hearing for Tuesday, May 21st to consider Assembly Bill 202, rolling back current Government Accountability […]

Sen. Rick Gudex Wants to Require More Qualifications for Some Professional Licenses, But Not the Private School Voucher Program He Has Pledged to Expand

MADISON, Wis. — New legislation being proposed by State Senator Rick Gudex would require an individual to have two years of experience as a real estate salesperson before they could become a real estate broker. Meanwhile, the unaccountable private school voucher program that Gudex is demanding be expanded statewide, does not require individuals teaching children to […]

Wis. Republicans gather as party seeks to grow

And Scot Ross, director of the liberal group One Wisconsin Now, said Walker and the Republican-controlled Legislature have focused on an agenda that benefits the rich and hurts the middle class. [San Antonio Express]

Conservative law firm sues MATC over labor contract

“Taxpayers can personally thank Gov. Walker’s campaign co-chair for this lawsuit, that if successful, will cost them $150 million,” said Scot Ross, One Wisconsin Now’s executive director, referring to the cost savings MATC said it achieved through bargaining with the union. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]

Is There an Omnibus-load of New GOP Attacks on Voters’ Rights Headed Our Way?

MADISON, Wis. — In a weekend television appearance, Rep. Duey Stroebel, author of a bill to restrict early voting in Wisconsin, revealed that his proposal along with other GOP sponsored attacks on voting rights could be rolled into an omnibus package of anti-voter legislation. “Republicans have mounted a massive, coordinated campaign to restrict voter rights […]

One Wisconsin Now Demands Republican Legislators Come Clean on Destruction of Records

MADISON, Wis. — Amid allegations and a court investigation of the possible illegal destruction of hundreds of thousands of records related to state Republicans’ redrawing of legislative districts, One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross demanded Republican legislators stop stonewalling and start delivering answers. Ross commented, “Every single Republican legislator has a choice. They can […]

Resounding rejection of voter suppression

“The attempts in Wisconsin to make it harder for legal voters to vote and have their voices heard — from ending same-day voter registration to rigging election districts and restricting early voting hours — are not just wrong, they are unpopular,” said One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross. “Voters have spoken and their message […] [Capital Times]

Power Mad GOP Legislators Latest Scheme Turns Judicial System Upside Down

One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross released the following statements regarding a legislative scheme to undermine the authority of courts to stop enforcement of unconstitutional laws proposed by Republican State Representatives Craig and Ott and Senators Grothman and Vukmir: “The provisions of the Wisconsin State Constitution are not inconveniences that can be suspended at […]

Walker prepares for first overseas trade mission

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker departs Friday for his first overseas trade mission, a 10-day tour to China that comes as Walker keeps up a furious travel schedule in the United States – fueling speculation he is trying to maintain a high profile in advance of a possible 2016 presidential run. [WLUK-TV]

Gun control filibuster: Ron Johnson picks losing side

One Wisconsin Now, which has been hammering Johnson through its website, Our Dumb Senator, chimed in on Twitter: “#OurDumbSenator RoJo wants to protect “right” to sell guns to criminal without background check.” [Capital Times]

Wisconsin Voters Say: ‘No Way’ to Ending Same Day

MADISON, Wis. — One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross released the following statements regarding the vote on advisory referenda in the City of Milwaukee and Dane County in support of preserving Wisconsin’s same day voter registration law: “Voters have spoken and their message is clear, they want their right to vote protected. By overwhelming […]

One Wisconsin Now Report Documents Wisconsin GOP’s Fight Against the Right To Vote

MADISON, Wis. — In advance of the April 2nd elections, One Wisconsin Now has issued a report cataloging recent state Republican efforts to manipulate state law to gain electoral advantage. In addition, the report exposes the utter lack of evidence to back up the GOP claims of voting impropriety used to justify their efforts to […]

Kenosha School Board Candidate William Mauer III’s Permanent Record: Multiple Arrests, Criminal Convictions for Disorderly Conduct, Drunk Driving and Possession of Drugs

MADISON, Wis. — Generations of school children have been discouraged from misbehaving by threats that their transgressions would be added to their “permanent record”. Such exhortations apparently had no impact on William Mauer III, a candidate for the Kenosha Unified School Board, whose permanent record is a lengthy criminal one. One Wisconsin Now Executive Director […]

Roggensack Record Earns Her Another Round of Big Corporate Funded TV Ads

MADISON, Wis. — Big corporations and insurance companies favorite Pat Roggensack is the beneficiary of yet another television ad blitz funded by the special interests with whom she often sides on the state’s high court. According to media reports, the big business lobby the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC) is footing the bill for a […]

Candidate for Department of Public Instruction Superintendent Uses Campaign Cash to Pay for Tickets to Event Hosted by Proponents of Radical Privatization

MADISON, Wis. — One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross released the following statements regarding the revelation that Superintendent of Public Instruction candidate Don Pridemore reported spending $475 on February 5th, 2013 from his campaign account for tickets to an ALEC event: “There’s great irony in Don Pridemore using campaign funds from his run for […]

Assembly GOP Convenes “Public Hearing” on Election Rules, Bars Testimony From Public

MADISON, Wis. — One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross released the following statements on the Republican-led Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections holding a so-called public hearing on potential rule changes to election administration that specifically bars the public from testifying. “There is nothing more sacred in a democracy than the right to vote […]

Where Was Rep. Pridemore for Final Vote on Open Pit Mining Bill?

MADISON, Wis. — One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross released the following statements regarding Rep. Don Pridemore’s failure to cast a vote on final passage of controversial open pit mining legislation in the State Assembly yesterday: “When the time came for the votes to be counted on the controversial open pit- mining bill, Rep. […]

Budget Cuts Inhibit the Right to Choose

Today, choice is a popular buzzword in the debate over women’s health. Women argue they should be able to choose independently about health… Do I want to have children? Where do I want to give birth? Do I want to use oral contraceptives? Gender equality will only be a reality if women can freely choose […]

Latest State Supreme Court Case: Pat Roggensack v. Truth?

MADISON, Wis. — Bizarre incidents in which Justice Pat Roggensack misled the public on campaign endorsements and refused to explain recorded statements she made in defense of the erratic behavior of fellow conservative Justice David Prosser are raising questions about her credibility on the court. According to One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross, “These […]

One Wisconsin Now Statements on Passage of Special Interest Mining Bill

MADISON, Wis. — One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross released the following statements related to Assembly passage of the open pit mining bill that will compromise Wisconsin critical natural resources. Ross pointed out that the bill passed as Gov. Walker prepares to attend a big money fundraiser in Florida today, home of mining magnate […]

Gov. Walker’s Campaign Set to Drop Anchor at Exclusive Florida Yacht Club

MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Scott Walker leaves snowy Wisconsin behind this week as he jets off to sunny Florida for “lifestyles of the rich and famous” campaign fundraiser at the exclusive Naples Yacht Club. One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross wondered if Chris Cline, whose open pit mining bill is one of Walker’s top […]

Intent of Republican’s Early Voting Restriction Bill Revealed: Target Urban Voters

MADISON, Wis. — A staffer for the author of the bill to limit access to early voting in Wisconsin indicated in media reports that changes will be made to the legislation to give “flexibility for small communities”. One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross noted that the comments reveal the true intent of the bill, […]

Is Justice Roggensack’s ‘Experience’ Open Pit Mine Bill Backer’s Insurance Plan?

MADISON, Wis. — As the State Assembly appears poised to approve controversial open pit mining legislation that weakens state environmental protections observers are universally acknowledging a lengthy court fight is certain to follow. One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross questioned whether incumbent State Supreme Court candidate Pat Roggensack’s record of siding with corporate special […]

Right Wing Attempting to Rewrite History of Criminal Investigation of Walker Administration

MADISON, Wis. — One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross released the following statements regarding the announcement of the conclusion of the John Doe criminal investigation of Gov. Walker and aides and associates: “This criminal probe revealed there were no lines between Scott Walker’s political operation and public office. “As the right wing rushes to […]

State Court Candidate Roggensack and Special Interest Backers Tout Her Experience … Taking Their Side

MADISON, Wis. — Big special interests’ $600,000 plus advertising blitz supporting the campaign of Pat Roggensack for the State Supreme Court touts her experience, but according to One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross, unless you are a corporation like an insurance company, Roggensack’s experience has been issuing opinions taking their side over yours. Ross […]