Tonight! Rightwing Bradley Awards Streaming Live
The Progressive Magazine has a great post about tonight's 'Bradley Foundation' awards, emceed by recent…um…'newsmaker' George Will.
Newsroom
UNSPUN: June 18, 2014
[WMTV-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.
Turning a blind eye to political corruption?
DA Schimel seems to think he’s there to serve the interest of donors — and he’s come flat out and said it. The essence of representative government is people buying and selling legislation? [WITI-TV]
Attorney General Candidate Brad Schimel’s Dystopian Democracy
Does Republican candidate for the job of top cop in the state, Brad Schimel, view the buying and selling of influence, not protecting the rights of the people of Wisconsin as the “essence of representative democracy”?
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]
Wisconsin needs to make small business a priority
As a report by One Wisconsin Now detailed last month, 60 percent of WEDC economic development funds went to only 30 percent of businesses receiving assistance. [Julie Lassa]
Walker Cut UW Tuition and Student Loan Debt
One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross, who has become a national leader on student loan debt issues, decried Walker’s “stunning lack of leadership.” “Wisconsin’s student loan debtors had a pathway to real tax relief, but Governor Walker is only interested in tax breaks for corporations and the rich,” said Ross. “Drastic cuts to the […] [Capital Times]
Refinancing Help for Student Loan Borrowers Blocked by U.S. Senate Republicans
Republicans in the U.S. Senate today voted to block action on legislation authored by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and sponsored by Sen. Tammy Baldwin to allow student loans to be refinanced.
Obama links student loan payments to 10 percent of income
Research conducted by the liberal advocacy group, One Wisconsin Institute, found Wisconsin residents with student loan debt were paying nearly $500 a month for more than 20 years. [Capital Times]
New Data Reveals Depths of Student Loan Debt Crisis in Wisconsin
New data released today by the White House, based on 2014 Department of Education statistics, reveal Wisconsin’s share of the $1.2 trillion student loan debt crisis.
Wisconsin Democrats talk about getting young people to the polls
Liberal group One Wisconsin Now handed out “100 Grand” candy bars to symbolize the debt many college graduates now carry and stickers that read, “I am a Student Loan Debt Voter.” [Capital Times]
Will Sen. Ron Johnson Extend Call for Transparency to Himself?
In a recent press release Sen. Ron Johnson announced he is calling for more “transparency” in the Congressional Budget Office’s fiscal analyses of the Affordable Care Act.
President Obama Helps Student Loan Borrowers With Order to Allow Lower Monthly Payments, Support for Loan Refinancing
Obama announced new initiatives to help the estimated 40 million plus Americans currently burdened with over $1.2 trillion in student loan debt.
In Historic First, Wisconsin Democrats Call for Action to Help Over 753,000 Wisconsin Student Loan Borrowers
In a historic first, Wisconsin Democrats today included support for common sense measures to help Wisconsin borrowers refinance their student loan debt as part of their party platform.
Seceding from the Union or Providing Relief from Student Loan Debt Crisis: Which is Better for the Wisconsin Economy?
The GOP engaged in a debate over a party platform resolution authorizing the state to secede from the union. Democrats meanwhile are set to take on serious economic issues.
UNSPUN: June 4, 2014
One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross makes his regular appearance on UNSPUN. [WMTV-TV]
U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson Has a Lot to Say About Student Loan Debt… But None of It Makes Any Sense
Johnson’s disingenuousness was on full display as he conflated efforts to help student loan borrowers refinance loans with limited loan forgiveness programs.
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]
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]
Who is the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Working For?
The report found that owners or employees of 30 percent of businesses receiving WEDC assistance contributed to Gov. Walker's campaign or the RGA. Meanwhile these same businesses received almost 60 percent of WEDC economic development funds - $570 million in total.
U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson Needs to Go Back to School on Student Loan Debt
Recent statements from U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson on student loan debt reveal a need for him to go back to school on the issue.
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]
Memo to Charlie: Gov. Walker’s Student Loan Debt Fail
Gov. Walker and his sycophants like Charlie Sykes that regurgitate the Governor’s talking points can spin all they like. The fact remains that under Gov. Walker the student loan debt crisis in Wisconsin has gotten worse, not better.
Right-Wing Special Interests Drop Big Bucks on TV to Prop Up Gov. Walker, Again
With a recent poll showing Gov. Walker tied with his opponent, Walker’s right-wing allies are again taking to the airwaves to boost his sagging electoral fortunes.
Targeted benefits for businesses: Job creation or corporate welfare?
Last year, a report from the liberal group One Wisconsin Now noted that executives at companies receiving subsidies from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation had contributed $429,060 to Gov. Scott Walker. [Capital Times]
Scott Walker, Opponent Mary Burke Tied in Latest Poll
Burke put state Democrats’ popular measure to refinance student debt in her jobs plan, pointing out the toll college loan debt takes on Wisconsin’s economy and on its struggling middle class. This issue resonates strongly with Wisconsin’s 800,000 student debtors, who rank debt relief among their top political concerns. And they receive a monthly reminder of […] [The Progressive]
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.
Wisconsin Money Badger Michael Grebe and Bradley Foundation, Cash Cow for Right-Wing Politicians
Besides using the Bradley Foundation-funded law firm and getting a sweetheart delayed billing deal, Johnson is trying to milk this lawsuit for campaign cash for himself.
One Wisconsin Now takes on Gov. Scott Walker’s failed WEDC
A report released today by One Wisconsin Now analyzing state funds distributed by the quasi-private WEDC, created by Gov. Scott Walker, raises serious questions about who is really benefitting. [WLUK-TV]
One Wisconsin Now files FEC complaint over Sen. Ron Johnson disclosure fail
One Wisconsin Now has filed a complaint with the FEC alleging Sen. Ron Johnson has improperly failed to disclose any incurred obligations and expenditures associated with his lawsuit against the Affordable Care Act. [WJFW-TV]
One Wisconsin Now Files Federal Election Commission Complaint Over Sen. Johnson’s Failure to Disclose Legal Fees
One Wisconsin Now has filed a complaint with the FEC alleging Johnson improperly failed to disclose expenditures associated with his lawsuit against the Affordable Care Act.
Sen. Ron Johnson is Suing over Health Care, But Who’s Paying?
Despite declaring he could use campaign funds to cover legal costs, a review of Johnson's campaign finance reports reveal no incurred obligations or expenditures related to the suit.
Rep. Pocan Introduces Federal Student Loan Refinancing Act, Offers Lower Interest Rates for Borrowers
U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-2) today introduced legislation, H.R. 4622, to automatically lower interest rates on federal student loans to 4%.
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]
Sen. Warren Announces New Student Loan Debt Refinancing Bill
Allowing for the refinancing of student loans is a common sense, pro-consumer solution to help 40 million Americans with over $1.2 trillion in debt.
One Wisconsin Now Calls for Feds to Deploy Election Observers in Wisconsin for November 2014 Election
In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, One Wisconsin Now is requesting the federal DOJ send observers to Wisconsin for the November 2014 General Election.
Walker doesn’t disclose total book payment
“This report shows Gov. Walker continues to keep secret from the people of Wisconsin both the details of how much he personally enriched himself for his lucrative pre-presidential campaign book deal, as well as who financed his criminal defense fund,” said Scot Ross, director of the liberal advocacy group One Wisconsin Now. “Given the corruption, […] [Associated Press]
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 […]
Federal Judge Strikes Down Wisconsin Voter ID Law
Federal Judge Lynn Adelman today issued a ruling striking down Wisconsin's voter ID law. In his opinion, Adelman cited the almost complete lack of voting impropriety.
How a weak housing market is weighing on the economic recovery
The trillion dollar student loan debt is not just a crisis for students. It is literally standing between college graduates and their share of the American dream and a more robust economic recovery both nationally and, as shown by our research, in Wisconsin. [Capital Times]
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]
$1T Day Anniversary No Cause for Celebration
The two-year anniversary of student loan debt hitting $1 trillion in the U.S. ought to be a clarion call to action. If we allow this crisis to continue to grow unchecked it will most certainly become a full-blown economic catastrophe.
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 […]
Worst. Anniversary. Ever.
It is past time for all of our leaders to lead on addressing student loan debt. They have over one trillion reasons to do so.