Citizen Action Weekend ’24 Newsletter, September 27th
Friday, September 27th
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- La Crosse Area
- Green Bay Area
Join us in Milwaukee fighting We Energies outrageous rate hike, October 3rd, 1pm and 6pm.
Speak out against We Energies’ outrageous rate hike. Come support a 2% of Income Rate Cap for utilities. Attend the Public Service Commission (PSC) public hearing, Thursday, October 3rd at 1pm or 6pm in Milwaukee.
For more information and support to come testify, contact: [email protected]
Citizen Action of Wisconsin is launching a statewide campaign to implement a 2% rate cap on utility bills. This cap would ensure that no household pays more than 2% of their income on energy costs, offering much-needed relief to families who are struggling under the weight of constant rate increases
Citizen Action of Wisconsin believes that energy is a basic right, not a luxury. Together, we can break the stranglehold of utility companies and build a more just, sustainable future. Join us in the fight for a 2% rate cap and take back control of our energy system. With your help, we can ensure that all Wisconsinites have access to affordable, clean energy—today and for generations to come.
Read more about campaign.
Sign this petition to tell the Public Service Commission to institute a 2% of income rate cap for all utilities in Wisconsin.
Volunteer to make calls from home for Kamala Harris and State Assembly candidate, Tara Johnson, on Tuesday, October 1st, 5pm – 7:30pm.
VOLUNTEER with Citizen Action to make phone calls from home for Kamala Harris and Citizen Action member, Tara Johnson, Assembly District 96. This La Crosse area Assembly District was a gerrymandered Republican seat before redistricting. Tara Johnson winning in November is critical for Democrats to win a majority in the State Assembly.
Volunteer to make calls from home for Kamala Harris and State Assembly candidate, Christian Phelps, on Thursday, October 3rd, 5pm – 7:30pm.
VOLUNTEER with Citizen Action to make phone calls from home for Kamala Harris and Christian Phelps, Assembly District 93. This Eau Claire area Assembly District was a gerrymandered Republican seat before redistricting. Christian Phelps winning in November is critical for Democrats to win a majority in the State Assembly.
Citizen Action attends Minocqua Brewing Company Extravaganza Tour Makes a Stop in Stevens Point and Wausau!
The Minocqua Brewing Company (MBC) is holding 12 Get Out The Vote events in locations around Wisconsin this month. In some of these locations, Citizen Action of Wisconsin partnered up with them for these events.
This Thursday the tour arrived in Stevens Point at the building in Pfiffner Park. Tom Kastle and Scott Kirby provided music while MBC had their Antifa Oktoberfest beer and NOPE (NA) seltzer on tap.
People came out to have fun, but most are committed to knocking doors and making phone calls to make sure that we not only win at the national level, but down ballot as well. Two of our endorsed candidates, Vinnie Miresse and Collin McNamera, were also in attendance.
If you missed out, you can catch the tour in Wausau Friday night!
Please register here if you’re interested.
Join us for Pints & Politics Trivia Night Oct. 2nd in Eau Claire
Citizen Action of Wisconsin’s Northwestern Organizing Cooperative is a sponsor of Pints & Politics Trivia Night, hosted by Opportunity Wisconsin, on Wednesday, October 2nd at 8:00pm at The Plus (208 S. Barstow St) in downtown Eau Claire.
Trivia topics will include current events, the economy, and local history! The first 50 people in the door will receive a free beverage. The top 3 teams will receive gift cards to The Plus. Prize values: 1st place – $200, 2nd place – $150, 3rd place – $100. Note: Trivia teams will be limited to 6 people.
Follow the event on Facebook.
Citizen Action North Side Rising is helping chart a green energy future in Milwaukee Public Schools
North Side Rising members Will Pritichard and Albert Robbins have committed to working on the MPS Green Futures initiative. CAW is partnering with MPS to pursue federal grant money to offset the district’s $309 M budget deficit. The requirements for these monies in part include strong community engagement.
The committees cover Green Spaces, Green Workforce, Accessibility, Technical Assistance and Vision Making, and Eco-Innovation & Infrastructure.
We have already met the goal of expanding involvement by getting MKE AD-15, Russell Stamper interested in supporting our work. We also brainstormed ideas to change the educational path of our youth that focuses more on climate solutions.
We are planning our next meeting on October 5th. 12n-2pm. Contact Valerie Ricks 414-885-5640 [email protected].
Citizen Action announces more endorsements for November 5th Election
2024 is a generational opportunity for progressives to change the State Legislature in Wisconsin. Following new legislative maps, there will be more Democrats elected this November.
The key question is how many progressive Democrats will win their elections.
Citizen Action members can play a huge role in both. We need you to succeed in November!
Like all previously endorsed candidates, all of these endorsed candidates completed a Citizen Action 2024 candidate questionnaire, were interviewed by Citizen Action members, and recommended for endorsement to our Board. All endorsements are then voted on and approved by the statewide Citizen Action of Wisconsin Board.
Please contact the organizer listed for each candidate to get active talking to voters in support of our endorsed candidates.
Previous Citizen Action endorsements for State Legislative candidates.
Read more about previous endorsement of Kamala Harris for President.
Congressional District 3 – Rebecca Cooke
Rebecca Cooke represents the best opportunity to pick up a U.S. House seat in Wisconsin, and the 3rd CD is a top target of House Democrats to win in November and regain a majority.
Rebecca Cooke believes healthcare is a human right – and the biggest issue that we need to tackle as a nation. Cooke will fight for all Wisconsinites to have access to quality, affordable healthcare.
Cooke is a strong supporter of organized labor. She will actively work to pass the PRO Act, and support Davis-Bacon prevailing wage protections.
Cooke supports investing in mass transit, specifically high-speed rail connecting west central Wisconsin to bigger marketplaces – increasing tourism and lowering emissions from commutes.
Cooke will also support regulating our biggest corporate polluters.
To get involved helping elect Rebecca Cooke, contact: [email protected] (Eau Claire area) or [email protected] (Stevens Point area)
Learn more about Rebecca Cooke.
Congressional District 8 – Dr. Kristin Lyerly
Dr. Kristin Lyerly is a sixth-generation Wisconsinite, OB/GYN physician, and would be the first woman elected to Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District.
Dr Lyerly is running for Congress because the current healthcare system isn’t working for anyone, and as a practicing physician, Kristin has seen how much these health care costs are climbing year after year. As a member of Congress, Kristin will work to lower prescription drug prices, and advocate for reforms to the healthcare system that allow Wisconsinites to get the care they need, at costs they can afford.
Dr. Lyerly will help lead the fight to protect reproductive rights across the country.
Dr. Lyerly believes no one should be forced to decide between putting food on the table, and getting the medication they need. This means she will fight in Congress to lower the costs of healthcare, housing, and child care, while fighting for a more progressive tax system.
She is also very supportive of unions and immigrant rights.She will work closely with Citizen Action members while in Congress.
To get involved helping elect Kristen Lyerly, contact: [email protected]
Learn more about Dr. Kristin Lyerly.
Senate District 24 – Collin McNamera
Collin McNamera grew up in Central Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He believes hard work needs to be respected and that the economy should work for the middle class that built it – not just the 1%.
Colin agrees with Citizen Action that health care is in a state of crisis in Central Wisconsin. From mental health to reproductive health care, Collin will advocate to increase access to affordable health care. Collin supports creating an alternative to predatory health insurance companies, a BadgerCare Public Option, with lower premiums and no claims denials.
Collin will fight to cut greenhouse gas emissions, expand clean energy, and require fossil fuel corporations and utilities to do their part. He will also ensure fighting climate change creates good union jobs.
Collin wants everyone in Wisconsin to feel protected in their homes and will work creatively and innovatively to keep our neighborhoods safe.
To get involved helping elect Collin McNamera, contact: [email protected]
Learn more about Collin McNamera.
Assembly District 15 – Sarah Harrison
Sarah Harrison isn’t your typical politician. Sarah is a fierce advocate for progressive values. With unwavering dedication, Sarah is prepared to shake up the status quo in the state Legislature. From championing reproductive rights, to fighting for affordable child care, she’s not afraid to tackle the tough issues head-on.
Citizen Action is excited about Sarah’s commitment to making sure everyone has affordable healthcare, including for mental health and substance use. Sarah will work with Citizen Action members to pass an alternative to predatory health insurance companies, a BadgerCare Public Option, with lower premiums and no claims denials.
Sarah will work with Citizen Action members to return control of healthcare decisions to patients and their medical professionals by requiring public oversight of unaccountable hospital chains to address the price gouging and devastating closures that threaten access to the care we need.
To get involved helping elect Sarah Harrison, contact: [email protected]
Learn more about Sarah Harrison.
Assembly District 18 – Margaret Arney
Citizen Action is proud to endorse Margaret Arney who is a self described Progressive Democrat, who is 100% Pro-choice and 100% Pro-union.
Margaret will fight hard to restore reproductive rights for every Wisconsinite, and create a system with true access to affordable, quality healthcare statewide. She is committed to work with Citizen Action members and other state legislators to create public oversight of unaccountable hospital chains to address the price gouging and devastating closures that are confronting many communities.
Margaret says unions are the backbone of Wisconsin, “It is time for politicians in Madison to stop attacking the rights of working families. She says, strong unions build our infrastructure, and lead in maintaining our health and thriving communities.
We need leaders that protect Wisconsin’s best asset – our citizens. I pledge to fight for IVF and reproductive healthcare rights, and protect our environment as a loud advocate for our parks and wild spaces. I am a Wisconsin mom, and a proud supporter of our schools, and the neighborhoods that make our wider Milwaukee-area family uniquely blessed.”
To get involved helping elect Margaret Arney, contact: [email protected]
Learn more about Margaret Arney
Assembly District 21 – David Marsteller
Citizen Action is excited about David Marstellar’s potential as a leader on healthcare reform in the state Legislature. David’s top issue is healthcare for all and making it affordable. David had a life saving heart transplant that has made him committed to improving the system in Wisconsin.
David also knows that hospital monopolies that dominate our communities are not really nonprofits and will work with Citizen Action to help with developing legislation to hold them accountable to the public. .
David will make sure our public schools are better funded by the state and will oppose the private voucher program. In addition, David is dedicated to supporting affordable housing and childcare.
“As the recipient of a life-saving heart transplant, I know firsthand how difficult it is for families to get the care they need and deserve- especially as politicians in Madison put special interests above the people they’re supposed to serve. I am running for assembly to work for our communities and pursue common sense solutions, and improve quality of life.” – David Marstellar
To get involved helping elect David Marstellar, contact: [email protected]
Learn more about David Marstellar
Assembly District 26 – Joe Sheehan
Joe Sheehan believes public schools are the backbone of our society and will prioritize changing Wisconsin’s school funding formula to ensure every public school has the resources to educate our kids.
Joe says the U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe V. Wade was wrong and it is time to ensure women have the right to safe and accessible reproductive health care. In the legislature, Joe will fight to make sure that women can make their own reproductive healthcare decisions, free from government interference and restrictions.
Joe supports immediately expanding BadgerCare with the available federal dollars to provide healthcare to tens of thousands of Wisconsinites. Joe
Joe says the state legislature has failed to protect our water supplies from chemicals like PFAS contamination, failed to act on clean energy, and failed to fund important conservation projects. Joe will make these issues priorities.
To get involved helping elect Joe Sheehan, contact: [email protected]
Learn more about Joe Sheehan
Assembly District 35 – Elizabeth McCrank
Elizabeth McCrank is a long-time healthcare activist who has worked with Citizen Action on expanding access to BadgerCare, speaking at media events and to lawmakers. Elizabeth helped place an advisory referendum on the ballot in support of BadgerCare expansion.
She will also make restoring the right to an abortion a priority.
Elizabeth will fight to adequately fund our public schools, not private voucher schools. She will work to restore the Wisconsin Idea of providing high quality education to all of our citizens.
Elizabeth will fight to cut greenhouse gas emissions, expand clean energy, and require fossil fuel corporations and utilities to do their part. She will also ensure fighting climate change creates good union jobs.
To get involved helping elect Elizabeth McCrank, contact: [email protected]
Learn more about Elizabeth McCrank.
Assembly District 54: Representative Lori Palmeri
State Representative Lori Palmeri is a proven progressive leader in the Assembly from Oshkosh. Lori has been a consistent supporter of Citizen Action’s key legislative proposals, specifically on healthcare. She was a courageous vote against the half a billion in taxpayer money giveaway to the Brewers’ owner.
Representative Palmeri is a co-sponsor of the BadgerCare Public Option bill that will greatly expand access to working people and small businesses. Additionally, she will fight for policies that expand support for mental health.
Lori is outraged by the Republican Legislature’s failure to develop a strategy to address Wisconsin’s low road economy of rising inequality and a shrinking middle-class. She will fight for a high road economy in which state policies facilitate the creation of family supporting, living wage jobs and a progressive tax code based on ability to pay.
Lori has seen first hand how state government’s failure to keep its commitment to public schools results in higher local property taxes. She will continue her fight to adequately fund our public schools, not private voucher schools.
To get involved helping elect Lori Palmeri, contact: [email protected]
Learn more about Representative Lori Palmeri.
Assembly District 73 – Angela Stroud
From birth control and abortion care to the right to have a safe and healthy pregnancy, Angela Stroud will fight to expand access to high-quality, affordable healthcare in northern Wisconsin. She supports a BadgerCare Public Option to help make it happen.
Angela will make improving access to affordable housing a major priority. She says housing is most people’s biggest expense, and housing costs have been the single biggest driver of inflation in recent years. Angela feels too many elected officials fail to center this critical need and she will lead.
Angela will make fully funding public schools in the next state budget job #1. She will fight to restore collective bargaining for public employees and fix our broken school funding formula.
To get involved helping elect Angela Stroud, contact: [email protected]
Learn more about Angela Stroud.
Assembly District 76 – Representative Francesca Hong
Citizen Action is proud to endorse Representative Francesca Hong because of her strong progressive track record in the state Assembly and her commitment to work closely with our members to achieve our shared agenda, including fully funding public schools, a BadgerCare Public option, and a green, clean energy future.
Francesca has spent time listening, building relationships and learning from diverse perspectives and communities across Wisconsin. Her profound understanding of the struggles of working-class people and their families contributes to her ongoing commitment to creating climate and environmental, racial, and economic justice.
She works tirelessly, fighting for a future the people of Wisconsin deserve. That includes a government that actually represents the people, and honors the potential of all our communities.
Francesca fights for a pro-family, pro-worker, pro-freedom agenda. From the Economic Justice Bill of Rights to Healthy School Meals for All, Paid Family Medical Leave and Unrestricted Abortion Access she knows these are the policies that build a Wisconsin that works for everyone.
This election season Francesca is committed to helping elect other progressive Democrats in the assembly to help gain a Democratic majority to pass our shared agenda.
Learn more about Representative Francesca Hong.
Assembly District 94 – Representative Steve Doyle
State Representative Steve Doyle is a critical swing vote, and must win seat for Democrats who want to win a majority. Steve has a campaign prepared to win the La Crosse area seat.
Steve has worked with Citizen Action on healthcare and is a co-sponsor of BadgerCare public Option bill. Steve supports ensuring everyone has the right to an abortion.
Steve will continue to fight to cut greenhouse gas emissions, expand clean energy, and require fossil fuel corporations and utilities to do their part. He will also ensure fighting climate change creates good union jobs.
To get involved helping re-elect Steve Doyle, contact: [email protected]
Learn more about Representative Steve Doyle
Assembly District 95 – Representative Jill Billings
In the capital Jill Billings has advocated for the health of Wisconsinites. She has authored legislation to cap the rising costs of lifesaving medications. She has been a champion of bringing federal health care funding back to Wisconsin through Medicaid expansion. She also is a co-sponsor of creating an alternative to predatory health insurance companies, a BadgerCare Public Option, with lower premiums and no claims denials.
Jill is a strong supporter of better funding for public schools and opposes the private voucher program.
Jill has been a tireless advocate for protecting the health of our water. She is the author of the Water Pollution Notification Act requiring the DNR to alert counties of water quality violations. She also supported legislation that would replace lead laterals, regulate PFAS contamination, and 10 bi-partisan bills from the Water Quality Task Force. She co-sponsored the Forward on Climate legislative package which takes state action to recognize and address climate change.
Jill believes voters should pick their elected leaders, elected officials should not get to pick their voters. To maintain our democracy it is imperative to combat gerrymandering though transparent non-partisan redistricting along with reforming campaign financing and fighting for voter protections.
To get involved helping re-elect Jill Billings, contact: [email protected]
Learn more about Representative Jill Billings.
Vote NO: Wisconsin Citizenship Voting Requirement Amendment
Amendment Question: “Eligibility to vote. Shall section 1 of article III of the constitution, which deals with suffrage, be amended to provide that only a United States citizen age 18 or older who resides in an election district may vote in an election for national, state, or local office or at a statewide or local referendum?”
This amendment is an attack on our freedom to vote. Changing the wording from “every” citizen to “only” citizens is a way for lawmakers to further restrict our freedom to vote. Wisconsin already has safe and secure elections and safeguards in place to ensure only eligible voters are voting. This amendment uses fear as a tactic to further divide us. No matter where we were born or what language we speak, all eligible Wisconsin voters are afforded the right to cast a ballot and make their voice heard. This anti-voter amendment would change the language of our state’s constitution. It could open the door to discriminatory practices, disenfranchising hundreds of thousands of eligible voters.
This is another example of the gerrymandered legislature trying to pick their voters. It’s a last-minute power-grab before voters choose a new legislature using the new fair maps this November.
This constitutional amendment aims to divide us and pit us against our neighbors. Wisconsinites know we are better when we stand together. Let’s say no to the lies and vote this amendment down.
Learn more on why a NO vote is best from the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin.
Vote YES for Eau Claire School District Referendum
Question: “Shall the Eau Claire Area School District, Eau Claire, Chippewa and Dunn Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $18,000,000 for the 2024-2025 school year and for each of the succeeding 3 school years thereafter, for non-recurring purposes to fund operating costs to ensure stability of educational programs, including elementary reading; behavioral and mental health resources for students; school safety; and to sustain student to staff ratios?”
Read more about why voting YES is important for Eau Claire Schools.
Citizen Action in the News
In his weekly appearance on the Earl Ingram Show, Citizen Action’s Robert Kraig dug into the GOP conspiracy to rig the electoral college with its shenanigans in Georgia and Nebraska.
Our Future covered the Midwest Organizing Revival Convening co-hosted by Citizen Action of Wisconsin and WISDOM in late September. The convening drew over 100 top organizational leaders from 9 midwestern states to discuss how to build power and win bold progressive reform. The coverage includes a video featuring Citizen Action’s Robert Kraig and People’s Action Executive Director Sulma Arias. It also includes a panel on go-governing which included Wisconsin State Senator Chris Larson
Listen to “Learning from Hurricanes, hospital closures, and the Milwaukee Domes” Battleground Wisconsin Podcast
We discuss the significance of another modest hurricane intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico into a monster storm imperiling 5 southern states. What is the role of climate change? We take a deep dive into the polling paradox of presidential elections. Polls consume the media and voters attention, along with junk ads that pollute discourse, yet they reveal little and fail repeatedly to capture reality.
The Wausau mayor removes ballot drop box and charges are filed against him as two northern Wisconsin towns are sued by the DOJ for voting rights violations. What are the consequences of the GOP big lie on voter fraud? Healthcare and BadgerCare become a big issue in Legislative races and we remind our listeners it is now 6 months since devastating hospital and clinic closures and NO help has been offered for the Eau Claire/Chippewa area, leaving the region reeling and public health badly damaged.
We are joined by Milwaukee County Supervisor Juan Miguel Martinez to discuss a new plan for Milwaukee’s iconic Mitchell Park Domes and how their critical connection to the improved health and safety of a community and neighborhood.
Listen to the show.
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