Citizen Action Weekend 2025 Newsletter, February 7th
Join/Donate Citizen Action of Wisconsin Today!
Attend media event announcing The Climate Action Accountability Act, Monday February 24th, Noon, Milwaukee.
Join Citizen Action of Wisconsin, State Senator Chris Larson, and State Representative Supreme Moore Omokunde, and allies for a media event on Monday, February 24th, Noon, in Milwaukee to announce new state legislation, The Climate Action Accountability Act. The bill requires Wisconsin for the first time in its history to adopt an accountable climate action plan. Its provisions are simple, but critical:
- Requires the next state Legislature to pass a concrete and enforceable plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030, in accordance with the Paris Climate Accords and the global consensus of climate scientists.
- Requires the plan to maximize the economic benefits of climate action for all Wisconsin residents, especially people in urban and rural areas currently locked out of economic opportunities.
Why is this Legislation so important?
- Climate Change Requires Urgent Action: You don’t have to be a scientist to see how our climate has changed. Climate change is already impacting our planet and on communities, including here in Wisconsin.
- We Have a Responsibility to Future Generations: Climate change risks our children’s futures. It’s our generation’s moral obligation to leave behind a livable world for future generations.
- We Risk the Environment We Love: Wisconsinites have a special connection to our beautiful natural environment. Climate change threatens the land, animals and plants that help make Wisconsin a great place to live.
- Climate Action Also Has Economic and Health Benefits: Climate action will not disrupt our way of life, it will enhance it. It will reduce the cost of electricity and heating, reduce harmful pollution, and generate new economic opportunities for urban and rural Wisconsin by creating tens of thousands of family supporting green jobs.
Later is Too Late:
- The Big Fossil Fuel Interests are Blocking Urgent Climate Action: One of the main reasons Wisconsin politicians have not acted is the political power of the big utilities who profit by continuing to burn fossil fuels, jacking up rates, and slowing down the clean energy revolution.
- Climate Pollution is Irreversible if We Fail to Act: If we don’t stop polluting, the climate crisis will only get worse. Because carbon pollution stays in the atmosphere for thousands of years its effects cannot be reversed.
- We Face a Climate Action Deadline. An international consensus of climate scientists tells us that the only way to prevent runaway climate change in the future is to cut carbon emissions in half by 2030.
- It is a Matter of Political Will: The climate goals are easily technologically and economically achievable, if elected leaders have the political courage to say no to big utilities.
- Wisconsin Still Lacks a Plan: Wisconsin has long term climate goals, but lacks a concrete plan that meets the urgency of the situation. Later is too late. We need less talk and more action. We need leaders who have a plan – and will get it done.
To join us Monday, February 24th, Noon or for more information about how you can get involved in this campaign contact, [email protected]
Attend Citizen Action of Wisconsin’s An Evening with Susan Crawford on Thursday, February 13th, 6pm.
Citizen Action Northwest Organizing Cooperative co-host successful Winter Gathering in Eau Claire.
Over 100 people turned out to network and connect to allied groups including Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin, Grassroots Organizing Western Wisconsin (GROWW), Wisconsin Farmers Union, JONAH, Power Up Eau Claire, and Wisconsin Public Education Network.
Thanks to all the members who attended.
If you would like to attend our Capitol State Budget Lobby Day, Tuesday, March 4th, contact: [email protected]
Citizen Action members Speak Out Against New Gas Plants – Join Us in Taking Action!
This week, Citizen Action of Wisconsin staff and members testified against the proposed Paris RICE methane gas plant near Kenosha. We sent a clear message to the Public Service Commission (PSC): Wisconsin cannot afford another polluting fossil fuel facility that will drive up rates, worsen air quality, and lock us into decades of dirty energy. The proposed plant would increase harmful emissions in a region that already struggles with poor air quality, putting vulnerable communities—especially children—at higher risk for asthma and respiratory illnesses.
We Energies is pushing this project to power corporate data centers, leaving Wisconsin families to foot the bill for rising energy costs. Read our letter to the PSC here and Citizen Action’s Climate Action’s Kat Klawes testimony here.
North Side Rising Organizer Keviea Guiden and members from the North Side Rising Climate Action Team (Maria Beltran, Geneva Jones, and Kevonna Hendon) traveled to Union Grove to testify at the PSC hearings against We Energies. We did this in coordination with Power Wisconsin Forward coalition members.
The proposal of two new gas plants will set us back from reaching our greenhouse gas emissions goals. These plants will continue to pollute the air and cause numerous health impacts on Wisconsinites. Stand in solidarity with us and let We Energies know that we’re say No New Gas Plants!
Please contact Keviea Guiden to get involved in the upcoming PSC hearing in Oak Creek March 25,2025. [email protected]
The PSC is accepting public comments through Monday, February 17th, and we need your voice to stop this reckless expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure. Tell the PSC to reject We Energies’ proposal and demand an affordable, reliable, and fossil-free future for Wisconsin.
Citizen Action Driftless Organizing Co-Op to Host a Series of Events “Finding Hope in Action – Solidarity in the Driftless!”
Are you feeling stress and anxiety over the current state of affairs? Are you wondering what now? I’ve found the best way is to jump into action. There are things we can achieve, wins to be had right here in Wisconsin!
The Driftless Co-Op will begin having a series of “Finding Hope in Action – Solidarity in the Driftless!” events that will bring people together in our shared desire to make a difference in a time when things can often feel hopeless. We will share our fears and concerns but also focus on how to affect change. We will hear from local legislators, learn organizing skills and discuss volunteer opportunities.
Our first event will be in Sparta at Ginny’s Cupboard on Friday, February 21st at 10am. We are excited to have Rep. Jill Billings and Sen. Brad Pfaff joining us for a legislative update.
Do you know someone who wants to get involved but they aren’t sure how? Please invite them!
Find out more and RSVP!
If you are interested in hosting a similar event in your area, please call or email me.
In solidarity, Kristie Tweed; Driftless Co-Op Organizer, 608-317-1331 or [email protected]
RSVP for Citizen Action Capitol Lobby Day on the State Budget, Tuesday, March 4th!
It is time for our State Legislature to put the money where we the people need it.
Citizen Action members from across Wisconsin will gather in Madison to talk to our state legislators about our state budget priorities.
Read Citizen Action’s Letter to Governor Tony Evers’ with Citizen Action’s budget priorities.
Plan on needing to free up the whole day for this event. We will help organize transportation which will leave from multiple cities in the morning to drive to Madison. We will meet before heading to the Capitol to talk directly to legislators during the mid-day. Following our visits with legislators, we will debrief together and make plans for continuing our lobbying back home.
RSVP here and organizer will follow up with you.
Citizen Action North Side Rising member J. Sandford Bethae, LPN, CDFS will be joining us in Madison on March 4th for the WI Budget Lobby Day.
As a Certified Diabetic Foot Specialist he is eager to speak to the expansion of the Badger Care Option. His frustration centers around the waste of ignoring preventive care.
What do you think is easier and cheaper to fix? Taking the time to explain the importance of good fitting shoes or rehabilitating someone after an amputation?
Born in LA, Bethae has long been confronted with the inequities in healthcare coverage for rural communities, the poor and minorities. He wants to see some legislative changes that will allow him to give the best care possible. And that means saving more feet.
Please join Bethae and others from NSR and lobby with us and continue the work to make real changes.
RSVP here and an organizer will follow up with you.
Vote Early in the Spring Primary Election!
Learn more about your in-person absentee voting locations in your municipality.
Citizen Action in the News
Citizen Acton’s Robert Kraig was on the Earl Ingram Show for the full hour to discuss the third week of the Trump Takeover. Will it result in the destruction of the American Constitutional order?
Robert is on the show every Wednesday from 9 AM to 10 AM on the statewide Civic Media Network. Station list here.
Listen to “WEEK THREE” Battleground Wisconsin Podcast
In the 3rd week of the Trump Regime the pace of disruption continues to intensify with escalating attacks on the Constitutional order and the President’s outrageous ethnic cleansing proposal for Gaza. As the liberal resistance to authoritarianism begins to build, Robert prepares us for the pivotal federal budget fight where tax cuts for the wealthy will result in massive cuts to Medicaid. Given that 20% of all Americans and 50% of Children get their healthcare through Medicaid, this is a winnable fight if we mobilize for a large-scale campaign.
In Wisconsin we are preparing for the Governor’s state budget release in mid February, and the Legislative stage of the budget process. Citizen Action will host an upcoming Capitol Lobby Day on March 4th. We also preview new legislation requiring the Legislature to pass a concrete and enforceable plan to meet the global targets necessary to avert runaway climate change.
Finally, we have an in-depth conversation with Citizen Action organizer Jeremy Gragert and child care provider Julia Bennker to discuss the vital importance of ongoing organizing to increase funding for child care in the state budget.
Listen to the Show.
Social media post of the week
