Matthew Brusky 
Friday, March 13th
Vote Absentee for April 7th Election!
Get more information about voting absentee for the April 7th election.
Health Care Value Survey Shows Wisconsinites Concerned About Affordability and Quality of Care
Nationally, consumer worry about health care affordability is well documented but now—for the first time—a new survey reveals how affordability concerns and ideas for action play out in Wisconsin. Altarum Healthcare Value Hub, a national nonpartisan research organization supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, in partnership with Citizen Action of Wisconsin, administered a Consumer Healthcare Experience State Survey (CHESS) in Wisconsin.
The survey of more than 1,000 Wisconsin adults was conducted from October 29, 2019 to November 6, 2019.
Among its results, the Survey found that:
- More than half (53%) experienced healthcare affordability burdens in the past year.
- Four out of five (79%) are worried about affording healthcare in the future.
- Nearly half (47%) of people who needed health care during the year encountered one or more cost barriers to getting care, including skipped needed dental care (31%), delayed going to the doctor or receiving a procedure (27%), and did not fill a prescription (18%).
- Health care was listed as a top issue that the government should address in the upcoming year by 73% of respondents. The next most frequently cited issue was the economy, selected by only 43% of respondents.
- Across party lines, they expressed strong support for government-led solutions.
This devastating new report on the state of health care affordability in Wisconsin should be a wake-up call to Wisconsin lawmakers, who in the current legislative session devoted virtually no attention to addressing the skyrocketing cost of medical services, medications, and health insurance. The extensive opinion research that serves as the basis for this report is the first deep dive in many years into the lived experience of Wisconsinites in coping with our health care system.
It establishes beyond all doubt that there is an affordability crisis in every region of the state is reaching a breaking point, and demands bold and immediate action from state government. There are many critical data points in this report, which should be must-reading for all state policymakers.
The top two findings that jump out for me the most are the stunning findings that nearly half of all Wisconsinites have gone without care or medications because they could afford it, and that health care affordability is by far the top public issue, easily beating the economy and taxes.”
Below are links to Data Briefs with statewide and regional survey results.
Cancelled Events due to Cornavirus!
- Vote Yes for MPS Referendum Canvassing and phone banking is cancelled.
- Day of Action on March 17th to protect the Affordable Care Act is cancelled.
The March 17th, Protect Our Care’s national bus tour in La Crosse Wisconsin is CANCELLED. - 10th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act in Eau Claire on Wednesday, March 18th is cancelled.
- Vernon Electric Co-op’s annual meeting March 21st to show support and learn more about the On Bill financing programs is CANCELLED.
- Addressing Climate and Equity through our Food System in Milwaukee is cancelled.
This Week’s discussion about addressing climate and equity in our food systems is cancelled due to Coronavirus. This would have been the second discussion from a series of forums on Milwaukee’s Green New Deal. We will keep everyone updated once we have a new date and time rescheduled.
The Choice for Wisconsin Supreme Court is Clear! Vote for Jill Karofsky on Tuesday, April 7th.
Citizen Action of Wisconsin members join media conference with La Crosse Mayor Kabat’s on clean energy toolkit
On Tuesday March 7th Citizen Action of Wisconsin members joined La Crosse’s mayor Tim Kabat, the Sierra Club, the League of Conservation Voters and RENEW Wisconsin to announce the rollout of a brand new tool kit designed to help Wisconsin resident reduce their carbon emissions. This tool kit is the culmination of a year’s worth of work to build a plan to fight climate change.
Nick Nichols, the retired sustainability coordinator for La Crosse County, said switching to cleaner energy sources could bring 160,000 new jobs to the state. Nichols added that Wisconsin spends about $14 billion a year importing energy resources from other places, and argues that using cleaner energy will save money. “We’re not doing this because it’s nice and warm and fuzzy, and we’re all a bunch of tree-huggers,” Nichols said.
La Crosse is taking big steps toward becoming carbon free in its energy use by 2050, according to Mayor Tim Kabat. The mayor said efforts by city departments to use cleaner energy sources has dropped City Hall’s carbon footprint by 30 percent in just 11 years. Kabat added that plans are in the works to install solar panels at City Hall, the La Crosse Center and the Main Street Library.
Vote in Citizen Action’s Presidential Primary Survey
Voting Closes Sunday, March 15th, Midnight.
The Wisconsin Presidential Primary is just around the corner on Tuesday, April 7th! We want to know what our members think about the presidential primary election. Therefore, we are conducting a short survey of our members regarding the 2020 Presidential Primary.
The survey asks (1) whether Citizen Action should endorse in the Presidential Primary and (2) if so, who would be your top choice?
Citizen Action of Wisconsin members speak about women’s right and healthcare at La Crosse rally
Severa
l local Citizen Action of Wisconsin members were on hand to protest Mike Pence’s planned visit to La Crosse on Thursday March 5th. This rally and press event was hosted by our friends at the Wisconsin Democratic Party.
Citizen Action of Wisconsin is committed to standing up FOR something rather than just being AGAINST the Trump administration. That is why our members spoke about women’s rights and the need to protect our healthcare. Citizen Action of Wisconsin member (and Women’s March organizer) K.C. Cayo was one of the featured speakers.
We want to thank everyone who was able to make it to the event. Thank you for using your voice and your power to protect healthcare and women’s rights! Stay tuned for future mobilization efforts and days of action across the Driftless region.
Updates From Your North Central Organizing Co-op
The Chair for the NC Organizing Co-op, Don Dunphy is a member of the First Universalist Unitarian Church in Wausau. He is also a member of the League of Women Voters. Through the social justice committee for his Church, our Co-op’s Steering Committee, and in cooperation with the LWV, he organized voter registration tables at Nicolet Technical College (Rhinelander), Northcentral Technical College (Wausau), and UWSP – Wausau on 10/10, 10/11, and 10/12 from 10 am to 2 pm.
Several Co-op members, as well as members of the LWV and Don’s Church ran the tables. Don floated between locations to ensure that they ran smoothly. They had a very positive response. A couple of weeks back, Don Dunphy and Melissa Engels-Lewis were hired on as canvassers to do Deep Canvasses, in the Wausau and Stevens Point areas. After checking in on tables, Melissa and Don went out together, with Don’s partner, Ruthann driving, and knocked doors.
NC Co-op members participated in Fair Maps Wisconsin Leadership Development Training and a WIld Training
“COVID-19 Pandemic” Battleground Wisconsin Podcast
Our panel discuses of the coronavirus pandemic, which has resulted in the declaration of a state of emergency by Governor Evers, cancelled in person classes at many universities, and resulted in the suspension of the NBA season. We focus on the dysfunctional response from the Trump Administration to the outbreak, including the lack of testing, its cost to patients, and the president’s error riddle and xenophobic speech to the nation. We welcome Lynn Quincy, director of the Healthcare Value Hub, to talk about a new study conducted in partnership with Citizen Action that shows a majority of Wisconsinites across party lines are concerned about the high cost of healthcare. avoid needed care due to cost, and support fundamental reform. We discuss the latest news in the Democratic presidential primary after another big week for Joe Biden and yet another attempt to purge Wisconsin’s voter roles by the right.
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Trevonna was born and raised on Milwaukee’s Northside. Growing up, Trevonna always dreamed of becoming a teacher with hopes to better her community but quickly realized that a better community starts with better policies.
This week the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a case being pushed by the Trump Administration that could take health care away from millions of people in America. The court will take oral arguments in October, and likely rule in early 2021, on a case that seeks to overturn the entire Affordable Care Act (ACA). The timing cynically capitulates to the Trump Administration’s politically-motivated request to move until after the 2020 election what would be one of the most unpopular decisions in American history.
In addition, 153,000 Wisconsinites would have their health coverage taken away if the ACA was struck down, according to
The Milwaukee City-County Task Force on Climate & Equity met at Milwaukee City Hall on Thursday to plan the final drafting of its preliminary report. The task force is charged with developing a comprehensive plan for Milwaukee to both meet the UN greenhouse emissions reduction targets, and dramatically improve racial economic equity.
Whether you are black, white, Asian American or Native American we all have had issues with healthcare in America. Have you ever faced unexpected healthcare bills? Have you ever skipped going to the doctor when you should have gone because of the cost? Have you ever lost your health insurance? Have you or a loved one ever skipped filling a prescription due to the high cost? Is your health insurance basically useless due to the high cost of copays or deductibles? Do you have loved ones who don’t have any health insurance? The story of your experience in the current American healthcare system has power to create real change!
Citizen Action believes that healthcare should be a human right and we are mobilizing our members to take action to expand that right to everyone! Your story can have a huge impact and help to expand healthcare! Join us on at 11:30 AM March 7th at the Southside La Crosse Public Library to learn how to tell your healthcare story. We will be collecting stories to be used across social media and in lobbying efforts. John Havlicek from the La Crosse teacher’s union will be on hand to teach everyone the power of their stories and how those stories can create a better tomorrow! Everyone will be able to record a video telling their own personal story.
Vote Yes for MPS coalition, which includes Citizen Action of Wisconsin, is canvassing in support of the April 7th referendum this Saturday, March 7th, 10am – 1pm & Noon – 3pm.
We encourage all Citizen Action of Wisconsin members, regardless of their utility to attend the Vernon Electric Co-op annual meeting on March 21st. We want to have a huge showing to send a message to Vernon and other area utilities that fighting climate change is important to us!
Floral Cafe, 474 N. Eisenhower Dr. Suite K, Appleton, 10am – Noon
Starting Saturday, March 21st
Join Don Dunphy and Joel Lewis for 3 voter registration events Tuesday, March 10th, Wednesday, March 11th and Thursday, March 12th from 10 am to 2 pm at three locations. 1. UW-Stevens Point – Wausau Campus, 2. NTC – Wausau Campus, and 3. Nicolet Technical College – Rhinelander Campus.
Wisconsin Farmers Union and Citizen Action of WI invite you to a presidential candidate forum to discuss the issues that matter to family farmers and rural America. The Dairyland Forum, a presidential candidate forum and party is happening Sunday, March 29th at the Dunn County Fairgrounds.
The panel digs into the repercussions of the Super Tuesday primaries, and the dramatic thinning of the Democratic primary field down to two major candidates. What are the implications? We also discuss yet another right-wing threat to health care coverage for millions, the implication of Covid-19 for caregivers, two Wisconsin State Supreme Court scandals, and media stories indicating that a “culture of racism” may have played some role in the mass shooting at Miller-Coors factory in Milwaukee.
Citizen Action helped organize a presentation in Milwaukee by nationally renowned communications and messaging Guru Anat Shenker-Osorio to unveil new communications research on race, class and gender in Wisconsin. The event was attended by over 120 individuals, including local elected officials and leaders from a wide variety of progressive organizations in Wisconsin.
by Citizen Action of Wisconsin, America Votes, Wisconsin Voices, and Movement Voter Project
Our Citizen Action Climate Issue team held an amazing panel discussion last night at the Wauwatosa Public Library. The topic of the night was moving utilities to renewable energies.
Residential carbon emissions are one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gases. Thanks to the efforts of Citizen Action of Wisconsin members and area activists Vernon County Electric Co-op has announced they will be offering their members on bill financing options to help homeowners upgrade their homes with energy saving upgrades to reduce those residential carbon emissions. These programs will give their customers the chance to outfit their homes with energy saving upgrades such as new insulation, air sealing, new heating/cooling units and other home improvements which will save the homeowner money right away while reducing their residential carbon emissions.
Learn more about On Bill financing programs they will be offering
Vote Yes for MPS coalition, which includes Citizen Action of Wisconsin, is canvassing in support of the April 7th referendum this Saturday, February 29th, 10am – 1pm & Noon – 3pm.
We all know that in today’s world we all vote with our dollar. How we spend our money everyday impacts the decisions made by American corporations that have a huge impact on our lives. Citizen Action of Wisconsin wants to help everyone start using their spending power to let polluters know that we demand action to save our environment and fight climate change!
The Healthcare Co-op Consumer Protection team is now having a regular virtual meeting every other Monday night at 7PM. Be on the ground floor of planning around surprise billing and preventative care vs. diagnostic care scams. It’s easy to get involved, just call in.
Progressitival is the largest gathering of progressive organizations and groups in the Coulee Region. This year’s event is going to be huge with twenty different groups talking to progressive activists and getting everyone ready for the most important election year of our lives! Special guest Elizabeth Ward, the executive director of the John Muir chapter of the Sierra Club in the will be the keynote speaker this year.
Whether you are black, white, Asian American or Native American we all have had issues with healthcare in America. Have you ever faced unexpected healthcare bills? Have you ever skipped going to the doctor when you should have gone because of the cost? Have you ever lost your health insurance? Have you or a loved one ever skipped filling a prescription due to the high cost? Is your health insurance basically useless due to the high cost of copays or deductibles? Do you have loved ones who don’t have any health insurance? The story of your experience in the current American healthcare system has power to create real change!
Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at 6 PM – 7:30 PM
Wisconsin Farmers Union and Citizen Action invite to a presidential candidate forum to discuss the issues that matter to family farmers and rural America at the Dairyland Forum, a presidential candidate forum and party happening Sunday, March 29th at the Dunn County Fairgrounds.
The Citizen Action of Wisconsin and new partner Progress North (from the Superior, WI area) had an amazing weekend in Tomah, Wisconsin learning and practicing a brand new “Deep Canvassing” model.
This deep canvassing is powerful in its ability to move voters! However, the conversations can be triggering for almost all of us, as we are literally asking folks to share their racist, fear mongering, hate speech, dog whistling thoughts and beliefs with us. Because if they don’t, we can’t have a conversation that might change their perspective. Our People’s Action trainers provided us with excellent resilience, self care, and assertiveness training to be able to mitigate the amount of emotional labor that can be involved in sharing stories that are meaningful to us, as well as hearing stories and beliefs that are emotionally hard, or potentially triggering. We also learned when to walk away.
Meet the 2020 Field Team!
Nancy McCarthy, Driftless Region Field Organizer
Rachel Pride, Eau Claire/Chippewa Valley Field Organizer
Don Dunphy and Melissa Engels-Lewis, Northcentral Field Organizers
Melissa is also a full time mom and caregiver for her uncle and parent-in laws, and also harvests maple syrup, honey, and just this past year started planting hemp! If you have any questions about plants or gardening, talk to Melissa!
Citizen Action is excited to invite you to attend a presentation by nationally renowned communications and messaging Guru Anat Shenker-Osorio. The event is hosted by Citizen Action of Wisconsin, America Votes, Wisconsin Voices, and Movement Voter Project
Citizen Action of Wisconsin has launched a fellowship program as part of our “Green Homes, Good Jobs” campaign helping our members fight climate change, create local union jobs, and save money by upgrading their homes with solar panels, new insulation, air sealing, new heating/cooling units and other energy saving measures while saving money right away. These fellowships are four week programs that can save homeowners thousands of dollars a year in utility costs and allow homeowners to claim hundreds of dollars in rebates and tax credits. Best of these upgrades come at no upfront cost!
“Coffee with your Co-op” is a great chance to meet fellow activists and co-op members, talk politics, learn about upcoming events, and talk about how we can mobilize our power! We do all this in an informal setting over coffee. “Coffee with your Co-op” events take place in La Crosse, Viroqua and across Southwest Wisconsin! Our next gathering will be in La Crosse on February 22nd at noon. We will be meeting at Java Vino on State rd.
Progressitival is the largest gathering of progressive organizations and groups in the Coulee Region. This year’s event is going to be huge with twenty different groups talking to progressive activists and getting everyone ready for the most important election year of our lives! Special guest Elizabeth Ward, the executive director of the John Muir chapter of the Sierra Club in the will be the keynote speaker this year.
Whether you are black, white, Asian American or Native American we all have had issues with healthcare in America. Have you ever faced unexpected healthcare bills? Have you ever skipped going to the doctor when you should have gone because of the cost? Have you ever lost your health insurance? Have you or a loved one ever skipped filling a prescription due to the high cost? Is your health insurance basically useless due to the high cost of co-pays or deductibles? Do you have loved ones who don’t have any health insurance? The story of your experience in the current American healthcare system has power to create real change!
Vote Yes for MPS coalition, which includes Citizen Action of Wisconsin, is canvassing in support of the April 7th referendum this Saturday, February 22nd, 10am – 1pm & Noon – 3pm.
Panel members will help us explore:
The long term care team, got together in the City of Wauwatosa this week to talk about their plans to let Wisconsin know about a new Resolution called Universal Family Care. Our current care structure is burdening families instead of supporting them. UFC is a new social insurance program that would make early child care, paid leave, support for people with disabilities and elder care accessible and affordable for all. If you think this is something we need, email Karen, our healthcare organizer at 
Vote next Tuesday, February 18th in Spring Primary Election
This past weekend Citizen Action of Wisconsin members and concerned activists in La Crosse met for an important training on how to meet with elected leaders and lobby them for the kind of change they want to see. This training turned out to be a great event! Ten co-op members were joined by ten concerned citizens who were new to Citizen Action. Citizen Action of Wisconsin deputy director Matt Brusky was on hand to lead this training.
It recently came out that there is an alleged agreement between the Trump administration and Lao People’s Democratic Republic to export long-time Hmong and Lao residents back to Laos. This has sent a ripple effect of fear and trauma for some in these communities. Co-op member, and Congressional candidate for the 7th CD, Tricia Zunker organized a press event in response to this. She invited founding Co-op member (County Board Supervisor and Candidate for the Wausau School Board) Ka Lo and Wausau Mayoral candidate (County Board Supervisor and Co-op member) Katie Rosenberg to speak on this issue, as well as other members of the community and the Co-op. You can see coverage of this event on 
Founding NC Organizing Co-op member, David Barnhill, is always hard at work in Vilas, and Oneida County. Here is an opportunity to catch a film, called Dark Money, with David and friends. David is also an active member of his County party, OWR-Northwoods Chapter, and many other groups.
There will be a Fair Maps WiLD Training in Wausau, Feb. 28th – March 1st at the Jefferson Street Inn. This all started to culminate at a Fair Maps Summit put on in Marshfield earlier in the year. Now, there has been a planning meeting in Ladysmith, and in Wausau, to ensure that we have a great turnout at the training. Several Co-op members and allies will be at this training and have played a very active role in this year’s (as well as in previous years) Fair Maps efforts. Marathon and Oneida counties both have not passed Fair Maps resolutions, nor have they had a referendum on their ballots to ask the voters what they think. Stay tuned!!
We all know that in today’s world we all vote with our dollar. How we spend our money everyday impacts the decisions made by American corporations that have a huge impact on our lives. Citizen Action of Wisconsin wants to help everyone start using their spending power to let polluters know that we demand action to save our environment and fight climate change!
“Coffee with your Co-op” is a great chance to meet fellow activists and co-op members, talk politics, learn about upcoming events, and talk about how we can mobilize our power! We do all this in an informal setting over coffee. “Coffee with your Co-op” events take place in La Crosse, Viroqua and across Southwest Wisconsin! Our next gathering will be in La Crosse on February 22nd at noon. We will be meeting at Java Vino on State rd.
Panel members will help us explore:
Volunteer to help Citizen Action endorsed Tricia Zunker for Congress District 7
Watch
shifts available:
Volunteer
Vote Yes for MPS coalition, which includes Citizen Action of Wisconsin, is canvassing in support of the April 7th referendum this Saturday, February 14th, 10am – 1pm & Noon – 3pm. Canvassers can meet at the MTEA office, 5130 W. VlietSt., Bay View Community Center, 1320 E Oklahoma Ave., and Peace Action Wisconsin, 1001 E Keefe Ave.
We discuss the shameful legislative week for Wisconsin Republicans that included ignoring Gov. Evers’ call for a special session on education in favor of bills locking up more people at great cost and politicizing sexual assault kit testing. Our panel reviews the state of the Democratic presidential primary contest after the New Hampshire primary and looks forward to the spring primary election next Tuesday, Feb 18th. A Milwaukee TV station finds registered voters who are wrongly targeted for purging from the state rolls. We also welcome Citizen Action co-op member Alex Brower who is running for City of Milwaukee Comptroller on a progressive agenda that includes replacing WeEnergies with a public municipal utility and establishing a public bank.
Citizen Action is proud to announce the endorsement of Tricia Zunker for the U.S. Congress District 7 special election. The Primary Election is Tuesday, February 18th and the General Election is Tuesday, May 12th.
Citizen Action of Wisconsin president Mark Thomsen and Grace Thomsen invite you to support Milwaukee public schools next Tuesday, February 11th, 5:30pm.
RSVP
Vote Yes for MPS coalition, which includes Citizen Action of Wisconsin, is canvassing in support of the April 7th referendum this Saturday, February 8th, 10am – 1pm & Noon – 3pm. Canvassers can meet at the MTEA office, 5130 W. Vliet. or Peace Action WI, 1001 E. Keefe Ave.
Volunteer
On Wednesday, Feb. 5th, Citizen Action’s new Movement Politics Director, JoAnna Bautch, traveled to Wasuau to met with local elected leaders that are also sustaining members of the Citizen Action of WI North Central Organizing Co-op.
JoAnna met with:
JoAnna also attended the 
Citizen Action members gathered together on Tuesday, February 4th to watch President Trump give his State of the Union address. The lies were numerous on all topics but for the purpose of efficiency and limited space, we will focus on healthcare.
Have you ever wished you knew how to make your voice heard in government? Do you feel like politicians don’t really represent your best interests? Do you want to learn how to work with politicians to create the kind of change you want to see in the world? Citizen Action of Wisconsin is committed to giving you the tools to make you a better activist and restore your voice in our democracy!
“Coffee with your Co-op” is a great chance to meet fellow activists and co-op members, talk politics, learn about upcoming events, and talk about how we can mobilize our power! We do all this in an informal setting over coffee. “Coffee with your Co-op” events take place in La Crosse, Viroqua and across Southwest Wisconsin! Our next gathering will be in La Crosse on February 22nd at noon. We will be meeting at Java Vino on State rd.
We discuss this historic week that included the anticlimactic conclusion of the Trump impeachment trial, the State of the Union reality TV show, and the epic data problem at the Iowa Caucus. We also review Trump’s new plan to gut Medicaid through a block grant program and Vos’ possible softening on a GOP redistricting fight in 2021. We welcome state representative Jonathan Brostoff to discuss his legislation to phase out state funding of private voucher schools to fund a guaranteed 18:1 class sizes in all public schools.
In the critical Wisconsin Supreme Court race, Citizen Action of Wisconsin’s board voted to endorse both Ed Fallone and Jill Karofsky.
“Both Ed Fallone and Jill Karofsky would make excellent and impartial Wisconsin Supreme Court justices who give every case a fair hearing and render decisions based on rigorous legal interpretation not ideology,” said Robert Kraig, Executive Director of Citizen Action of Wisconsin. “Fallone or Karofsky would be a breath of fresh air on a Supreme Court where the majority regularly puts politics and ideology ahead of the fair interpretation of the law. Does any fair minded person doubt that the Supreme Court majority would have struck down the lame duck session laws, if the shoe was on the other foot and a newly elected Republican governor’s power were curtailed by a Democratic Legislature?”
In the 14th Common Council District, Citizen Action is endorsing Marina Dimitrijevic. “As our County Supervisor, Marina Dimitrijevic has led the way to reduce the county’s environmental footprint,” said Kraig. “She authored Milwaukee County’s Greenprint and her plan to eliminate forever plastics will make an enormous impact in keeping our waterways clean. At City Hall, I know she will be a partner in our efforts to win a Milwaukee Green New Deal which dramatically reduces community-wide greenhouse emissions and creates family supporting jobs for those who need them most.”
In the 8th Common Council District, Citizen Action is endorsing State Representative JoCasta Zamarripa, who is a member of our board of directors. “In this majority people of color southside district we believe JoCasta will do a tremendous job of bringing the diverse voices of the area to City Hall,” said Kraig. “We also believe that Zamarripa will be a strong progressive leader who will fight for Citizen Action’s climate and racial equity agenda.”
Milwaukee County Executive
District 5
Milwaukee County Board
Citizen Action of Wisconsin’s North Central Organizing Co-op and allies held a CD 7 candidate forum in Wausau this Wednesday evening at the Labor Temple. The forum was a part of Citizen Action’s endorsement process.
This event was open to the public, and we were blessed to have PBS, 
On Monday, January 27th, leaders from our Citizen Action of WI North Central Organizing Co-op joined Governor Tony Evers at the People’s Maps Commission Press Conference in Wausau. They represented three different cities and counties, Merrill (Lincoln County), Rhinelander (Oneida County), and Wausau (Marathon County). You can see coverage of this event at 
Citizen Action Organizers and Elected Officials Attend People’s Action Governing Power Strategy Retreat in Chicago
The retreat helped us develop a shared analysis of the political moment we are in and a vision for structural change, nationally, statewide and locally.
The Milwaukee City-County Task Force on Climate and Economic Equity continues to meet to develop a regional Green New Deal plan. Citizen Action Climate and Equity Director Rafael Smith and co-op members Ted Kraig and Janet Misener (check spelling of name) serve on the task force that was created by city and county government. Citizen Action co-op members continue to organize in support. To get involved contact Rafael Smith at rafael.smith@citizenactio 
Knock doors or make phone calls, 10am – 3pm
Have you ever wished you knew how to make your voice heard in government? Do you feel like politicians don’t really represent your best interests? Do you want to learn how to work with politicians to create the kind of change you want to see in the world? Citizen Action of Wisconsin is committed to giving you the tools to make you a better activist and restore your voice in our democracy!
“Coffee with your Co-op” is a great chance to meet fellow activists and co-op members, talk politics, learn about upcoming events, and talk about how we can mobilize our power! We do all this in an informal setting over coffee. “Coffee with your Co-op” events take place in La Crosse, Viroqua and across Southwest Wisconsin! Our next gathering will be in La Crosse on February 22nd at noon. We will be meeting at Java Vino on State rd.
Are you surrounded by Trump loving relatives? Are you frustrated watching the news and feel comforted by spending time with like minded people? Get caught up on the recent news and events at Citizen Action while visiting with fellow politicos. Grab a cup of joe and know you are among friends. Karen Kirsch will be hosting the Milwaukee area coffee group so stop and visit with her.
Have you ever faced unexpected healthcare bills? Have you ever skipped going to the doctor when you should have gone because of the cost? Have you ever lost your health insurance? Have you or a loved one ever skipped filling a prescription due to the high cost? Is your health insurance basically useless due to the high cost of copays or deductibles? Do you have loved ones who don’t have any health insurance? The story of your experience in the current American healthcare system has power to create real change!
We discuss the historic tentative agreement with the Milwaukee Bucks 1000 workers that will set new wage standards for the for the sector with Milwaukee Area Service and Hospitality Workers (MASH) president Peter Rickman. We announce Citizen Action’s endorsement of Ed Fallone and Jill Karofsky for state Supreme Court and Chris Larson for Milwaukee County Executive. The panel previews the Iowa Caucus and makes its predictions. We also discuss a new executive order from Gov. Evers establishing a public redistricting commission that will ban elected officials and lobbyists from participation. Finally we talk about Evers’ decision to delay implementing Scott Walker’s Medicaid work requirements, and his signing an executive order creating a student debt task force.
The Supreme Court gave women control over their own bodies and guaranteed the right to choose with its ruling on Roe v Wade on January 22 1973. Several Citizen Action of Wisconsin celebrated the anniversary by volunteering with Planned Parenthood in La Crosse. Members Lewis Kuhlman, Amy Dummer, Chris Haskell, and Wyatt Molling were on hand with Citizen Action of Wisconsin organizer Ben Wilson and Planned Parenthood Organizer Marie Lindberg for a day of action at Pearl Street Book to mark the anniversary. Members helped gather signatures and pledge cards, recruit future volunteers and promote safer sex. Over 100 signatures were collected and 7 new volunteers signed up to help with future events.
Representatives Chris Taylor and Christine Sinicki took part in a press conference with Citizen Action members Dr. Laurel Mark and Amy Washburn to call out all the progress in healthcare that passed us by in 2019. BadgerCare Expansion, RX Drug Reform, state level ACA protections are all within reach at the state level. These reforms would have the ability to transform people’s lives almost immediately, yet the Wisconsin State Republican’s continue to ignore the needs of the people. The co-op also brought a “storybook” of healthcare stories which feature individuals and their struggles with the current healthcare system. These are real people behind the statistics. We need to keep demanding that 2020 be a year of progress and to put partisan bickering aside for the health of Wisconsin.
NEW Bay View Community Center location
Participate in our endorsement process
Citizen Action of Wisconsin Driftless Co-op will be hosting monthly, informal coffee get-togethers throughout the year, called “Coffee with your Co-op.” These events will be a great chance to get to know fellow activists, talk about issues that matter, talk strategy for the year and grab coffee with amazing, passionate activists!
Citizen Action of Wisconsin is a member of two national networks that have endorsed candidates for President. People’s Action, 
We discuss Governor Evers’ State of the State speech. Claire and Robert tell us about the Families USA healthcare conference they are attending this week and we dive into a deeper discussion of Trump’s failure to deliver on lowering prescription drug prices. We talk about the 2 new open state Senate seats following the announced retirements of Democratic Senators, Dave Hansen and Mark Miller. We close with a discussion of the disappointing Wisconsin Association of School Boards’ rejection of the proposal to retire Native mascots in Wisconsin schools.
Listen Now – Episode #426
There were approximately 50 people in attendance and a lot of enthusiasm for both candidates.
Tuesday, January 14th President Trump visited Milwaukee and complained about energy efficient dishwashers and toilets. Meanwhile, four years into his Presidency we still do not have any meaningful reform around prescription drug prices.
The Citizen Action of Wisconsin Driftless region co-op was proud to co-sponsor a showing of the documentary “Dark Money” in Viroqua on January 15th. This eye opening documentary explored how the 2011 Supreme Court ruling “Citizen United” is eroding Democracy in Montana, Wisconsin and across the country.
An amazing crowd of 44 Citizen Action members and community activists joined us for this viewing. The group “Wisconsin United to Amend” was also on hand to give viewers hope and a game plan on how we can save our country. Citizen Action of Wisconsin members Pam Knudtson, Kent Galloway and Karen Dalh were on hand (along with former Republican State Senator Dale Schultz) to speak about the importance of returning political power in America to the people and away from corporations. Ending the influence of dark money is a major bipartisan concern that all Americans should care about.
Economic Equity work group for the Milwaukee City-County climate planning process met at the Citizen Action office this Thursday evening. It is chaired by Citizen Action staff member Rafael Smith and is part of a planning process to meet the UN climate targets in a way that dramatically improves racial equity in the region.
Citizen Action of Wisconsin is committed to making sure that your voice is heard in local, state and national politics. Please join Citizen Action of Wisconsin for an important training session on how to meet with elected leaders and make your voice heard on issues that matter to you! You can make a huge difference in what bills get passed just by meeting with local lawmakers. Join us for a day of training so that you can help pressure elected leaders to vote in support of expanding healthcare and fighting climate change.
Pledge to vote YES for MPS on Tuesday, April 7th because a referendum will provide the resources and support our students need to set them up for future success.
Canvass for Milwaukee Public Schools Referendum, Jan 18th, 10am – 1pm & Noon – 3pm from the MTEA office, 5130 W. Vliet.
Citizen Action of Wisconsin will be hosting monthly, informal coffee get-togethers throughout the year. These “Coffee with your Co-op” events will be a great chance to get to know fellow activists, talk about issues that matter, talk strategy for the year and grab coffee with amazing, passionate activists!
Several of our healthcare co-op members are leading and participating in a Medicare for All forum in Madison. This will be a very enlightening event as Physicians for a National Healthcare Program will be participating and speaking from a physicians point of view.
Following a discussion of the latest impeachment news, we discuss Trump’s visit to Milwaukee and his continued strength with white evangelicals, the Warren/Sanders dispute, and the latest developments in the vote purging scandal in Wisconsin. The panel closes with a discussion of the Assembly’s failure to override a Governor Evers veto of legislation to de-skill nursing home care. What does it mean and where do we go from here?
Supreme Court Candidates Interview with Citizen Action members and Board leader across the state this week.
candidate interviews and opinions of co-op members will be considered by Citizen Action’s Board to decide if the organization should endorse a candidate.
All Citizen Action co-op members are welcome to attend our candidate interview at Citizen Action’s Office, 221 S. 2nd St. #300, Milwaukee. Interviews will start promptly at 9am. Each interview will be about 25 minutes. Candidates include: Tom Barett, Lena Taylor, Tony Zeilinski, David Crowley, Bryan Kennedy, Chris Larson, Theo Lipscomb, and Jim Sullivan.
Coffee and Conversation with Breana Stanley, the Northwestern WI Co-op Organizer for Citizen Action WI. Come talk about what’s concerning you in our region, statewide, and nationally. What you want to work on, and anything else that you believe if necessary for Breana to know!
Citizen Action of Wisconsin will be hosting monthly, informal coffee get-togethers throughout the year. These “Coffee with your Co-op” events will be a great chance to get to know fellow activists, talk about issues that matter, talk strategy for the year and grab coffee with amazing, passionate activists!
“Dark Money” movie showing and discussion in Viroqua
Climate is not just “another” issue. It’s life or death for our children and grandchildren. Milwaukee City and County are getting serious about reducing our emissions. Join us on January 16 for the next forum in Citizen Action’s Green New Deal series.
Vote Yes for MPS coalition, which includes Citizen Action of Wisconsin, is kicking off our canvassing in support of the April referendum this Saturday, Jan 11th, 10am – 1pm & Noon – 3pm from the MTEA office, 5130 W. Vliet. Please join educators, students, parents, and community supporters as we talk to Milwaukee voters about Voting Yes for MPS on April 7th.
January 18th – 20th: People For the Power of Love is inviting members of the community to join them for a celebration inspired by the work of Martin Luther King Jr.
January 29th: Join members of the NC Organizing Co-op, partner organizations, allies and the general public for a People’s Forum. Members representing various groups will be asking questions based on the Citizen Action of WI Progressive Platform. There will also be an opportunity for other attendees to ask questions. Tricia Zunker will have from 6 to 7 pm, then she will leave, and Lawrence Dale will have from 7 to 8.
Recent Comments
Citizen Action of Wisconsin’s Memo re: COVID-19 to Governor Evers
Citizen Action of Wisconsin’s Memo re: COVID-19 to Governor Evers
News Clips
Health Care Value Survey Shows Wisconsinites Concerned About Affordability and Quality of Care: Provides both statewide and regional data
Wisconsin’s Caregiver Crisis