Citizen Action Weekly: Friday, March 12th
Friday, March 12th
There is still time to register for “How to have conversations with people who disagree with you” virtual training on Saturday, March 13th from 10AM-12PM.
Join Citizen Action of Wisconsin to learn “How to Have Conversations with People Who Don’t Agree With you” led by the Citizen Action of Wisconsin Field Team and Organizing Staff. After this training you will be ready to lobby Joint Finance Committee Members around our 2021-2022 State Budget Demands, talk with persuadable voters headed into the Spring Gen Election, and have those challenging conversations with friends and family at the dinner table.
Register Now!
ACT NOW: Support Gov. Evers Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board
In his state budget, Governor Evers has proposed creating a Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board. This board would evaluate drug prices for price gouging and excess price increases, increase transparency prescription drug pricing, and could even set some limits on how much people should have to pay for expensive drugs. You can help to make sure this board is created with just a few clicks!
We need the Legislature to know how much we care about prescription drug affordability so they keep the proposal in the budget!
Contact your local legislators in support of Gov. Evers’ budget proposal NOW!
Virtual Listening Sessions!
La Crosse residents are invited to a very special event! On Sunday March 21st at 6:00 PM Citizen Action of Wisconsin will be hosting a listening session with Citizen Action endorsed candidate Mitch Reynolds for Mayor. This will be your chance to let Mitch know what you think the biggest issues facing La Crosse are. What can Mitch do once elected to make La Crosse a more progressive and inclusive city?
Please join us March 21st at 6:00 PM to make your voice heard! RSVP NOW. We are looking forward to hearing from you on Sunday March 21st!
Driftless Voters, March 22nd you are invited to join your statewide, elected leaders for a virtual listening session. This will be your chance to ask questions about issues that matter to you such as healthcare, climate change, rural broadband, COVID, cannabis legalization, and so much more!
Sen. Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska), Rep. Jill Billings (D-La Crosse) and Rep. Steve Doyle (D-Onalaska) will share updates from the state capitol and welcome input from their constituents during the listening session, which be held via Zoom from 4:30 to 6 p.m. March 22.
Registration is required to attend this event. Individuals may RSVP by visiting https://bit.ly/3rmFnPZ. Pfaff’s office will distribute the link to the listening session via email on March 22. Participants are asked to submit their questions in the space provided on the Google form.
If you would like to speak with your representatives but are not able to attend this session, or you wish to have a more personal meeting, that is OK. Citizen Action of Wisconsin will be scheduling virtual lobby visits in the coming days and weeks to help promote Governor Evers 2021-2022 state budget. Keep an eye open for calls to action in the near future!
Earlier this week, Wisconsin Republicans and Radical Right-Wing groups resurfaced baseless accusations with revisiting a failed court case involving an election they have already lost. Republicans and their allies have been trying to sow doubts about the outcome of the election for months. Our election officials have counted and verified these votes applying the laws, customs, and safeguards used in every election.
Stand with us in support of our Democracy and the people who make it possible. Please sign the following open letter to the state legislators. >> http://bit.ly/38r51vw
We are proud of Mayor Eric Genrich, the over 700 poll workers, the National Guard, and the City staff for running a robust and transparent election in November that resulted in a historic 84% turnout. We fully support Mayor Eric Genrich’s leadership and look forward to future elections running as smoothly as the one held in November.
Get to know our endorsed candidates and stay up to date with volunteer opportunities!
Citizen Action of Wisconsin proudly endorses Annie Baumann for La Crosse School Board!
I’m Annie Baumann. I’m a mom to three kids, two who attend elementary school in the district and one who just turned three. I worked for several years as an academic librarian teaching students and supporting faculty, most recently at Viterbo University.
I’m running for a spot on the La Crosse School Board because I believe in the transformative power of a high quality public school education, and I am committed to making sure ALL kids get the excellent education they deserve.
We all know that the pandemic has been a stress on our kids, on our community, and on our public school system, but there are amazing opportunities NOW and in the years to come if we have the courage to act on important issues.
Our public schools are an investment our community makes in our children. For my children and for all the children in the community, I am committed to strengthening our community’s most vital resource – our public schools – so that EVERY child can get the education they deserve.
If you believe that EVERY kid deserves a top notch public school education, LIKE and FOLLOW my Facebook page, SHARE with three friends why you are supporting my campaign, and help spread the word by posting a FREE YARD SIGN at your home.
I want to hear from YOU. Let me know what public school issues matter the most to you!
Follow Annie’s Facebook campaign page!
NEWI Co-op Endorsed Candidate Volunteer Opportunities!
Now is the time to support and elect our next class of working-class champions. In order for every single community in Wisconsin to thrive, progressive leaders are needed to drive legislation and conversation at all levels of government.
We need you to volunteer and support our Citizen Action Endorsed Candidates!
Karl Jager, State Assembly District 89 Special Election: No Contact Lit Drops this weekend (March 13th & 14th). Sign-up Here! Make sure to put “Lit Drop” in the other section of the link.
Michael Beardsley, Oshkosh City Council: No Contact Lit Drop this Saturday, March 13th in Oshkosh. Visit his Facebook event for more details!
Ryan Sorenson, Mayor of Sheboygan: Volunteer with Ryan by signing up here! You can also register for his phonebank by completing the form here.
Stay tuned to learn how you can support our other endorsed candidates:
Jonathon Hansen De Pere City Council District 2
Misty Gedlinske Fond du Lac City Council
Susan Jones Fond du Lac School Board
Join the Healthcare Co-op for Spring Election Work
We are helping CAW member and candidate for School Board, Leigh Schreiber Johnson in her run for Oak Creek School board. She only needs 3 more people this coming weekend to do a NO CONTACT lit drop. I will give you an advance hint that because Oak Creek is so spread out, it is more efficient to recruit a driver/navigator and have one person jump out of the car to drop the lit. It is really easy and a nice way to get outside but be productive. You can contact her here.
Support La Crosse endorsed candidates TOMORROW
Join Our Wisconsin Revolution on Saturday March 13th at 1:00 PM in La Crosse for a campaign event to help support progressive candidates endorsed by Citizen Action of Wisconsin AND Our Wisconsin Revolution. This will be a COVID safe, NO CONTACT day of dropping lit on voter’s doors.
We will be meeting at 1:00 PM at the South Branch Library. Contact [email protected] for more information. RSVP at https://fb.me/e/14kMhuzkE. This event does not conflict with our event: How to Have Conversations with People Who Don’t Agree With You happening from 10 AM- 12 PM, you will be able to attend both events!
North Central Organizing Co-op Endorsed Candidates and Volunteer Opportunities
Citizen Action of Wisconsin has endorsed Rick Cveykus for Wisconsin Court of Appeals – District III. Rick has spent his professional life helping others, and he truly cares about all of us. District III covers the northern 36 counties of Wisconsin. Here’s a summary from Rick:
“I am running because I think it is central that we have judges that are steady, studied, and take politics out of the courtroom. By steady I mean they must treat every single litigant with respect and common decency. These arguments are about people’s liberty and livelihood. We need a Judge that understands the law and knows how to apply it to the facts in front of them. Most importantly, we need Judges that take politics out of the Courtroom. I shouldn’t be able to guess which way a judge will come down based upon who gave them their last campaign contribution. A decision should only be made based on who presents the best legal argument every single time. My philosophy is simple – follow the law and the constitution, respect precedent, and when necessary, use smart, common-sense go judgment to ensure a legal and fair result under the law. Don’t try to achieve an agenda, like all the big-money contributors want them to do, but instead, just be a good Wisconsin judge.”
You can learn more about Rick Cveykus here. Learn about some volunteer opportunities here.
Citizen Action of Wisconsin has endorsed Nic Bisgrove for Wausau School Board
Nic is a proud father, whose life revolves around his children and doing what’s best for them. He has worked in financial services, management, and for/with community organizations, and these experiences help to make him a good fit for the Wausau School Board. Here is a brief statement from Nic about his desire to serve:
“I know that I’m not going to agree with everyone 100% of the time, and that’s OK. I will be the voice that brings people together. To get things done in the best interest of the students, teachers and community. I can’t change what has already happened. However, like my motto “Learn from the past. Act for the future” I hope to be the positive change that we need going forward.” You can learn more about Nic here. If you would like to volunteer doing lit drops or other possible ways, check out this event.
Citizen Action of Wisconsin has endorsed Kay Gruling for Wausau School Board
Education is essential to a child’s well-being and development. Therefore, it is important that school board members have the skills and qualities to support the school administration, educators, support staff, and students to ensure success for all. Kay Gruling has a strong background in education in a variety of settings, has had significant involvement in the Wausau School District for over two decades (including two children who graduated from Wausau West), and has participated in substantial engagement in our community for 33 years.
Kay has experience working with a team and in a business setting. She has medical expertise and problem-solving abilities as a family physician provided her with the skills, qualifications, and background necessary to be an effective board member. She is passionate about education, our community, and our Kids! She has the skills and qualifications to make a difference.
Kay for Kids! If you would like to do lit drops for the campaign, or seek other opportunities to help the campaign, join the Spring canvass that has been organized by the Marathon County Democratic Party. Learn more about these Spring canvasses here.
Citizen Action of Wisconsin has endorsed Tricia Zunker for School Board
Tricia Zunker was born and raised in the Wausau area. Her legal background, and over a decade of experience being a law professor, have taught her what it’s like to be in a classroom as an educator. Her childhood, and the fact that she currently has a child in the Wausau School District, gives her first-hand experience as to what issues the district is facing, and how to work with the school board and community stakeholders to resolve those issues. Tricia’s accomplishments are many, and we are very grateful that she has stepped up to seek re-election to the Wausau Board of Education. To learn more about Tricia or to see about how you can help, go here. Here is a link to the Spring Canvass where you can volunteer for this, and other campaigns in Marathon County/Wausau.
Citizen Action of Wisconsin has endorsed Joel Knutson for Town of Crescent Chairperson
Joel is new to the political scene as a candidate, but he has been very active in his community for a long time. He volunteers his time for a variety of positive organizations in the area. He has always been dedicated to the work of Citizen Action of Wisconsin, so we were excited to learn that he had stepped up to run to serve on his Town Board. You can learn more about Joel here, and reach out to him personally to see if there is a way for you to help his campaign.
Citizen Action of Wisconsin has endorsed Nate Fiene for Weston Village Board
Nate Fiene is running for re-election to the Weston Village Board. Here is a statement from Nate on his desire to continue serving: “Weston is my home and I love it dearly. I come from a law enforcement and educator family. The values of honor, integrity, honesty, hard work, and fairness have been instilled in me from an early age and I live them every day. Now, more than ever, we need these values at the table of local government. I am a man of faith, and in my faith, the scripture tells us that God is a god of mercy and justice; it further quotes Christ that whatever we to do the least of us we do to Him. Building a Weston that expands justice, tolerance, and practices servant-based leadership is what I believe is needed to be even greater than it is today. Our infrastructure is crumbling and will be rebuilt. We are in the process of doing that now. Our police force is among the best in the State, yet I still voted to purchase and equip body cameras. Local government belongs to the People and so I held Open Door Meetings until covid hit and will do so again. The good of the people is the highest law. I seek that in my hometown, day in and day out. I am exceedingly humbled by Citizen Action’s endorsement.”
You can learn more about Nate, or contact the campaign here. This is the best way to find volunteer opportunities as well.
Citizen Action of Wisconsin has endorsed Chrysa Ostenso for Ladysmith School Board
Chrysa is seeking re-election to the Ladysmith School Board. She is a founding member of the Citizen Action of WI North Central Organizing Co-op and has served on their Steering Committee for 4 years! She lives in one of the more rural communities and counties within our Co-op region. She and her husband run a business in Ladysmith, and do great work in their community. Chrysa cares deeply about our public schools and working to make them a great place for kids to learn and for professionals to work. You can learn more about Chrysa here, and reach out to her personally to see about how you could help with the campaign
Citizen Action’s Executive Director Robert Kraig was on the Jeff Santos radio show for 60 minutes to discuss the passage of Biden’s bold COVID relief plan, and the prospects for New Deal-level reform in the next stage. Listen here.
Battleground Wisconsin Podcast: Biden Just Made it Harder for GOP to Turn Down BadgerCare Expansion
This week we discuss the historic passage of the American Rescue Plan, universal GOP opposition, and its implications in Wisconsin. In addition to the massive aid it provides to working people, the new law puts an extra $1.6 billion dollars on the table if Wisconsin finally passes BadgerCare Expansion. Will Legislative Republicans still stand in the way? After reviewing major new agenda items that are moving in the next stage of Biden’s reform agenda such as labor law reform, voting rights, and a massive green infrastructure plan, we have an exclusive interview with Wausau Mayor (and Citizen Action member) Katie Rosenberg on the city’s exciting new guaranteed income pilot program.
Weekly reminder to complete your plan to vote!
Request your absentee ballot today!
Make your plan to vote by Tuesday, April 6th.
