2015-16 Legislative Session

By Jeff Simpson

The end of the session as seen by Rep Gordon Hintz:

“It should come as no surprise that Republicans have decided to adjourn this legislative session earlier than any other since 1970.  With Wisconsin’s fiscal picture rapidly deteriorating and the public still furious over their ruthless and unnecessary slash-and-burn budget, I understand why the majority is eager to do the walk of shame back to their districts.

“Unfortunately, my colleagues’ decision to take the rest of the year off won’t stop Wisconsin’s problems from multiplying.  As one of their own leaders, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, has predicted, the next budget is not looking good, and it’s easy to see why.  Massive tax cuts that disproportionately benefit the wealthy and are in no way tied to job growth have done nothing to improve Wisconsin’s economic outlook, and have increasingly put the state’s fiscal affairs in disarray.  The resulting budget hole then gave them a convenient excuse to take a hatchet to our public school classrooms and UW System.  Does anyone really believe these kinds of decisions lead to a healthier state or budget?

“My colleagues are about to have a lot of time off.  I hope they use some of it to consider that question.”

1)      The Action is Inaction: According to the Wisconsin Blue Book, February 18 is the earliest end date to a legislative session since 1970.

2)      State Finances are Unstable

·         Budget Gimmicks: Last Spring, Republicans balanced a $132 million shortfall in the 2013-2015 budget by delaying a $108 million debt payment and raiding $98 million from compensation reserves.

·         Shrinking Wiggle Room: The budget’s projected ending net general fund balance of $70.2 million is the lowest in 5 years.

·         Spending More Than You Have: The Republican budget is projected to spend $148.8 million more in 2016-17 than the state will bring in.

·         “Starving the Beast”: The next budget already starts with at least a $130 million less in revenue than the current budget.   This is because of reckless tax policy decisions made in the previous three budgets where the fiscal impact was intentionally delayed until the 2017-19 budget.

·         Taxpayers are Subsidizing Voucher Students: The state will pay $258 million in the 2016-17 school year to voucher schools and $600 to $800 million could be diverted from public schools over the next ten years.

3)      Transportation Funding Failure

Governor Walker and Republicans put off addressing Wisconsin’s transportation funding crisis for the fifth straight year, relying instead on increased borrowing. Under Republican leadership, Wisconsin is now paying the highest amount of transportation debt service ever. The percentage of transportation revenue going to pay this debt service has nearly doubled since Governor Walker and the Republicans took control of the state. And debt payments are now growing faster than transportation revenue itself.

4)      The Worst Economy in the Midwest

The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released new quarterly jobs data showing Wisconsin now ranks 37th in private-sector job growth (8th out of 10 in the Midwest) over the past year covering June 2014 to June 2015. Wisconsin’s job growth rate over that span is nearly half the national rate. The numbers also show that Wisconsin is 32nd (dead last in the Midwest) in private-sector job growth over the past four years covering June 2011 to June 2015. And last week, the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank announced that Wisconsin is one of only seven states that likely has a shrinking economy in spite of the growing national economy. This news is made worse by the fact that Wisconsin is one of the only states in that group that cannot attribute its sluggish performance to historically low oil prices.

 

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 Contact: Rep. Hintz                                                                                                                                         

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The Pope Unmasks Political Leaders

By Jeff Simpson 

We all know the Pope was in Washington DC yesterday.  

The start of a very interesting visit from a Great Man.   It even got started as cool as possible, when the Pope, who left his Popemobile at home and arrived in a Fiat.

Quite possibly though, the coolest thing the Pope did yesterday was snub a bipartisan coalition of politicians.

We now know why the United States Congress absolutely did not want Pope Francis to come to America. He makes them look like the complete as*holes they are. Obviously, Congress thought Pope Francis would be honored to dine with them, and all their pomp and prestige. They were wrong.

Pope Francis says he didn’t have the time because he already had a date eating with the homeless. In fact, he is not only going to be eating with them, but serving them. The meal will take place at St. Patrick’s Church in Washington, D.C.

Rather than try to write some great prose about this situation, Ring of Fire will simply quote Eric March from the website Upworthy, because he nailed it:

Unlike some of his predecessors, Francis has reminded journalists and world leaders time and time again that the church is for the poor, blasted the global financial system which causes so much poverty in the first place, and called on Catholics across the globe to take action and start lifting up the most vulnerable among them.

He’s also spoken out forcefully against economic inequality.

Including some of the worst, most exploitative labor practices in the world, which create conditions that allow hardship and desperation to thrive.

Blowing off John Boehner and Nancy Pelosi to serve the homeless is pretty much the kind of badassery we’ve come to expect from this pope when it comes to speaking up for the world’s most hard-up.

One noticeable thing that seems to have gotten lost in the shuffle is that none of the politicians offered to join Pope Francis and help serve the homeless.   Apparently helping them become homeless is all our politicians can handle.  

Luckily, we at CogDis were able to check the calendars and realize why the leaders in Congress were too busy to join the Pope yesterday for lunch.

*  Nancy Pelosi was to busy trying to get the Trans Pacific Partnership fast tracked.  
*  Harry Reid had to work on making sure we do not raise the minimum wage.
*  John Boehner was going to spend the day trying to figure out how to end the peace treaty with Iran.
*  Mitch McConnell was too embarrassed since he has blocked to many jobs bills and helped add to our homeless veteran problem throughout his career.  

* Bonus Calendar Check:  Wisconsin's own Super Catholic, Paul Ryan would have been there to help but he is not running for Vice President anymore and he is way too busy planning his anti poverty conference to worry about the homeless.  

I imagine the conversation going like this:

McConell;  Your Holiness would you like us to take you to lunch?  We have an expense account. 
Boehner:  As long as you don'd mind if I smoke.
Pope Francis:   Sorry I have plans to head to the church and feed the homeless. We could use some help.  
Pelosi:  Yea, ummm, well, ummm, I have to wash my hair.
Reid;  O sorry I have to take this call(exits left). 
Boehner/McConell:  Dont look at us.  

The Tennessee Tax Cut

By Jeff Simpson

We brought you the story of who was truly carrying water for Scott Walker, the elected Democrats.  Then we also showed you how easy it was to take an issue that Scott Walker loses in and turn it into an easily understandable story about gumballs.

Now we find out that while we get to share a gumball weekly, our friends in Tennesee get a whole Gumball truckload thanks to Scott Walker and Democrats who gave him cover!


While most Wisconsin taxpayers will see a cut of pennies to a whopping $13.00 this year, all while burdening the Wisconsin Taxpayers with more future debt and a larger structural deficit.

The best part though is whole Scott Walker is giving you an $.08 pay cut this year, he is giving his friends in Tennessee $18,000.

 And CBL Properties of Chattanooga, Tenn., owner of East Towne and West Towne malls, will enjoy an $18,000 savings. Each mall is assessed for about $81 million, according to city tax records, with the owners paying almost $4 million total in property taxes last year.

Nothing says "create" jobs in WI, like sending an $18,000 check to TN.  I wonder how much the rent at East Towne and West Town will come down now?  Or what kind of sale the stores will run to help spark the economy because of this "tax cut"?

Or will CBL properties just add it into their bottom line and bonus the CEO because of improved profitability?  

The Latest Polls

By Jeff Simpson

There has been much written about the latest Public Policy Polls, from the Democratic party sending out a press release telling us its ok we do not have a candidate yet because people do not like Scott Walker:

The latest poll from Public Policy Polling confirms what we’ve all known for months -- Scott Walker is crumbling under the weight of his own failure.

Without even an announced challenger, Walker’s approval rating has fallen into the Net Unfavorable category. It’s the clearest evidence to date: Scott Walker is imminently beatable.

This race is ours for the taking. We can win Wisconsin back, restore our progressive legacy, and bring back good, clean government that works for the people, not corporate special interests.

 Then Wisconsin reporter sent their spin machine into high gear, who already have Scott Walker penciled in as Governor for life:

MADISON – Candidate Walker is looking pretty good in 2014, according to the latest numbers from a liberal-leaning polling firm.
Public Policy Polling calls its new polling data a “mixed bag” for Gov. Scott Walker, but the Republican incumbent leads every Democratic challenger in next year’s race for governor. Here’s the score, according to PPP:
Walker is up 47 percent to 43 percent in a hypothetical head-to-head against Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca of Kenosha. The governor leads former Trek executive Mary Burke of Madison 48 percent to 42 percent. And he’s up by 7 percentage points on state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout of Alma. Walker outpaces Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson 47 percent to 40 percent.

Two different party organizations and two different versions.  Now here is mine:

I recently wrote a column about the lack of hearing any candidate for Governor in WI stake out a position.  Just something, anything to get behind.    Yet in WI we have received nothing from the Democratic party.   

SO, the PPP showed us that while the party is quiet the people are speaking:

1. People are not impressed with Scott Walker :
Do you approve or disapprove of Governor
Scott Walker’s job performance?
48%
Approve
..........................................................
49%
Disapprove
......................................................
2%
Not sure
..........................................................

However the one question/answer that was THE most telling was this one:

Would you describe yourself as very liberal,

somewhat liberal, moderate, somewhat

conservative, or ve

ry conservative?

11% -  Very liberal

......................................................

17%-  Somewhat liberal

............................................

32%-  Moderate

.........................................................

25% - Somewhat conservative

..................................

15% - Very Conservative:

 Only 15% of the state considers themselves "Very Conservative".  We have the most far right , Legislatureand Governor in the history of WI, and yet they are truly appealing to a max of 15%.   This far right, divide and conquer, over the top republican party is truly appealing to a solid 15% of Wisconsinites, while ignoring the other 85%.  

 

 For those of you doing the math at home, that leaves 85% with the right candidate to reach.  That leaves over 8 in 10 Wisconsinites willing to listen to reason.  8 in 10 Wisconsinites willing to be reasoned with, worked with and brought together.     

The question we must ask,now is, "Is the Democratic party willing and ready to speak to them?" 

 

 

 

This is A Democrat!

On this blog you will never find us say all democrats are good, we have pointed out the flaws of many in the Democratic party,(even if it doesn't happen to the extreme or regularity of the republican party).

However I especially like to point out quality politicians since they are so rare.

This is what the Founders had in mind when they set up our Constitutionally Limited Democratic Republic(what is going on on Michigan is exactly what they fought against):

At least not all Michigan republicans are insane and anti-democratic, I wonder if there are any elected members of the republican minority, in our state that would have that kind of courage! 

The way right to work works against public education, I highly doubt it! 

The Future of the Parties!

This was told to me last night by Mike Mikalsen: 

"Zerban lost. He was a classic liberal. Ryan is the Future." Mike Mikalsen

Let's take a look at that.  

Yes Rob Zerban lost,

However what he accomplished is amazing.  Keep up the fight Rob, proud to stand with you!

Rob Zerban was a classic liberal:      Yes he is:

 Rob learned early how to make the most of his life, and how government can be a partner in creating the American Dream. Rob was raised in a single-parent household where his mother worked outside of the home to keep a roof over his head. Growing up, he ate government cheese and received free milk at school.

With the help of Pell Grants and Stafford Loans, Rob attended the Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park, New York, a prestigious culinary school where he was trained as a chef and learned restaurant business management.

After several years of direct service and managerial experience, he went on to create two small businesses. He employed 45 people and made sure they had family sustaining wages, excellent benefits, and the best healthcare. He understood that taking care of his employees and never taking for granted their hard work helped his companies thrive.

After selling his last business in 2008, Rob dedicated his life to public service. He volunteered to go door-to-door, educating the public about preserving the wonderful natural resource that is the Great Lakes. He served on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters because part of what makes this nation great is our rich and beautiful land. Rob was also elected to and completed two terms as a Kenosha County Board Supervisor, gaining valuable experience in solving problems for the community.

Rob is a job creator, an innovator, and a pragmatist. He understands that he was able to succeed because government was there for him and his family when he needed it. And now he is committed to protecting and building programs so future generations can continue to achieve and live the American Dream.

 Ryan is the Future.       Paul Ryan is the future of the republican party?!?!? 
  
An unapproachable career politician who has never worked in the private sector. A shielded corporate shrill who has long ago sold out to Wall St. and cares more about the state of his own bank account, then the state of the country!   Ryan has proven he not only is terrible in a setting that he does not control but even worse at telling the truth.   

Yes, Paul Ryan is the future of the republican party and Rob Zerban is a typical liberal.   I know what side I am proud to be on, how about you.   


 
 
 

25 Post Election Thoughts!

#1 First and Foremost - Mike Tate has to go, today is NOT soon enough.  In a night of a pretty successful national democratic national night, and one where we delivered two national victories, we once again took a statewide beating. 

I get that the republicans have a huge funding advantage, but we have a strong committed membership and some great candidates.   I get that the republicans were so unethical in the redistricting process(but not sure the rest of the electorate does - hint hint), but still if we can not beat such people as Andres Jacque or Robin Vos then there is a problem. 

We can not as a state afford to keep losing, and Tate's record speaks for itself.  It is time for a change in leadership.

2.  The biggest loser of the night was Public Education in Wisconsin.

3.  Democrats need better messaging, its plain and simple.  What do the republicans truly stand for?  Who knows?  It is no coincidence that the republicans started winning more elections when they hired Frank Luntz.  

4.  Can we as a democratic party please stand up for Collective Bargaining rights?   When no democrat mentioned restoring collective bargaining rights as a major issue, that put us behind the eight ball.  When having a discussion about this with a solid democrat who I respect immensely, she asked me what I would call someone who obviously supports collective bargaining rights, but does not push them as a major issue because it should be assumed.

My answer to that was (and is) I would call them the minority party.  

5.  It is time for the elected representative to become leaders. Have a plan of attack and draw a line.  Pick some issues that they all stand behind, and stand like a rock.   Sometimes, it appears, that some of the democrats in the "safe seats" are very comfortable in the minority. 

6.  I would personally like to thank Paul Ryan for helping deliver Wisconsin to President Obama.  I would also like to thank Rob Zerban for running a great campaign and putting himself out there.   He pulled a very large percentage of the votes considering that Ryan spent $4 million dollars with silly ads and redistricted to make his district much more friendly.   FYI to the democratic party, Ryan is beatable.  There is a reason Ryan ducked debates and hid from his district.    

7.  Paul Ryan 2016??  Please God! 

8. Once upon a time, Morals and Ethics mattered.  Once upon a time, the Republican party ran as the party of values.  

 The republican voters of Racine showed us that this is all a distant memory, by re-electing Robin Vos.

9.  Be prepared for the next fight - Wisconsin becoming a forced-to-work-for-less state.  Its coming.  

10.   I do respect the service that Tommy Thompson has given to Wisconsin.  However he ran such a bad campaign and has taken such a hard right turn to win the primary that he deserved to lose.  Not only did he deserve to lose, but he deserved to lose to an openly gay woman!   

11.  Anti Gay Marriage amendments lost all over the country, we were a couple years to early in putting ours to a vote(still a black mark on Wisconsin).   In the next election cycle, can we have a referendum declaring Julainne Appling illegal?  

12.  What does Mitt do, since he planned his whole life to be president, now that the country has rejected him twice?   Hint:  See Todd Marinovich.

13.  It was great to see democratic women(statewide and nationally) make a huge inroads.  

14.  Every republican who shared their crazy views on abortion, was punished for it at the ballot box.  All except 1 - Paul Ryan! That is why many republicans will not discuss their views on abortion.  

15.  Education won in many districts, in terms of passing referendums throughout the state to increase funding, yet we keep electing anti education representatives.   It should not be that hard for the democrats to make that connection and put that message out.

16.   I am very proud to have voted for President Obama twice.   Everyone on my ballot, who I voted for, won!

17.  Everyone on the left needs to accept that money makes a huge difference in politics and work from there.  It is important to work to change that, but its even more important to embrace it!

18.  We need to find a way that incumbents are not automatically elected.  People say they hat career politicians, yet continually vote for the same person over and over.

19.  Shame on the Fox valley for not re-electing Jessica King.   Jessica is a true American success story and someone who "raised herself up by the bootstraps" and is a true public servant!   She is what America is all about!   I hope she runs again!

20   My son had a "mock election" in his school.   President Obama won handily and Tommy Thompson also won.   It seems the kids did not like tammy because she said the D-word.  My son tried to make the case how that was ridiculous reason to vote against her, to no avail.   It shows that the same ads that appeal to the republican base are also making a difference in the perception of 2nd - 4th graders.     Must be on the same intellectual level. 

21.   I used to make fun of the "tea party" but now I realize how important they are to the democratic party!   They helped deliver numerous seats to the democrats!   So Thank you and please stay around! 

22. Mitt Romney & Paul Ryan, both lost every ward, state, etc.... voting area where they originate from.   Romney lost Michigan & Massachusetts, and lost.  Paul Ryan lost not only Wisconsin, but also Rock County and his home ward!

What does that say about you, when the people who know you the best, solidly reject you:???

23.  Congrats to Heidi Heitkamp, Chris Murphy, Elizabeth Warren, Jon Tester, Sherrod Brown, Bernie Sanders. Claire McCaskill and Tim Kaine on your solid wins!

24.  Let's hope the blatant racism that the national republicans and Reince Priebus ran on will never happen again! 

25.   Capper delivered the perfect line summing up last night! 

 Enjoy the victory for a few days. You've earned it. Then come back and we'll get back to work. We helped save the country, now we gotta save the state.

The work now has to come, not fighting the republican party, but in changing the party from within!

On to the next election!  

Your thoughts???

VOTE ANDY JORGENSEN!

Due to redistricting, which was done unethically and in complete secrecy, and is now costing Wisconsin taxpayers close to $2,000,000 that could have been used elsewhere, Assemblyman Andy Jorgensen's district was massively changed.   He now is running for the 43rd Assembly district! 

His opponent Evan Wynn, thinks that it was perfectly acceptable for a sitting legislator to sign secrecy agreements to keep all information away from the general public and his constituents.   Not only that, it appears secrecy from his constituents(unless your giving him money) is how he lives his life.  He recently held a fundraiser, with Scott Walker, where the press and cameras were not allowed   While Wynn believes in complete privacy for himself, he also believes your health is his decision!  Even going so far as to seek and get the endorsement of the extremist hate group - Wisconsin Family Action Pac.

Contrast that with Andy Jorgensen, who lives by the motto- those who have nothing to hide, hide nothing.  Has also had fundraisers, open to everyone, including the press!  Jorgensen has also made job creation his priority, authoring sponsoring and/or pushing over 40 jobs bills in the last assembly session that Evan Wynn and his cohorts outright rejected. 

Get in touch and learn more about Andy Jorgensen on his website, his facebook page or on twitter - @repjorgensen! 

Let's make sure and send a message to Mr. Wynn that our government is not meant to be a secret boy's club.

Support and Vote for honesty, hard work and integrity in Andy Jorgensen for the 43rd District!!!