…and related events (Last updated: Thursday, June 2nd)
Madison • Thursday, June 2nd, 7:00 p.m. o State Capitol, State Street entrance. Candlelight Vigil, Faith leaders and scores of Wisconsinites joined together, holding candles to protest bad choices by Governor Walker • Starting Saturday, June 5th, 7pm Walkerville - a 'city' of tents around the Capitol square calling attention to the devastating state budget cuts to education, health care and other programs benefiting Wisconsin's working families.
Saturday June 4 – Tent city opens • 7:00 p.m. tent city opens • 7:30 p.m. Briefing on Tent city • 7:30-9:00 open mike event (why I am here) Sunday June 5 - K12 Education • 3-5 Press Kick off of Tent City with communal meal • 9:00 p.m. movie Freedom Riders Monday June 6- Public Services • 12:00 pm march to the Capitol • 12:00 pm and 7pm, Program
Tuesday June 7 – Healthcare • 12:00pm and 7pm, Program 1:00 pm Press conference at the Capitol on immigration Wednesday June 8- Higher Ed • 12:00pm and 7pm, Program
Thursday June 9- Democracy/Corporate Power • 12:00pm and 7pm, Program
• 9:00 pm Screening of Too big to Fail with speaker Friday June 10 – Anything Goes Friday • 12:00pm and 7pm, Program
Saturday June 11 – Social & Economic Justice • 12:00pm and 7pm, Program
Milwaukee Area • Saturday, June 4, 11 am, Our Kids Count! Civil Right March and Rally to Support Public Education. 11:00 am gather at MacDowell Montessori (17th & Highland), March across the 16th Street Bridge (James E. Groppi Unity Bridge), Rally outside Forest Home Elementary School (15th & Forest Home) • Sunday, June 5th, 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm, Open Forum on the State Budget. Sponsored by Sarah Chudnow Community, 10995 N. Market, Mequon Guest Speaker: Jack Norman, Research Director, Institute for Wisconsin’s Future. Contact: Bridge Moen. (262) 478-1514 • Sunday, June 5th, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., Informational meeting on impact of state budget on schools and children. West Allis West Milwaukee School Administration Building, 1205 S. 70th Street, West Allis • Tuesday, June 7th, 6:30 – 9:30pm, Northshore Community Perspectives on the WI Budget Forum, Whitefish Bay High School, 1200 E. Fairmount Ave. Panel of speakers will discuss the future of our community's schools and local government services. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=231872940161242 • Wednesday, June 8th, 5:30 – 8:00pm, Meeting and training to fight Gov. Walker’s cuts to childcare. John Cudahy YMCA, 9050 N. Swan Rd., Milwaukee. Come get information about the cuts and learn how you can fight for your economic security. Don’t let Walker make you choose between your children and your job. Contact: Jenifer Epps (414) 213-7574 or Dana Schultz (414) 274-0925
Ripon • Thursday, June 2nd, 6:00 p.m. o Stop Walker's Budget Community Meeting, Ripon Public Library, 120 Jefferson St. • Satursday, June 4th, 11 am. o Rally to Save Our Schools, Ceresco Park (At the intersection of Park St. and Union St.), Sponsored by ACCESS, We Are South Central Wisconsin, and We Are Wisconsin.
Manitowoc • Saturday, June 11th, 9:30 am, Walkers Against Walker Rally and March, Meet in the park adjacent to the Farmer’s Market in downtown Manitowoc, on the corner of 8th street and Quay Streets, just south of the bridge. The march will begin and end there. Please register by calling Jena at (920) 905-5446, email at jena.kortens@comcast.net.
Eau Claire • Thursday, June 2nd, 2pm.,
o Wisconsin Values Budget media event, Center for Independent Living, 202 Eau Claire St., Suite 102, Eau Claire. For more details on Wisconsin Values Budget: http://citizenactionwi.org/healthcare/alt-budget-2011.html
LaCrosse • Thursday, June 2nd, 11 am.
o Wisconsin Values Budget media event, Independent Living Resources, 4439 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse. For more details on Wisconsin Values Budget: http://citizenactionwi.org/healthcare/alt-budget-2011.html
...and related events (Last updated: Tuesday, May 31st)
Madison • Friday June 24th, noon-4pm o Take Back America, Capitol steps. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=208732225817216 • Ongoing, daily, 10am - 9pm o Data for Democracy. Tens of thousands of Wisconsinites have signed up to stand up with their brothers and sisters to fight back against the agenda of Scott Walker. We need your help converting these sign-ups on paper into a database for mobilization and activation. 211 S Paterson Street Suite 350, Sign up here: http://tinyurl.com/Data-for-Democracy
Milwaukee Area (Jenissee Volpintesta, 262-364-6751 and Peter Drummond, 414-333-1606)
• Wednesday, June 1st, 7pm, Labor and Community Town Hall Meeting, guest speaker: WI State Rep Sandy Pasch, Serb Hall - 5101 W. Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=113135045436786 • Saturday, June 4, 11 am, Our Kids Count! Civil Right March and Rally to Support Public Education. 11:00 am gather at MacDowell Montessori (17th & Highland), March across the 16th Street Bridge (James E. Groppi Unity Bridge), Rally outside Forest Home Elementary School (15th & Forest Home) • Sunday, June 5th, 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm, Open Forum on the State Budget. Sponsored by Sarah Chudnow Community, 10995 N. Market, Mequon Guest Speaker: Jack Norman, Research Director, Institute for Wisconsin’s Future. Contact: Bridge Moen. (262) 478-1514 • Tuesday, June 7th, 6:30 – 9:30pm, Northshore Community Perspectives on the WI Budget Forum, Whitefish Bay High School, 1200 E. Fairmount Ave. Panel of speakers will discuss the future of our community's schools and local government services. http://www.northshorecitizensgroup.blogspot.com/ • Wednesday, June 8th, 5:30 – 8:00pm, Meeting and training to fight Gov. Walker’s cuts to childcare. John Cudahy YMCA, 9050 N. Swan Rd., Milwaukee. Come get information about the cuts and learn how you can fight for your economic security. Don’t let Walker make you choose between your children and your job. Contact: Jenifer Epps (414) 213-7574 or Dana Schultz (414) 274-0925 http://www.9to5.org/local/milwaukee/ourwork/events/is-wisconsin-open-for-working-moms
9th Senate District -Sheboygan and Manitowoc • Saturday, June 11th, 9:30 am • Walkers Against Walker Rally and March, Meet in the park adjacent to the Farmer’s Market in downtown Manitowoc, on the corner of 8th street and Quay Streets, just south of the bridge. The march will begin and end there. Please register by calling Jena at (920) 905-5446, email at jena.kortens@comcast.net.
23rd and 31st Senate District – Eau Claire • Thursday, June 2nd, 2pm., Wisconsin Values Budget media event, Center for Independent Living, 202 Eau Claire St., Suite 102, Eau Claire. For more details on Wisconsin Values Budget: http://citizenactionwi.org/healthcare/alt-budget-2011.html
32nd Senate District – LaCrosse • Thursday, June 2nd, 11 am., Wisconsin Values Budget media event, Independent Living Resources, 4439 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse. For more details on Wisconsin Values Budget: http://citizenactionwi.org/healthcare/alt-budget-2011.html
Out-of-District volunteers: Madison, Milwaukee, and other out-state volunteers interested in doing a road-trip this weekend to help with canvasses can sign up to do so here: http://bit.ly/wearewisconsinvolunteer
Locations Canvass Activities and Trainings SD 10 Hudson, WI 901 4th Street Suite 101 Sat @ 10:00 AM; Sat @ 2:00 PM; Sun @ 12:00 PM
River Falls, WI Earth Angels Cafe 321 N. 2nd Street (Meet Downstairs) Sat @ 10:00 AM; Sat @ 2:00 PM Menomonie, WI Meet at Acoustic Cafe 102 Main Street Sat @ 10:00 AM; Sat @ 2:00 PM Sunday @ 12:00 PM
Locations: 402 Copeland Avenue, La Crosse, WI 54603 10 AM and 2PM-Saturday 12PM Sunday
SD 2 Volunteer signup for shifts here: http://bit.ly/SD2volunteers Locations: Kaukauna: USW Local 20 Hall, 202 Maple St., Kaukauna Sat – 10am and 2pm; Sun – 10am De Pere: GBEA Office: 2256 Main St., Green Bay
SD 30 Volunteer signup for shifts here: http://bit.ly/SD30volunteers Locations: GBEA Office: 2256 Main St., Green Bay
SD 8 Volunteer signup for shifts here: http://bit.ly/SD8volunteers Locations: Sweet & Associates Law Firm 2510 E. Capitol Drive., Shorewood Saturday 10am & 1pm Sunday: 1pm
SD 14
Volunteer signup for shifts here: http://bit.ly/SD14volunteers Locations: Baraboo civic center 124 2nd st, Baraboo (front parking lot) Saturday, May 28th; 9 AM; 12 PM Sunday, May 29th; 1pm
Ripon: Parking Lot Behind Advancing Wisconsin Office (2 doors down from mugs) 313 Watson Street, Suite E & F, Ripon Saturday, May 28th; 9 AM; 12 PM Sunday, May 29th; 1pm
SD18 Volunteer signup for shifts here: http://bit.ly/SD18volunteers Locations: Oshkosh- 105 Washington Ave. Suite 356. Saturday, May 28th; 10:00am - 1:00pm; 1:00pm - 4:00pm Sunday, May 29th; 12:00pm - 4:00pm
…and related events (Last updated: Friday, May 27th)
Madison • Saturday, May 28th, 11am-6pm o Wurst Times, 701 E. Washington St., Madison. http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=109435605805040 • Friday June 24th, noon-4pm o Take Back America, Capitol steps. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=208732225817216 • Ongoing, daily, 10am - 9pm o Data for Democracy. Tens of thousands of Wisconsinites have signed up to stand up with their brothers and sisters to fight back against the agenda of Scott Walker. We need your help converting these sign-ups on paper into a database for mobilization and activation. 211 S Paterson Street Suite 350, Sign up here: http://tinyurl.com/Data-for-Democracy
Milwaukee Area (Jenissee Volpintesta, 262-364-6751 and Peter Drummond, 414-333-1606) • Wednesday, June 1st, 7pm, Labor and Community Town Hall Meeting, guest speaker: WI State Rep Sandy Pasch, Serb Hall - 5101 W. Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee • Saturday, June 4, 11 am, Our Kids Count! Civil Right March and Rally to Support Public Education. 11:00 am gather at MacDowell Montessori (17th & Highland), March across the 16th Street Bridge (James E. Groppi Unity Bridge), Rally outside Forest Home Elementary School (15th & Forest Home) • Sunday, June 5th, 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm, Open Forum on the State Budget. Sponsored by Sarah Chudnow Community, 10995 N. Market, Mequon Guest Speaker: Jack Norman, Research Director, Institute for Wisconsin’s Future. Contact: Bridge Moen. (262) 478-1514
9th Senate District -Sheboygan and Manitowoc • Saturday, June 11th, 9:30 am • Walkers Against Walker Rally and March, Meet in the park adjacent to the Farmer’s Market in downtown Manitowoc, on the corner of 8th street and Quay Streets, just south of the bridge. The march will begin and end there. Please register by calling Jena at (920) 905-5446, email at jena.kortens@comcast.net.
Voters in Wisconsin, Maine, New Hampshire and now in New York’s 26th congressional district are speaking – and loudly.
This month, Republicans have lost four special elections, three in strong Republican-performing districts as anger and outrage grow over attacks on Medicare, education and other vital services.
“In state after state, voters are telling us they want an end to tax cuts for the super-rich,” said Alan Charney, USAction policy and strategic director. “They want an end to corporate loopholes. And most importantly, they want to preserve Medicare and the vital services that are key to maintaining a healthy, vibrant middle class. For voters, the massive cuts that are happening at the state level and in Congress mark their season of discontent.”
“Yesterday, voters in Western New York sent a strong message that Medicare needs to be protected, that tax cuts for billionaires and big corporations won't be accepted, and that in order to make our communities stronger, we must come together to build an economy that works for everyone,” said Karen Scharff, Executive Director of Citizen Action of New York. “Kathy Hochul's election to Congress doesn't just mean that New York will have another great representative in Washington. Her election also proves a public desire for a government that puts its people before corporate profits.”
Ultimately, Charney said, the recent elections send a message: voters cherish the freedom that comes from opportunity and prosperity. “Freedom is about a fair wage, a decent life and hope for the future,” he said. “Programs like Medicare and Social Security help secure our freedom by protecting our dignity if we get sick and as we grow older.”
New York’s 26th congressional district was one of the state’s most solidly Republican districts. Besides New York, conservatives have lost three special elections in as many weeks. In Wisconsin, a Democrat captured a General Assembly seat that had been held by Republicans for more than a decade. In Maine, a Democrat beat her opponent for a state Senate seat by more than 30 percentage points. And in New Hampshire, a Democrat easily captured a state House district that was ranked as the 16th strongest Republican district in the state.
The election results come as USAction, its two dozen state affiliates and partners and coalition allies are preparing to launch a “June 7 Day of Action.” June 7 marks the tenth anniversary of the day George W. Bush signed $1.35 trillion in tax cuts into law, which primarily went to the wealthiest Americans.
“We are moving forward with a positive agenda based on fair taxes and responsible budgeting,” Charney said. “Ending the Bush tax cuts and closing corporate loopholes is only the first step toward building an economy that works for all of us. But it is an important first step.”
USAction is a federation of 24 state affiliates and partners, including Citizen Action of Wisconsin, that organize for a more just America. With our state partners, we build broad coalitions to win progressive campaigns that enrich people’s lives.
…and related events (Last updated: Tuesday, May 24th)
Madison
Wednesday, May 25 at 12:30pm
Scott Walker will sign into law one of the most restrictive Voter ID laws in the country. Gather under the windows of his office at the King St. side of the Capitol at noon and let him know how you feel about this attempt to silence the voice of the citizens of Wisconsin.
Data for Democracy. Tens of thousands of Wisconsinites have signed up to stand up with their brothers and sisters to fight back against the agenda of Scott Walker. We need your help converting these sign-ups on paper into a database for mobilization and activation. 211 S Paterson Street Suite 350, Sign up here
Milwaukee Area (Jenissee Volpintesta, 262-364-6751 and Peter Drummond, 414-333-1606)
Tuesday, May 24th, 6:00- 7:30pm
State Budget Listening Session with Rep. Coggs and Rep. Young, Atkinson Library, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave. Milwaukee.
Wednesday, May 25th, 11:30am
Protest Walker and Darling’s Sham Jobs Bill at the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, 756 N Milwaukee St, Milwaukee
Thursday, May 26th, 7 - 9 pm
A People's Listening Session on the State Budget and its effect on Public Education, Local Government, Our Families and Local Communities. MATC Mequon Campus, 5555 W. Highland, Mequon. Sponsored by AFT Local 212 and We are Wisconsin
Wednesday, June 1st, 7pm
Labor and Community Town Hall Meeting, guest speaker: WI State Rep Sandy Pasch, Serb Hall - 5101 W. Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee
Sunday, June 5th, 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Open Forum on the State Budget. Sponsored by Sarah Chudnow Community, 10995 N. Market, Mequon Guest Speaker: Jack Norman, Research Director, Institute for Wisconsin’s Future. Contact: Bridge Moen. (262) 478-1514
2nd and 30th Senate District (Julie Heun, 920-904-2005 & Don Blake, 202-997-1223)
Wednesday May 25, 10 am
Media Event for the release of the Wisconsin Values Budget. Supported by 34 nonprofits, the Wisconsin Values Budget shows that Walker’s draconian cuts are not necessary if wealthy and corporations pay their fair share. Options for Independent Living, 555 Country Club Road, Green Bay
9th Senate District Sheboygan and Manitowoc
Saturday, June 11th, 9:30 am
Walkers Against Walker Rally and March, Meet in the park adjacent to the Farmer’s Market in downtown Manitowoc, on the corner of 8th street and Quay Streets, just south of the bridge. The march will begin and end there. Please register by calling Jena at (920) 905-5446, email at jena.kortens@comcast.net.
12th Senate District – Northeastern Wisconsin (Scott Wright, 920-450-2121)
Wednesday, May 25
Visibility, 1st stoplight north of the bridge, Eagle River
Thursday May 26
Visibility. Burger King and Pizza Hut corners,
19th Senate District – Outagamie and Winnebago (Greg Hinds, 920-540-2309)
Wednesday May 25th, 6pm -8pm
Listening Session: How the state budget affects families, Harmony Café, 233 E. College Ave., Appleton
21st Senate District – Racine (Justin Geiger, 414-745-4177)
Every Tuesday – 4pm – 7pm
Sen. Van Wanggaard Open Office Hours. Ives Grove County Center, Spring Street and Washington Ave (just west of I94).
During the days immediately following the introduction of Governor Walker's anti-worker budget repair bill Citizen Action of Wisconsin captured hundreds of videos of citizens who came to the Capitol to protest Walker's attack on working families. It was the these citizens who flooded the Capitol for weeks demanding that their voices be heard that transformed the political debate in Wisconsin and the nation. We have compiled an 18 minute video featuring some of these citizen voices who helped make history. The video also profiles the POWER Walkers who walked from Milwaukee to Madison in support of education and workers rights a week after the Anti-Union bill passed. Please share this video.
…and related events (Last updated: Friday, May 20th)
Madison • Saturday, May 28th, 11am-6pm o Wurst Times, 701 E. Washington St., Madison. http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=109435605805040 • Friday June 24th, noon-4pm o Take Back America, Capitol steps. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=208732225817216 • Ongoing, daily, 10am - 9pm
o Data for Democracy. Tens of thousands of Wisconsinites have signed up to stand up with their brothers and sisters to fight back against the agenda of Scott Walker. We need your help converting these sign-ups on paper into a database for mobilization and activation. 211 S Paterson Street Suite 350, Sign up here: http://tinyurl.com/Data-for-Democracy
Milwaukee Area (Jenissee Volpintesta, 262-364-6751 and Peter Drummond, 414-333-1606)
• Thursday, May 26th from 7-9pm, Public discussion on Scott Walker's proposed budget. MATC-Mequon Auditorium, 5555 W. Highland, Mequon. Jack Norman is a confirmed speaker/panelist. Sen. Alberta Darling has been invited but has not responded. Sponsored by AFT Local 212 & We Are Wisconsin
• Wednesday, June 1st, 7pm, Labor and Community Town Hall Meeting, guest speaker: WI State Rep Sandy Pasch, Serb Hall - 5101 W. Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee • Sunday, June 5th, 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm, Open Forum on the State Budget. Sponsored by Sarah Chudnow Community, 10995 N. Market, Mequon Guest Speaker: Jack Norman, Research Director, Institute for Wisconsin’s Future. Contact: Bridge Moen. (262) 478-1514
2nd and 30th Senate District (Julie Heun, 920-904-2005 & Don Blake, 202-997-1223) • Saturday, May 21st, 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. o Working Family Picnic, Bay Beach Amusement Park, Pavilion & Shelter #6 9th Senate District -Sheboygan and Manitowoc • Saturday, June 11th, 9:30 am
• Walkers Against Walker Rally and March, Meet in the park adjacent to the Farmer’s Market in downtown Manitowoc, on the corner of 8th street and Quay Streets, just south of the bridge. The march will begin and end there. Please register by calling Jena at (920) 905-5446, email at jena.kortens@comcast.net.
12th Senate District – Northeastern Wisconsin - (Scott Wright, 920-450-2121) • Saturday, May 21st - 11am -4pm o NC WI Labor Picnic, Kitchenette Park, Merrill, Hwy 64 – Across from TB Scott Library. Kid’s entertainment, activities and free magic show Speakers: Sen. John Erpenbach, Sen. Jim Holperin & Rep. Donna Seidel • Friday May 20 o Visibility, North of the bridge, Minocqua
• Wednesday, May 25 o Visibility, 1st stoplight north of the bridge, Eagle River
• Thursday May 26 o Visibility. Burger King and Pizza Hut corners,
19th Senate District – Outagamie and Winnebago - (Greg Hinds, 920-540-2309) • Wednesday May 25th, 6pm -8pm o Listening Session: How the state budget affects families, Harmony Café, 233 E. College Ave., Appleton
21st Senate District – Racine- (Justin Geiger, 414-745-4177) • Every Tuesday – 4pm – 7pm o Sen. Van Wanggaard Open Office Hours. Ives Grove County Center, Spring Street and Washington Ave (just west of I94).
23rd and 31st Senate District (Andy Thompson, 715-456-4113) • Saturday, May 21st, 9 am - 5 pm o Fighting Bob Fest North, A progressive festival of speakers and music, Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, 331 Jefferson Street, Chippewa Falls, No entrance fee, though donations accepted
Wisconsin Values Budget shows that draconian cuts not necessary if wealthy and corporations pay their fair share
Robert Kraig
An impressive group of nonprofit organizations spanning a broad range of constituencies released an alternative to Governor Walker’s budget at media conferences Wednesday, May 18, 2011 in Madison and Milwaukee. The Wisconsin Values Budget provides a balanced approach to the state’s fiscal challenges, demonstrating that the Governor’s choices are not necessary choices.
The lead sponsors of the budget alternative are the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families, Citizen Action of Wisconsin, Institute for Wisconsin’s Future, and the Center on Wisconsin Strategy (COWS). Co-sponsoring organizations include: Wisconsin Alliance of Retired Americans, Wisconsin Coalition of Independent Living Centers Inc, 9 to 5 Milwaukee, Wisconsin Alliance for Women's Health, Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, Milwaukee Latino Health Coalition, United Council of UW Students, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin, Equality Wisconsin Education Fund, MTI, Midwest Environmental Advocates, Reproductive Justice Collective, Family Farm Defenders, the Madison Institute, Apprentice Organizers Project, Voces de la Frontera, National Association of Social Workers Wisconsin, WISDOM, Wisconsin League of Women Voters Education Fund, I Love My Public School, Mental Health America of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Community Action Program Association (WISCAP), Community Action Now, League of Young Voters Education Fund, and Madison-area Urban Ministries.
Acknowledgements: Support for this project was provided by Wisconsin Voices, a collaboration of non-profit organizations from across the state.
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