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Articles by Ashley Obuljen
UW System: Returns to pre-pandemic levels of in-person instruction for fall 2021
MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson announced today that the System has returned to pre-pandemic levels of in-person undergraduate instruction for Fall 2021 while prioritizing the health and safety of the campus community. Systemwide, 85 percent of undergraduate courses are being delivered in person, he said.
Rep. Ramthun: Truth revealed
MADISON – State Representative Timothy Ramthun (R-Campbellsport) released the following statement regarding the WI Elections Commission (WEC) meeting on Thursday, September 9th: “On August 11th, I put out a press release stressing the need to protect voting machine data. I was gravely concerned about the potential loss of data during manufacturer-requested updates.
U.S. Rep. Kind: Votes to advance the Build Back Better Act through Ways and Means Committee
La Crosse, WI – Today, Rep. Ron Kind voted to pass provisions of the Build Back Better Act through the Ways and Means Committee that make landmark progress in lowering health care costs, creating jobs, boosting our economy, and supporting working families across Wisconsin. “This pandemic has been devastating for communities across the state. However, far too many Wisconsinites were struggling even before this crisis.
Rep. Allen: Education not indoctrination
The Waukesha School District Superintendent recently reiterated a policy and directed teaching staff to remove all divisive propaganda and signage such as Black Lives Matter, Anti-racist classroom, pride flags, inclusive language signs etc. from the classroom. Rep. Allen released the following statement: Divisive symbols serve as barriers to students’ learning, and therefore, must be prohibited.
U.S. Rep. Moore: Participates in markup of Build Back Better Act to tackle climate change, fight poverty, expand and lower the cost of health care, and increase access to affordable housing | WisPolitics.com
“With the Build Back Better Act, we are addressing the systemic inequities that have put the American Dream further and further out of the grasp Americans, which was laid even more bare during the pandemic and tackling the challenges we continue to face now. By ensuring wealthy individuals and corporations pay their fair share in taxes, we can make crucial investments in health care, housing, green energy, and fight poverty.
Law Forward: Nicole Safar will be executive director
MADISON, WI – Sept. 9, 2021: Law Forward, Wisconsin’s leading public interest law firm focusing on defense of democracy, today announced that Nicole Safar will be its first-ever full time Executive Director. “Nicole is exactly the right leader for Law Forward,” said Law Forward Founder and President Jeff Mandell, who led the search committee.
Gov. Evers, DHS: Announce Deputy Secretary Willems Van Dijk to retire
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced a transition in leadership at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). DHS Deputy Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk, who has been a critical and visible part of the state’s pandemic response efforts, will retire later this month. “Julie’s been an essential part of our state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, and it is not an overstatement to say her work and leadership have saved lives,” said Gov. Evers.
Gov. Evers: Releases statement regarding Afghanistan and refugee reception at Fort McCoy
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today released the following statement regarding Afghanistan refugee reception efforts at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin. “Many Afghan people now fleeing their homes have bravely contributed to work in Afghanistan over the past two decades. Just as they protected us in serving our country and helped keep our troops safe, we owe it to them to protect and keep them safe.
Empower Wisconsin: Announces Stephan Thompson as spokesman
Madison, WI – Today, Empower Wisconsin announces Stephan Thompson as Spokesman. “After an incredibly challenging year, people in Wisconsin are still suffering and the policies of Governor Tony Evers are not working,” said Empower Wisconsin President Adam Jarchow. “Stephan has been fighting for conservative values in Wisconsin for close to fifteen years.
U.S. Dept. of Commerce: Invests $894,960 in CARES Act recovery assistance to support economic diversification efforts in Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $894,960 CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to the Ho-Chunk Nation, Black River Falls, Wisconsin, to develop an economic diversification strategy plan that assesses assets, resources and potential opportunities to build economic resiliency. This EDA grant will be matched with $136,960 in local investment.
Vice President Harris: Remarks during Democratic National Committee’s virtual pride celebration
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Barbra, for that kind introduction. Barbra Streisand is extraordinary. She is always front and center in these fights for civil rights and equality, and she has been a longstanding ally, supporter, advocate for equality in America. So I’m just — it was great to see you, Barbra Streisand. Thank you for all you do. And it is so wonderful to be here with everyone.
Wisconsin Supreme Court: Appoints Court of Appeals chief judge, re-appoints five circuit court chief judges
Madison, Wisconsin (July 1, 2021) – The Wisconsin Supreme Court has appointed Judge William W. Brash, III as chief judge of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, and the Court re-appointed five circuit court judges to continue serving as chief judges of their respective judicial administrative districts, effective Aug. 1. Brash was appointed to the District I Court of Appeals in 2015 after serving on the Milwaukee County Circuit Court from 2001 to 2015.
U.S. Rep. Pocan: Celebrates House passage of $18 million in earmarks for WI-02 transportation projects
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) announced House passage of $18 million in earmarked transportation projects for Wisconsin’s 2nd Congressional District. These projects were included in the “Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America (INVEST in America) Act,” which seeks to revitalize America’s infrastructure.
U.S. Rep. Moore: Secures provisions to expand economic opportunity and green public transit in infrastructure package
“We need to make sure equity guides every transportation policy, so that no community gets left behind. The INVEST Act secures the resources we need to improve our nation’s road, bridges, public transit and rail networks. Among numerous provisions I support, the bill provides robust funding for public transit, including to improve service and reduce fare by addressing transit deserts and providing for a demonstration program to reduce fares in some communities.
Gov. Evers: Delivers radio address emphasizing importance of COVID-19 vaccine to state’s continued economic recovery
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today delivered the Democratic Radio Address in advance of the July 4th holiday weekend urging Wisconsinites to roll up their sleeves and get the COVID-19 vaccine to help ensure the state’s continued economic recovery. Hi, folks! Governor Tony Evers here. The 4th of July is right around the corner.
President Biden: Statement on the women, peace, and security report
My Administration is committed to a simple but profoundly meaningful proposition—all people, everywhere, are entitled to be treated with inherent human dignity. Yet, in far too many places, women and girls are denied their basic rights, cut off from opportunity, subjected to violence and abuse, or prevented from pursuing their dreams and ambitions.
WHA: Statement on Legislature’s passage of state budget
Madison, Wis., July 1, 2021—Wisconsin Hospital Association President and CEO Eric Borgerding issued the following statement in response to state Assembly and Senate passage of the state budget now on its way to Gov. Evers’ desk. “Wisconsin’s hospitals are the state’s most important partner in providing access to the highest-quality lifesaving acute and primary care to millions of Wisconsinites.
U.S. Rep. Steil: Amendment to identify cybersecurity vulnerabilities in transportation system passes House
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) released a statement following House passage of his amendment to the surface transportation bill. Steil’s amendment requires the GAO to study cybersecurity vulnerabilities within America’s transportation system. Congressman Jake Auchincloss (MA-04) and Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) are cosponsors of the amendment.
President Biden: Economic plan is working, unemployment claims fall yet again
President Biden’s economic plan is working. President Biden has focused since day one on jump starting our economy, getting Americans back to work, and rebuilding our economy from the bottom up and the middle out. Today’s unemployment claim numbers are further proof that the President’s economic plan is working. UI claims dropped this week to a new pandemic low – the lowest level in 16 months – and the four-week average continued to trend downwards.
DOJ: State crime laboratories recognized as OSAC standard implementing system to continue providing advanced, objective scientific analysis
MADISON, Wis. – Attorney General Josh Kaul today announced the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Forensic Services (DFS) – the state’s crime laboratories – has voluntarily and successfully adopted industry-leading standards. Adopting these standards reaffirms the labs commitment to conducting the highest quality, objective scientific analysis to evidence.
Opportunity Wisconsin: U.S. Sen. Johnson obstructed economic relief for nearly 3 million Wisconsinites
MADISON, Wis.— According to a new report released by the U.S. Treasury Department, Senator Ron Johnson’s obstruction of the American Rescue Plan could have blocked economic relief for nearly 3 million Badger State residents. These benefits included stimulus checks of up to $1,400 to over 163 million Americans and billions in funding for vaccine distribution and small businesses. Last week, Opportunity Wisconsin launched a statewide RV tour to hold Senator Johnson accountable for his obstruction.
U.S. Rep. Grothman: To postmaster general: No rate increase
(Washington, D.C.) — Today, Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) led a bipartisan letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy requesting he postpone the proposed postal rate increase until January, 2022. This would be the second postal rate increase this year and would outpace the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Grothman’s letter is co-led by Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA).
Dane County Exec. Parisi: Announces grant money available for conservation projects
Today, County Executive Joe Parisi announced Dane County is now accepting applications for grant programs designed to support projects that improve, protect, and enhance Dane County’s land and water resources. The Dane County Environmental Council, Dane County Land & Water Resources Department, and Dane County Parks have partnered to simplify and improve the grant application process.
Rep. Kitchens: Room tax bill becomes law
MADISON, Wis. – Rep. Joel Kitchens, R-Sturgeon Bay, is pleased that the governor has signed into law his bill that helps to ensure local municipalities are receiving the correct amount of room tax revenue from short-term rental companies. “I am glad the governor recognizes the importance of my legislation and the impact the room tax has on our state and our tourism industry,” Rep. Kitchens said.
U.S. Rep. Luetkemeyer: Congratulates committee members on Republican task force assignments
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Small Business Committee Republicans were chosen by House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy to serve on House Republican Task Forces. The seven issue-specific task forces are designed to identify and develop policy solutions surrounding issues facing Americans from coast to coast.
Dept. of Public Instruction: July 1 general school aids estimate released
MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction today, as required by state law, released an estimate of the general school aids each public school district will receive for the 2021-22 school year. The estimate is based in part on the 2021-2023 state biennial budget recommendation approved by the Joint Committee on Finance on June 17, 2021. Estimated general school aids for 2021-22 total $5.0 billion, representing a $109.9 million (2.2 percent) increase over last year.
Assembly passes bill to eliminate personal property tax
The Assembly today passed a bill that would eliminate Wisconsin’s personal property tax, which businesses pay on furnishings and equipment. Lawmakers made two changes to the bill, which ultimately passed 64-34 along party lines, to address concerns raised by the Department of Revenue. Currently, railroads can’t be treated differently from other entities in how they’re taxed.
Assembly passes bill preventing increases in unemployment insurance coverage costs for businesses
The Assembly today passed a bill that would prevent increases in unemployment insurance coverage costs for businesses over the next two years. The bill, passed through a voice vote, comes as rates are expected to increase following a spike in unemployment claims during the COVID-19 pandemic. Republican lawmakers want to allocate $120 million in state taxpayer funds to the unemployment fund through the budget so businesses don’t face increases in coverage costs.
Assembly votes to send Evers bill requiring municipalities to record their election night broadcasts
The Assembly voted today to send Gov. Tony Evers a bill requiring municipalities to record any broadcast of their canvassing proceedings. Rep. Kristina Shelton, D-Green Bay, raised concerns about using services like YouTube to save broadcasts for future viewing. While free, YouTube is is not a viable service for saving long videos, Shelton said. “Funding and capacity is a real issue here,” Shelton said. But Rep.
Assembly votes to send Evers bill creating restrictions, felonies regarding absentee ballots
The Assembly voted today to send a bill to Gov. Tony Evers’ desk that would require indefinitely confined voters to apply for absentee ballots annually. Indefinitely confined voters can currently receive automatic absentee ballots indefinitely.
Racial disparities task force makes policing recommendations as Evers orders state law enforcement to review use of force policies
A subcommittee of the Wisconsin Assembly’s bipartisan Task Force on Racial Disparities issued recommendations on policing Wednesday but stopped short of recommending sweeping changes to chokehold and no-knock warrant policies. The report was released one day after a jury convicted former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin of murdering George Floyd. Reps.
Evers’ budget includes several dozen recommendations from Climate Change Task Force
Gov. Tony Evers’ budget includes some three dozen recommendations from his Climate Change Task Force, including tens of millions of new investments in green jobs, conservation efforts and renewable energy. One of the high-profile items: creating an Office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Administration to coordinate state efforts in addressing the impacts of climate change on low-income and minority residents.
Evers’ budget includes several dozen recommendations from Climate Change Task Force
Gov. Tony Evers’ budget includes some three dozen recommendations from his Climate Change Task Force, including tens of millions of new investments in green jobs, conservation efforts and renewable energy. One of the high-profile items: creating an Office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Administration to coordinate state efforts in addressing the impacts of climate change on low-income and minority residents.
FRI REPORT: Republicans ready to spend $1M-plus on redistricting legal battles
Quotes of the Week I just think that this sends the wrong message that while the Legislature sat on its keister … now we’re waking up from a long slumber and the first thing we’re doing is second-guessing those who tried to keep the public safe. To call it Monday morning quarterbacking would be generous. This is more like a year-later quarterbacking.– Sen.
Government, private sector collaboration increases businesses’ international reach Original
Collaboration between state government agencies and the private sector have increased Wisconsin businesses’ international reach with virtual guidance and grant distribution. The “We’re All In” grant program allocated more than $220 million to 50,000 Wisconsin businesses in the past eight months, said Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes during a virtual Madison International Trade Association conference.
Survey reveals 150 Madison businesses lost over half of revenue since March Original
A recent survey from five local business groups reveals that 150 Madison businesses have lost more than half of their revenue since March when shutdowns due to the pandemic started to take place. Of the 503 Madison area businesses that responded to the survey, 78 percent reported a decline in revenue and 30 percent reported losing more than half their revenue since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
Varsity Venture Studio will help launch UW-Madison-based startups
UW-Madison, the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, and High Alpha Innovation are bringing a venture studio to campus. The studio provides startup capital and hands-on support to select business ideas sourced from faculty, students and staff. “The goal of the studio is to launch scalable and venture-backed companies off our campus,” said Greg Keenan, WARF’s senior director of Ventures & Accelerator.
Varsity Venture Studio will help launch UW-Madison-based startups
UW-Madison, the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, and High Alpha Innovation are bringing a venture studio to campus. The studio provides startup capital and hands-on support to select business ideas sourced from faculty, students and staff. “The goal of the studio is to launch scalable and venture-backed companies off our campus,” said Greg Keenan, WARF’s senior director of Ventures & Accelerator.
UnityPoint Health Meriter restricted by COVID-19 community spread
Community spread of COVID-19 has restricted UnityPoint Health Meriter Hospital’s capabilities, according to President and CEO Sue Erickson. Additional sick calls and staff staying home to monitor potential COVID-19 symptoms have forced Meriter to adjust some of its operations. The hospital is rescheduling elective surgeries that require overnight stays in order to reserve beds for COVID-19 patients, Erickson said.
UnityPoint Health Meriter restricted by COVID-19 community spread
Community spread of COVID-19 has restricted UnityPoint Health Meriter Hospital’s capabilities, according to President and CEO Sue Erickson. Additional sick calls and staff staying home to monitor potential COVID-19 symptoms have forced Meriter to adjust some of its operations. The hospital is rescheduling elective surgeries that require overnight stays in order to reserve beds for COVID-19 patients, Erickson said.
'War is Madison’s only determinate between now and half a century ago,' says UW-Madison Class of 1970 Alumni - The Daily Cardinal
According to UW-Madison class of 1970 alumni Donald Fischer, Madison looks much like it did 50 years ago while in the midst of a social justice movement. The only difference is that the city is being ravaged by a pandemic instead of a war. When Fischer transferred to UW-Madison from Bradley College in 1968, the campus was already immersed in the anti-Vietnam War movement. The Rathskeller in Memorial Union, Fischer said, was a hub for students to criticize American involvement in the Vietnam War.
The Daily Cardinal
By Ashley Obuljen | November 6, 2020 12:24 pm According to UW-Madison class of 1970 alumni Donald Fischer, Madison looks much like it did 50 years ago while in the midst of a social justice movement. The only difference is that the city is being ravaged by a pandemic instead of a war. When Fischer transferred to UW-Madison from Bradley College in 1968, the campus was already immersed in the anti-Vietnam War movement.
COVID, climate change response results from faulty communication, political division Original
Science communication experts see faulty science communication and political division as major determinants in the nation’s response to climate change and coronavirus. Kendra Pierre-Louis, a climate change reporter from Gimlet Media and UW-Madison Science Writer in Residence, and life sciences communication Prof.
Colleges may never go ‘back to normal’ Original
College campuses may never go back to normal, according to UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Mark Mone. “There is no getting back to normal,” Mone said during a virtual Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce meeting. “We’re not going back to what we had before.” College campuses can expect long-term decreases in physical footprints and will struggle to maintain pre-pandemic enrollment numbers, according to Milwaukee-area university leadership.
1964 UW-Madison graduate's roommate dropped out after backdoor abortion - The Daily Cardinal
Decades after a University of Wisconsin-Madison alumna found her freshman-year roommate bleeding in their dorm room, the campus remains a battleground for women’s rights. “In those days, there was no ‘pro-choice,’” the source said.
Hoben says in-person school in Milwaukee is possible, COVID- 19 testing availability is inadequate
City Forward Collective CEO Patricia Hoben says safe, in-person instruction in Milwaukee schools is possible, but admits COVID-19 testing availability is inadequate. City Forward Collective is a group aiming to eliminate educational inequity. Hoben addressed concerns about reopening schools at a Milwaukee Rotary Club meeting that was held both in-person and virtually.
For UW-Madison’s class of 2020, applying to more than 300 jobs might not be enough in the midst of a pandemic — and it’s worse for students of color. - The Daily Cardinal
One night in March, UW-Madison senior Alexis Terry overheard students discussing the possibility of UW-Madison closing campus for the rest of the semester due to the spread of the novel coronavirus as she worked in the library. Terry was stunned. She never imagined school would close, not to mention the two part-time jobs that supported her were on campus.
Hoben says in-person school in Milwaukee is possible, COVID- 19 testing availability is inadequate
City Forward Collective CEO Patricia Hoben says safe, in-person instruction in Milwaukee schools is possible, but admits COVID-19 testing availability is inadequate. City Forward Collective is a group aiming to eliminate educational inequity. Hoben addressed concerns about reopening schools at a Milwaukee Rotary Club meeting that was held both in-person and virtually.
Madison’s anti-racism protests: Who continues to show up? - The Daily Cardinal
Friday, Aug. 27 marked the fourth consecutive day of Black Lives Matter protests in Madison following the shooting of Jacob Blake. But something was different this time — only about 50 people showed up to the demonstration to protest police brutality. Initial anti-racism demonstrations followed the killing of George Floyd, a Black man, by a white Minneapolis police officer in May.
1964 UW-Madison graduate's roommate dropped out after backdoor abortion - The Daily Cardinal
Decades after a University of Wisconsin-Madison alumna found her freshman-year roommate bleeding in their dorm room, the campus remains a battleground for women’s rights. “In those days, there was no ‘pro-choice,’” the source said.
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