VCY Homefront: Wisconsin

Janesville School Board Considers Domestic Partner Benefits

podcast@vcyamerica.org (VCY America) — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:15:00 +0000

According to the Janesville Gazette , the Janesville School Board is considering Domestic Partner Benefits. According to the article, a Committee of the School Board is considering such a proposal and discussions will be held as to whether or not to advance the proposal. For a listing of school board members and their phone/email contacts, you may click here .

UW Madison to feature “Adult Film Star”

podcast@vcyamerica.org (VCY America) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 19:21:00 +0000

Madison.com is reporting that “adult film star” James Deen is to be the keynote speaker at the Sexual Health Fest at UW-Madison, Sterling Hall, Thursday, April 18^th at 7pm. He will be speaking on “the role of pornography in modern sex education”. He is speaking for Sex Out Loud’s month-long series of events “raising awareness for all aspects of sexual health.” Can it be that tax dollars are being spent on porn education? To express your views you may contact your legislators at 1-800-362- 9472 and the UW Board of Regents at (608) 262-2324.

Congressman Ron Kind Declares Support for “Same-sex Marriage”

podcast@vcyamerica.org (VCY America) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 19:18:00 +0000

The Chippewa Herald reported that Wisconsin Congressman Ron Kind has declared his support for “gay marriage rights”. Announcement of the Congressman’s position was revealed on his facebook page , stating:

“ My 18-year marriage to Tawni has taught me that we’re both stronger because we love and support each other. I support marriage equality because if two people want to make a lifetime commitment to love and care for one another, then the government shouldn't stand in the way.

As the Supreme Court deliberates the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act and Proposition 8, I’m reminded that throughout history, discrimination has never worked. I have never voted for discrimination, and I look forward to supporting legislation like the Respect for Marriage Act that will help committed same-sex couples gain the same rights as everyone else.

Some people Congressman Kind is considering a bid to run for Governor in the State of Wisconsin. To express your views to Congressman Kind you may call his office in D.C. at (202) 225-5506. His Eau Clarie office is (715) 831-9214 and his La Crosse office is (608) 782-2558.

Election Day Reminder – Tuesday April 2, 2013

podcast@vcyamerica.org (VCY America) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 21:16:00 +0000

Wisconsin Voters will go to the polls Tuesday, April 2^nd. Two statewide offices are on the ballot including a 10-year term to the Wisconsin Supreme Court and a 4-year term as Superintendent of Public Instruction.

VCY offered to interview each of the Statewide candidates. (Simply click on the links to watch the interview with candidates for the Wisconsin Supreme Court):

Supreme Court Justice Pat Roggensack

Marquette Law Professor Ed Fallone

Candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction:

Superintendent Tony Evers (Candidate did not accept invitation for an interview)

State Rep. Don Pridemore

This election will also offer numerous municipal races which vary depending upon your community. Some of the offices elected include mayor, alderman, circuit court judge, supervisor, treasurer, town chairman, trustee, school board, clerk, school referendum etc.

For a sample ballot, click here .

For non-partisan voter information on the state-wide candidates you may click here .

Be informed. Pray. Vote.

Reminder to Vote in WI Primary – February 19

podcast@vcyamerica.org (VCY America) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 16:43:00 +0000

Tuesday, February 19^th is the Wisconsin State Primary. Local races and issues on the ballot will vary depending upon your municipality. However one race that’s on everyone’s ballot is that of Supreme Court Justice. The one who is elected to this 10 year term will render decisions on such issues as Wisconsin’s Domestic Partner Registry, Voter ID, and numerous other issues. Polls will be open Tuesday from 7am-8pm.

Voter turnout is anticipated to be less than 10% meaning your vote Tuesday will have a significant impact in narrowing the field of candidates for the April General Election. To view a sample ballot you can use the state’s website here . For non- partisan voter information on the Supreme Court candidates from WI Family Council click here .

VCY extended an invitation to each of the Supreme Court candidate campaigns for an interview on IN FOCUS which was carried live on TV and simulcast on radio.

The interview with Supreme Court Justice Pat Roggensack can be viewed here .

The interview with Attorney Vince Megna can be viewed here .

As of this writing, Attorney Ed Fallone’s campaign has not responded to our invitation.

For all In Focus programs you can click here .

WI Appeals Court Panel Upholds Domestic Partner Registry

podcast@vcyamerica.org (VCY America) — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 20:04:00 +0000

A three judge panel of the of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals (Branch 4) released their opinion today that upholds the same-sex domestic partnership registry as being constitutional. This registry was enacted under the Doyle Administration and was challenged in the courts. Julaine Appling (a plaintiff in the case) from Wisconsin Family Action stated, “The people of Wisconsin have strongly affirmed the lifelong, faithful union of a man and a woman as the fundamental building block of civilization. Our system of government serves no purpose if politicians can ignore the will of the people with impunity.” You can read WFA’s full press release here .

Alliance Defending Freedom which represents the case will appeal this case to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Cases like this underscore the importance of the WI Supreme Court Election. The Primary will be held February 19, 2013 and the General Election will be on April 2, 2013.

Public Hearing Set for Beloit Casino Proposal

podcast@vcyamerica.org (VCY America) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 20:15:00 +0000

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is gathering information necessary for preparing an Environmental Impact Statement in connection with the Ho-Chunk Nation’s application for a proposed casino to be located in Beloit.

The proposed action would transfer approximately 33 acres of land from fee to trust status, upon which the Ho-Chunk Nation would develop a casino, hotel, parking and other supporting facilities. According to the Beloit Daily News the plan “includes a 70,000 square-foot casino with 2,000 slots and 50 gaming tables.”

The public is invited to speak out at this issue at a public hearing Thursday, December 13^th at 6pm at Aldrich Middle School, 1859 Northgate Drive, Beloit. They will take comments until the last public comment has been received.

Comments in writing are also welcome. These can be addressed to:

Ms. Diane Rosen, Midwest Regional Director

Bureau of Indian Affairs, Midwest Region

Norman Pointe II Building,

5600 West American Blvd, Suite 500

Bloomington, MN 55347

Written comments must be received by December 26, 2012. If sending written comments, you are to include your name, return address and the following should be written on the first page of your comments: “DEIS Scoping Comments, Ho-Chunk Nation Beloit Casino Project”

Gov. Walker says “No” to Encumbering State with Bearing Cost of Health Exchange

podcast@vcyamerica.org (VCY America) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 16:32:00 +0000

Today, Governor Walker wrote to Secretary of Health and Human Services indicating that Wisconsin would not set up a state based health insurance exchange. You can see his letter here . In his explanation available here , he cited four main reasons to for his decision: (1) that the long-term risk to Wisconsin taxpayers is too high; (2) that no matter who sets up and administers the exchange, the federal government makes all the decisions and the final product is the same; (3) that the federal government’s demonstrated lake of cooperation and detail increases the burden and risk to our state; and, (4) PPACA does not allow for a uniquely Wisconsin option.

Janesville City Council Force Taxpayers To Fund Domestic Partner Benefits

podcast@vcyamerica.org (VCY America) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 16:32:00 +0000

This week the Janesville City Council voted 6-1 to force taxpayers to fund Domestic Partner Benefits for city employees. This applies to both same-sex and opposite-sex partners. The Janesville Gazette reports “the city would pay an additional $10,548 for each single employee who claims a domestic partner”. This new benefit will fall upon the backs of the taxpayers. The lone council member voting “No” was DuWayne Severson.

Planned Parenthood of WI to celebrate 40 years of Roe v Wade - Sanctioning the Killing of Infants in the Womb

podcast@vcyamerica.org (VCY America) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:23:00 +0000

Planned Parenthood of WI on their Facebook page announce their will be celebrating the 40^th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. This is the infamous Supreme Court decision which has led to the taking of precious life in the womb through all stages of development. They are soliciting “writers, aspiring writers, or people with a story about how access or lack of access to birth control, family planning, safe or unsafe abortion care affected/affects your life.” They have set December 1^st as a day for auditions and their final live Performance on January 27^th. (It’s ironic that they bill this as a “live performance” when Roe v Wade sanctioned “death” for the most helpless).

Janesville Considers Domestic Partner Benefits

podcast@vcyamerica.org (VCY America) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 15:53:00 +0000

The Janesville Gazette revealed that Janesville’s City Council will be voting tonight, November 12^th on a measure to grant domestic partner benefits to city employees. The resolution provides for both same-gender and those who shack up as opposite- gender domestic partners. Citizens of Janesville would be forced to fund this through their property taxes. The City Council meets Monday, November 12^th at 7pm in City Hall, 18 North Jackson Street in Janesville. Phone numbers and email addresses for City Council Members can be obtained by clicking here .

WI Congresswoman Speaks out in Favor of “Same Sex Marriage”

podcast@vcyamerica.org (VCY America) — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 15:27:00 +0000

Despite Wisconsin’s Marriage Amendment passed by an overwhelming number of Wisconsin voters, WI Congresswoman Gwen Moore has decided to ally with the Human Rights Campaign sharing her belief in “same sex marriage”. You can see the video release here .

Wisconsin Partisan Primary is August 14th – Sample Ballot Available

podcast@vcyamerica.org (VCY America) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:32:00 +0000

Tuesday, August 14^th is Wisconsin’s partisan primary election. This election will narrow the field of candidates for the November General Election. At stake is the race for the Republican nomination for the United States Senate. Squaring off is Eric Hovde, Mark Neumann, Jeff Fitzgerald and Tommy Thompson. The winner of this Primary will face off against Democratic candidate, Tammy Baldwin in November. In addition multiple state assembly and state senate primaries also will take place August 14^th. To see a sample ballot for your voting address, click here .

Congresswoman Gwen Moore Touts Her Support for Homosexual “Marriage”

podcast@vcyamerica.org (VCY America) — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 20:22:00 +0000

In a press release distributed today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore drew attention to the perfect score rating from the homosexual activist group, Human Rights Campaign. Rep. Moore indicated her “support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and marriage equality” as being basis for the rating. You can read the press release here .

House Finds U.S. Attorney General in Contempt of Congress

podcast@vcyamerica.org (VCY America) — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 16:53:00 +0000

On Thursday, June 28^th the House of Representatives (H. Res. 711) found U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress for refusal to comply with a subpoena duly issued by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Here’s how our Wisconsin delegation voted…

In Favor of Contempt Charges: Reps. Duffy, Kind, Petri, Ribble, Ryan, Sensenbrenner

Against Contempt Charges: Rep. Baldwin

Not Voting (Walking off the Floor in protest): Rep. Moore

Voter ID Town Hall to be Held

podcast@vcyamerica.org (VCY America) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 20:53:00 +0000

Congresswoman Gwen Moore has been vocal regarding her opposition to having voters show photo ID at the polls. Photo ID substantiates the identity of the voter. Keep in mind that photo ID is necessary to check out books at the library, to get rid of trash at the dump, to fly, to drive, to bank, to get most public benefits, to get certain cold medicines over the counter, and even to enter the Department of Justice.

Rep. Moore is cooperating with a number of local organizations and is holding a Voter ID Town Hall to “discuss how voter ID laws disenfranchise voters, but will explain what our community can do to fight back”.

According to Rep. Moore’s House website, this Town Hall is featuring representatives from:

NAACP-Milwaukee

ACLU-Wisconsin

Voces De La Frontera

Citizen Action of Wisconsin

League of Young Voters

Milwaukee Area Labor Council

Wisconsin Voices

MICAH

WISPIRG

Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans

AFT-Local 212

SEIU

Disability Rights of WI

African World Fest

The public is welcome to attend this Town Hall Friday, June 15^th from 6:00-8:00pm at the UW-Milwaukee Student Union, 2200 East Kenwood Blvd in Milwaukee. You may share your views with Rep. Moore at her D.C. office at (202) 225-4572 and her Milwaukee office at (414) 297-1140.

June 5: Recall Election

podcast@vcyamerica.org (VCY America) — Thu, 31 May 2012 15:51:00 +0000

Wisconsin is facing a critical election Tuesday, June 5th. The impact of this election goes well beyond the issue of the economy, budgets, jobs and reforms enacted under Act 10.

This election will determine whether leadership in the state is one that advances pro- life policies or pro-abortion policies, whether the state should fund Planned Parenthood, whether leadership supports our marriage amendment or believes it should be overturned, whether leadership supports voter ID or is against it, whether leadership supports carry conceal or is opposed to it. The one who is elected Governor is the one who appoints cabinet level positions to carry out his policies.

This election will also determine the office of Lieutenant Governor, and control of the Wisconsin State Senate. VCY America encourages you to be in prayer daily for this election. Polls Tuesday will be open from 7am to 8pm. Non-partisan voter information is available from Wisconsin Family Council here . To view your voter registration, view a sample ballot or find out where to vote you may visit Wisconsin Voter Public Access here .

VCY America will be providing coverage pertaining to the recall election weekdays at 12 Noon through June 5^th.

Hearing Planned for Brookfield Mosque Proposal

podcast@vcyamerica.org (VCY America) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:40:00 +0000

The Islamic Foundation of Greater Milwaukee is seeking permission to build a mosque near the intersection of Pheasant Drive and Calhoun Road in Brookfield, WI.

The Mayor of Brookfield, Steven Ponto wrote in a column , “In evaluating the proposed mosque, it is important to note that we are reviewing a building – we are not reviewing a religion. In reviewing the proposed building, our consideration is limited to matters such as site plans, building plans that illustrate the building appearance, building materials, parking locations, landscape plans, plans of operation, storm water issues and traffic concerns.”

However concerned citizens in Brookfield have pointed out that Islam goes beyond religion, to domination of a society and believes Sharia law is a goal. Further concerns have been expressed about the Qur’an’s teaching intolerance and hatred of infidels (non-believers of Islam).

A Public Information Meeting regarding the proposed mosque will take place Wednesday, May 2^nd in the Municipal Courtroom of the Public Safety Building, 2100 North Calhoun Road. This information meeting will take place from 5:00-8:00pm in an open house format. No action will be taken at this meeting.

The Brookfield Plan Commission will hold a Public Hearing on the proposed mosque Monday, May 7^th at 6:00pm in the City Hall Council Chambers, 2000 North Calhoun Road.

To express your views to the Brookfield Alderman and the Brookfield Plan Commission, you may call (262) 782-9650. For individual Aldermen contact information click here . To contact Mayor Steven Ponto (who also chairs the Plan Commission) you may call (262) 787-3525.

Eau Claire Passes Domestic Partner Benefits

podcast@vcyamerica.org (VCY America) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 20:50:00 +0000

On April 24, 2012 the Eau Claire City Council voted 10-1 in favor of providing domestic partner benefits to city employees. The lone Council member in opposition was Jackie Pavelski. With their success, this trend will likely spread to other Wisconsin communities.

Meanwhile the lawsuit challenging the domestic partner registry in Wisconsin in the case Appling vs. Doyle is waiting for a hearing before the Wisconsin Court of Appeals – District 4. No date has yet been assigned.

Eau Claire Considers Domestic Partner Benefits

podcast@vcyamerica.org (VCY America) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:12:00 +0000

According to the Leader Telegram , the Eau Claire City Council is considering adding new domestic partner benefits for city employees. The Council is scheduled to vote on this matter Tuesday, April 24^th during their 4:00pm meeting. To express views, Eau Claire residents must contact their City Council members in advance of this meeting. Residents may contact their Council Members here . All meetings of the City Council are held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 203 S Farwell Street in Eau Claire.

Planned Parenthood Plans to End Medication-Induced Abortions

podcast@vcyamerica.org (VCY America) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:11:00 +0000

The Wisconsin State Journal reports that Planned Parenthood is suspending medication-induced abortions. This is due to the pro-life legislation signed by Governor Scott Walker which takes effect today. According to the article, “About 25 percent of women who terminate their pregnancies at a Planned Parenthood clinic do so through nonsurgical medication abortions.”

Wisconsin Spring Election – April 3rd

podcast@vcyamerica.org (VCY America) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 22:35:00 +0000

Wisconsin’s Presidential Primary and Spring General Election will be held Tuesday, April 3, 2012. To see a sample ballot for your municipality click here and enter your address. Be informed and Vote Prayerfully!

MPS Agenda Released: Student Bill of Rights Up for a Vote

podcast@vcyamerica.org (VCY America) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:57:00 +0000

The Milwaukee Board of School Directors has released their agenda for their Thursday, March 29, 2012 6:30pm meeting. Their agenda includes the recommendation of the Legislation and Rules Committee to pass the Student Bill of Rights (Please refer to the two previous posts). This meeting will be held at the MPS Administration Building, 5225 W. Vliet Street in Milwaukee.

MPS Committee Passes “Student Bill of Rights”

podcast@vcyamerica.org (VCY America) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 20:43:00 +0000

Last evening the Legislation Rules and Policies committee of the MPS Board passed the resolution pertaining to the “Student Bill of Rights”. (See previous post). The measure now goes before the full MPS Board which meets next Thursday, March 29^th at 6:30pm at the MPS Administration Building 5225 W. Vliet Street in Milwaukee. The MPS Board may be contacted at (414) 475-8284.

Milwaukee School Board Considers “Student Bill of Rights”

podcast@vcyamerica.org (VCY America) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:40:00 +0000

On Thursday, March 22^nd at 5:30pm the Legislation Rules and Policies Committee of the Milwaukee Public School Board will be considering passage of a “Student Bill of Rights” drafted by students of Youth Empowered in the Struggle (YES), the student arm of Voces de la Frontera which uses the clenched fist often seen in the Madison protests.

Some of the provisions of the Student Bill of Rights include:

“Students have the right to organize and have a voice in their school.”

“Student representatives should be included in any decision-making that significantly affects the student body.”

“Students have a right to a school environment where all teachers and staff have the right to collectively bargain.”

“Students who are in the process of learning English deserve access to their school’s curriculum with support in their native language.”

They promote that there should be “equal power dynamics in the classroom and expectations applied equally to both students and adults”.

You may read the full “Student Bill of Rights” here .

This Thursday, March 22^nd 5:30pm meeting of this MPS Committee is open to the public. The meeting will take place at the MPS Administration Building, 5225 W. Vliet Street in Milwaukee.

MPS Board Members sitting on this Committee include: Peter Blewett, Meagan Holman, Michael Bonds, Terrance Falk, and Jeff Spence.

To contact the MPS Board you may call (414) 475-8284. For individual numbers and contacts you may use this link .