Thursday, December 22, 2022

Jan. 16 - Truth Telling as Healing

 


The School District of Onalaska is hosting an online presentation from 1 to 3 p.m. on Monday, January 16, Martin Luther King Jr Day, that is free and open to all.

The program will be presented by Nurturing Diversity Partners

We believe our country is currently experiencing a uniquely “teachable time” in its journey towards realizing its founding ideals of liberty and justice for all.

Reggie Jackson & Dr. Fran Kaplan formed Nurturing Diversity Partners to advance and support that journey by using methods they’ve honed over many years to build bridges from our past to our future across racial/ethnic, urban/suburban/rural, generational, and other divides.

Fran & Reggie have been doing this type of work together for over a decade. Reggie is a sought-after speaker, researcher, and writer, with a deep, comprehensive knowledge of how our country’s racial hierarchy developed historically and its impact on our lives today. Dr. Fran has spent fifty-five years working against poverty and for social justice and peace locally, nationally, and internationally. A social change “entrepreneur,” she has founded and led multiple organizations. You can learn more about Fran and Reggie here.

We look forward to partnering with organizations and individuals who seek to join the journey toward equity and build bridges together.


Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Winter Emergency help needed

La Crosse Mayor Reynolds Announces Severe Weather Plan

From: Sampson, Brian <sampsonb@cityoflacrosse.org>
Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Subject: Emergency Weather Plan

The Mayor of La Crosse will be making a temporary emergency declaration to allow the use of particular city buildings as 24/7 shelter. The declaration will go into effect at 5 p.m. this evening (December 21) and last until 8 a.m. Monday morning (covering the duration of the storm).

The Southside Neighborhood Center will be the primary building offered with check-in beginning today at 5 p.m. Any guests utilizing the shelter will need to fill out an entry form and will only be able to bring in what can be stored in a 30-gallon tote (when they leave, the belongings will need to be taken with). The facility will be locked down to new entries after 8 p.m. (the police department will be able to drop off individuals if needed). Upon entering, each guest will receive a numbered tote and yoga mat. The maximum capacity will be 40 people.

The Neighborhood Center will be staffed with at least two security guards at all times. We would like volunteers to help support the individuals utilizing the site as well. I have created a google document that people can enter in their names and the hours they want to volunteer for. Please let me know if you would like to sign up for volunteer hours—I’m trying to limit access to as needed only. There will also be a sign-up sheet for meals as well.

This is a fluid situation and the policies/procedures may change as we go along. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,
Brian Sampson, MSW
Homeless Services Coordinator
City of La Crosse
608-789-8687

Monday, December 19, 2022

Black Student Leaders


 Mark your calendar and be sure to get in on this fundraiser for Black Student Leaders with great Mac and Cheese from Mia's Kitchen fro 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 15 at Larson's General in downtown La Crosse.

Sunday, December 18, 2022

Everybody Bikes raffle

From Walk and Roll La Crosse:

Bike Raffle to Support Everybody Bikes


A new KHS Enduro 1000 E-Fat Bike will be the grand prize in a raffle to support Everybody Bikes. Tickets are $20 each and a max. of 400 tickets will be sold. Tickets are available at Wrench & Roll Collective and Red Pin­es Bar & Grill, where the drawing will be held Feb. 14 at 6:00 p.m.


Everybody Bikes, UA, is a non-profit with the mission to support severely under-resourced individuals in the community. EBUA provides fully refurbished bikes, along with locks, lights, rear rack, and a helmet. Candidates much be referred to the program through a social agent in town. 


For more info, stop by Wrench & Roll Collective.

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Leaders Igniting Transformation

Leaders Igniting Transformation (LIT) is a Black and  Brown-led independent nonprofit. Founded in 2017, LIT organizes young people to build independent political power for social, racial, and economic justice by engaging  in values-based issues and electoral organizing, direct action, public policy advocacy, and leadership development. LIT works to build homegrown leadership, expand access and opportunity, and promote an equitable society by engaging and organizing the leadership of young people.

LIT IS HIRING!

Leaders Igniting Transformation is looking for energetic individuals to join the team! 

Civic Engagement Director 

The Civic Engagement Director will help the organization develop and implement creative civic engagement plans that help increase civic engagement amongst young people in Wisconsin, and advance our goal of creating a political home for young people in our state.

Compensation: $82,000 annually

Northwestern Campus Organizer

Leaders Igniting Transform nation is looking for a Northwestern College Organizer. The NWO will organize UW-Eau Claire, UW-La Crosse, and UW-Stout to mobilize and organize young people around civic, electoral, and issue-based campaigns.

Compensation: $47,000 Annually

Benefits Include: Employer-paid healthcare (including vision and dental), wifi & cell, phone stipends, professional development funds, and more! 

Northeastern Campus Organizer

Leaders Igniting Transform nation is looking for a Northeastern College Organizer. The NEO will organize UW-Stevens Point, UW-Oshkosh, and UW-Green Bay to mobilize and organize young people around civic, electoral, and issue-based campaigns.

Compensation: $47,000 Annually

Benefits Include: Employer-paid healthcare (including vision and dental), wifi & cell, phone stipends, professional development funds, and more! 

Get more information and access applications here.




Tuesday, December 13, 2022

You can go solar!

 

Right now, you can go solar. Whether you live in an apartment or have a shady roof, whether you have lots of money or not, you can help put more solar panels in our community, reducing reliance on coal-produced electricity and reasons to build new fossil fueled generation facilities.

Solar on La Crosse Schools (SOLS) helps raise funds to move our local school district to renewable energy. Not only does this lower carbon emissions, it also reduces the district's energy costs and provides hands-on renewable energy learning opportunities for district students. In addition to helping fund solar installations, SOLS also donates solar learning materials and helps teachers find suitable lesson plans.

Donations to SOLS are held in a designated fund that is securely managed by the La Crosse Public Education Foundation. SOLS is 100% volunteer-powered and all funds are used exclusively to cover the costs of solar energy projects on La Crosse public schools. 

Learn more at the website. And consider joining the leadership team at the December 21 press event at 9 a.m. at La Crosse Polytecnic High School, 228 Fifth Avenue South.

Thursday, December 08, 2022

Grow local gardens & gardeners

From Grow La Crosse:

In celebration of 10 years GROWing together, a group of our founding members, supporters, and past and present board members created a matching fund. The first $5,000 donated to GROW will be matched - that means your gift and impact will be doubled!

We invite you to donate to help us finish this milestone year in a way that will launch us into a new decade of connecting youth to healthy food and nature.

Throughout the past 10 years GROW has evolved into a regional leader in providing garden based education. Today we provide garden lessons at 10 area schools, greenhouse field trips to students pre-K through high school and farm experiences. These programs reach over 3000 students with hands-on seed to table learning. Lessons offer nutrition, science, literacy and math curriculum connections. We engage youth by involving students in the process of growing their food, tasting fresh, healthy produce and gaining knowledge to fuel their bodies and minds with healthy choices.

When we first piloted our school garden program at one school in 2012, we had a goal of eventually reaching more children. Now in our 10th year, to have 10 schools partner with us for hands-on school garden lessons is truly remarkable. Our greenhouse and farm field trip experiences have taken off, allowing our programming to reach youth year-round. Thank you for being a part of growing our mission! Please consider donating again to support quality hands-on garden based learning to positively impact the health of the youth we serve.

Remember, the first $5,000 donated to GROW will be matched - that means your gift and impact will be doubled. Help us reach our total year-end fundraising goal of $10,000 in honor of 10 years of impact and in anticipation of what can be accomplished in the next 10!

Wednesday, December 07, 2022

Reminder - Candidate Training SATURDAY


Reminder - Wisconsin Progress is offering FREE  candidate training on Saturday in La Crosse.

"Our Advanced Campaign Training is a comprehensive six-hour course in planning and executing a successful run for local office. This training is for folks who need more information or have decided to become a local elected official. Avid political activists looking to manage or be responsible for a major piece of a local candidate’s campaign are encouraged to attend. We will cover campaign planning, fundraising, budgeting, voter contact, effective campaign messaging, building your team, and so much more."

If you are not able to attend this session, there will be others, including two online, one on Sunday, December 18 and one on Saturday, January 7. 

Learn more and register at the link: https://www.wisconsinprogress.org/trainings

Tuesday, December 06, 2022

Tell Governor Evers NO I-94 EXPANSION IN MILWAUKEE

From Coulee Region Sierra Club:

Call the Governor! Stop the I-94 expansion

TELL GOVERNOR EVERS TO STOP THE I-94 EXPANSION IN MILWAUKEE!

For more than a decade, environmental, social justice, and transportation equity groups have been fighting an expansion to I-94 in Milwaukee first proposed during the Walker administration. After years of citizen action, including a law suit, Scott Walker pulled the plug. 

Inexplicably, Governor Evers resurrected the project in 2020 and the fight is on again. Read the history of the I-94 expansion here.https://www.sierraclub.org/wisconsin/blog/2020/07/stop-zombiehighway

Pushing back on the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) plans to expand the highway, a coalition of groups produced a "Fix at Six" alternative, prioritizing fixing the existing roadway, retaining the six lanes, and offering other ways to improve transportation in the area, including support for public transit.

Late last month, WisDOT announced that it still plans to expand the higway to eight lanes and increase the footprint of the project. This is not an acceptable answer. 

Expanding highways does NOT alleviate congestion. In fact, in many cases, congestion increases as more people try to drive on the roadway. 

The I-94 has already caused harm to communities of color by cutting through neighborhoods and business areas, increasing noise and air pollution, and making local transportation more difficult.

With a price tag of more than $1 billion, this project is too expensive, will not solve identified problems, and will make things worse for the people who live in the community. 

This is a concern for everyone in our state. A climate governor would not be proposing even more highway expansions. That money could be better spent on improving public transportation, especially regional and rural transportation, that will seriously address the climate crisis. 

Be aware that WisDOT is not being clear about its latest plan, which incorporates a few of the Fix at Six ideas but is NOT Fix at Six.

CALL GOVERNOR EVERS TODAY AND TELL HIM NO!

The Wisconsin Sierra Club, as part of the Coalition for More Responsible Transportation, has created a call script. We are asking everyone - especially climate and transit activists - to call the Governor's office on Wednesday and strongly urge him to stop the expansion of the highway and back the Fix at Six proposal that was produced by the people of the state.

When you are finished calling, please report your call the Sierra Club using the link below.

===

Call Governor Evers' office about the I-94 expansion project in Milwaukee that his administration is pushing forward.

Phone number to call: (608) 266-1212

Sample script to use:
Hello, this is [NAME]. I am a Wisconsin resident in [CITY]. I'm calling because I was disappointed to see the Governor's Department of Transportation continue with the I-94 expansion in Milwaukee. 

I'm concerned about this project because [PICK ONE OR MORE POINTS BELOW]:
  • Transportation is a leading cause of carbon emissions, and studies like Transportation 4 America's Congestion Con report demonstrate that adding lanes increases car use and traffic congestion. Continuing to invest in high-emitting infrastructure is not something that a climate champion would do. 

  • Highway expansion projects have harmed Communities of Color and Low Income Communities. Federal Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has called for tax dollars to be used to right the wrongs of racist infrastructure policy decisions. He said "we've also seen countless cases around the country where a piece of infrastructure cuts off a neighborhood or a community because of how it was built." I expect Governor Evers to align with the Biden administration in making racially just decisions on infrastructure in our state.

  • [SHARE YOUR OWN CONCERN OR PERSONAL STORY]
I hope that Governor Evers will right this error by pushing for WISDOT to study a new alternative that actually addresses the concerns of the community and that repairs the highway in its current footprint, with 6 lanes and an interchange that is not overbuilt, and minimizes air and water pollution and negative impacts to community resources like Valley Park. Additionally, I hope that Governor Evers will prioritize transit, walking and biking funding moving forward.
After you've made your call, please fill out the form! And consider writing comments to submit to WisDOT by January 1.
 
Here's more information from the 2020 Wisconsin Sierra Club blog about the project:

The I-94 expansion project was and still is a bad idea for so many reasons:

  1. It would worsen the climate crisis. The transportation sector is the largest contributor to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions in the US. Expanding highway infrastructure that caters to single passenger traffic will increase carbon emissions. This project is in direct conflict with the expressed goals of the Governor’s Climate Task Force.  Here’s the bottom line: climate-friendly governors do not expand highways.

  2. It would negatively impact public health. Because highway expansion almost always increases the number of cars on the road, air pollution increases with these projects. Traffic pollution causes asthma, cardiovascular disease and dementia. Entertaining the idea of expanding a highway during a pandemic is inexcusable.

  3. It would exacerbate racial injustice. Wisconsin’s decades-long focus on highway transportation investments has worsened the region’s racial and economic segregation. Not only are highways a physical barrier, but they also increase air pollution in the surrounding communities - which are Communities of Color.  In 2014, the federal government found that the Zoo Interchange caused “irreparable harm,” to minority communities. This project on the same corridor is no different. Members of low-income and minority communities often lack reliable transportation options. Yet, this project is being reconsidered even at a time of heightened awareness about structural racism in Wisconsin.

  1. It would be costly. Spending money (an estimated $1 billion) on this project at the expense of fixing our local roads and repairing our existing road and transit infrastructure is a big price to pay for a mere 3.5 miles of interstate. Meanwhile, Wisconsin’s public transportation system and local road system are languishing due to lack of investment.

  2. It would not fix congestion as proponents of the project suggest; in fact - highway expansions often make congestion worse shortly after construction is complete! This is because of induced demand -- essentially “if you build it, they will come.” Why should a damaging project move forward to make the very thing proponents of the project want to solve even worse?

12/10 & 11 Activist Summit

 

Activist Summit for
Justice & Democracy

Election season may have concluded, but organizing for the future never stops. It's time for us to put our collective minds together and works toward a Wisconsin that works for everyone and not just those who are wealthy and well connected. Join us on December 10th and 11th to see how you can be a part of a movement to bring Wisconsin together on shared values.

RSVP HERE


Thursday, December 01, 2022

Third Party Solar


Today, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) voted to allow "third party solar" in our state. This is a super important decision that will make a big difference in who can install solar panels which will move our state off expensive, dirty, Earth-killing fossil fuels.

UPDATE: The PSC's ruling applied ONLY to the specific case before it, as described in this article from The Wisconsin Examiner

While limited to that instance, solar advocates saw the ruling as opening the doors to more widespread adoption of solar power.

“It’s no coincidence that the states with the most solar energy also explicitly allow third-party ownership, making it easier and more affordable for more residents and businesses to use solar energy,” said Chelsea Chandler, climate, energy and air program manager for Clean Wisconsin, in a statement. “This confirmation by the PSC that solar financing is allowed in our state will help Wisconsin meet its ambitious climate goals while helping Wisconsin families, schools, houses of worship, and municipalities benefit from affordable clean energy, even if they can’t afford to pay upfront.”

Wider adoption of third-party financing in our state may well depend on the 2023 Wisconsin Supreme Court race.

This article from Clean Wisconsin explains why allowing a third party to (help) finance solar installations is such a major step in the right direction. "Third-party financing allows people to lease or finance solar panels over time, usually from a company that installs and maintains them. It’s a popular choice for families, schools, houses of worship, local governments and non-profits across the country. In Wisconsin, third-party financing is not explicitly addressed in state law.Power utilities are using a lack of clarity in state law to block Wisconsinites from turning to private financing for solar panels. Our state needs clear statutes that support solar energy for all."

The Solar Energy Industries Association notes that, "Third-party financing allows more Americans to “go solar” by lowering the cost of solar installation and maintenance of a system. Companies continue to develop new products and services to meet growing demand for solar.

Third-party financing is included as a strategy for "Unlocking Solar for Low- and Moderate-Income Residents: A Matrix of Financing Options by Resident, Provider, and Housing Type" published by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. This could be a game-changer for tenants who want to participate in the clean power revolution but have not had a good avenue toward that goal. "Third-party financing is helpful because it reduces the up-front cost for the system and the effort required by the housing provider to install and maintain a PV system. Third-party leasing through power purchase agreements and ESAs are widely used in the multifamily housing sector and require little state support because private partners are willing to work with landlords."

We will soon learn more about how this, along with the incredible solar incentives in the recently-passed Inflation Reduction Act, can help all of us take personal and meaningful climate action.

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Jail Ministry

First, kudos to the La Crosse County Board and all those who worked on the change to the program for inmate phone calls. As described in the La Crosse Tribune, the county will now provide 30 minutes of free phone call time per day for those in the county jail. The parasitic system of contractors profiting from the unfortunate seems never ending. This change is one small step to helping people which will help us all.

We got this note from the local jail ministry:


If you are looking for a way to make a difference this holiday season, please consider giving to the La Crosse Jail Ministry.  Our ministry works to connect current and former inmates to one of the faith communities that serve in the La Crosse County Jail.  When released, we also provide a group of volunteer mentors (Circles of Support) to help the inmates with the transition to normal life. We also work to provide supplies to them while in the jail or warm clothes upon release. 

My role as a chaplain is to manage and facilitate all these community connections. We also want to be there for them when they are feeling hopeless and grieving, either for their loved ones and/or for their actions.  When I can help someone find their faith, or when I can offer compassion and a listening ear, I feel blessed to be in this role.

Our ministry could use your support:

First, we and the inmates we serve need your prayers and your good thoughts.

Second, we could use your financial help, as we are currently behind in our donations this year.  You can make a tax-deductible donation at lacrossejailministry.org.

Third, our inmates need supplies. You can find a list on our website, or you can contact me for additional ideas.

I wish you peace and blessings this holiday season!

Ann

Chaplain Ann Wales

608-785-9772
Mailing Address for Communication: P.O. Box 2675, La Crosse WI 54602
Mailing Address for Packages: 333 Vine Street, La Crosse WI 54601

Monday, November 28, 2022

Radical Generosity at The Center


GivingTuesday is a Movement that Unleashes the Power of Radical Generosity Around the World.

 
How can you participate?

Join The Center: 7 Rivers LGBTQ Connection as we spend Tuesday 11/29 sharing our stories of giving and participate in our online fundraiser! You can bid on amazing items! 

Sunday, November 27, 2022

Habitat Fundraiser

If you can't participate, just donate, volunteer, or shop at the ReStore.

Eat at Milwaukee Burger and Support Habitat for Humanity La Crosse Area

Milwaukee Burger Company is hosting a fundraiser for Habitat La Crosse Area on Monday, November 28th from 3-9 pm. 10% of all sales will be donated to Habitat for Humanity La Crosse Area supporting our mission of providing families with a place to call home.

Don't worry about cooking dinner Monday night! Take the family out for dinner or get a group of friends or co-workers together and enjoy dinner at Milwaukee Burger Company!


3039 Medco Court
La Crosse, WI 54601
Habitat for Humanity La Crosse Area is a tax-exempt 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization.


Saturday, November 19, 2022

The Online-iverse

There are some great online opportunities coming up to learn and connect.

A free MOOC is just starting on Coursera. The Age of Sustainable Development offers a timely look at the drivers of the climate crisis. Taught by Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, Columbia University, the course covers inequality, economic development, poverty and wealth, health care, human rights and gender equity, food systems and more. Sign up for free and work at your own pace while interacting with more than 100,000 classmates from around the world.

On Sunday, November 20, at 4 p.m., the Howard University School of Law will host a read-along of the “1619 Project” with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and Howard University Knight Chair in Race and Journalism, Nikole Hannah-Jones. Jones will be joined by Lisa Crooms-Robinson, Howard University constitutional law professor for a conversation moderated by Sydne Clark, Howard University student and spoken word artist. Register to attend online and submit questions or watch the program on YouTube

On December 7, Third Act, a national movement for 
climate activist elders, will celebrate its first year with an online program. In addition to a review of first year accomplishments, they'll talk about plans to ramp up the Banking on our Future initiative in 2023. Register here.

On January 7, attend Transportation for America's day-long Transportation Camp. Transportation Camp DC is an annual unconference. Each year, the participants create the program by proposing and leading sessions on the topics that matter most to them. This year’s event will include a virtual option, allowing attendees to view the keynote, select hybrid sessions, and virtual-only sessions from the comfort of their own homes. Space is limited. Learn more and register here.

Help Ukrainians

 


The Franciscan Spirituality Center recently befriended the monastic sisters at the Dormition of the Mother of God Monastery and are partnering with them to offer this special event. All items are handcrafted, and proceeds from the sale will benefit people in Ukraine affected by the war.

- AND -

The La Crosse Welcome Circle (LWC) is a new community organization. Its goal: To assist Ukrainians who wish to temporarily resettle here in southwestern Wisconsin. Though many will return to their homeland when possible, the LWC offers peace and hope in the meantime.

The LWC is a member of HIAS, an international resettlement organization started in 1881. Most recently, HIAS aided Afghans in their resettlement all over the U.S. With its guidance, the LWC can assist Ukrainian newcomers in navigating their environment, including government programs, social services, and finding jobs and housing.

The La Crosse Welcome Circle has identified the steps needed to assure an easy transition, but we need your help in expanding the important work we do to include the rest of the Coulee Region. Our goal is to ensure newcomers are settled and on their own, including financially, within six months. Currently, Ukrainians have a two-year limit in the United States.

LWC has teamed with Couleecap, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, to receive donations and to disburse funds. This ensures that all donations are tax deductible and all expenses are carefully audited.
Here’s how you can help: Donate, volunteer, sponsor, provide housing or transportation. Read more at the site.

Friday, November 18, 2022

Earth Fair Volunteers

 

The 2023 Earth Fair Committee is looking for new volunteers for the upcoming Earth Fair. Specifically, a Vendor Tent Coordinator & Main Shelter Coordinator. Commitments include once a month meeting and help with set up and coordination on the date of the Earth Fair - April 30th.       

Email us to learn more! Email@SustainInstitute.com

Thursday, November 17, 2022

We will not stay silent

 


Free admission; donations accepted

Join Susan Fox and Diane Breeser as they present Repro-Active: "We Will Not Stay Silent," an evening of voices-in monologues, poetry, essays, short plays, and articles.

For those of you who enjoyed the enjoyed The "Alternative Truth" Project, this production is for you! We are standing up for truth through live dramatic readings of classic and new plays and adding our voices to the resistance.

Although the subject of reproductive rights is a serious one, half of the material Fox and Breeser found for “We Will Not Stay Silent” handles it with biting humor and satire. There are some very moving pieces, of course - 
but all of them are timely and cover a spectrum of circumstances on a very personal matter.

These readings on reproductive rights will be followed by a discussion with special guest, Wisconsin State Representative Jill Billings. 

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Candidate training


Apply now for the few remaining places in Wisconsin Progress' Advanced Candidate Training on Saturday, December 10 in La Crosse. "Our Advanced Local Campaign Trainings are a comprehensive course in campaign planning for local candidates. Folks interested in running for city council, school board, county board, and other local positions will learn essential skills to create a winning campaign. We will cover campaign planning, fundraising, budgeting, voter contact, and effective campaign messaging. These one-day trainings are consistently highly attended and well received."

There will be several city council and school board elections in the spring, with papers due on early 2023. If you are considering running to progressive La Crosse, this is a great opportunity. Registration form at https://actionnetwork.org/events/advanced-local-training-2

If you are unable to attend this session, there are two virtual sessions planned on December 19 and January 7. Follow this link for more information: https://www.wisconsinprogress.org/trainings

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

The next steps

From Wisconsin Democracy Campaign: 

Campaign Finance Reform and the Work Ahead for Justice

by Matthew Rothschild, Executive Director

Speech to the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin delivered November 10, 2022

Good evening! I’d like to thank the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin for inviting me to speak with you tonight, and I also want to thank Ellen and Melanie for putting the arm on me.

Tonight, I’d like to talk with you about the urgent need for campaign finance reform, and I want to talk with you about all the money that flooded into Wisconsin – over $300 million – this election cycle.

That money enriched the media consultants, and it enriched the radio and TV stations, and it enriched YouTube, but it didn’t enrich you and it didn’t enrich our political dialogue.

Instead, it splattered mud on all our screens, and I’m sure you were as sick of that mud as I was.

Some of those ads, I need to say here at the outset, were reprehensible and racist, especially the ads paid for by a group called Wisconsin Truth PAC, which was founded by and primarily funded by three billionaires: Diane Hendricks of ABC Supply, the richest woman in Wisconsin who is infamous for urging Scott Walker to turn Wisconsin into a red state and a right to work state; and Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein of Lake Forest, Illinois, who own the Uline corporation, and are huge donors to Republican candidates across the country.

Diane Hendricks and the Uihleins also happen to be the two families that reaped $200 million each in just one year alone from that tax benefit that Ron Johnson insisted on putting into the tax code.

Wisconsin Truth PAC spent $29 million to reelect Ron Johnson. That’s like a 15% tip.

And it smacks of corruption.

Let me give you another example. In the Tim Michels race, he self-funded, providing $17 million to his own campaign, or about 75 percent. And who among us can do that? But he also leaned on his brothers.

They each maxxed out in their direct donations to him, giving his campaign $20,000 each, the legal limit, which is way too high a limit. It’s about six or seven times the amount you can give your favorite candidate for President, for instance.

And what did the Michels brothers do once they had maxxed out?

They then turned around and gave $1.5 million each to the Republican Party of Wisconsin, which, shortly thereafter, gave Michels $3 million and change.

Basically they turned the Republican Party of Wisconsin into a laundromat.

And they made a mockery of the limit we impose on contributions to candidates.

But the problem of money in politics is a bipartisan problem.

Continue reading at link.

Monday, November 14, 2022

North-South Corridors

From La Crosse Area Transit Advocates

They're back!


There will be a presentation about the coming study at the LAPC meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 4:30 p.m. in Room 1700 County Admin Building (6th & State) or you may attend virtually. Get details and the links to join from the meeting packet at the LAPC website.

Your attention is needed. How will climate collapse be part of this study? Where is the little public transportation icon? What exactly do "safety" and "operations" mean? What kinds of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure will be included?

Pay attention and get involved. 

This report tells us in cold scientific terms what nature has been telling us, all year, through deadly floods, storms and raging fires: we have to stop filling our atmosphere with greenhouse gases, and stop doing it fast. We had our chance to make incremental changes, but that time is over. Only a root-and-branch transformation of our economies and societies can save us from accelerating climate disaster.” - Inger Anderson, Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme, October 27, 2022


Sunday, November 13, 2022

Budget time

I would love to live in a community that includes the public in its budget process. Some cities host people's budget sessions to educate about where tax money is being spent and let residents share ideas and priorities. Others include opportunities for people to vote on items to include in their budget, and still others, surveys and invitations for community participation.

Here, not so much. Not only do you have to know when and where pertinent committees will discuss parts of the budget by navigating the very clunky and opaque Legistar site, you also have to know how to read and understand the budget documents. Then, you have to find out who to contact if something seems to be missing (and then be told that's part of a different budget (implied: you idiot!))


So, just in case you have time, understanding, and inclination, here's your notice that on Monday (tomorrow)  at 6 p.m. the City Council will hold a public hearing on and then approve the 2023 operating budget (click here to get to the document and avoid several layers of Legistar hell). 

Do you know what's in it? Do you know what's not in it? This is could be part of Ope! Publishing's Demystifying City Government series ... 

Even if you don't have a clue about the budget or what's in it, I encourage you to attend and/or email the council about making this process much more people-friendly going forward. We need education, input, and participation.

Several City Council seats will be open in spring (will you run?) Let's make transparent and connected government part of the requirement for candidates.

Demand Action

From Indivisible:



We need Democrats to stay in session for the remainder of this calendar year so we can minimize the harm Republicans can do by:

  • Accomplishing as much legislative clean-up as possible. This means passing wildly popular bills like the Marriage Equality Act, and Electoral Count Act reforms that are ready to pass on the floor, but we know Republicans would never bring up for a vote. 
  • Preventing hostage taking in the 118th Congress. This means lifting the debt ceiling so Republicans don’t have a hostage to take next year–threatening Social Security, Medicare and the entire global economy!

Fill out this form right now and we’ll connect you to your Representative. Tell them to do everything in their power to pass as much good legislation as possible, and to protect against Republican hostage taking.

And,

From Michael Moore, Quit Being Wimps:




Protect our coastlines

 


This bill would protect American coastlines and coastal communities, including along the Great Lakes, from sea level rise and coastal erosion. It’s received bipartisan support in both the Senate and the House. Learn more about it at https://www.edf.org/media/risee-act-would-direct-critical-funding-protect-coastal-communities-climate-threats

To email your members of Congress, follow the instructions below:

Open a browser on your laptop, desktop, tablet or phone, and paste/type in cclusa.org/write-risee.

Type in your street address to find your members of Congress, and then click “Go.”

Enter your contact info, personalize the default messages with something about yourself or customize the messages for your members of Congress, and then click “Send.”

Saturday, November 12, 2022

Empathy with Purpose

From La Crosse Area League of Women Voters:

We invite you to join the LWV of Wisconsin's statewide webinar “Implicit Bias Training
—Empathy on Purpose”,
 led by Maria Douglas, Sr., DEI Specialist for the LWVWI, on November 17th from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.  The training is open to all members and the public.

Then on November 21 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm, the LWV La Crosse Area is hosting a local Lean-In Discussion to explore what implicit bias is. UWL Professor Laurie Cooper-Stoll will facilitate this conversation, exploring implicit and explicit bias in the Coulee Region. All are welcome to submit questions in advance at LWVLA@gmail.com. Together, we will discuss how our attitudes and biases affect our actions. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core principles critical to LWV La Crosse current efforts to empower voters and defend democracy.

 
Register for one or both of these events here:

Friday, November 11, 2022

World Peace Day

From Vets for Peace:

Over one hundred years ago the world celebrated peace as a universal principle. The first World War had just ended and nations mourning their dead collectively called for an end to all wars.  Armistice Day was born and was designated as, “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated."

After World War II, the U.S. Congress decided to rebrand November 11 as Veterans Day. Honoring the warrior quickly morphed into honoring the military and glorifying war. Armistice Day was flipped from a day for peace into a day for displays of militarism.

Veterans For Peace has taken the lead in lifting up the original intention of November 11th – as a day for peace. As veterans, we know that a day that celebrates peace, not war, is the best way to honor the sacrifices of veterans. We want generations after us to never know the destruction war has wrought on people and the earth.

Veterans For Peace has been celebrating Armistice Day almost since the organization's inception, with a few chapters doing yearly events. Since 2008, with the passing of an official Veterans For Peace resolution, it became a VFP national effort. Each year, chapters across the country "Reclaim Armistice Day" by pushing the celebration of peace into the national conversation on Veterans Day.

This year, Armistice Day coincides with world leaders convening in Egypt for the 27th UN Climate Change Conference (COP27). Not only is the US military the largest single institutional emitter of greenhouse gasses, the US military has long been deployed in wars for oil, natural gas, and other resources. The US military is a key player in the climate crisis and the US cannot meaningfully address the ongoing climate crisis without ending its ongoing addiction to war and militarism. 

That’s why, as US negotiators head to COP27 to make speeches about the importance of addressing the climate crisis, VFP and allies are taking action to call on the US Government to live up to its rhetoric by disclosing the carbon impacts of military operations and taking meaningful action to address the climate crisis. 

This year, Veterans for Peace is reclaiming Armistice Day as a day to stand up for peace, strive to truly end war, and address the climate crisis with bold direct action.

Visit Vets for Peace for 11 WAYS TO TAKE ACTION.

 


Thursday, November 10, 2022

Community Transportation Academy

Please take advantage of these transportation-related opportunities.

Transit Equity Day, Feb. 4, is an annual reminder that safe, accessible, sustainable, clean, affordable public transportation is a civil right. Started by the Labor Network for Sustainability, TED is a way to combine equity, climate action, and public engagement. If you or your group, organization, or business would like to help plan TED in La Crosse, please email LaCrosseTransitAdvocates@proton.me for more details.

And,

Apply by December 1, for


1000 Friends of Wisconsin is excited to announce the Community Transportation Academy, debuting in La Crosse in Winter/Spring 2023! Applications are open until December 1, 2022.

What: FREE ten-week course that helps bridge the gap between community advocates and transportation planning entities, and provides community members with skills and knowledge to advocate for safe and accessible transportation networks that work for everyone. Learn about transportation plans and processes, interact with local and national experts invited as guest speakers, take local tours, connect with other participants, and more.

When: Wednesdays from 4-6pm, February 15 - April 26, 2023 (no class March 15)

Where: 4 in-person sessions in La Crosse, 6 virtual sessions via Zoom, plus online participation and engagement through the UW learning management system, Canvas.

Who: Community members, local elected leaders, city and county staff, and college students in the La Crosse area who are interested in learning more about local transportation to be a better advocate! No previous knowledge or experience required.

How: Visit https://1kfriends.org/community-transportation-academy/ to read more on the 1000 Friends website and apply. Questions? Email Susan Gaeddert, Community Programs Director, at susan@1kfriends.org