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| Follow this newsletter to keep current on the events shaping our state and the work our party is doing to win in 2022 and beyond. |
| Dear fellow Wisconsin Democrats,
The fight is for freedom. Freedom means self-government—and the right for we, the people, to choose our own leaders. That freedom, as we are learning day by day from the January 6 Committee hearings, came perilously close to shattering a year and a half ago. And as we see from the ongoing efforts by Republicans to rig our electoral system, the threat has only intensified. Freedom means the right to make life’s most personal and intimate decisions for ourselves—from when and whether to start a family to whom to marry. Any day, we could see a U.S. Supreme Court decision that rolls back the fundamental right to access abortion, and lays the legal groundwork to strip us of many more rights besides. And Tim Michels, Republican for Governor, just reaffirmed his opposition to marriage equality—a foreshadowing of the horrifyingly broad attack on freedoms that the GOP has in store. Freedom means liberation from chattel slavery, which we will celebrate as a nation this weekend—just the second year that Juneteenth is a recognized federal holiday. But it’s not just slavery itself that must be abolished, but all of the past and present manifestations of white supremacy, racism, and anti-Blackness. Our celebrations must impel us to redouble that work. The foes of freedom are working day and night—and we must outwork them. None of us is truly free until all of us are. Let’s meet this moment. In solidarity, Ben |
FIGHT |
| President Biden Stands Up for Labor at AFL-CIO Convention |
| This week, during a speech at the AFL-CIO Quadrennial Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, President Biden laid out what Republican control could mean for Americans across the country – higher taxes for working people, lower taxes for the ultra-wealthy, and putting Medicare and Social Security on the chopping block every five years.
President Biden also highlighted how working people and unions are the backbones of the American economy and how Democrats are working to grow the economy, tackle inflation, and lower costs for families across the country. Finally, President Biden took a moment to call out Ron Johnson and his attacks on the Affordable Care Act and its protections for pre-existing conditions: |
| “The gentleman from Wisconsin, Senator Ron Johnson, is back at it again, trying to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, including its protections for pre-existing conditions. Hundred million people have pre-existing conditions. The only reason the insurance company has to cover it is because of that law and they’re never going to stop going after it. “ |
| Watch President Biden’s full remarks here. |
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| Tim Michels Doubles Down on 2004 Opposition to Marriage Equality |
| Donald Trump’s radical candidate for governor, Tim Michels, is doubling down on his 2004 opposition to same-sex marriage, telling the Associated Press that his position is that “marriage should be between a man and a woman.”
In an interview with the AP, Michels also refused to answer questions on whether he would restrict the rights of LGBTQ+ Wisconsinites. In his run for U.S. Senate in 2004, Michels advocated for a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and made inflammatory comments regarding marriage equality, including that he doesn’t believe LGTBQ+ people should “bring it out of [the] house.” Support for marriage equality in Wisconsin is overwhelming, with 72% of Wisconsinites in favor in an April 2022 Marquette Law School poll, including 58% of Republicans. Read more from the AP here. |
| Ron Johnson’s Failed Record on Supporting US Manufacturing |
| While Ron Johnson will occasionally talk a big game about the need to bolster US manufacturing and supply chains, his record tells a different story. New reporting from the American Independent explores Johnson’s failed record on supporting our economy – starting with his opposition to the bipartisan CHIPS Act, which would incentivize domestic semiconductor manufacturing.
Johnson was also one of 32 senators to vote against the Endless Frontier Act, which would also boost microchip manufacturing and address supply chain and inflation issues. Johnson has also continued to double down on his refusal to fight to bring more than 1,000 manufacturing jobs to his hometown building new USPS mail trucks at Oshkosh Defense. Time and again, Johnson says one thing – while his self-serving record says otherwise. And sometimes, he even admits that he’s pro-outsourcing, as he did when he told a constituent that “only purchasing things made in America really doesn’t make a whole lot of sense” and that “I don’t think we should bring everything back.” Read more from the American Independent here. |
INCLUDE & RESPECT |
| This Weekend: Juneteenth Celebrations Across Wisconsin |
| Juneteenth is the time to celebrate and remember the emancipation, resilience, and strength of Black Americans—celebrating the day that news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas in 1865.
As we celebrate this historical moment, we also lift up ongoing contributions by Black Americans to the fight for equality and liberation for all. There’s so much at stake this election – from voting rights, health care, and education, to safety in our communities. Now’s the time to make it clear the majority of Americans support freedom, rights, and progress for Black Americans forever, and always. Take a stand and join us in celebrating Juneteenth. Join WisDems as we celebrate Juneteenth at festivals around the state this weekend. Governor Evers will be crisscrossing the state to celebrate Juneteenth, and Wisconsin Democrats will be part of the celebrations across Wisconsin! WisDems at Juneteenth Celebrations: Milwaukee Juneteenth Parade w/ MKE Dems and Black Caucus June 19th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Milwaukee Juneteenth Community Engagement Booth, June 19th at on Dr. MLK Drive from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Madison Juneteenth Parade w/ Dane County Dems June 18th from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Beloit Juneteenth Community Engagement Booth, June 18th at Jones Pavilion from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Racine Juneteenth Community Engagement Booth, June 18th at Dr. John Bryant Community Center from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Kenosha Juneteenth Community Engagement Booth, June 18th at 52nd Street & 13th Court from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
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| Gov. Evers Visits Milwaukee-area Businesses |
| Last Friday, Gov. Evers made a tour of some iconic Milwaukee institutions, starting with Sam’s Place, known as the jazziest coffeehouse in Milwaukee. Sam’s Place is becoming a staple in the Bronzeville neighborhood, with owner and Milwaukee native Sam Belton having first opened his doors in 2021. During his visit, the governor was able to have honest conversations with folks about the challenges facing communities and solutions we can continue to work towards!
Next, Gov. Evers stopped by An Ox Cafe, a new restaurant on the northwest side specializing in Lao and Thai cuisines. The restaurant was opened in February by owners Sia Xiong and Johnni Sihavong, who named the business after their birth year – the year of the ox. Small businesses like An Ox Cafe are critical for creating local jobs, growing our economy, and building strong communities, and we’re proud of the work Gov. Evers has done to invest millions into minority-owned businesses just like An Ox Cafe! Finally, Governor Evers visited El Rey Foods last Friday at their location on Cesar E Chavez Drive! The governor greeted folks enjoying the market’s restaurant, and met with Democratic stakeholders and the owner of the El Rey Foods. A gem in Wisconsin’s Latino community, El Rey Foods has served the community for over 30 years! |
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| Celebrate Dairy Month With a Dairy Breakfast! |
| June is Dairy Month in Wisconsin, which means it’s time to celebrate at a dairy breakfast – just like Gov. Evers, who stopped by the Jefferson County Dairy Breakfast earlier this month to serve up pancakes.
Take part in this iconic Wisconsin tradition and find a local dairy breakfast near you here. |
EMPOWER The Grassroots |
| #WisDems2022 Convention Social Media Toolkit |
| Our annual state convention, “Doing What’s Right for Wisconsin,” is fast approaching, and we need you to help spread the word!
Our new social media toolkit provides sample posts and graphics for you to share: wisdems.org/conventiontoolkit Make sure to use #WisDems2022 and tag @WisDems in all of your posts, and we’ll see you at Convention! |
| Upcoming Summer Greenfly Trainings |
| Come learn how you can amplify our unified, Democratic messaging on social media, using the Greenfly app! During our live training sessions, you’ll learn what Greenfly can do and how to use it, and practice using the app.
This training is perfect for any county party member or leader, volunteer, or community leader who wants to help spread WisDems social media messaging—especially those managing social media accounts on behalf of county parties or other groups. Tuesday, June 21 at 5pm: Register Wednesday, June 22 at 12pm: Register Thursday, June 23 at 5:30pm: Register Stay up to date as we add more training dates this summer at wisdems.org/greenfly. |
| Join the WisDems Voter Protection Team! |
| Join the WisDems Voter Protection team to promote voting rights in Wisconsin! We’re focused on empowering Wisconsin voters and engaging our communities to protect voting rights in 2022. Check out how you can get involved:
Become a Poll Observer on August 9: Poll observers are the eyes and ears for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin’s Voter Protection Team inside polling locations across the state. Phonebank for Wisconsin Poll Observers: Come make calls to Wisconsinites and get more people involved in the fight for voting rights! Right now, our focus is recruiting poll observers to be the eyes and ears of our team inside polling places on Election Day. Voter Assistance Hotline Training: Learn how to support voters as a Voter Assistance Hotline volunteer! Our summer Hotline training will teach you everything you need to know about voting in Wisconsin so that you can answer voters’ questions on our Hotline. Digital Organizing Toolkit: Want to get your friends and family involved, but not sure where to start? Check out our Outreach Toolkit (wisdems.org/voprotoolkit) to find sample language to get your network involved in the fight for voting rights in Wisconsin! Regional Voter Protection Action Teams: Join one of our Regional Action Team meetings to learn all you need to know about getting involved and advocating for voters in your community. These Zoom meetings are open to anyone in the region who’s interested in voting rights—bring your friends! Find your region’s meeting below: Madison/Central: Wisdems.org/madisonvopro Milwaukee/Waukesha: Wisdems.org/milwaukeevopro Southeast: Wisdems.org/southeastvopro West: Wisdems.org/westernvopro North: Wisdems.org/northernvopro Chicago/Out of State: Wisdems.org/chicagovopro |
| Secure Your Spot at Founders Day 2022 in Milwaukee! |
| Founders Day is back after a two-year hiatus! We hope you’ll save the date for one of WisDems’ most exciting events of the year.
Join us on Monday, July 11th at GATHER in Deer District in Milwaukee. We expect some to have some great speakers, and a special keynote guest you won’t want to miss! We expect tickets will sell fast, so don’t wait to RSVP. Click here to secure your spot today! |
| Become a Monthly Donor |
| The easiest way to help support our work across the state is by signing up as a monthly donor for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. These funds directly allow us to hire and plan sustainably, working to defeat Ron Johnson, re-elect Gov. Evers, and save our democracy! |
