Our Representatives in the News

Governor Scott Walker

Last week Walker said he would sign a ban on abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy that does not contain exceptions for rape and incest victims, if the bill reaches his desk. Wisconsin Assembly Bill 237, co-authored by Rep. Jesse Kremer (R) and Senate President Mary Lazich (R), also contains a provision that would allow the father to sue the doctor for “emotional and psychological distress” if he disagrees with the abortion, regardless of his relationship with the woman having the procedure. If the bill becomes law, doctors who perform an abortion after this time could be charged with a felony and fined up to $10,000, or face up to three and a half years in prison. The Republican majority of the Wisconsin State Senate voted June 9 to pass the legislation rejecting an amendment to the bill that would have allowed physicians to perform abortions necessitated by a medical emergency for the mother in a manner that would help protect the mother’s health or even life. As passed, the bill will require physicians who perform an abortion as a result of a medical emergency in a manner that provides the unborn fetus with the best opportunity to survive, regardless of the health consequences to the mother.

Source:  Huffington Post

Senator Tammy Baldwin

Baldwin, along with the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) CEO Wendy Spencer, announced more than $17.3 million in new grants for Wisconsin that will support AmeriCorps members serving the community with local organizations. The funding includes $12 million in grants to Wisconsin nonprofits and $5.2 million in education scholarships for AmeriCorps members. In addition, the grants will leverage an additional $18.6 million in local matching support – stretching the federal investment through a public-private partnership that increases the impact AmeriCorps has on communities. “National service is a critical and cost-effective approach to solving problems. It helps organizations to expand their reach and impact and engages citizens and brings communities together. And it provides those who serve the opportunity to make a difference and a passion for service that lasts a lifetime,” said Baldwin. Last year marked the 20th anniversary of AmeriCorps. In the past two decades, more than 900,000 men and women have served in the program, providing more than one billion hours of service to meet local needs.

Source:  Baldwin press release

Senator Ron Johnson

Johnson says he intends to break the trend and become the first Republican to win election to the Senate in a presidential year in Wisconsin since 1980. Johnson held a telephone conference call on June 5 in advance of his Democratic challenger Russ Feingold speaking later at the Wisconsin Democratic Party convention.

Johnson defeated Feingold in 2010 and Feingold announced last month that he intended to run again next year in a rematch. Feingold held the seat for 18 years prior to losing to Johnson.

Johnson said Feingold believes he is entitled to the seat and voters already made their minds up in 2010 when they decided against re-electing him to a fourth term. Johnson says Feingold “obviously doesn’t trust their judgment.”

Source:  The Associated Press

President Barack Obama

In this week’s address, the President recognized Immigrant Heritage Month, an occasion that allows us to celebrate our origins as a nation of immigrants. The basic idea of welcoming people to our shores is central to our ancestry and our way of life. That’s why the President asked everyone to visit whitehouse.gov/NewAmericans and share stories of making it to America. And as we celebrate our heritage and our diversity, the President promised to continue to fight to fix our current broken immigration system and make it more just and more fair, strengthening America in the process.

Source:  White House website