Senator Johnson Opposes Former WI Health Official Despite Overwhelming Bipartisan Support

Senator Ron Johnson Again Shows He’s Far Outside What Wisconsinites Expect from Elected Leaders in Washington 


Tuesday, May 11, 2021

MADISON, Wis.— Today Opportunity Wisconsin released the following statement after U.S. Senator Ron Johnson voted against confirming the highly-regarded Wisconsin official who oversaw the state's pandemic response and made Wisconsin a national leader in vaccine distribution. Andrea Palm received overwhelmingly bipartisan support—61 votes—as she was confirmed today to be the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services. But Johnson took the rare step of voting against a home-state nominee who is highly qualified for the job, showing once again that he’s far outside the mainstream of what Wisconsinites expect from their elected leaders in Washington. Palm most recently served as Secretary-designee of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin program director:
“With this vote, Senator Johnson has once again put politics over the American people. Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm is not only uniquely qualified to serve as we recover from the pandemic’s devastation, but has a proven track record of bold leadership on behalf of the Badger State. Wisconsin residents deserve elected leaders who will stand with them, instead of standing in the way. Senator Johnson continues to throw up roadblocks to our recovery, and we all must continue to hold him accountable for it.”

Yesterday, after Senator Johnson opposed Palm’s nomination in a preliminary vote, Opportunity Wisconsin called on Senator Johnson to put his COVID conspiracies aside and support the former Wisconsin health official in this morning’s vote.

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Senator Ron Johnson Opposes Former Wisconsin Health Official in Preliminary Senate Vote

Opportunity Wisconsin calls on Johnson to confirm Andrea Palm in final vote tomorrow morning

Monday, May 10, 2021

MADISON, Wis.— Today Opportunity Wisconsin released the following statement after U.S. Senator Ron Johnson voted against advancing consideration of Andrea Palm to be the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services. Palm most recently served as Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, overseeing the state’s pandemic response and enabling Wisconsin to become a national leader in vaccine distribution. Initial consideration of her confirmation cleared the Senate by a vote of 62-35. The final vote to confirm Palm is expected tomorrow morning.     

Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin program director:
“Today’s vote demonstrates just how out of touch Senator Johnson is with the Badger State. Andrea Palm was a steady hand whose deep experience not only helped Wisconsin weather the worst of the pandemic, but set us up for success getting shots in arms. Whether it’s pushing unproven coronavirus treatments or questioning basic public health measures, there isn’t a COVID conspiracy Senator Johnson hasn’t at least entertained. As our country continues to dig out from the pandemic’s devastation, the American people will be well-served by Andrea Palm. We call on Senator Johnson to put the people of our state over pandemic politics and vote to confirm Andrea Palm as HHS Deputy Secretary.”   

 

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WATCH: Rep. Shelton: American Rescue Plan Is A “Down Payment On Our Schools”

May 5, 2021

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GREEN BAY, Wis.— In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, Wisconsin State Representative Kristina Shelton spoke on Tuesday evening with Fox Valley area educators about how the American Rescue Plan is making historic investments to help keep Wisconsin students safe and learning on track. Educators also reflected on the past year and how to move forward safely. The event, hosted by Opportunity Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), was moderated by UW-Green Bay Professor and Opportunity Wisconsin steering committee member Jon Shelton.

Professor Shelton opened the conversation, highlighting the many ways the American Rescue Plan is making historic investments in Badger State schools, and reminded viewers who stood in the way of this critical relief, “Wisconsin students and educators are getting the help they need from the American Rescue Plan, but with no thanks to Senator Ron Johnson or Congressman Mike Gallagher, both of whom voted against the American Rescue Plan.” WATCH

Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, Wisconsin received $2.1 billion in funding for schools, including  an estimated $15.5 million for Head Start, a program that has been essential for Badger State families over the past year. Head Start currently serves 15,441 Wisconsin children through 276 program locations, and this money will be crucial in expanding this life-changing program to more of Wisconsin’s children.

“Head Start and a lot of the social workers at other schools were actually delivering meals to families. They would take their cars and drop off meals at families’ homes. It was a beautiful thing that we could do for the kids,” said Jessica Carney, a Head Start teacher in Green Bay and a member of the Green Bay Education Association.  WATCH

“I have hope because of this funding - it’s a down payment on our schools. It’s a belief in our schools. The success of our schools is central to the success of our community,” said Representative Shelton. WATCH

The American Rescue Plan provides Wisconsin public schools with safety resources and helps address inequities exposed by the pandemic.

“[COVID-19] has really just exacerbated issues that have been there for quite some time. It varies from district to district, but there are still similar issues that, with this bill being passed, we can hopefully make some progress on. Whether it’s through high speed internet access, or providing counselors and special education staff and paraprofessionals, to making sure our students are getting the services that they need,” said Brian Milz, a special education teacher in West De Pere and a member of the West De Pere Education Association. WATCH

Rhoda Kambandu, a special education paraprofessional and member of the Green Bay Education Association, helped close the conversation on an optimistic note by reflecting on what the American Rescue Plan’s investments will mean for the future of education, “I’m hopeful for the changes that will come in how we deliver education.” WATCH

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WATCH: NEW Ad Buy From Opportunity Wisconsin As VP Harris Visits Milwaukee

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Opportunity Wisconsin relaunches “NO” as a reminder that Senator Johnson stood in the way of the Badger State’s recovery

MILWAUKEE, Wis.— As Vice President Kamala Harris visits the Badger State today to discuss policies that uplift Wisconsin workers and families, Opportunity Wisconsin is making sure Milwaukee residents know that Senator Ron Johnson has stood in the way of the state’s recovery through a relaunch of its digital ad, “NO.”   

“We’re excited to welcome Vice President Harris to Milwaukee today and grateful for this Administration’s bold leadership that has put Wisconsin on the road to recovery,” said Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin program director. “Senator Johnson and Republicans in our congressional delegation have voted against money in pockets, shots in arms, and getting Wisconsinites back on the job. Wisconsinites can’t forget who fought for us and who failed us. They continue to stand in the way of Wisconsin’s recovery and we must hold them accountable for it.”  

Opportunity Wisconsin originally launched the ad in March to hold Senator Johnson accountable for opposing the American Rescue Plan. The ad was part of a six-figure digital ad campaign, following a three-week, $1M statewide TV ad campaign featuring WIsconsin residents urging Senator Johnson to stop blocking COVID relief checks. 

Learn more about how the American Rescue Plan is helping Wisconsin.

“NO” Full Script:

COVID relief is on the way.

But Senator Ron Johnson voted NO.

$1,400 relief checks? NO.

Funding for vaccines? NO.

Support for small businesses? NO.

Tell Ron Johnson to stop blocking our recovery.


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100 Days of Building Back Better in the Badger State

April 29, 2021

Wisconsin is finally on the road to recovery with the American Rescue Plan’s historic investments

MADISON, Wis.— Today Opportunity Wisconsin released the following statement as the Biden-Harris administration marks 100 days in office.

Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin program director:

“Over the last 100 days, we’ve seen bold leadership, decisive action, and a clear commitment from the Biden-Harris administration on behalf of Wisconsin’s workers and families. Whether it’s shots in arms, money in pockets, small businesses reopening, students returning to the classroom, or simply seniors hugging their grandchildren again—Wisconsin residents are seeing real, tangible results after years of stalled progress and broken promises. Now it’s time to build on this progress and create an economy that works for all of us, not just the wealthy few. 

“We urge our elected officials to continue this momentum by supporting policies that invest in Wisconsin’s future as we recover from the pandemic. The time to act is now. We’re calling on Senator Ron Johnson and Wisconsin’s Republican congressional representatives—all of whom voted against the American Rescue Plan—to stop standing in the way of Wisconsin’s recovery.” 

 Learn more about how the American Rescue Plan is helping Wisconsin:

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NEW Report Highlights How $2.1B for WI from American Rescue Plan Helps Schools Safely Reopen

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

MADISON, Wis.— Opportunity Wisconsin today released a new report highlighting how the American Rescue Plan is making historic investments to help Wisconsin schools safely reopen, a crucial first step for students and families to overcome this pandemic.   

“The pandemic has left Wisconsin children feeling isolated and frustrated with school work, transformed the jobs of teachers, and forced parents and caretakers to pull triple-duty. Working a full-time job, caring for children, and functioning as in-home educators would be exhausting under normal circumstances; in a pandemic that job is nearly impossible,” said Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin program director. “The American Rescue Plan not only provides Wisconsin schools with the necessary resources to reopen safely, but it helps address some of the existing inequities in schooling and access that have been exacerbated by the pandemic. This historic investment would not have been possible without our elected leaders like Senator Baldwin, who helped deliver this critical relief. Unfortunately, instead of joining the fight on behalf of Wisconsin students, teachers, and families, folks like Senator Johnson and Wisconsin’s Republican congressional representatives fought against this important funding.”  

A copy of Opportunity Wisconsin’s new report is posted below.


Members of the media wishing to speak with Wisconsin residents benefitting from the American Rescue Plan should email press@opportunitywisconsin.org.  

The American Rescue Plan Helps Wisconsin Schools Safely Reopen


American Rescue Plan in Wisconsin

  • Wisconsin received $2.1 billion in funding for schools, including $1.5 billion for K-12 schools and $556.7 million for higher education.

  • Milwaukee Public Schools, the largest school district in the state and the school district in the county with the highest share of Black students and students of color, received $798 million, amounting to over $11,000 per student.

  • Wisconsin had cut $67 million in higher education funding from FY 2020 to FY 2021, so the $556.7 million in federal funding will be critical for higher education institutions.

  • Total funding and funding per student for Wisconsin local education agencies (LEAs) can be found in this memo from the Legislative Fiscal Bureau.

  • The ARP allocates more than $15.5 million for Head Start pre-kindergarten programs in Wisconsin. Head Start currently serves 15,441 Wisconsin children through 276 program locations, and this money will be crucial in expanding this life-changing program to more of Wisconsin’s children. 

Federal Support for Public Education During COVID-19

The American Rescue Plan provides over $170 billion to K-12 schools and higher education institutions across all states. 

K-12 Schools

The ARP includes $128.6 billion to elementary and secondary schools, the largest-ever single federal investment in K-12 schools. State and local governments have suffered tremendous economic loss as they have tried to combat the pandemic while supporting their constituents, and especially while supporting educational institutions. Approximately 26 percent of state budgets are allocated to K-12 education. The funding from the American Rescue Plan will be critical for states to ensure that schools are able to make the financial decisions needed to keep students, teachers, and staff safe as they return to in-person learning.  

Schools will be able to spend this money over the next three-and-a-half academic years as they work to ameliorate the effects of the pandemic on students, teachers, and faculty. This crucial federal funding is flexible, allowing states and schools to spend as needed, such as on repairing ventilation systems, reducing class size to allow for social distancing, and hiring support staff to care for the health of students, educators, and staff. However, it does require that states set apart a portion of the funding for learning loss programs, summer enrichment programs, and after school programs. This money will also help offset unexpected costs that many schools and state governments had taken on when the pandemic began and students transitioned to remote learning on things like technology and PPE.

Higher Education

The ARP allocates $39.6 billion to institutions of higher education. This relief will be crucial to these institutions – since the pandemic began, 22 states have cut a total of $1.9 billion in funding for higher education, resulting in hundreds of thousands of layoffs. Public universities and colleges have faced budget cuts and loss of revenue from decreased enrollment and diminished athletic events while having to contend with the costs of COVID-19 testing and associated health accommodations. The burden of job loss and decreased wages/hours has not been felt equally: the average salary of those who lost their jobs was just $40,000, usually those in administrative positions. 

This funding will ensure that these establishments can pay their workers while continuing to provide their students with high-quality education. Institutions of higher education are required to allocate at least half of their funding to emergency financial aid grants to students as they navigate changes in their financial situations due to COVID-19. The ARP includes certain provisions to ensure that this federal funding goes where it’s most needed, requiring states to avert cuts specifically to schools and school districts with high numbers of children living in poverty.



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Senator Johnson Questioning Vaccination Push is “Height of Irresponsibility”

Friday, April 23, 2021

Senator Johnson wants to limit the distribution of lifesaving vaccines, even as 6,700 Wisconsinites have died from COVID-19

MADISON, Wis.— With nearly 600,000 positive cases and over 6,700 deaths, there’s no questioning the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on Wisconsin—unless you’re U.S. Senator Ron Johnson. During a radio interview yesterday, Senator Johnson questioned why there’s a “big push to make sure everybody gets a vaccine.”

“Despite overwhelming scientific evidence showing the vaccine’s importance to turning the tide on COVID-19, Senator Johnson has once again decided to peddle dangerous claims about the pandemic,” said Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin program director. “Unfortunately this is par for the course as Senator Johnson has spent more time promoting wild conspiracy theories than working to help the Badger State weather this crisis. Every step of the way, Senator Johnson has stood in the way of COVID relief for Wisconsin families, and now he wants to limit the distribution of lifesaving vaccines that will finally allow us to go back to normal. This is the height of irresponsibility.” 

On Monday, Senator Johnson bragged that he stood “in the way of getting checks to everybody,” referring to earlier this year when he tried to block the $1,400 relief checks sent to Wisconsin families as part of the American Rescue Plan. The American Rescue Plan sent up to $1,400 to Wisconsin adults and dependents who needed it the most, totaling over $7.8 billion for Wisconsin families, helping 4 million adults and 1.5 million children in the state.

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[ICYMI] Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: “More Than 50% of Wisconsin Residents 16 and Over Have Received at Least One COVID-19 Vaccine Dose”

Thursday, April 22, 2021

American Rescue Plan provided big boost to vaccinations in the Badger State 

MADISON, Wis.—In case you missed it, yesterday the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that half of Wisconsin residents 16 and older have received at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine. This news came on the same day the United States hit the 200 million doses milestone, hitting the ambitious Biden-Harris administration goal one week earlier than anticipated. The American Rescue Plan, signed into law by President Biden, includes $20 billion for vaccine distribution, including $7.5 billion to set up vaccination sites across the country, including $59 million for community health centers across Wisconsin. 

“This is a significant step in helping Wisconsin workers, families, and businesses recover from the pandemic’s devastation,” said Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin program director. “The American Rescue Plan gave a big boost to vaccinations across the Badger State and we are incredibly grateful to our elected officials like Senator Baldwin who fought on behalf of all of us for this critical investment. Unfortunately, instead of fighting for us, folks like Senator Johnson and Wisconsin’s Republican Congressional representatives failed us. To make matters worse, Senator Johnson is now wearing his obstruction like a badge of pride. Wisconsinites deserve leaders who will work on behalf of all of us.”  

During a WCLO radio interview Monday, Senator Ron Johnson bragged that he stood “in the way of getting checks to everybody,” referring to earlier this year when he tried to block the $1,400 relief checks sent to Wisconsin families as part of the American Rescue Plan. The American Rescue Plan sent up to $1,400 to Wisconsin adults and dependents who needed it the most, totaling over $7.8 billion for Wisconsin families, helping 4 million adults and 1.5 million children in the state.

Last week, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley was joined by Opportunity Wisconsin and BLOC as they gathered to celebrate the American Rescue Plan and its major boost to vaccine distribution by handing out free cookies from Canfora Bakery at the Kosciuszko Park and Community Center vaccine site.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: “More Than 50% of Wisconsin Residents 16 and Over Have Received at Least One COVID-19 Vaccine Dose”

April 21, 2021

By Drake Bentley and Mary Spicuzza

Half of Wisconsin residents 16 and older have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, a top state health official said Wednesday. 

"If I look at the 16 and over population, it's 51% approximately — of the people who are eligible," Julie Willems Van Dijk, deputy secretary for the state Department of Health Services, said in an interview with the Journal Sentinel. "So we're moving along on that population."

But she added that the state typically considers the total population, not just those who are currently eligible for COVID-19 vaccine, "because that's really what you need for community immunity."

By that measure, nearly 41% of Wisconsin's population had gotten at least one dose as of Wednesday.

Peesident Joe Biden announced Wednesday that the United States has already met his goal of administering 200 million shots in his first 100 days. While here in the state, the seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases dropped to 672 cases on Wednesday. This marks a decline in average cases for six consecutive days.

More than 3.9 million doses have been administered in the state, with Pfizer making up for more than half of those doses. 

Biden also urged businesses to give workers paid leave to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

“No working American should lose a single dollar from their paycheck because they chose to fill their patriotic duty of getting vaccinated,” Biden said.

Since the beginning of vaccine administration, over 215 million doses have been administered.

Read more here: https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2021/04/21/average-covid-19-cases-decline-sixth-straight-day-biden-declares-his-goal-200-million-shots-his-firs/7324178002/? 

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