On August 14, 2018, we will hold a Primary Election to decide who will run to replace the current governor.  After that will come a blitz of fundraising and advertising -- at least for the Democratic Candidate.  The Republican is not waiting until then.  Scott Walker's campaign started with an ad in October 2017. Since then we have seen a lot of shenanigans in these ads and in what he purports to have done for the state.

• Education - Walker claims that his budget will give more to public education than ever. "We are investing more money into education than ever before in the history of Wisconsin." One problem. He does not account for inflation in that claim.  When adjusted for inflation 2011 per student spending was $13,112, considerably higher than $12,329 spent in 2017.
• Welfare "Reform" - What the current administration calls "reform" is a continuation of race-baiting and innuendo. The Progressive's analysis is spot on.  Walker's ad cuts to a black woman for his example.  In reality, 56-68 percent of the welfare recipients in Wisconsin are white. Additionally, the largest chunk of money goes to children who receive 43 percent of the total allotment. 
• Jobs - Walker claimed that if Democrats get control of the Executive Branch the Foxconn deal would be over.  He based this on Dana Wachs' statement that he would hold Foxconn accountable for the terms of the contract and if the company violates those terms, he would push to extricate the state from the agreement.  When interviewed this past Sunday by Mike Gousha on his show "UpFront" Walker said, “What other company in the world would consider coming to this state if that’s the kind of leadership that’s going to be in place?”  When did holding to the terms of a contract become a demonstration of poor leadership?
• Taxes - In a blatant attempt to buy votes Walker instituted a $100 child tax credit. "Parents will have from May 15 to July 2 to sign up for the tax rebate on a state Department of Revenue website that has yet to be launched.[As of this newsletter, the site has launched] They'll then receive the rebate checks later in the summer — just a few months before the November election. " (MJS)

Bottom line: Don't be duped by ads and phony rhetoric.

IMMIGRATION EVENT RECAP from Shirley Horowitz

Q: WHAT HAPPENED in Shorewood on the evening of April 29^th?

A: More than 70 people attended the Focus on Immigration evening at North Shore Presbyterian Church. They enjoyed delicious ethnic treats, shared stories about how their families originally came to the United States and learned how the current legal landscape today compares with immigration of the past.

Speakers detailed immigration’s past rules and their effects. Grassroots North Shore extends a hearty thank you to Professor Rachel Buff for her illuminating tour through immigration history, and to Kelly Fortier for her fascinating and funny but sometimes horrifying rendition of current immigration requirements, and to Nancy Flores and Miguel Lopez of Voces de la Frontera for the heartfelt and riveting story they recounted of coming to the United States as an undocumented immigrant.

The audience learned that long wait times for green cards, sometimes spanning decades, have contributed to people coming to the United States by unorthodox means. For example, a married son or daughter sponsored by a US citizen parent will usually wait 13 years to be reunited with child; for a U.S. citizen parent from Mexico, it would be 23 years before the child could enter.

Speakers’ presentations were followed by a 30-minute Q&A from the audience. The questions regarding immigration and its past effects on the United States were sometimes surprising and always informative; the questions regarding the future of immigration remain and can only be answered by how we respond to its challenges.

EVENTS

Wed May 16, 2018

Refuel the Resistance, 5 pm - 8 pm
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee
Weekly gathering at Bounce Milwaukee's mezzanine bar for networking, inspiration or just to vent. Bring along any evidence of your civic, resistance from the last week to get a beverage (up to $7) on the house, and compare notes with other individuals and groups working to make things better. More information.

Women Lead, 5 pm - 7:30 pm
1122 N Astor St
You are invited to meet 8 wonderful pro-choice women who are running for office in Southeastern Wisconsin.
This is not a fundraiser, it's simply a chance to get to know these women who will be instrumental in changing the face of Wisconsin.

Drinking Liberally Wauwatosa, 6 pm - 9 pm
Red Dot, 6715 W North Ave, Wauwatosa
Come join fellow Wauwatosa progressives for good conversation. http://livingliberally.org/drinking/chapters/WI/Wauwatosa

Monthly Meeting of the Ozaukee County Democratic Party, 7 pm - 8:30 pm
639 E Green Bay Ave, Saukville, WI 53080, USA
The Ozaukee County Democrats meet every third Wednesday of the month at the Village of Saukville Municipal Center. Members and non-members may attend, but please note that only members may vote on party business.

Southwest Region Dems Meeting, 7 pm  
Studz Pub Sports Bar & Grill, 6833 W. National Ave., West Allis
NOTE NEW DATE AND PERMANENT LOCATION. Southwest Dems will hold their monthly meeting. Region 5 covers Franklin, Greendale, Greenfield, Hales Corners, Milwaukee (Southwest), West Allis, West Milwaukee. For more information contact [email protected].

Suicide The Ripple Effect, Kevin Hines' powerful new film, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Marcus Ridge Cinema, 5200 S Moorland Rd, New Berlin, WI 53151,
The film highlights the journey of Kevin Hines, who at age 19, attempted to take his life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. Since then Kevin has been on a mission to use his story to help others stay alive and find recovery. Tickets must be purchased prior and at the link provided. https://gathr.us/screening/22796

Thurs May 17, 2018

Our Revolution Meeting, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Postal Workers Union, 417 N. 3rd St., Milwaukee
Our Wisconsin Revolution-Milwaukee will hold its membership meeting. Special guests will be leaders of EXPO (Ex-Prisoners Organizing). EXPO works to end mass incarceration, eliminate all forms of structural discrimination against formerly incarcerated people, and restore formerly incarcerated people to full participation in the life of our communities. 5:30 Refreshments and networking 6:00 Speakers followed by updates on OWR organizing efforts.

Waukesha County Democratic Party Meeting, 7 pm - 9 pm
336 Wisconsin Avenue, Waukesha, WI
Monthly Membership Meeting.

Sat May 19, 2018

Keep Joblines Buses: Rally, 11 am - 2 pm
Wisconsin Black Historical Society, 2620 W. Center St, Milw  Keep the job lines rolling! Help ensure that MCTS routes 6 and 61 are extended past 2018. These bus routes give Milwaukee residents transportation to good jobs outside the city. Guest speaker will be Chris Gardner, author of The Pursuit of Happyness. Complimentary lunch provided by Chic Underground.

Stand for Peace, 12 pm - 1 pm
Varies. Find the week's location here.
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by the United Nations Association of Milwaukee, Peace/Conflict Committee.

Liz Sumner for the Wisconsin State Assembly District 23, 1 pm - 3 pm
Longacre Pavillion, 7343 N Longacre Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53217
Campaign Kick-off

Mon May 21, 2018

DPMC Issues Committee Meeting, 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Amalgamated Transit Union, 734 N. 26th St., Milwaukee
The Democratic Party's Issues Committee will hold its monthly meeting. All Democrats are welcome to participate.

Milwaukee Dems Meeting, 6 pm 
Amalgamated Transit Union, 734 N. 26th St., Milwaukee
Milwaukee County Democrats meet monthly to discuss party business, hear speakers on current topics, pass resolutions, and network with other progressives. All interested Democrats are invited.

Grassroots Gathering in Waukesha, 6:30 pm - 8 pm
Waukesha Public Library, 321 Wisconsin Ave, Waukesha
Join us as we discuss how we can work together to increase voter turnout in the fall elections. Sponsored by Grassroots Waukesha.

Milwaukee County Democratic Party Meeting, 7 pm - 9 pm
Burke's Irish Castle, 5328 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee
Milwaukee County Dems meet monthly to discuss party business, hear speakers on current topics, pass resolutions, and network with other progressives. All interested Democrats are invited to the general meeting and to the Issues Committee meeting at 5:30.

Tues May 22, 2018

Long-term Care Documentary, 6 pm -7:30 pm
Wauwatosa Library, 7635 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa
Citizen Action Healthcare for All Co-Op is hosting a screening of the documentary Care, followed by a panelist-led group discussion. Allare welcome. The documentary highlights how the broken long-term care system is failing patients, their families,and workers. RSVP: https://www.citizenactionwi.org/documentary_screening_of_care

Wed May 23, 2018

Refuel the Resistance, 5 pm - 8 pm
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee
Weekly gathering at Bounce Milwaukee's mezzanine bar for networking, inspiration or just to vent. Bring along any evidence of your civic, resistance from the last week to get a beverage (up to $7) on the house, and compare notes with other individuals and groups working to make things better. More information.

Governor's Forum - Waukesha, 7 pm -8:30 pm
University of Wisconsin - Waukesha, 1500 N University Dr, Waukesha
The format for the forum will be based on 'speed dating.' Those in attendance will occupy a number of rooms and the candidates will each have a fixed number of minutes to answer questions before switching to the next room.

Chris Larson Listening Session, 5 pm - 6:30 pm
South Milwaukee Library, 1907 10th St., Milwaukee
State Sen. Chris Larson will hold a listening session to hear what his constituents are thinking.

Erica Flynn Fundraiser, 6 pm - 8 pm
3722 S. Bayberry Lane, Greenfield
Meet and GreetFundraiser for Erica Flynn, who is challenging Assemblyman Kuglitch in the 84th State Assembly District.  Light snacks and drinks will be served.  Join Erica, meet others, contribute, and volunteer to help get her elected.

Drinking Liberally Glendale, 7 pm 
Bar Louie, 5750 N. Bayshore Dr., Glendale
Drinking Liberally Glendale meets on the last Wednesday of the month. Come drink a beverage or two of your choice and talk about Liberal stuff.

Thurs May 24, 2018

Mental Health Board Meeting, 4:30 pm 
Washington Park Senior Center, 4420 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee
Milwaukee County Mental Health Board Meeting. Public Comment: Budget.  More information: http://county.milwaukee.gov/BehavioralHealthDivi7762/Mental-Health-Board.htm.

Poverty: Causes and Impact, 6 pm 
Greenfield Library, 5310 W. Layton Ave., Greenfield
Citizens Coalition is presenting a program focusing on the "impact" poverty has on everyone and the "causes" of poverty. Conor Williams will be the guest presenter. Registration is at 5:45, program at 6:00. 

Sat May 26, 2018

Stand for Peace, 12 pm - 1 pm
Varies. Find the week's location here.
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by the United Nations Association of Milwaukee, Peace/Conflict Committee.

Sun May 27, 2018

Sunday Demonstration, 12 pm - 1 pm
Cutler Park, Wisconsin Avenue, Waukesha
What are you most concerned about? Social justice, democracy, the environment? Join us for a silent demonstration. We meet at Cutler Park in Waukesha on the sidewalk along Wisconsin Avenue near the Public Library. Bring a sign or use one of ours. Sponsored by Grassroots Waukesha

Tues May 29, 2018

Kathleen Vinehout Meet & Greet, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Riverwest Public House, 815 E Locust St, Milwaukee, WI 53212, USA
Please Join us in welcoming Gubernatorial Candidate Kathleen Vinehout for an After Work Meet and Greet to learn how she plans to put the people of Wisconsin first.