It looks like the Build Back Better Bill (i.e., the reconciliation package) is finally nearing the finish line? Maybe? Paul Waldman has an important point for those of us who may be disappointed in the scaled back package: How liberals can turn compromise into victory.

Surprisingly — to me at least, a version of Senator Elizabeth's wealth tax seems to be showing a few signs of life. The Washington Post reports, "Senate Finance Chair Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said Monday he will 'in a matter of days' release a tax on billionaires that economists and tax experts project could raise more than half of its revenue from just 10 people, including Tesla founder Elon Musk and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos." But not everyone in the Democratic caucus is convinced. So apparently some "Democrats are considering swapping the billionaire tax for a separate 3 percent 'surtax' on millionaires earning more than $5 million per year...."

And you've probably heard about a Rolling Stone article claiming that members of Congress helped plan one or more of the rallies on January 6, 2021. It's not clear whether the planning included discussion of fomenting insurrection. Josh Marshall at Talking Points Memo cautions us not to jump to conclusions. Meanwhile, at Daily Kos, one blogger discusses a column in Just Security in which Albert Alschuler, a law professor at the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, "argues ... that Trump’s inaction once the thugs acting in his name flooded into the Capitol is itself a crime." Another DKos blogger reports on a Morning Joe interview with Bob Woodward and Bob Costa in which they say that "a Republican former head of the Criminal Division at the Department of Justice told them that based on just what we already know, there is a 'lay down case' under 18 U.S.C. § 371. That statute makes it an offense to conspire to defraud the United States." Perhaps the Orange Man will come a cropper one of these ways, or perhaps from the many other lawsuits and criminal investigations he's currently subject to.

We're one week out from some national and local elections of note. In New Jersey and Virginia, the elections will determine the governorship in each state for the next four years. The New Jersey race between the incumbent Phil Murphy and the Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli is tightening, Newsweek reported on October 25. In Virginia, the incumbent is term-limited. Terry McAuliffe, a former Democratic governor, is in a really tight race with MAGA-supporting Glenn Youngkin. You can contribute to the race if you have some spare change. Both these races are considered harbingers of what's to come in the elections in 2022, especially the race in Virginia.

In Wisconsin, the special election in the Mequon-Thiensville School District is our main focus. It would truly lift our spirits if we can help beat back the ideological and partisan group that has organized the recall. Volunteers are phoning people we've already sent postcards to, in an effort to get out the vote to support the incumbents. We still have a few days to get the job done. So if you hurry, you can become one of those volunteers also. Just send me an email — [email protected] — and I will send you a brief set of instructions, a list of names and numbers to call, and a script. We're also leaving messages.

Finally, a heads-up about two important upcoming events.

• On Monday, November 8, North Shore Fair Maps is hosting "We Are Part of Something Bigger" on Zoom. This North Shore Fair Maps meeting explores the national fair maps movement and the current efforts to sabotage elections in Wisconsin and other states. From the WI Legislature’s election investigation debacle and their effort to get another decade of rigged maps, to anti-democratic election efforts in Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Texas, we are part of something going on from sea to shining sea! With Jeff Mandel, founder of Law Forward (additional guest TBA). Register.
  
  
• On Tuesday, November 16, Citizen Action of Wisconsin is holding a Senate Candidate Forum online from 6pm - 8pm, perhaps the first of many that will take place ahead of the primary on August 9. (Grassroots North Shore is planning to hold one also, possibly in March 2022). Everyone is welcome to attend. Sign up.

EVENTS

Tue Oct 26, 2021

On the Issues: Redistricting, 12:15pm - 1:15pm
Zoom
Mike Gousha will speak with Democratic and Republican experts in politics and public policy about the Wisconsin map drawing now in progress as well as voting rights and election integrity. More information and registration.

Become a Poll Worker-Training, 5:30pm - 6pm
Online
Support your community and become a Poll Worker in 2022! Working the polls and helping your neighbors cast their ballots is the most direct way you can support voting rights in your community. Join our 30-minute Info Session to learn more about being a Poll Worker and how you can get involved for 2022! You must be a Wisconsin resident to be a poll worker and you only need to attend one Info Session. REGISTER HERE.

Poll Worker Info Session, 5:30pm - 6pm
Online
Learn more about being a Poll Worker and how you can get involved for 2022! This is a direct way you can support voting rights in your community. Sign up.

North Milwaukee REACH training, 6pm - 7pm
online
Join the Wisconsin Democrats in North Milwaukee as we get trained on REACH to further our relational organizing skills ahead of our October friendbank! Dates: 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, and 10/26. Sign up.

Wed Oct 27, 2021

Community Justice Council, 9:30am - 11am
Online
Milwaukee Community Justice Council Meeting of the Whole will have an Online/Virtual meeting. More information.

Drinking Liberally Glendale, 6:30pm - 8pm
TBA
For information on whether the event will take place, check here.

Thu Oct 28, 2021

Mental Health Board Meeting, 9am - 9am
Teleconference
This is a teleconference meeting (see Agenda for details). Public Comment: none. More information.

Voces de la Frontera: Emergency Action, 4pm - 5pm
633 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203
We need Senator Baldwin to work with President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Congressional Democrats and use the power they have to deliver a path to citizenship by the October 31st deadline. This means the Vice President disregarding the Senate Parliamentarian's advice and using their majority power to pass citizenship for millions ofimmigrants this year. There can be no economic recovery from the pandemic that excludes immigrant essential workers and their families. Join us to tell Democrats that they should honor the promise they made to Latinx voters and Black and Brown immigrant communities, and not take them for granted. Can we count on you to join us and invite others? Voces is providing: Signs and banners or you can make your own that say “Democrats: Citizenship Now” / “Demócratas: Ciudadanía Ahora”. Transportation if needed. Contact our office at 414-643-1620 (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p. m.) or Mario at 414-828-2692 for more information. Racine Area buses will depart from the Racine Labor Center (2100 LayardAve.) at 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 28th. Racine members should contact Ari at 262-994-4678 to reserve their seat. Event fliers to share with friends and the community. You can download a digital version her. You can also RSVP and share the event on Facebook. We can win a pathway to citizenship for millions this year, but only if we rally together and keep up the pressure. Join us on Thursday, October 28th for the final push. Call our office at 414-643-1620 with questions.

Deb Andraca Halloween Fundraiser, 5:30pm - 7pm
Scout Wine Merchants, 4512 N. Oakland Ave, Shorewood
Please join Deb at a Halloween-themed event to support her future State Assembly re-election campaign! Contributions of $100 or more will include your choice of wine or beer tasting! Masks are encouraged when not eating or drinking, and costumes are VERY welcome (but not required). More information and registration.

Sierra Club Wisconsin: Coal, Gas and Public Health, 7pm - 7pm
Online
It is generally well known that coal generation has a negative impact on public health and wellbeing. As utilities try to make the case for gas, public health and climate advocates are pushing back to stop another harmful wave of fossil fuel infrastructure. Join this event to learn about the connections between our electric sector, justice and equity, and public health. From accessibility of public lands to health impacts of burning fossil fuels, examples of environmental injustice are deeply woven into each of the issues that we organize around. To examine these connections, many parts of the Sierra Club in Wisconsin are coming together to organize an Environmental Justice Event Series beginning this fall. We hope that these events can provide an opportunity to explore the inequities rooted within these issues and help shine a light on the critical environmental justice components that exist in our work. RSVP HERE.

Sat Oct 30, 2021

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
Brady Street & Farwell Avenue, Milwaukee
Stand for Peace has resumed in-person events with masks and social distancing. Check for more information. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

Mon Nov 1, 2021

Board of Supervisor’s Public Hearing on 2022 County Budget, 6pm - 6pm
zoom
The Board’s budget hearing is an opportunity for the public to speak directly to Supervisors about the County budget. There are several options for those who wish to participate. The recommended method for public participation is to join the meeting virtually using the Microsoft Teams app. The public is encouraged to register at Milwaukee.gov/CountyBoard if they want to speak during the hearing. Public comment is limited to 2 minutes per person. Those who wish to join virtually but do not have a device with internet access can participate virtually from room 203-R of the County Courthouse. The hearing will be broadcast on screens in room 203-R and there will be a camera and microphone available for live public comment. Staff will be present to facilitate public participation. Face coverings are required. A third option is to participate by phone. Anyone who wishes to speak at the hearing must register in advance so the County Clerk can call on them by name when it is their turn. County Executive David Crowley introduced his 2022 Recommended Budget on October 1. The Milwaukee County Comptroller released an independent analysis and summary of the County Executive’s budget proposal on October 8. The Committee on Finance will consider amendments to the County Executive’s Recommended Budget on Oct. 26, 27, 29, and Nov. 3, before considering a Adopted Budget on Nov. 8. More budget information can be found under File 21- 920 at the Legislative Information Center. Register on the Board’s web site to participate. Visit the County Legislative Information Center to watch the livestream.

Tue Nov 2, 2021

Become a Poll Worker-Training, 5:30pm - 6pm
Online
Support your community and become a Poll Worker in 2022! Working the polls and helping your neighbors cast their ballots is the most direct way you can support voting rights in your community. Join our 30-minute Info Session to learn more about being a Poll Worker and how you can get involved for 2022! You must be a Wisconsin resident to be a poll worker and you only need to attend one Info Session REGISTER HERE.

Wed Nov 3, 2021

Drinking Liberally Waukesha, 6:30pm - 6:30pm
Tap Yard, 1150 W Sunset Dr, Waukesha
The venue is located in the Shoppes at Fox River shopping center on Sunset. This meeting will be in person, outdoors. More information.

Sierra Club- Environmental Justice Event Series, 6:30pm - 8pm
virtual
Uprooting Racism, Seeding Sovereignty: Virtual Keynote featuring Leah and Naima Penniman, followed by a panel of Wisconsinites working in this field. RSVP HERE. Zoom link to be sent ahead of the event.

Sat Nov 6, 2021

One Year to Win Saturday Phonebank, 9am, noon, 3pm, & 6pm
Virtual
Come join the Wis Dems as we talk to infrequent voters to get them fired up to re-elect Gov. Evers! Sign up.

One Year to Win Saturday Canvass, 9am, noon, 3pm, & 6pm
Virtual
Come join the Wis Dems as we talk to infrequent voters to get them fired up to re-elect Gov. Evers! Sign up.

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
TBA
Stand for Peace has resumed in-person events with masks and social distancing. Check for more information. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

Poll Worker Info Session, 5pm - 5:45pm
Online
Learn more about being a Poll Worker and how you can get involved for 2022! This is a direct way you can support voting rights in your community. Sign up.

Sun Nov 7, 2021

One Year to Win Sunday Phonebank, noon, 3pm, & 6pm
Virtual
Come join the Wis Dems as we talk to infrequent voters to get them fired up to re-elect Gov. Evers! Sign up.

One Year to Win Sunday Canvass, noon, 3pm, & 6pm
Virtual
Come join the Wis Dems as we talk to infrequent voters to get them fired up to re-elect Gov. Evers! Sign up.

Poll Worker Info Session, 3pm - 3:45pm
Online
Learn more about being a Poll Worker and how you can get involved for 2022! This is a direct way you can support voting rights in your community. Sign up.

Mon Nov 8, 2021

Grass Roots South Shore Meeting, 6pm - 8pm
Cudahy Library, 3500 Library Dr., Cudahy
Grass Roots South Shore holds its monthly meeting on the second Monday of each month. For more information call Jim Balk, 414-218-5944.

North Shore Fair Maps: We Are Part of Something Bigger, 7pm - 8:15pm
Zoom
This North Shore Fair Maps meeting explores the national fair maps movement and the current efforts to sabotage elections in Wisconsin and other states. From the WI Legislature’s election investigation debacle and their effort to get another decade of rigged maps, to anti-democratic election efforts in Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Texas, we are part of something going on from sea to shining sea! With Jeff Mandel, founder of Law Forward (additional guest TBA). Register.