tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59200259769520516552024-03-13T10:14:27.183-05:00Wisconsin State Representative Mark PocanMark Pocanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683583599577934420noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920025976952051655.post-10841480111262270702012-02-01T10:55:00.002-06:002012-02-02T08:51:36.644-06:00Clean up our government? Clean up our elections!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/AEsjDdk8vpg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>In this video, I talk about a bill that I just released that calls for the most sweeping campaign finance reform in Wisconsin's history. The bill would create a Clean Elections Fund and would provide grants to qualified candidates in an effort to put the focus of campaigns back on ideas, rather than fundraising. To get a copy of the bill, simply visit <a href="http://www.markpocan.net/">www.markpocan.net</a>, choose press releases and select the 2012 link.Mark Pocanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683583599577934420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920025976952051655.post-83478566469735084752012-01-19T14:23:00.003-06:002012-01-19T14:27:43.641-06:00Walker’s Sham Waste, Fraud and Abuse CommissionI spent the last year serving on Governor Walker’s Waste, Fraud and Abuse Commission and I can honestly say it was a giant waste, fraud and abuse of government resources.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">I agreed to serve on the commission because I took Governor Walker at his word that the commission would help us find savings that would help us out of our state’s perennial fiscal mess.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">That was my first mistake.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">Unfortunately, while the commission’s goal was laudable, the commission lost its way quickly. I caution readers that the <a href="http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/journal_media_detail.asp?locid=177&prid=6214" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue;">Republican report</span></u></a> takes credit for work already accomplished by our state agencies or items over which the decision-making process rests in the hands of the federal or local units of government. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">And if that’s not enough to give you pause, Governor Walker’s numbers weren’t ever independently corroborated, yet the media keeps reporting them as if they were. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">But what gives me the most heartburn over my experience on Governor Walker’s commission is that we were denied a vote on the commission. Before you turn this into a more partisan thing than the commission’s findings (if that’s even possible), take a breath. It was just the Democrats that didn’t get to vote on the commission’s report, <b>NOBODY VOTED ON IT</b>! How can you call this the commission’s “recommendation” when the commission didn’t even vote on the end product?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">There were a lot of problems with the process and the report. Without further ado, I offer you the Top 5 Problems with Governor Walker’s Waste, Fraud and Abuse Commission report:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><b>The report takes credit for passing federal legislation</b> – In its court debt collection section, the report recommend passage of H.R. 1416, which they say would save $5.4 - $27 million. How can this commission, with a straight face, take credit for passage of a bill that hasn’t even passed the United Congress? Either this is the most powerful non-democratic commission in the world, or one giant sham. Take your pick.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><b>The report makes suggestions that could deny FoodShare to poor people</b> – The Walker report suggests requiring photo ID’s to be added to the Quest FoodShare card, yet readily admits that federal policies require the state to “permit all members of a household to use that card, reducing the effectiveness of any enforcement efforts.” Requiring a photo to the Quest card won’t be free, yet the commission doesn’t address this hidden cost. Furthermore, it will likely result in confusion at checkout aisles in grocery stores across the state, resulting in families in need being denied the very food they need to survive. While I recognize the need to crack down on fraud in the FoodShare program, the GOP has lost focus of their task in their haste to require a photo ID on almost everything these days.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><b>Governor Walker already busted the unions, but he wants to take credit for it again </b>– The section on overtime rules for public workers takes credit for changes already set in motion by the Republican anti-collective bargaining 2011 Act 10. In fact, the commission’s report takes credit for savings that it even admits are already under way. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><b>Governor Walker’s inconsistency on tax cheaters</b> – I was glad to see the commission report recommend spending an additional $10 million each year to hire more revenue agents to crack down on tax cheats. When Governor Walker said publicly he supports passing all the recommendations in the report, I thought that meant he’d support investing more money to crack down on tax cheats to bring in even more revenue to the state. But that doesn’t seem to be the case since the Walker administration is attempting to cut $2 million that is supposed to go towards hiring more revenue agents. So, how can the Governor pledge to spend more money to crack down on tax cheats while cutting the current budget for the same purpose? Is Governor Walker’s administration going to get tough on tax evaders or not? </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><b>Everyone loves a budget gimmick</b> – We were led to believe this commission was going to find new savings through clamping down on waste, fraud and abuse in state government. Yet, $50 million of the report relies upon a suggestion that the state require agencies to lapse funds each year, something that both Democratic and Republican legislatures and Governors have required in various amounts for the last several biennial budgets. While this has been used to balance the budget, I would hardly call this waste, fraud or abuse of government. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">Wisconsinites are getting tired of the double-speak from our Governor. Scott Walker made a campaign promise and in my opinion, he hasn’t lived up to it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div>Mark Pocanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683583599577934420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920025976952051655.post-32134974239525838592011-12-01T09:32:00.000-06:002011-12-01T09:32:50.222-06:00Medical marijuana calls for compassion, understanding<span style="color: black;">If you had the power to make a decision that would help someone who is sick and suffering, you’d do it, wouldn’t you?</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Today, Senator Erpenbach and I reintroduced a bill that would provide compassion to the sick and suffering. Our bill would legalize medical marijuana in Wisconsin.</span><br />
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</tbody></table> <span style="color: black;">Ten years ago, when I first introduced this legislation, 8 states had laws on the books regarding medical marijuana. Today, 16 states and the District of Columbia have laws that have laws that allow the cultivation of medical marijuana and protect patients from criminal penalties. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">This is an issue where the public has been ahead of the policy makers. A November 18th <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57327004-503544/poll-public-supports-medical-marijuana-but-not-full-pot-legalization/" target="_blank">CBS News poll</a> showed that 77% of Americans believe that medical marijuana should be allowed. The most recent statewide public referendum from the Midwest, which happened in Michigan in 2008, won support from every single county in the state with an overall tally of 63% in support.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Clearly, there’s momentum to support this issue, and I’m proud to be the lead author in the Assembly on this bill yet again. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Our bill covers conditions such as cancer, glaucoma, AIDS and HIV and other diseases as could be determined by administrative rule. The bill also creates a maximum amount of marijuana a patient may have, establishing clear limits for both the patient and law enforcement. Finally, the bill gives the Department of Health Services the ability to create rules for a registry of people allowed to use medical marijuana and for the licensing and regulation of a non-profit corporation to distribute marijuana.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Wisconsin is sadly amongst the 34 states still don’t provide compassion to the sick and suffering. Each and every one of my colleagues has a chance to help someone who is sick and suffering and I hope they take the time to research this important issue and talk to patients. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">I think once they take the time to understand this topic, they will be unable to turn away people in need.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"></span>Mark Pocanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683583599577934420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920025976952051655.post-32581418213173861212011-11-22T09:47:00.000-06:002011-11-22T09:47:52.400-06:00Department of Revenue Validates Income Equity Act<span style="color: black;">My record has been clear my entire career with regards to taxes. I believe in fairness. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">That’s why several sessions ago I successfully passed the Sales Tax Fairness Act, which ensures your sales tax dollars actually make it back to the state, rather than the big box stores keeping your tax dollars as pure profit.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">And that’s why I’ve reintroduced the Income Equity Act, the very first bill I ever introduced as a State Representative in 1999. The bill, based on federal legislation (HR 382), would limit government tax deductions to corporations with inflated CEO pay if that company doesn't also fairly compensate the little guy too.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">To read a previous blog I wrote describing the Income Equity Act, </span><a href="http://markpocanwi.blogspot.com/2011/11/pay-gap-drives-99-movement-wisconsin.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">click here</span></a><span style="color: black;">.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">I’m happy to announce the Income Equity Act (AB356/SB-250) recently got some good news from the Department of Revenue. Anytime a bill in the legislature will have a fiscal impact, relevant state agencies create a </span><a href="https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/proposals/ab356" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">“fiscal estimate.”</span></a><span style="color: black;"> While these numbers are often guesswork, they are based on the best available information. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">According to the Department of Revenue’s speculation based on the best available federal tax returns, the bill will generate more than $13 million each year for the state. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Ironically, the projected revenue this bill would generate would actually fully fund another of<a href="http://bloggingblue.com/2011/08/29/rep-pocan-sen-larson-propose-recycling-fund-restoration-act/" target="_blank"> my bills</a>, which would restore Walker’s cuts to the state’s recycling fund. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">But will Republicans actually take a vote in favor of tax fairness? One can only hope!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"></span>Mark Pocanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683583599577934420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920025976952051655.post-90960622882788224822011-11-16T16:24:00.000-06:002011-11-16T16:24:33.111-06:00We need real jobs legislation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pkbS_3GLTH0/TsQ3pz2ZBBI/AAAAAAAAAEY/nkX9XErQGKU/s1600/jobs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pkbS_3GLTH0/TsQ3pz2ZBBI/AAAAAAAAAEY/nkX9XErQGKU/s200/jobs2.jpg" width="166" /></a></div>We’ve all heard the Republican mantra: Businesses are the “job creators.” <br />
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Well, I’ve been a small business owner for 23 years and I’ve got to tell you, there’s nothing more insulting for a business owner, or job creator if you will, to hear than the lip service Republicans constantly give us. <br />
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Ever notice how much the Republicans salivate when they talk about us “job creators?” Yet, when they get the keys to the Capitol, all they seem to do is figure out new ways to... <em>Read my complete guest blog for The Progressive </em><a href="http://progressive.org/jobs_legislation.html"><em>here</em></a><em>.</em><br />
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Thanks for reading!Mark Pocanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683583599577934420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920025976952051655.post-714509930603484972011-11-08T15:10:00.000-06:002011-11-08T15:10:56.930-06:00Pay gap drives 99% movement & the Wisconsin Income Equity Act<div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">In our struggling economy, the poor and the middle class are hit disproportionally worse than the wealthy.</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yp1GCIYUdgE/TrmaOhjOWQI/AAAAAAAAAEI/X5oAmr2Sxi4/s1600/99percent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yp1GCIYUdgE/TrmaOhjOWQI/AAAAAAAAAEI/X5oAmr2Sxi4/s200/99percent.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Don't take my word for it. Just look at several prominent studies.</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">The Institute for Wisconsin's Future recently released an interesting report that articulated the very wage gap that has people protesting all over the country.</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">The study, which tracked CEO pay from four prominent Wisconsin companies, compared their CEO Pay to that of the average Wisconsin worker. The study found that the average CEO pay amongst the four companies studied jumped from $2.3 million to $6.9 million over the past decade. Not bad. Meanwhile, the average Wisconsin worker saw their wages, adjusted for inflation, increase by just $1,000 per year. Not good.</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Not only did the study show that the rich are getting richer while the corporations aren't proportionately increasing the pay of their workforce, it showed these companies spend a lot of time trying to exploit every single tax loophole the legislature has created for them. In fact, almost none of the companies paid any state income tax. I guess this goes to show you that investing in a good accountant trumps investing in the middle-class.</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">And nationally it isn't any better - it's even worse. According to BusinessWeek Magazine, in 1980, CEO pay equaled 42 times the average blue collar workers' salary. According to <a href="http://www.paywatch.org/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">w</span>ww.paywatch.org</a>, CEO's now make 343 times more than the average worker, giving America one of the largest wage gaps in the world. I believe we must learn from our nation's mistakes. Yes, American history includes worker exploitation. However, I believe we must move beyond that dark shadow and strive to achieve the American Dream for everyone.</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">If we are going to create a level playing field where everyone can achieve the American Dream, we must change the way we do business in America. Recently, the Congressional Budget Office articulated the wage gap. Since 1979, according to the CBO, income for the richest one percent has risen 275 percent, compared to 18 percent for the remaining 99 percent of Americans.</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">That isn't right. And I didn't think this was right in 1999, when I was a freshman in the State Assembly. That's when I first introduced the Wisconsin Income Equity Act, a bill based on federal legislation. My bill, which is also a bill before Congress (HR 382), would limit government tax deductions to corporations with inflated CEO pay if that company doesn't also fairly compensate the little guy too.</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Currently, corporations can deduct up to $1 million of a CEO's pay from their income tax. Meanwhile, the janitor at most of these companies pays more in taxes than the company does. My bill would cap the corporate tax deduction for CEO pay at 25-times the salary of the lowest full-time employee at the company.</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">If you pay the lowest paid employee $20,000, you can still deduct $500,000 of salary - 25 times the lower amount. This is fair and just, and provides a real incentive to pay workers better.</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I'm not saying corporations can't pay an executive what they want. I just don't think the 99% of us should have to subsidize excessive executive pay.</div>Mark Pocanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683583599577934420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920025976952051655.post-92229909184590030882011-11-03T11:01:00.004-05:002011-11-03T18:03:30.652-05:00Anything But...<span style="color: black;">When Governor Walker branded his second Special Session on job creation, he left out two important words; “anything but.” </span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Because in reality, we are embarking on our second “Special Session on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Anything But</u></b> Job Creation.” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RvSUt86_WCI/TrK4OOKDNNI/AAAAAAAAAD4/cYa1YFDaZpc/s1600/jobs_pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RvSUt86_WCI/TrK4OOKDNNI/AAAAAAAAAD4/cYa1YFDaZpc/s200/jobs_pic.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">While their special session started with a bang with lots of talk about jobs, so far, it has been a bust… or a bang, depending on if you consider that</span> the GOP seems more focused on guns than job creation. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">You’d think Governor Walker would have learned his lesson after his first failed special session. In fact, our unemployment rate has grown faster than the national average since Walker’s first unsuccessful special session on job creation. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Yet, here we are repeating Walker’s mistakes…again. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Since Walker announced the “Special Session on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Anything But </u></b>Job Creation” in September, the Wisconsin State Assembly has taken up 85 bills and 12 resolutions, yet very few of these bills will improve our economy. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Walker claimed he’d “focus like a laser” on job creation. Instead, Walker’s focus is more like a disco ball. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Instead of asking how we can help create jobs, the State Assembly is deeply embroiled in other important philosophical questions such as:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Should we be able to serve butter <b>AND </b>margarine in restaurants?</div><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Is it okay to ban video cameras in the Assembly Gallery, yet allow our guests to have concealed weapons?</div><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>How many hours of advance notice should landlords give to their tenants if they wish to enter an apartment for a non-emergency?</div><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>What time of day should liquor stores be able to open?</div><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Should you be able to drink wine at a county fair?</div><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Should you be able to transport a gun on a boat? If so, how?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"> Today, Republicans tell us the Assembly is going to take up its first bills from Walker’s special session, but I’m not holding my breath that they will actually help the economy or create jobs. I’ve seen this movie and I know how it ends.</div>Mark Pocanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683583599577934420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920025976952051655.post-28733721188887634172011-10-31T08:58:00.001-05:002011-11-22T09:37:41.193-06:00Wisconsin’s new conceal and carry law<div style="color: black;"> <style>
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</style></div><span style="color: black;">Regardless of your position on the issue, there’s no doubt things will be a lot different in Wisconsin on November 1, when concealed carry goes into effect. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">My office has been getting calls from constituents about the new concealed carry law, so I decided to write a brief blog to answer some frequently asked questions.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">First and foremost, the definition of a concealed weapon includes more than just guns. The new law covers knives, tasers and even billy clubs. In order to qualify for a concealed carry permit, you must provide proof you’ve completed adequate firearms safety training, which can include training from another state. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Even if you get a concealed carry permit, it doesn’t mean you can carry your billy club or other weapon of your choice anywhere. Many state and municipal facilities have banned concealed weapons. Public schools, for example, were exempted in the law. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Many people have called our office asked how to ban concealed carry on their personal property. The City of Madison has<a href="http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/documents/NoFirearmsPrint.pdf"> published a sign</a> that will likely become as universal in Madison as the No Smoking Sign. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">You also should check with your boss to find out if you or your coworkers will be allowed to conceal and carry on the job. You may find it helpful to know who’s packing at work. For example, it appears Governor Walker is going to allow the general public to pack heat in the Capitol. Yet, his own instructions allow supervisors of state workers who work in the Capitol to prohibit their employees from concealing and carrying. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">There are a bunch of questions that can arise out of conceal carry. In fact, the <a href="http://www.doj.state.wi.us/dles/cib/ConcealedCarry/ConcealedCarry.asp">Department of Justice</a> put out a 56 page Frequently Asked Questions about the new law. In addition, the <a href="http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/concealedcarry.cfm">City of Madison</a> published a great FAQ as it pertains to city property, such as busses and buildings. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">This new law has the potential to have a dramatic impact on your life. So, I encourage you to educate yourself as much as possible on this new law. </div>Mark Pocanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683583599577934420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920025976952051655.post-9696699643473212532011-10-21T16:07:00.008-05:002011-10-21T16:12:41.841-05:00Welcome to the Committee on Criticizing Colleges and Universities<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; text-align: left;">He held a public hearing on the “abuse” of sick leave for UW employees. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zxKjq2UqdWI/TqHgN-SmNGI/AAAAAAAAADw/Utsp415pvV8/s1600/books+and+cap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zxKjq2UqdWI/TqHgN-SmNGI/AAAAAAAAADw/Utsp415pvV8/s200/books+and+cap.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>He invited an <a href="http://thewheelerreport.com/releases/October11/1017/1017pocan.pdf"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ultra-conservative lawyer</b></a> from Virginia to tell us that we have too many people of color at UW-Madison. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Now that there is something that will actually impact the quality of education students receive at their UW campus, Assembly Colleges and Universities Committee Chair, Rep. Steve Nass (R-Whitewater) is <a href="http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/education/on_campus/article_a6b456e0-fa81-11e0-8b36-001cc4c03286.html"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">denying</b></a> Assembly Democrats’<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> <a href="http://www.wispolitics.com/1006/111019_Dem_Higher_Ed.pdf">request</a></b> to for a hearing. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">You see, Governor Walker recently announced he would cut <a href="http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/education/university/article_70fc6c30-f9ba-11e0-8cb1-001cc4c002e0.html"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">an additional $65.7million </b></a>above the $250 million Republicans already imposed while he is barely taking any cuts out of his own office. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">We all knew at some point that the state was going to have to make $174.3 million in additional lapses. It just seems odd that the UW is being asked to absorb $65.7 million or 37.7% of the total lapse while Governor Walker is volunteering just $1,742 in cuts to his own office, which makes up just .001% of the cut. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Perhaps the committee should be renamed the Assembly Committee on Criticizing Colleges and Universities. </div>Mark Pocanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683583599577934420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920025976952051655.post-44859201044996889272011-10-10T11:24:00.000-05:002011-10-10T11:24:12.692-05:00Special Session? Special for Whom?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8bYjGiVYsuY/TpMb_3g8eSI/AAAAAAAAADs/bs96wEMVUp8/s1600/fighting+bob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8bYjGiVYsuY/TpMb_3g8eSI/AAAAAAAAADs/bs96wEMVUp8/s200/fighting+bob.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>...Immunity to pharmaceutical companies, attorney’s legal fees and trespasser liability seem more like a tea party manifesto or a corporate fundraising solicitation than a special session on jobs to me... <br />
<br />
Read my entire guest blog for <a href="http://www.fightingbob.com/">www.FightingBob.com</a> about the pending fall floor period and special session <a href="http://fightingbob.com/article.cfm?articleID=1379">here</a>.Mark Pocanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683583599577934420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920025976952051655.post-36693000336160105652011-10-05T17:00:00.000-05:002011-10-05T17:00:32.383-05:00Pocan exposes Walker's legislative strategyWhen I went to the ALEC convention in August, they shared strategic tips on passing special interest legislation. In this video, I talk about how Governor Scott Walker is using that tactic to fast track his special interest legislation under the guise of a "jobs" agenda.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ch_acE96YXA/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ch_acE96YXA?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ch_acE96YXA?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>Mark Pocanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683583599577934420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920025976952051655.post-3788942711215664692011-09-30T09:23:00.000-05:002011-09-30T09:23:00.055-05:00Governor Walker's Not-So-Special Session on Job CreationWith Wisconsin's unemployment rate rising faster than the rest of the nation on Governor Scott Walker's watch, the governor has called his second special session on job creation. Check out this video, where I talk about how this special session, much like Walker's first special session, is just cover for corporate give-a-ways. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/11PXEgcU66Y?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Mark Pocanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683583599577934420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920025976952051655.post-12723339964327638832011-09-02T11:36:00.000-05:002011-09-02T11:36:18.725-05:00The temporary occupation of FitzWalkerstanMany have asked where the term "Fitzwalkerstan came from. I coined the term on the floor of the State Assembly. Find out why by viewing my video blog below.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/A76RtLEJqtw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<br />
Mark Pocanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683583599577934420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920025976952051655.post-37296107011184366212011-08-19T16:18:00.000-05:002011-08-19T16:18:53.170-05:00Hey Walker, the buck stops where?<div style="color: #3d85c6;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" /> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--><o:p></o:p>According to the <st1:city w:st="on">Walker</st1:city> administration’s Department of Workforce Development, <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wisconsin</st1:place></st1:state> gained <a href="http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/newsreleases/2011/unemployment/110721_june_state.pdf">12,900 private-sector jobs </a>in June. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tnWnUB63Wtg/Tk7OVeOdbLI/AAAAAAAAADo/NXaJdrODTwA/s1600/sad-scott-walker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tnWnUB63Wtg/Tk7OVeOdbLI/AAAAAAAAADo/NXaJdrODTwA/s200/sad-scott-walker.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walker passes the buck on unemployment rate.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;">Who did <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Walker</st1:city></st1:place> give credit to? </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;">Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which brought your federal tax dollars home, both kept necessary need-based programs afloat while also funding projects that put people to work? </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;">Nope.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;">Did he give legislative Democrats credit for passing more than 50 different job creation measures last session when we were in control of the legislature? </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;">Nope.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;">Did he give credit to legislative Republicans, who thus far have talked a lot about job creation but yet passed very few ideas that will actually create jobs?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;">Nope.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;">So who did he give credit to? Well, himself of course. On July 28, 2011, he issued<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_989097711"> </a><a href="http://www.scottwalker.org/press-release/2011/07/gov-walker-wisconsin-getting-back-work"><u>this release, </u></a>touting the number of jobs created on his watch. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;">Since <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Walker</st1:place></st1:city> was so quick to take the credit, you’d think he’d also be quick to take the blame for <a href="http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/newsreleases/2011/unemployment/110818_july_state.pdf"><u>July’s 12,500 private-sector jobs lost</u>.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;">Wrong again!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;">In fact, he puts the onus in part on the recall elections. So, how did the recall elections hurt <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wisconsin</st1:place></st1:state>’s economy? </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;">Good question. According to the people who apparently write Scott Walker’s talking points (Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce), the recall elections created “uncertainty” in our economy. I’m not making this up. Check out WMC’s statement <a href="http://www.wmc.org/MediaOutlet/display.cfm?ID=2537"><u>here</u></a>, which <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Walker</st1:city></st1:place> basically regurgitated <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/business/128016853.html"><u>the next day</u></a> to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #3d85c6; margin-bottom: 9pt;">When the Journal Sentinel asked <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Walker</st1:city></st1:place> if he should be accountable for the job loss since he previously took credit for job gains, he blamed job loss on “incredible uncertainty.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #3d85c6; margin-bottom: 9pt;">So there you have it. Scott Walker wanted to be governor, but now that he’s in charge, he doesn’t want to be accountable. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #3d85c6; margin-bottom: 9pt;">Governor Walker, your continuous political rhetoric can’t hide your lack of real movement on job creation in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Wisconsin</st1:state></st1:place> (lawyers defending legislative lawsuits and poll workers doesn’t count as job creation). <span lang="EN" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="color: #3d85c6;"></div>Mark Pocanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683583599577934420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920025976952051655.post-61084945703231952352011-08-07T23:05:00.000-05:002011-08-07T23:05:46.097-05:00The Secret Society Known as ALEC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_NYJFJcM9R0/Tj9gLtN5OwI/AAAAAAAAADk/AtZ803nliZU/s1600/alec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_NYJFJcM9R0/Tj9gLtN5OwI/AAAAAAAAADk/AtZ803nliZU/s200/alec.jpg" width="166" /></a></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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At the ALEC convention, one moderator said the legislators are the football players and the corporate lobbyists are the coaches. <a href="http://progressive.org/alec_convention_secret.html">read more...</a><span class="read-more"></span>Mark Pocanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683583599577934420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920025976952051655.post-3642578609389204572011-08-06T21:43:00.000-05:002011-08-06T21:43:46.795-05:00Video from ALEC Convention in New OrleansIn this video, I give insight into the recent ALEC convention in New Orleans.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z5LxW7yVWYk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Mark Pocanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683583599577934420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920025976952051655.post-52889925061823567242011-08-05T11:07:00.000-05:002011-08-05T11:07:24.014-05:00All men (and corporations) are created equal...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RHP2DWp5PR0/TjwVFhFFmxI/AAAAAAAAADg/XyFKdpk1wxY/s1600/alec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RHP2DWp5PR0/TjwVFhFFmxI/AAAAAAAAADg/XyFKdpk1wxY/s200/alec.jpg" width="166" /></a></div>If you are a single, somewhat unattractive corporation (maybe you have a chemical dumping problem or something), and you need a little love only a state legislature can give, you need ALEC. <a href="http://progressive.org/pocan_alec_watch_new_orleans.html">Read more...</a> Mark Pocanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683583599577934420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920025976952051655.post-20355746582354129962011-08-04T09:31:00.005-05:002011-08-04T09:37:08.261-05:00What I did on my Summer Vacation<h1></h1>I really thought it would take more than five minutes in New Orleans before I realized the conservative movement had landed.<br />
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But it didn’t.<br />
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As I was waiting for my bags, I heard a mid-thirties woman talking on the phone. “Yah, I’m down in New Orleans for the American Legislative Exchange Council meeting. We write legislation, and they..." <a href="http://progressive.org/alec_watch_new_orleans.html">Continue at The Progressive...</a><a href="http://progressive.org/alec_watch_new_orleans.html"></a>Mark Pocanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683583599577934420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920025976952051655.post-50331769352023105522011-08-04T09:25:00.002-05:002011-08-04T12:13:43.642-05:00Guest Blog RoundupI've been busy the last few weeks guest blogging for the Progressive and Fighting Bob about the recall elections and unemployment since my last blog post. Check out my guest blogs for the Progressive about what <a href="http://progressive.org/pocan072011.html">Senator Hansen's successful election</a> means in the fight for worker's rights. I also encourage you to check out my guest blog for Fighting Bob on the <a href="http://www.fightingbob.com/article.cfm?articleID=1346">unemployment </a>fight and a<a href="http://progressive.org/walker_republicans.html"> follow-up</a> on on the same topic on The Progressive. <a class="cssButton" href="javascript:void(0)" id="publishButton" onclick="if (this.className.indexOf("ubtn-disabled") == -1) {var e = document['postingForm'].publish;(e.length) ? e[0].click() : e.click(); if (window.event) window.event.cancelBubble = true; return false;}" target=""><div class="cssButtonOuter"><div class="cssButtonMiddle"><div class="cssButtonInner"><br />
</div></div></div></a>Mark Pocanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683583599577934420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920025976952051655.post-56694071056445478072011-07-15T14:37:00.006-05:002011-07-15T20:47:34.240-05:00Rep. Pocan takes on the GOP redistricting planIn the video below, I provide a basic primer on the Republican proposal for redrawing Wisconsin's legislative districts. From my perspective, the plan is one of the most rushed and more partisan redistricting processes that I have ever seen. <br />
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Click on the video below once to watch the video in this browser. Double click the video to be taken to my YouTube channel, where you can view this and other videos.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XMzddfE_MMM/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XMzddfE_MMM?f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XMzddfE_MMM?f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>Mark Pocanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683583599577934420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920025976952051655.post-40262204756875911992011-07-01T13:15:00.000-05:002011-07-01T13:15:15.296-05:00The GOP are not walking the walkToday I wrote a blog for the Progressive Magazine that points out a few fiscal promises the GOP made but haven't lived up to. Check out the blog <a href="http://progressive.org/pocan070111.html">here</a>.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_740626823"></span><span id="goog_740626824"></span>Mark Pocanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683583599577934420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920025976952051655.post-57434789592142717842011-06-27T16:51:00.000-05:002011-06-27T16:51:56.682-05:00Walker vetoes don’t fix budgetYou may have heard last weekend Governor Walker signed the Republican biennial budget bill.<br />
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What you may not have heard is that he signed the bill at a private location and refused to take questions from the media. Not surprising, though, because he knows his budget is unjustifiable to the average Wisconsinite. Under Walker’s budget, the middle class will have to work harder for less and the unemployed will have a “cooling off period” before they can collect an unemployment check while the rich just keep on getting richer. Those are not Wisconsin values.<br />
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Before signing the budget, Governor Walker made 50 vetoes. So rather than fixing the budget, what did Walker veto? Some of the highlights include:<br />
<ul><li>* The Sheboygan aerospace landing pad </li>
<li>* Politician’s statements of economic interest will continue to be available on the internet</li>
<li>* Daycare providers will not be fingerprinted</li>
<li>* Board of Regents will remove certain aspects of the UW-Madison employment plans</li>
<li>* Deleted a grain inspection report</li>
<li>* Drug Offender Diversion Surcharge Fund report vetoed</li>
<li>* Suspended Milwaukee police officers will not be paid</li>
<li>* Dog the Bounty Hunter will not be able to practice his craft in Wisconsin</li>
<li>* Chewing tobacco will not be taxed based on weight</li>
<li>* The Pres House will remain tax exempt </li>
</ul>He had his chance to make this budget right. Instead, Governor Walker ensured the Republican budget is still full of gimmicks, mistruths and talking points that put Walker’s budget far from the document that puts Wisconsin on the path to long term fiscal stability, as they claim. The Republican budget puts more spending on Wisconsin’s credit card, gives billions of dollars in tax cuts to corporations over the next decade and balances their budget with one-time fund raids and transfers, all while cutting programs that help the middle class. <br />
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If you’d like to read my statement on Walker’s vetoes, you can find it <a href="http://thewheelerreport.com/releases/June11/0627/0627pocan.pdf">here</a>. If you are just as much of a budget nerd as I am and you’d like to see all 50 vetoes, click <a href="http://thewheelerreport.com/releases/June11/0626/0626vetomessagetoc.pdf">here</a>. You’ll see as I do, Governor Walker is out of touch with the struggles of poor and middle class Wisconsinites.Mark Pocanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683583599577934420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920025976952051655.post-46877603919030374392011-06-24T16:48:00.000-05:002011-06-24T16:48:33.870-05:00Pocan & Risser introduce repeal of GOP collective bargaining lawYesterday, Senator Fred Risser and I introduced legislation to repeal the Republican changes to collective bargaining in Wisconsin. To see our press release, <a href="http://thewheelerreport.com/releases/June11/0623/0623pocanrisser.pdf">click here</a>. Or, check out my video blog on the topic below. <br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Double click on the video above to check out other video blogs available on my YouTube channel. I encourage you to also follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/MarkPocan">@MarkPocan</a>. I also regularly post about what's going on in FitzWalkerstan on my facebook page.</div>Mark Pocanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683583599577934420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920025976952051655.post-26288195197437643172011-06-16T16:40:00.000-05:002011-06-16T16:40:04.790-05:00Representative Pocan summarizes the Republican BudgetWisconsin Representative Mark Pocan (D-Madison) concludes his daily talks about the state's biennial budget. Today, he summarizes the budget and talks about last night's floor vote.<br />
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In this video, Pocan pledges that while this is the last episode of his budget series, he will continue to expose right-wing policy through future video blogs. <br />
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Stay tuned. Next week, the Assembly is expected to take up concealed carry.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/6Sis3jiXozY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Mark Pocanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683583599577934420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920025976952051655.post-68167612928406483592011-06-16T00:27:00.000-05:002011-06-16T00:27:05.627-05:00Debunking the dishonest GOP balanced budget, surplus claimsTonight, I was the second member of the Assembly Democratic caucus to talk about the Republican budget on the floor of the Assembly. I’ve received good feedback from my speech, so I’d like to provide my Assembly floor speech <a href="http://tinyclip.tv/311fd5ea">here</a>. <br />
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Not to get too policy wonkish, but tonight when debunking the dishonest GOP budget claims, I referenced specific memos from the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau. People have asked for copies of these memos, so I’ve hyperlinked them in this blog for your reference. <br />
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During the speech, I referenced 7 different items. Here are links to the documents with a brief explanation:<br />
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1) Republicans have created so many corporate tax breaks in this budget that the Legislative Fiscal Bureau pegs the 10-year cost in reduced revenue to the state at $2.3 billion. <a href="http://legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/asm78/news/pdf/BLOG/1_060911%20General%20Fund%20Taxes.pdf">(See page 2)</a><br />
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2) Republicans use credit card spending to push $338 million dollars in state debt off into the future, costing us an additional $89.9 million in interest. <a href="http://legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/asm78/news/pdf/BLOG/2_061411%20Debt%20Restructuring.pdf">(See page 2)</a><br />
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3) The GOP budget includes, at a minimum, $411 million in fund raids. <a href="http://legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/asm78/news/pdf/BLOG/3_061411%20Use%20of%20Certain%20Funds.pdf">(See page 1)</a><br />
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4) In the 2015-2017 biennium, Republicans cost the state $501.7 million in lost revenue because of their giveaways to corporations and the rich. <a href="http://legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/asm78/news/pdf/BLOG/4_060911%20General%20Funds%20Taxes.pdf">(See page 2)</a><br />
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5) After claiming they don’t raise taxes in this budget, Republicans actually increase fees by $111 million. <a href="http://legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/asm78/news/pdf/BLOG/5_061311%20State%20Tax%20and%20Fee%20Modifications.pdf">(See page 1)</a><br />
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6) After giving tax breaks to the rich and corporations, Republicans take away programs that help the middle class with their changes to the Homestead Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit. <a href="http://legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/asm78/news/pdf/BLOG/6_061311%20State%20Tax%20and%20Fee%20Modifications.pdf">(See page 3)</a><br />
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7) After all their talk during previous budgets about freezing property taxes, the Republican budget will result in $438.8 million in property tax increases. <a href="http://legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/asm78/news/pdf/BLOG/7_061311%20Property%20Tax%20Estimates.pdf">(See page 3)</a>Mark Pocanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683583599577934420noreply@blogger.com6