Campaign Finance Reform Presentation

The Rock County Progressives present:
BP, Goldman Sachs, Massey:… Corporations Putting Profit Before People
Making democracy work for people after “Citizens United.”

Presentation on Campaign Finance Reform by Mike McCabe, Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, wisdc.org

Wed, July 28, 6pm-7:30, Basics Co-Op, 1711 Lodge Dr, Janesville

Contact -- rockcountyprogressives@gmail.com

Rock River Clean-up Effort

“Janesville Pride” has been a long standing motto here in River City. Those sentiments are still here and we all feel it-we all believe it. We would like to introduce an effort where our Janesville Pride can proudly be displayed again! Join us on July 31, 2010 as we show our pride by participating in the Rock River Sweep program where we all pitch in and clean-up areas along the Rock River. This participation will only ask for 3 hours of effort between 8:30 and 11:30 AM on Saturday, July 31.

Our local effort is called “Rock’n’Janesville” and we propose to clean-up both sides of the Rock River, from the south end of Janesville to the north end, and then also extending to Indianford. Local sponsors include Stateline Recycling, Harborfest Aquatics, The Tool House, Inc., and the City of Janesville. Additionally, our local effort is also supported by American Rivers and the Rock River Sweep organizations.

As co-directors, Dave Peterson and Dave Wirth will be heading this important annual project. The primary goal for 2010 is to raise the awareness of why cleaning up the Rock River is of paramount importance. We believe that since the Rock River was the natural focal point of a young Janesville it should come back full-circle and become the focal point again for the years to come. An attractive and beautiful river and riverfront can only enhance prospects of bringing people and business to our city.

To this end, we are initiating this clean-up effort this year by asking that service groups take ownership of a section of the river to clean-up. The requested area of the river can be large or small but it can become yours to clean. That’s the Janesville Pride we referred to earlier. Also, for individual civic leaders who want to help we will assemble a pool of people who can be assigned to assist volunteer service groups. As a service to you we would also be happy to present to your group a 10 minute show with images and information concerning this Rock’n’Janesville Project.

If you are interested and would like more information please join us, Dave Peterson and Dave Wirth, representing the Rock’n’Janesville Group for the July 31, 2010 Rock River Sweep Program, at 7 PM on July 6, 2010 at M&I Bank at 100 North Main Street. (Use the Parker Drive entrance to the bank.) In the meantime, please contact us at 608-290-8809 or 608-774-0141 for more information.

You can also find us on Facebook

Thank you for considering being involved in this important activity for the Janesville and Rock River area! Rock’n’Janesville has Janesville Pride!

Memorial Service For The Gulf

The Rock County Progressives present:

Memorial Service for the Gulf

11 workers dead. Wildlife devastated. Ecosystem destroyed? A way of life lost…

Join us as we mourn and celebrate the rich cultural and natural heritage.

Neil Dupree, retired pastor, First Christian Church, Janesville

Come prepared to share your recollections, reflections and feelings about this disaster.


Wednesday, July 7, Riverside Park, North Pavilion

2200 Parkside Dr, Janesville

6pm potluck PICNIC * 7pm Memorial Service

N Washington St (Rte 14), right at Golf Course Rd (park entrance), right at Edge Hill Drive, left at Riverside Park Rd, follow river north to end of park.


* * *


BP, Goldman Sachs, Massey… Corporations Putting Profit Before People

Making democracy work for people after “Citizens United.”


Presentation on Campaign Finance Reform by

Mike McCabe, Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, wisdc.org

Wed, July 28, 6pm-7:30, Basics Co-Op, 1711 Lodge Dr, Janesville
rockcountyprogressives@gmail.com

3rd Annual YWCA 5K Pancake Run and Fitness Walk.

Plaese join us on June 19th for a great run or walk through a beautiful Janesville neighborhood. Bring the family and let the kids do the 1/2 mile Fun Run and receive a medal!

Event information is available here.

View course map here.

Buy Local Event

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Event: May 15, 10AM-3PM, Daniels Sentry East and West, Janesville

BUYING LOCAL: SUPPORTING JOBS, BUILDING OUR ECONOMY

It’s never been easier – here’s how.

The demand for local food is greater than it’s ever been, and it’s not just a “feel good” issue: there are solid economic impacts from supporting our local food producers. According to the federal government, Rock County spends $225 million each year on groceries. Imagine the impact if we met the state's goal of spending 10% of that on Wisconsin food products.

Seventy cents of every dollar spent locally stays local; compare that with only .40 cents of every $1.00 spent on non-local products staying in a community. Just by buying local foods, Rock County grocery shoppers would keep almost $7 million in the state's economy that would otherwise disappear. If every county followed Rock's lead, nearly $240 million would remain to circulate in Wisconsin’s economy.

To tap into this strong market potential and increase the local sales of local products to boost our overall regional economy, Thrive has partnered with the Wisconsin Grocers’ Association, the Wisconsin Department of Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and the UW Agriculture Innovation Center (AIC) on the WGA’s Grocers Buy Local project. This innovative project connects producers, distributors and grocers under the state’s Something Special from WisconsinTM brand, making it easy for consumers to find and support local products.

Working with four stores around the region to promote these local products in day-long sampling events, Thrive and partners are introducing customers to the great taste and wide range of local foods, with the goal of increasing everyone’s bottom line, from producer to grocer. This Saturday May 15 from 10am-3pm we’re working with both Daniels Sentry stores in Janesville—two of our four pilot stores—for two simultaneous day-long sampling events.

“Our farm has been in the family since 1844, when Whilden Hughes first came to Janesville from Michigan,” said Willie (Whilden) Hughes VI. “Committing to support local business the way Daniels Sentry has gives the local economy the strength and diversity it needs to thrive.” Today, the Hughes’ farm has over 1,000 acres, which include production of the successful Blue Farm chips, which will be sampled at the event.

Featured vendors sampling their products include:
•
Berres Brothers Coffee
•
Blue Farm Chips
•
Emils Pizza
•
Koops Mustard
•
Klement’s (Westside store only)
•
Bucky Badger (L&L Foods)
•
Louie's Specialty Foods
•
Mac Farlane Pheasant (demo at Janesville East only)
•
Racine Danish Kringles
•
Schoep's ice cream
•
Shullsburg Creamery cheeses
•
Stump's Olives

Just these companies alone employ an estimated 950 full and part-time employees.
Also on hand to promote the event is this year’s Alice in Dairyland, Cheryl O’Brien. Cheryl will be at the east side store (2822 East Milwaukee Street) at 9am and the Westside store (2501 West Court Street) at 10:30am. Cheryl will be available for interviews at or prior to the event, as will Greg Lawless, Director of Agriculture Initiatives for Thrive and staffer for the Agriculture Innovation Center.
###

Contact: Jennifer Smith, Communications, Thrive [608-443-1961 or jsmith@thrivehere.org]

Progressive's TownHall - Rock County

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Rock County Progressives & MoveOn present…

Town Hall on what can be done to stop corporate takeovers in Washington DC

Wednesday, May 5 6:30 PM-8:00 PM at Hedberg Public Library, 316 S. Main St. Janesville

Register for the event at the MoveOn website (seating will be limited).

Outraged by the recent Supreme Court decision unleashing a torrent of corporate funds in elections, corporate bailouts, rising foreclosures and other issues… we will be gathering to talk about what can be done to stop corporate takeovers in Washington DC.

A few relevant facts…

* The six biggest banks now control over 63% of Gross domestic product

* The financial sector spends more than $1 million per day lobbying Congress and fighting financial reform.

* ExxonMobil reported a record $45.2 billion profit & paid NO federal income tax in 2009.

We hope you’ll join us!

RockCountyProgressives@gmail.com

Legislative Alert! - Working Lands Initiative

Protect Wisconsin’s popular Working Lands Initiative

Please contact your legislators now: Ask them to resist last-minute efforts to weaken farmland protection.

Local interest is high in new tools like purchase of agricultural conservation easements and agricultural enterprise areas. But the Wisconsin Realtors Association is behind bills (SB-576 and AB 863) that would weaken these tools by repealing or delaying the conversion fee on lands removed from farmland preservation zoning districts. A last-minute vote on this bill may be sought in the remaining days of this legislative session.

It’s important that we act now. Please tell your legislators to “Stand Tall for Farmland Preservation” and resist this effort to weaken Wisconsin’s Working Lands Initiative. Contact information for legislators is below. Here are some talking points:

The conversion fee is an important part of the Working Lands Initiative. It supports many aspects of the program, including:
· Agricultural Enterprise Areas
· Grants to counties to update farmland plans
· Agricultural conservation easements

Facts about the conversion fee:
· The conversion fee increases the value of land for agriculture by reducing potential land use conflicts and providing security for farmers looking to locate or expand their farm operations. The cost of the conversion fee will most likely be passed on to the person developing the land or buying a house in prime farmland. Isn’t this appropriate?
· The fee applies only to land rezoned out of farmland preservation zoning districts.
· Farmers with existing farmland preservation agreements are not subject to the conversion fee for removing land from the agreement.
· The conversion fee is not new. It has always been a part of Wisconsin’s farmland preservation programs.
Here’s what authentic rural voices are saying about this issue:
Farmer and Working Lands Steering Committee Chair Dan Poulson explains importance of conversion fee.
Farmer Bob Uphoff comments on conversion fee.
Contact your legislators and tell them to “Stand Tall for Farmland Preservation.”
Call your State Senator and Assembly representative on the legislative hotline at 1-800-362-9472. If you need help finding your legislator, go to:
http://www.legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/waml/waml.aspx.

Remember: Personal contacts are best.
For more information, contact:
Bill Berry
American Farmland Trust’s Campaign for Wisconsin’s Farm and Forest Lands
1973 Strongs Ave.
Stevens Point WI 54481
715 341 9119
715 321 0589 (cell)
billlnick@charter.net

Bob Wagner
Senior Director Farmland Protection Programs
American Farmland Trust
413-586-9330 Ext. 12
bwagner@farmland.org

Medical Marijuana Rallies In Wisconsin

Medical Marijuana rallies in a dozen Wisconsin locations Saturday March 27 -- More on tap next week.

MADISON: This Saturday, March 27, will mark a historic high in Wisconsin medical cannabis activism as state activists roll out rallies across the state in support of AB554/SB368, the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act. The Act, down to its last 27 days as of this writing, still needs to pas two committees and both houses to reach Gov. Jim Doyle’s desk. Gov. Doyle has been on record his entire 8 year term as being willing to sign a bill if it reaches his desk. His term ends January 2010.

In a show of solidarity with medical marijuana patients across the Midwest and to continue raising awareness of the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act in Wisconsin, members of the Facebook group Wisconsin Residents for Assembly Bill 554 and medical marijuana supporters will be conducting peaceful demonstrations across the state in unison this Saturday the 27th of March.

Confirmed cities included (as of this writing) - Eau Claire, Green Bay, Oshkosh, Appleton, Wisconsin Rapids, Platteville, Berlin, Dodgeville, La Crosse, Fond du Lac (Johnson St. @ Forest Mall), Kenosha, Milwaukee, and Madison/West Towne.

Other cities in planning stages and probably participating (as of this release) - Muskego, Waterton, Jefferson, Burlington, Racine, Fox Valley and Wisconsin Dells. A full list may be found at: Wisconsin Residents for Assembly Bill 554

Events will start at 12 noon Saturday March, 27th at the local Wal-Mart stores and each city is reportedly developing a strategy that best fits their individual locations.

The reason for gathering at Wal-Mart? A Michigan Wal-Mart employee injured on the job was fired after testing positive for marijuana use, even though he was legally allowed to use the drug medically in Michigan. According to reports, Joseph Casais, 29, used marijuana to ease the pain caused by sinus cancer and an inoperable brain tumor. The drug was prescribed by his doctor.

State activists are also seeking donations to air a television ad featuring state medical cannabis patients urging supporters to contact their state legislators. To donate, visit http://www.facebook.com/l/3e7c1;JRMMA.org, http://www.facebook.com/l/3e7c1;IMMLY.org, Wisconsin NORML, or http://www.facebook.com/l/3e7c1;MadisonNORML.org.

JRMMA tv ad

The month of March goes out like a lion with a Medical Cannabis Forum at UW-Whitewater including the Traveling Hemp and Cannabis Tour exhibits. The event features myself speaking ion favor of the JRMMA and Dr. David Nordstrom - Professor of Counselor Education at UW-Whitewater against, followed by Questions from the audience. It runs from 5:30-6:30pm in the Old Main Ballroom (UC-275) on campus.

The next day in Lodi, Thursday April 1, north of Madison in Columbia County, activists will stage a Traveling Hemp and Cannabis Show at the Lodi Woman's Club Public Library. The Library is at 130 Lodi Street in downtown Lodi. Speakers will include WI NORML Field Director Jay Selthofner, Lodi area resident and Iraq War vet and former Marine Sgt. Erin Silbaugh, myself and other patients and advocates.

From the Lodi T.H.C. Tour release:

There is no April Fools Joke and medical marijuana is sure no laughing matter. Thursday April 1st (5:00 – 7:00PM) NORML and IMMLY bring the T.H.C. Tour or "Talking Hemp and Cannabis Tour" to Lodi, as various supporters of hemp, marijuana and medical cannabis activists travel to the central location within the districts of Senator Scott Fitzgerald (Rep); Senator Dale Schultz (Rep) and Representatives Keith Ripp (Rep), Representative Ed Brooks (Rep), Representative Joel Kleefisch (Rep) and Representative Jeff Fitzgerald (Rep) for a weekend of events (check your local listings). The focus of this event, taking place in the Lodi Public Library's meeting room, is to teach the community about the past, present and future of hemp and cannabis in Wisconsin.

Saturday April 3, the scene shifts to Milwaukee's East Side, to the Miramar Theatre for a benefitt for Wisconsin NORML and IMMLY. The Miramar Theatre is at 2844 N. Oakland Ave. Milwaukee. The event will feature live music from three of Wisconsin's premier bands Weapons of Mass DeFunktion, SLM and Recalcitrant. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the show runs until 1am the following morning. There will also be speakers including Jacki Rickert, myself, Teresa Shepherd, Jay Selthofner, Dan K. Schroeder and others, as well as door prizes, info on IMMLY, WI NORML and the JRMMA, and NORML merchandise.


Read original article with photos and links: (http://www.facebook.com/l/3e7c1;www.examiner.com/examiner/x-30194-Madison-NORML-Examiner~y2010m3d25-Medical-Marijuana-rallies-in-over-20-Wisconsin-locations-Saturday-March-27--More-on-tap-next-week )

Movie Party In Milton - Capitalism: A Love Story

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Here is a great way for local progressives to meet up and chat over today's current events.

Capitalism: A Love Story' Movie Party
10651 N Charley Bluff Rd
Milton, WI 53563
Sunday, 28 Mar 2010, 1:00 PM

Through MoveOn :
RSVP Contact Information


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Assault On Working Lands Initiative

Forwarded from Rock Environmental Network

Legislative Alert!

We need your help: Please act now. The Working Lands Initiative we worked to pass is under assault.

Contact your legislators and tell them to "Stand Tall for Farmland Preservation" and say no to SB-576.

The Wisconsin Realtors Association is leading efforts to repeal or delay the conversion fee on lands removed from farmland preservation zoning districts.

A bill (SB-576) to do this has been introduced in the Senate and Assembly. Realtors are flooding capitol offices with calls supporting the bill.

Your legislators need to hear the truth from you. Contact information is below. Here are some talking points:

The conversion fee is an important part of the popular Working Lands Initiative. It supports many aspects of the program, including:

. Agricultural Enterprise Areas

. Grants to counties to update farmland plans

. Agricultural conservation easements

Facts about the conversion fee:

. The conversion fee increases the value of land for agriculture by reducing potential land use conflicts and providing security for farmers looking to locate or expand their farm operations. The cost of the conversion fee will most likely be passed on to the person developing the land or buying a house in prime farmland. Isn't this appropriate?

. The fee applies only to land rezoned out of farmland preservation
zoning districts.

. Farmers with existing farmland preservation agreements are not
subject to the conversion fee for removing land from the agreement.

Contact your legislators and tell them to "Stand Tall for Farmland
Preservation" and say no to SB-576.

Call your State Senator and Assembly representative on the legislative
hotline at 1-800-362-9472. If you need help finding your legislator, go to:

Find your legislator. You can also email your legislator. See the list at the bottom of this message. Remember: Personal contacts are best.

Thank you!

For more information, contact:

Bill Berry
Bob Wagner

American Farmland Trust's
Senior Policy and Program Advisor

Campaign for Wisconsin's Farm and Forest Lands

1973 Strongs Ave.
American Farmland Trust

Stevens Point WI 54481
413-586-9330 Ext. 12

715 341 9119
bwagner@farmland.org

715 321 0589 (cell)

billlnick@charter.net