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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
Progressive's TownHall - Rock County
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
View Larger Map
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
Health Care Conference In Milwaukee
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What is the status of health care reform legislation? What is the potential impact? Does it go far enough?
Discuss those issues and more, at a
Community Brainstorming Conference
Saturday, February 27, 8:00-11:00am
Saint Matthews C.M.E. Church, Milwaukee
2944 North 9th Street (Parking on 8th Street, off Chambers)
Scheduled panelists:
Senator Russ Feingold, US Senator-Wisconsin
Where are we now? Where are we going?
Dr. Robert Kraig, Executive Director - Citizen Action of Wisconsin
Critical aspects of health care reform
Mr. Reginald Birt, Regional Cycle Director - Milwaukee Health Services, Inc
And what about the poor among us?
Mr. Terrell Martin, Community Organizer - Organizing for America
What makes good sense in health care law?
Milton Book Discussion Starting
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The public is invited to take part in a six-week reading and discussion course starting at 6:30 pm on Monday, March 8th at the Milton Public Library. (NatuRescue of Milton hosts the course.) Participants at each 90-minute session will discuss articles compiled by the Northwest Earth Institute into 6 chapters of the workbook “Reconnecting with Earth.” For more information on the readings, please visit www.nwei.org.
To sign up for the discussion course, contact Jim (608)575-5653 or Lynn (608)758-5748
BERLIN -- Medical Marijuana Expo
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BERLIN: On Saturday, February 6, 2010, as the community rallies together in momentum for National Medical Marijuana Awareness Week, the Berlin Wisconsin Public Library will house supporters of hemp and medical marijuana as various organizations come together to put on an expo style event showcasing the cannabis plant, The T.H.C. Expo (Talking Hemp & Cannabis) will run from 12:00pm-3:00pm in the Berlin Public Library, located at 121 W. Park Ave., Berlin.
This region was once a leader in Wisconsin hemp cultivation. Today, the federal hemp plants growing along roadways or on old farmsteads are the only remnants of an era when farmers benefited greatly from hemp cultivation. Berlin's THC Expo will not only examine the history and potential future role of hemp in the local and state economy, but also delve deeply into the medical use of cannabis and current legislation before the Wisconsin Legislature regarding both medical cannabis and hemp.
Organizer Jay Selthofner promises the T.H.C. EXPO, will "openly and honestly discuss this misunderstood plant". In a recent interview, Selthofner told Madison NORML Examiner, "The driving force behind the expo is the community who supports hemp and medical marijuana, and the cost to bring this event together was donated by the people of the district."
Berlin is in the state legislative districts represented by State Sen. Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) and State Assembly Rep. Joan Ballweg (R- Markesan). As of this writing, neither lawmaker has yet taken a formal position on the bill, despite what local activists call "a ton of constituent letters, phone calls, emails, Capitol office visits, and in the case of Sen. Olsen, not one but two public listening sessions".
The Expo will also include representatives of organizations including Is My Medicine Legal Yet? (IMMLY), Wisconsin NORML, Madison NORML, Americans for Safe Access (ASA), MJ2 Media, American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin (WI-ACLU), Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP) and Wisconsin Veterans for Medical Marijuana Access (WIVMMA).
IMMLY Founder Jacki Rickert, namesake of the Wisconsin medical cannabis bill is expected to be in attendance along with state and regional activists including Gary Storck, Ben Masel, Teresa Shepherd, LEAP's James Gierach and others.
For more info: List of qualifying medical conditions included in the JRMMA. Jacki Rickert MMJ Act Hearing Recap & Action Alert. Report on Jan. 20 Mary Powers Memorial and JRMMA Lobby Day. For additional details on the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act, info on the Dec. 15, 2010 combined Health committee hearing, bill text and status, how to donate, all the latest news and how you can help, visit http://www.facebook.com/l/03d42;JRMMA.org, http://www.facebook.com/l/03d42;IMMLY.org or http://www.facebook.com/l/03d42;MadisonNORML.org. Visit my Madison NORML Examiner articles archive. Photos courtesy IMMLY/WI NORML and friends except where otherwise noted. Photo of Berlin Library courtesy Berlin Library http://www.facebook.com/l/03d42;www.berlinlibrary.org/. Photo of Rep. Ballweg courtesy WI State Legislature.
Stitch'n' Bitch Events
The Janesville Jets & Janesville Area Stitch 'n Bitch join forces for
Pucks 'n Purls @ Janesville Ice Arena on February 7
Join fellow knitters and crocheters for a fun filled afternoon of NAHL hockey brought to you by the Janesville Area Stitch 'n Bitch and the Janesville Jets. Enjoy working on your stitching projects and watching hockey at Pucks 'n Purls on Sunday, February 7 in the Janesville Ice Arena, 821 Beloit Ave., Janesville. The puck drops at 2:00pm. Call 608-752-5387 to reserve your advance stitchers ticket for $5 per person which includes seating with other stitchers, a "goody bag" (while supplies last), and the opportunity to win door prizes. For additional information call 608-752-5387, 608-752-9248 or visit www.stitchingcreationsandcommunity.blogspot.com
Midwinter Fiber & Yarn Tasting February 27 @ Basics
Get fleeced at Stitch n' Bitch's Midwinter Fiber & Yarn Tasting at Basics Natural Food Co-op, 1711 Lodge Drive, Janesville from 9am-4pm on Saturday, February 27. Come join us where yarns adorn us, addictive behavior to yarn is accepted and even encouraged, and where shiny needles are better than gold necklaces. Explore the fibers and products of south central Wisconsin farms including Firefly Field Finns, Pacesetter Alpacas, Rainbow Fleece Farm, Stone Crest Llamas, Nina's Goats, and more. Enjoy demonstrations of spinning and needlework, visit the "Yarn Bar" where you can try stitching with various yarns, receive a goody bag (while supplies last), learn how to knit or crochet, and enter for your chance to win prizes. Admission is free. All Midwinter Fiber & Yarn Tasting activities are FREE and open to all ages but donations on behalf of the Janesville/Rock Valley Project Linus of fabric, yarn, and new, child-friendly handmade blankets to comfort, warm and provide security for area children will be gratefully accepted. For additional information call 608-752-9248, proartist@aol.com, or visit www.stitchingcreationsandcommunity.blogspot.com
3 Opportunities for Stitchers Every Week!
Join other stitchers of mass discussion each week where the focus of the group is knitting but needle-crafty of any portable skill, of all ages and of both genders are always welcome. No membership fees nor requirements. FREE spinning, knitting and crochet lessons, advise and trouble-shooting are always available. Gatherings:
Every Monday, 1:30-3:30, SpeakEasy, 19 N. High St., Janesville
Every Thursday, 6-9pm, Basics Natural Foods Coop, 1711 Lodge Drive., Janesville
Every Saturday, 10am-Noon, Codos Coffee Shop, 119 N. Main St., Janesville
For more information visit www.stitchingcreationsandcommunity.blogspot.com, e-mail proartist@aol.com, or call 608-752-9248.
Medical Marijuana Vigil Jan. 20th
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Supporters of the medical marijuana bill introduced by Rep Mark Pocan (D-Mason) and Sen Jon Erpenbach (D-Waunakee) will gather Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 12pm in the Capitol Rotunda in Madison for a memorial remembering Mary Powers and other patients who simply ran out of time. Mary would have been 51 on Jan. 14. The price they paid, the pain they endured is enough. It is time to put aside hand-wringing that gets us nowhere and stand up with the now 14 states who have recognized the legitimacy of medical pot.
Following the noon vigil supporters will canvas the Capitol to urge their elected representatives to support AB554/SB368. There will be a table in the rotunda with information on meeting your reps and people who can help you with any questions.
If you cannot make it, please call your legislators and have their phones ring all day in support of Medical Marijuana. The Legislative Hotline is 800-362-9472. Or look up your representative at http://www.facebook.com/l/228d0;www.legis.state.wi.us/w3asp/waml/waml.aspx. http://www.facebook.com/l/228d0;
We cannot lose this opportunity to act, to do something, whether in person or phone, to get this bill passed now. We cannot be that state that does not look forward. We are much better than that. This law can be crafted to meet everyone's needs, and then some. Read more at http://www.facebook.com/l/228d0;IMMLY.org (Is My Medicine Legal Yet?) or http://www.facebook.com/l/228d0;JRMMA.org.
Wisconsin NORML
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