education
Education is a fundamental human right and is critical in creating a thriving and equitable society. As Wisconsinites, we believe that every child should have access to high-quality education regardless of their family's income, zip code, or immigration status.
To ensure that our education system emphasizes a strong foundation in literacy, math, and science, we advocate for increased funding for public schools, as well as equitable distribution of those funds among all schools, so that schools with fewer resources are not left behind. Additionally, we believe that teachers should be given the resources and support they need to succeed, including professional development opportunities and fair compensation.
We also believe that our education system should go beyond traditional academic subjects and provide students with a well-rounded education that includes the arts, physical education, and social-emotional learning. We advocate for increased funding for these programs and for schools to prioritize them as an essential part of the curriculum.
Furthermore, we recognize that students come from diverse backgrounds and face different challenges. To address this, we advocate for policies that support English language learners, students with disabilities, and students from low-income families so that they too can have every opportunity to thrive in this great State. This includes funding for special education programs, English language learners' programs, and programs that provide extra support to schools serving low-income communities such as free student breakfast and lunches, because nobody in this country of such great wealth should ever be forced to learn while hungry.
Finally, we believe that higher education should be accessible to all, regardless of their family's income. We advocate for increased funding for public colleges and universities, as well as for policies that make it easier for students to pay for and reduce their student loan debt.
Overall, Wisconsin’s' stance on education should be to prioritize equity, accessibility, and a well-rounded education that prepares students for future success.
healthcare
As a first responder I was usually the first person to see you on one of your worst days, and watching my fellow Wisconsinites base their healthcare decisions on whether or not they had enough savings to cover an ambulance ride, emergency department visit, or hospital stay is so heartbreaking it is difficult to try to put into words. My stance on healthcare focuses on establishing a comprehensive, accessible, and affordable healthcare system that covers every American. Health care is considered a basic human right, and the government has a responsibility to ensure that every individual has access to quality healthcare services, regardless of their income or background.
To achieve this goal, progressive Wisconsinites should be advocating for a single-payer healthcare system, commonly called "Medicare for All". This system would allow every American to receive comprehensive healthcare benefits without having to worry about high premiums, deductibles, or copays, not just those over 65. We all pay into this system, so why should we also be paying into a corporate FOR PROFIT system whose profits increase year over year while us as Wisconsinites have to fight these companies just so they cover the minimum they promised they would.
In addition to expanding access to healthcare, progressive Wisconsinites should also support measures that would address the underlying issues that drive up healthcare costs. This includes policies to lower the cost of prescription drugs, policies to reduce the corporate hoarding of our insurance payments, funding to help improve community health infrastructure, and increase access to preventative services.
To ensure that healthcare remains affordable and accessible for all Americans, we should also believe in strengthening Medicaid and expanding access to Medicare. This includes expanding the Medicaid program to cover more low-income individuals and families, and lowering the age of eligibility for Medicare so that more Americans can access this vital healthcare benefit. A system much like the elected officials in Washington D.C. receive.
Ultimately, Wisconsin’s stance on healthcare should be based on the belief that healthcare is a basic human right, and that every individual should have access to quality healthcare services without fear of financial ruin. By taking bold actions to expand and improve healthcare for all Americans, we can build a healthier, more equitable society for future generations.
cannabis legalization
“Fiscal Conservatives” that have long run the state of Wisconsin have ran on the idea that Wisconsin needs to have a well balanced budget. However, what we’ve seen is large amounts of our tax dollars go to corporations and tax cuts. All of this while lowering the amount of tax dollars seen to help improve our own communities and help establish a solid base for those of us not receiving tax breaks. Last year alone the state of Illinois brought in $445 million in taxes from marijuana alone, millions of that coming from the pockets of hard working Wisconsinites. If these “fiscal conservatives” really wanted to balance the budget and improve funding for their constituents then they’ll need some progressive policies to help them do that.
Economic benefits - Legalizing marijuana can create new sources of revenue for the government through taxation, licensing, and sales. According to a report by New Frontier Data, legalizing marijuana on a national level in the U.S. could generate $105.6 billion in federal tax revenue and create 1.1 million new jobs by 2029. Legalizing marijuana would also help reduce the number of non-violent drug offenders in prison. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, marijuana arrests account for over half of all drug arrests in the United States. Legalizing marijuana would reduce the number of people incarcerated for low-level drug crimes, freeing up resources to target more serious offenses.
Finally, legalizing marijuana would allow for more research into its medicinal properties. Currently, marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning it is considered to have no medicinal value. This classification makes it difficult for researchers to study the plant and its potential benefits. Legalizing marijuana would allow for improved research and understanding of its full range of medical applications.
In conclusion, legalizing marijuana would have numerous benefits for both individuals and society as a whole. It would reduce crime rates, generate tax revenue, create jobs, decrease overcrowding in prisons, and allow for improved research into its medicinal properties. With legalization becoming more and more common throughout the United States, it is time for our government to recognize the potential benefits and take steps towards national legalization.