E n j o y!
This blog seeks changes at the NEIGHBORHOOD-LEVEL by a Call for transparency and accountability of ALL who are elected-appointed-volunteered and hired. WE encourage Citizen-Centered engagement, leadership and decision making. We value Principle-Centered Leadership that practices day-to-day Code of Conduct to maximize all government spending, respectful of civil-human-legal rights. It was created on June 3, 2010, with the thought that if I want it to be, it starts and end with me.
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Saturday, June 30, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
National Health Care - It's a GREAT thing
CLICK - Video - March 23, 2010
President Obama Signs Health Reform Into Law
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Back row (left to right): Sonia Sotomayor, Stephen G. Breyer, Samuel A. Alito, and Elena Kagan. Front row (left to right): Clarence Thomas, Antonin Scalia, Chief Justice John Roberts, Anthony Kennedy, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg
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National Health Care - On June 28, 2012, a 5-4 decision by the SCOTUS/.Supreme Court of the United States upheld the National Health Care Law, or or the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act (H.R. 676), is a bill introduced in the United States House of Representatives by Representative John Conyers (D-MI). The bill had 88 cosponsors as of October 7, 2009.
COSPONSORS(87), ALPHABETICAL [followed by Cosponsors withdrawn]: (Sort:by date)
Rep Abercrombie, Neil [HI-1] - 2/11/2009
Rep Baca, Joe [CA-43] - 10/7/2009
Rep Baldwin, Tammy [WI-2] - 1/26/2009
Rep Becerra, Xavier [CA-31] - 3/17/2009
Rep Berman, Howard L. [CA-28] - 1/26/2009
Rep Bishop, Sanford D., Jr. [GA-2] - 2/23/2009
Rep Brady, Robert A. [PA-1] - 2/11/2009
Rep Brown, Corrine [FL-3] - 3/3/2009
Rep Capuano, Michael E. [MA-8] - 2/23/2009
Rep Christensen, Donna M. [VI] - 4/21/2009
Rep Chu, Judy [CA-32] - 7/31/2009
Rep Clarke, Yvette D. [NY-11] - 1/26/2009
Rep Clay, Wm. Lacy [MO-1] - 1/26/2009
Rep Cleaver, Emanuel [MO-5] - 2/23/2009
Rep Cohen, Steve [TN-9] - 1/26/2009
Rep Costello, Jerry F. [IL-12] - 2/3/2009
Rep Cummings, Elijah E. [MD-7] - 2/23/2009
Rep Davis, Danny K. [IL-7] - 1/26/2009
Rep Delahunt, Bill [MA-10] - 1/26/2009
Rep Dicks, Norman D. [WA-6] - 6/15/2009
Rep Doyle, Michael F. [PA-14] - 1/26/2009
Rep Edwards, Donna F. [MD-4] - 1/26/2009
Rep Ellison, Keith [MN-5] - 1/26/2009
Rep Engel, Eliot L. [NY-17] - 1/26/2009
Rep Farr, Sam [CA-17] - 1/26/2009
Rep Fattah, Chaka [PA-2] - 2/11/2009
Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] - 2/11/2009
Rep Frank, Barney [MA-4] - 1/28/2009
Rep Fudge, Marcia L. [OH-11] - 6/2/2009
Rep Green, Al [TX-9] - 2/23/2009
Rep Grijalva, Raul M. [AZ-7] - 1/26/2009
Rep Gutierrez, Luis V. [IL-4] - 1/26/2009
Rep Hare, Phil [IL-17] - 6/11/2009
Rep Hastings, Alcee L. [FL-23] - 2/23/2009
Rep Hinchey, Maurice D. [NY-22] - 1/26/2009
Rep Hirono, Mazie K. [HI-2] - 2/23/2009
Rep Holt, Rush D. [NJ-12] - 6/12/2009
Rep Honda, Michael M. [CA-15] - 2/11/2009
Rep Jackson, Jesse L., Jr. [IL-2] - 3/5/2009
Rep Jackson-Lee, Sheila [TX-18] - 1/26/2009
Rep Johnson, Henry C. "Hank," Jr. [GA-4] - 2/3/2009
Rep Kaptur, Marcy [OH-9] - 1/26/2009
Rep Kennedy, Patrick J. [RI-1] - 2/23/2009
Rep Kildee, Dale E. [MI-5] - 2/23/2009
Rep Kilpatrick, Carolyn C. [MI-13] - 1/26/2009
Rep Kucinich, Dennis J. [OH-10] - 1/26/2009
Rep Lee, Barbara [CA-9] - 1/26/2009
Rep Lewis, John [GA-5] - 3/17/2009
Rep Loebsack, David [IA-2] - 3/24/2009
Rep Lofgren, Zoe [CA-16] - 5/20/2009
Rep Lujan, Ben Ray [NM-3] - 3/24/2009
Rep Maloney, Carolyn B. [NY-14] - 2/23/2009
Rep Markey, Edward J. [MA-7] - 6/12/2009
Rep Massa, Eric J. J. [NY-29] - 1/26/2009
Rep McDermott, Jim [WA-7] - 1/26/2009
Rep McGovern, James P. [MA-3] - 3/3/2009
Rep Meeks, Gregory W. [NY-6] - 1/26/2009
Rep Miller, George [CA-7] - 3/19/2009
Rep Moore, Gwen [WI-4] - 2/11/2009
Rep Murtha, John P. [PA-12] - 7/9/2009
Rep Nadler, Jerrold [NY-8] - 1/26/2009
Rep Napolitano, Grace F. [CA-38] - 1/26/2009
Rep Norton, Eleanor Holmes [DC] - 5/20/2009
Rep Olver, John W. [MA-1] - 1/26/2009
Rep Pastor, Ed [AZ-4] - 3/19/2009
Rep Payne, Donald M. [NJ-10] - 3/3/2009
Rep Pingree, Chellie [ME-1] - 1/26/2009
Rep Polis, Jared [CO-2] - 1/28/2009
Rep Rahall, Nick J., II [WV-3] - 9/29/2009
Rep Roybal-Allard, Lucille [CA-34] - 3/30/2009
Rep Rush, Bobby L. [IL-1] - 2/23/2009
Rep Ryan, Tim [OH-17] - 3/5/2009
Rep Schakowsky, Janice D. [IL-9] - 2/23/2009
Rep Scott, Robert C. "Bobby" [VA-3] - 2/23/2009
Rep Serrano, Jose E. [NY-16] - 6/9/2009
Rep Thompson, Bennie G. [MS-2] - 2/23/2009
Rep Tierney, John F. [MA-6] - 1/28/2009
Rep Tonko, Paul [NY-21] - 1/26/2009
Rep Towns, Edolphus [NY-10] - 3/31/2009
Rep Velazquez, Nydia M. [NY-12] - 2/23/2009
Rep Waters, Maxine [CA-35] - 3/19/2009
Rep Watson, Diane E. [CA-33] - 1/26/2009
Rep Weiner, Anthony D. [NY-9] - 7/9/2009
Rep Welch, Peter [VT] - 2/23/2009
Rep Wexler, Robert [FL-19] - 2/11/2009
Rep Woolsey, Lynn C. [CA-6] - 1/26/2009
Rep Yarmuth, John A. [KY-3] - 2/23/2009
Rep Meek, Kendrick B. [FL-17] - 3/24/2009(withdrawn - 10/21/2009)
================
NBC report
Schacknow - Today's Brief, June 29, 2012
Peter Schacknow, Senior Producer, CNBC Breaking News Desk
U.S. stocks are poised for a sharply higher open on this final trading day of the second quarter, after EU leaders agreed on a pact for long term fiscal union.
That may give the Dow, the S&P 500, and the Nasdaq the chance to wipe out their losses for the week, and solidifies the possibility for their first concurrent June gains since 2004. However, the major averages will still post sharp losses for the second quarter.
We’ll get a handful of economic reports this morning, starting with May figures on personal income and consumer spending at 8:30am ET. Economists look for a 0.2 percent gain in personal income, which would match the April increase. Consumer spending is expected to come in unchanged after April’s 0.3 percent rise.
At 9:45am ET, the Chicago PMI is seen dropping slightly to 52.0 for June from 52.7 in May.
The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index is out at 9:55am ET, with consensus forecasts calling for a final June reading of 74.3, compared to the preliminary June figure of 74.1 and May’s final 79.3.
This morning’s earnings calendar is light, but will feature quarterly numbers from Constellation Brands (STZ) and KB Home (KBH).
Research In Motion (RIMM) leads our list of stocks to watch, posting a quarterly loss of $0.37 per share, much wider than consensus estimates of a $0.03 per share loss. Revenue also came in light, with the BlackBerry maker saying the next several quarters would be “very challenging”. The company is also pushing back the launch of its new BlackBerry 10 operating system to early 2013.
Nike (NKE) is reporting quarterly profit of $1.17 per share, 20 cents below estimates, with revenues also falling short of consensus. Higher raw material costs are among the factors cited, as Nike misses Street estimates for the first time in two years.
Ford Motor (F) says its international losses will triple during the second quarter, largely because of weaker European sales.
Goldman Sachs (GS) is cutting several dozen jobs from its U.S. operations, as it seeks to cut costs because of slowing capital market activity.
ServiceNow (NOW) has priced its IPO at $18.00, with the provider of cloud-based services for business set to begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange this morning.
Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD) has completed the purchase of the half of Grupo Model that it didn’t already own for $20.1 billion. In a related deal, Constellation Brands (STZ) bought the 50 percent of Crown Imports that it didn’t already own from AB InBev. Crown had been a joint venture between Constellation and Modelo.
Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) will be fined $233 million in connection with the same Libor manipulation probe that saw Barclays (BCS) assessed $454 million Thursday. That’s according to the Times of London.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Premier Facebook site for Milwaukee Professionals Association
The website was created earlier this year while Mary Glass, Chair/CEO was working with a small group of college students at UW-Milwaukee for the advancement of Case Learning - projects that have a keen sense of responsibility for connecting to the neighborhood in Milwaukee as the source for problem solving, research, personal development, networking and exposing "Hidden Talent". It has a "Posse" component that links high school students and 2-year area technical and voc training advancement.
International
We WELCOME high school, college, young adults and alumns of the globe.
We are happy to be back in the Passion. The facebook site is added as a brand of MPA.
The name of the Facebook page is: www.facebook.com/#!safetymattersexploratoryteamusa.
The website is: www.safetymattersexploratoryteam.blogspot.com
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Milwaukee Professionals Association supports ex-Senator Feingold and Senator Sherrod Brown - End too Big to Fail
L-R: Senator Sherrod Brown - Ohio and Former Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold
Progressives United is a campaign effort founded by ex-Senator Russ Feingold of Wisconsin.
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Former Senator Russ Feingold has partnered with Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown in the effort of making a difference in the over-the-top privileges of our financial institution at the top level.
Milwaukee Professionals Association is seeking the role and responsibilities of our regional office (board of directors and advisory councils) at the Federal Reserve of Chicago to help ensure that transparency, best practices and accountability are provided for neighborhood level businesses in urban Milwaukee.
We are seeking civility and willingness for communication in public affairs as a main emphasis of Code of Conduct that will either raise the Federal Reserve offices in respect and/or brand them as part of the problem.
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Our nation’s largest financial institutions have grown far too big. As we saw just a few years ago, when they take risky positions, they jeopardize the stability of the American economy, and if they lose, taxpayers are asked to bail them out.
Too Big To Fail is just too big.
We have join former Senator Russ Feingold, Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, and members of Progressives United to support placing sensible size and leverage limits on ‘too big to fail’ institutions, protecting our businesses, workers, and our economy, and preventing the need for any future taxpayer bailouts.
Visit PROGRESSIVESUNITED
Stay tuned. Yahoo!
Milwaukee Common Council discussion on crime reporting audit includes "Cooking the Books" and $millions
City of Milwaukee Common Council
Resolution 120220 - Resolution directing the City Comptroller to conduct an Audit of Milwaukee Police Department's crime reporting practices.
Initial Sponsor and co-sponsor: Alderman Joe Dudzik, sponsor, Alderman James Bohl and alderman Bob Donovan, co sponsors.
Add-on Sponsors - June 12, 2012: Aldermen Davis and Alderman Jose Perez
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Alderman Willie Wade, District 7, kicked off the discussion with question: "Is there a reason File 120220 is immediate adoption and not going to committee?"
"This is a time-sensitive issue the answers we may gain from this particular file might help us with regards to ugh the budget coming later this year. There is a 90 day window this particular file has on it and again that would give us time to adjust our spending with regards to Milwaukee Police Department, said Alderman Joe Dudzik, sponsor of resolution.
Alderman Wade listed as in favor of audit but NO to the file since it did not go to committee for thorough discussion.Alderman Robert Puenta, District 9, listed opposition - cited lack of expertise of Comptroller – thousands of dollars – citizenry cost – expressed concern for the common council to not jump because of one reporter's views since the council did not know WHAT and HOW of Journal Sentinel reporter - recommended back to committee.
Alderman James Bohl, District 5, co-sponsor - to seek an outside review and provision to conduct an audit – cited timeline of 90 days to come back questionable – need scope looking at individual reports – timeline of audit – should be ironed out prior to audit – time and cost – opposed ramming audit through, is inappropriate – favor outside audit – Motion to send back to committee by Boyle.
Alderman Terry Witkowski, District 13, Chair of the Safety Committee (where file would be sent) cited without adequate information – file will give 6 years of data coming to Safety Committee regarding year-to-year cost - in committee discussion could be had regarding scope and ability of comptroller's office also input from Fire and Police Commission and executive director - in favor of file sent to committee.
Alderman Joe Davis, District 2, asked to be listed as a co-sponsor – was approved - item important to monitor, encouraged more to co-sponsor so a detailed audit can be spelled out – referred to committee due to negative images Milwaukee has gotten on some of the cases regarding the issues – back to committee.
Alderman Michael Murphy, District 10, make sense to send to committee – scope of contract to determine cost of audit – need debate - noted estimated cost $35-150 thousands given to Alderman Dudzik by comptroller and shared with Alderman Murphy depending on scope, letter from comptroller raises issues regarding capability of audit, by comptroller's office, Milwaukee Police department expected Federal Bureau of Investigation audit in 30 days, a police department internal audit and independent Wisconsin audit - In favor of sending to committee.
Alderman Murphy stated Police acknowledged they had a recording problem – budget 2011-12 capital improvement - $7 million dollar change – Police had acknowledged there was a problem but was not given credit by Journal Sentinel reporter.
Recommendation to examine any concerns - be up front of the reports, look at the facts, listen to testimony by police – may want to call on the state for an independent audit $100-$200.
Alderman Bob Donovan, District 8, deferred to Alderman Dudzik for clarifications.
Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, District 1, deferred to Alderman Dudzik for clarifications.
Alderman Nik Kovac, District 3, to go to committee – based on cost and redundant spending on internal and federal audits - not to cherry pick gotcha numbers, felt that was what was done by Journal Sentinel - true contextual report would have looked over years -should not panic, been told year-after-year of the problem - know the problem is there and need to know if we are fixing the problem - numbers should be contextualized.
Alderman Joe Dudzik - Information Management System perspective of the Police department - Funding was asked for and list of things to accomplish were: $2 ½ million for radio communication, repairs for IMS were below the redesign of restroom of the 911 dispatch center - not sure of how much emphasis was on the crime reporting - as for outsourcing, a common practice of comptroller office, cost could be capped by an amendment at $150 thousands, as for cost consideration cited $50 thousand approval for an unknown statute by the council, hot summer - families should feel that concerns are being met - should go forward.
Alderman Donovan - felt it should go forward - the idea that we all have known that the numbers were wrong, untrue - was under the impression that crime was down based on police department reporting and mayor reports to the public - commended the Journal Sentinel - have been hearing about the numbers for a long long time - need to get to the bottom of this and move forward now.
Click
Alderman Hamilton - echoed move forward in an orderly fashion, expected file in Safety committe is available, fiscal information and not make a decision on-the-fly - all of council agree with the spirit of law differ in manner - for sending back to committee.
Alderman Bohl - outside scope and cost needed to move forward with a more defined way - for years almost Day 1, heard about Milwaukee Police Department supposedly "cooking-the-books".
Alderman Kovac - if any audit come back with numbers of cooking the books, immediate 15-1 solution not audit. However, the data have not been compared contextual within the margin of error for clarity - available for internal, DA and FBI interest - a contextual report.
Alderman Davis - Did not want to get into "cooking the books" - inflammatory rhetoric that is not productive - personnel - fire and police commission and executive director for input for specifics - send to committee.
Alderman Jose Perez, District 12, request to be a co-sponsor, agreed; he also favored sending to committee.
Alderman Murphy - Obligation to get to the truth. cost and have police hearing to get the other side - not jump to conclusions - police had spoken to him and had reporting concerns regarding the methods of reporter - send to committee.
Alderman Wade - concern as others - other concern was smudging resources-time-efforts now and not before - why the Journal Sentinel did not step up when the crime was reported high but now with reporting crime was going down, they are stepping forward - their motives.
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Elected officials representing Milwaukee at the city, county, state and national levels should weigh-in on this issue and correct the People's business - quality control services and cost-appropriateness.
Video of Common Council meeting, June 12, 2012
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On June 22, 2012, nine (9) aldermen (Alds. Nik Kovac, Robert Bauman, Ashanti Hamilton, Jim Bohl, Willie Wade, Robert Puente, Michael Murphy, Jose Perez and Terry Witkowski released a statement. CLICK
In view of the incomplete findings so far and those to come, do you think the Common Council has acted prematurely and/or overly broad?
What do you think?
Tell the Milwaukee Common Council how you feel.
Monday, June 25, 2012
VETERANS BRICKS @ DRYHOOTCH.ORG
A BBQ lunch will be available for purchase after the ceremony.
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Time: June 30, 2012 from 11am to 4pm
Location: Dryhootch Brady Street
Street: 1030 E. Brady Street
City/Town: Milwaukee
Phone: 414-763-2785
Event Type: ceremony, and, celebration
Organized By: Art Soto & Abbey Manalli
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Milwaukee Professionals Association supports Dryhootch.org - A neighborhood organization.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Milwaukee Professionals Association adds NEW host website to promote BRAND
It will also post the efforts of the NEWLY announced "fiscal policies and practices" think tank of Milwaukee Professionals Association. It is called: MKE Commerce Council. It was announced on June 3, 2012 as a tribute to MPA Public Policy Review and All Hands on Deck, WE, Not Me Initiative 2 year anniversary.
Visit the website at: www.mpamkecommercecouncil.blogspot.com
DRYHOOTCH.org - Part-Time Employment - Veteran
MILWAUKEE (MPA) - Dryhootch.org
We are looking for a Veteran interested in helping fellow veterans deal with PTSD, addiction, family issues, legals issues and more.
This is a part time position. You must be a veteran and preferably in Recovery.
Email resume to mark@dryhootch.org
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Milwaukee Professionals Association supports Dryhootch.org - A Neighborhood organization.
R-E-F O-R-M in Milwaukee @ the Neighborhood Level
We see the Urban neighborhood as an OASIS for pedigree innovations through REFORM.
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We are in this Together - ALL HANDS on Deck, WE Initiative
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Larson Weekly Report - June 21, 2012
The tides of change are upon us this summer. Therefore, this week's newsletter will focus on change in a number of areas including the State Senate, higher education,Wisconsin's natural landscape, and more.
As usual, please feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns or opinions you may have about our community or our state.
Sincerely,
Chris Larson
State Senator, District 7
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The official vote canvass in Racine showed that John Lehman beat incumbent Van Wanggaard by 834 votes, or 1.2%. Following the official vote canvass, Wanggaard requested a recount this past Friday.
As required by law, the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board issued an order this past Monday requiring the Racine County Board of Canvassers to start its recount at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 20. All of the 21st Senate District is located within Racine County. The canvassing board is required to complete the canvass and submit results to the Board within 13 calendar days of the Board’s order. Because that date lands on Sunday, July 1, the deadline for completing the recount will be Monday, July 2. While it would be unusual, the county’s recount determination may be appealed to circuit court within five business days. If no appeal is filed, the Board will certify the results of the 21st Senate District Recall Election after the appeal deadline has expired. The recount is expected to cost Wanggaard's campaign $5 for each of the 137 wards for a total of $685. Taxpayers will then be responsible for all additional costs incurred during the course of the recount.
I look forward to working with legislators on both sides of the aisle and hope that Senate Republicans recognize the need to accept the election results so that Legislative activities can resume. We have been presented with a valuable opportunity to experience true compromise, or both sides reaching a middle ground. A number of legislators have started requesting that the governor call a special session to address the areas of greatest concern in our state. It is my hope that through committee work and this potential special session, that we will be able to work together to get Wisconsin moving forward again.
Wisconsin has been blessed with smooth transitions of power and I am confident that Republican Senate leaders will step aside to allow a renewed balance in Wisconsin government.
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it was decided that students at state colleges will once again see their tuition increased. With a vote of 17-1, the Regents approved UW System President Kevin Reilly’s recommended 5.5% tuition hike for the 2012-2013 school year. This tuition hike will affect all of the systems 13 4-year universities and 13 2-year colleges. Further, students should expect to see their annual tuition increase by $250 for 2-year colleges, $328-422 for 4-year universities, and nearly $700 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. For the first time in Wisconsin's history, tuition and fees for in-state students will exceed $10,000.
The recent biennial budget cut approximately $315 million from higher education, shifting even more of the financial burden to students and their parents. UW System President Kevin Reilly suggested that such drastic cuts have created financial havoc for the system and without this tuition hike there would be larger and fewer classes making it take longer for students to obtain a degree while paying more in the process. The steep tuition hike is only projected to make up for about one-third of the budget cuts.
The rising cost of tuition is creating a significant hurdle for Wisconsin's youth seeking to continue their studies at an institution for higher learning. The changing trend of lowering state funding and rising tuition plays a significant role in increasing student debt for technical college or university graduates, or can even deter prospective students from attending such an institution all together. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, U.S. student loan debt reached $1 trillion this year, with UW-Milwaukee students averaging around $29,000 in debt upon graduating.
Obtaining some form of higher education is becoming more expected of Wisconsin's workers. Therefore, it is important that Wisconsin is able to provide its future workers with affordable education. Regrettably, at 26%, Wisconsin is below the national average of 28% for the number of college degree holders. If Wisconsin is unable to build and preserve an educated, skilled workforce, it could have devastating long-term consequences on the overall economic health of our state.
As a member of the UW Taskforce for Restructuring, I will be working hard to help make sure that our colleges remain renowned, world-class institutions. It is essential that our state continues to support its first-rate universities in order to attract the brightest students to Wisconsin, as this will help encourage businesses to relocate to our state to create jobs. We need to stop looking at funding education as a frivolous expense, and instead view it for what it really is--an important investment that will undeniably create a stronger, more prosperous future for all of Wisconsin.
Next Community Meeting
I encourage you to stop by my next town hall listening session. I will be hosting this community meeting with Rep. Jon Richards and Alderman Nik Kovac on Milwaukee's East Side at the Urban Ecology Center on Thursday, June 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This is a great opportunity to discuss any concerns you might have about our community with us and your fellow neighbors.
Urban Ecology Center (MAP)
1500 E. Park Place
Milwaukee, WI 53211
A special thank you to everyone that attended the Milwaukee Bike Tour, Mobile Listening Session, and Oak Creek Town Hall meeting. It was encouraging to see so many of our neighbors stop by to share their thoughts on a wide variety of community and state issues. The thoughtful comments and questions are greatly appreciated. Hearing your perspective on issues that will have a significant impact on our community is crucial as we work together to get Wisconsin moving forward.
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Office Phone: (608) 266-7505
Toll-free Phone: (800) 361-5487
Email:
Sen.Larson@legis.wi.gov
Mailing Address:
State Capitol
P.O. Box 7882
Madison, WI 53707
Web Site:
SenatorChrisLarson.com
MKE COMMERCE COUNCIL focuses on Hidden Talent and Neighborhood Business Development w/Sen. Bob Casey, Sen.Barney Sanders and Chairman Ben Bernanke
- Senator Robert "Bob" Casey - Pennsylvania
- Senator Bernie Sanders - Vermont
- Federal Chairman Ben Bernanke
"We should do more to support small businesses by targeting tax incentives to firms that expand their payroll, we can stengthen the recovery." Chairman Casey - Joint Economic Committee. This quote was part of Chairman Casey's Opening Statement.
The hearing was very informative,
Milwaukee Professionals Association has assigned the follow-up of the selected comments below to MKE Commerce Council to evaluate and make recommendations over the next three (3) months. MKE Commerce Council will link the input in its first project: 2012 Show Me the Money and Resources Series.
The selected six (6) comments to focus on at the Urban/neighborhood level from Senator Bob Casey, Chairman, Senator Bernie Sanders and Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke are:
- Support of small businesses through targeting tax incentives - Chairman Casey.
- At the fed level to change the "Conflict of Interest" appearance - large banks sit on Federal Reserve boards - Senator Bernie Sanders.
- Unequal distribution of wealth in American and the growing numbers - Senator Bernie Sanders.
- Breaking up the large Financial instutions that have so much economic and political power (assets 2/3 of GDP and over $9 Trillion dollars in assets, write 2/3 of credit cards and half of the mortgages) - Senator Bernie Sanders.
- A third objective for fiscal policy is to promote a stronger economy in the medium and long term through the careful design of tax policies and spending programs. To the fullest extent possible, federal tax and spending policies should increase incentives to work and save, encourage investments in workforce skills, stimulate private capital formation, promote research and development, and provide necessary public infrastructure. Although we cannot expect our economy to grow its way out of federal budget imbalances without significant adjustment in fiscal policies, a more productive economy will ease the tradeoffs faced by fiscal policymakers - Chairman Bernanke.
- Decline of the Middle Class - 35-year trend due to globalization, technical change (made high school education less favorable - education incentives and so on)
Schacknow - TODAY'S PRIMER, June 21, 2012
The heat is on across much of the country, but the same can’t be said of Wall Street. U.S. stocks are coming off a mixed session following the Fed’s extension of Operation Twist, and stock index futures are pointing to a lower open this morning. However, yesterday’s fractional gain for the Nasdaq Composite did give that index a five-session winning streak.
Today marks the week’s busiest day for economic data, starting with the Labor Department’s weekly look at initial jobless claims at 8:30am ET. Economists are forecasting claims of 385,000 for the week ending June 16, which would be down slightly from the prior week’s 386,000.
At 10am ET, the National Association’s report on May existing home sales is expected to show a 1.5 percent drop to an annual rate of 4.55 million units, following a 3.4 percent increase in April.
We’ll also be getting the Philadelphia Fed’s monthly index and the Conference Board’s Index of
Leading Economic Indicators at 10am ET. The Philly Fed index is seen coming in at -2.3 for June, a slightly less negative reading than May’s -5.8. And consensus forecasts call for the LEI to be unchanged for May after falling 0.1 percent in April.
At 10:30am ET, the Energy Department will issue its weekly look at natural gas inventories.
ConAgra (CAG) and CarMax (KMX) are among the notable companies on an otherwise light earnings calendar. Both companies will issue their quarterly numbers before today’s opening bell.
Micron Technology (MU) is a stock to watch this morning after the chipmaker reported a wider than expected quarterly loss. Micron lost $0.32 per share for its third quarter, compared to estimates of $0.20. An increase in memory chip prices was not enough to make up for weak profit margins from its flash memory products.
Onyx Pharmaceuticals (ONXX) has gotten a positive FDA panel recommendation for an experimental blood cancer drug. The full FDA usually, but not always, follows the recommendations of its panels.
Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY) shares could be under pressure today, despite a first quarter earnings beat. The retailer did earn $0.89 per share for the quarter, five cents above estimates, but its current quarter outlook of $0.97 - $1.03 per share is below Street estimates of $1.08.
Red Hat (RHT) – The Linux software provider earned $0.30 per share, excluding certain items, for the first quarter, three cents above estimates. But its stock came under pressure in the after-hours session on weaker than expected billings. That measure – revenue that Red Hat doesn’t recognize until it actually provides the services – were up 16 percent, short of analyst estimates.
Murphy Oil (MUR) has named board member Steve Cosse as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. He’ll replace David Wood, who is retiring following a 17-year career at Murphy.
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) is reportedly close to settling a Justice Department probe into off-label marketing of its antipsychotic drug Risperdal. The Wall Street Journal reports the settlement could be $1.5 billion or higher, which would be one of the highest payments ever in a drug marketing case.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
SKIN IN THE GAME – GOVERNOR WALKER, Women Council of Wisconsin - Call for Women of Color
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| From L-R; Mary Jo Baas and Gov Scott Walker Top/down: Nicole Bowman-Farrell, Michelle Mellner, JoAnna Richard, Arlene Siss, Senator Jennifer Shilling, Sarah Briganti, Senator Dave Hansen, Heidi Green, Rep. Sandy Pasch, Rep. Kelda Helen Roys and Heather Smith |
On June 13, 2012, Mary Glass, Chair/CEO, Milwaukee Professionals Association called for “Skin-in-the-Game” by Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin. His disrespectful comment was captured in an article by Bill Glauber of the Journal Sentinel, All Politics Blog, dated June 1, 2012.
His comment, “We don't want Wisconsin to become like Milwaukee," he said, adding that he wanted Wisconsin to help troubled cities in the state.
Glass’s article took issue with Governor Walker’s breach of etiquette by “DISSING” the city of Milwaukee and Dissing Milwaukee while touring in a Sussex company with an out-of-state guest, Governor Nikki Haley, South Carolina. Click
Put up
Since the incendiary statement spoken by Governor Walker lacked leadership
while the county executive of Milwaukee county and his time in office as
governor of Wisconsin, we are calling for the governor to put
"skin-in-the-game". To take his foot out of his mouth – to show that Wisconsin is “Open for Business” for ALL, especially those by-design left out - African American, other People of Color and the Work Challenged (un-, under-employed; un-, under-degreed and certificated; un-, under-financed neighborhood-level business; disabled; and re-entry - especially those returning from WAR, INCARCERATION, BOOMERANG EMPLOYMENT, BOOMERANG RETIREMENT and DEGREED students without employment).
For Governor Walker to apologize to the City of Milwaukee by "putting up".
For Governor Walker to produce clear actions that are INFRASTRUCTURAL, systemic for value-added growth and devoid of divisiveness and partisan politics.
Today’s Call is for the Governor’s administration appointment, Women Council of Wisconsin provide "Due Process" for the People.
In Milwaukee Professionals Association identification of government ran and/or funded groups that Governor Walker has governance, they are cited if they appear to be one or more of the following:
· contrary to group’s Mission.
· fail state statute and/or other laws.
· group is dysfunctional to Mission.
·
group fail the INCLUSIVE test.
·
group appear ologopolic/monopoly and
discriminate by infrastructure.
· conflict of interest.
·
Lobby/advise government officials and/or the
public.
· Infrastructurally sterile of African American, other People of Color, Islamic and Asian Indian.
For example, on the Women Council of Wisconsin website they cite the
recent fair wage of women’s pay being $.77 to every dollar of men. This is the rate for Caucasian women and men
only. This is clearly a
misrepresentation and disrespect to all the other non-Caucasian women.
When we say WOMEN COUNCIL OF WISCONSIN, it should be a real representation of women -- multi-diversity that is inclusive of the broadness of needs of Wisconsin women who are single versus Wisconsin women who are single- and two-parent heads of household.
It sends the message of discrimination when the gender – female/woman is identified by ONLY Caucasian women. When this happens, we create a subliminal picture of exclusion, invisible and unimportant. We miss so much in BUY-IN and maximizing problem solving on many fronts that could lead to better understanding.
Glass said, "As an African American woman, I am highly offended that my state has a women’s group for the state and it is devoid of decision makers that are African American – the largest racial group of Color in the state. When galvanizing our large urban population can lead to so many growth opportunity for our state. Opportunities that could link networks in both the rural and urban setting."
In the urban cities of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Madison, Racine, Beloit and Green Bay, where significant populations of women have hidden talent and vetted business connections, we subscribe to lessening the “economic stress test” by replacing it with INNOVATIVE ideas and business development. In these cities, we could get higher growth in education and technology attainment if there is ongoing information sharing that trains and inform of opportunities.
Put up Governor Walker and remind Assembly Speaker Fitzgerald, Republican, to make his appointment – we recommend an African American woman from the Milwaukee area.
By the Women Council of Wisconsin being devoid of African American,
Latino and Asian women (Nicole Bowman-Farrell - Native American), it makes the
group BOGUS in representation of women, especially URBAN women. It allows the focus to be overly narrow and
not representative of women. In fact, we
feel that too many positions are held by Caucasians and no elected official is of
Color.
Call for Change
We Call for Inclusiveness of African American and other Women of Color on the Women
Council of Wisconsin. Likewise we call for turnover of members on the council. They include the members that have been on the council since 1992, 2004, 2005 and 2007. Who is the misterious person that is Vice Chair since 2004? Click
The Chair, Mary Jo Baas has been a member for 20 years running.
We THANK her for her services that have specifically met the statutory Mission.
We call for her to be replaced as soon as possible . Her 2-decade rein disallows the million of women across the state of Wisconsin to get involved.
The appearance of Conflict of Interest and an ologopoly/monopoly turnkey is a concern.
Especially since Ms. Baas's past employment (Director of Government Affairs - Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce) is her husband's present employment (Director of Government Affairs - Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce).
Especially since Ms. Baas's past employment (Director of Government Affairs - Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce) is her husband's present employment (Director of Government Affairs - Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce).
We need to give others a chance here to contribute to making our state for women a better place for ALL women.
Put-up.
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