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MILWAUKEE – Wisconsin Congresswoman Gwen Moore will be the featured guest at a virtual event set for noon on Thursday, March 11. This Newsmaker Lunch Hour is presented by a partnership between the Milwaukee Press Club, and WisPolitics.com.
Moore, a Democrat from Milwaukee, was first elected to the 4th Congressional District in 2004. She serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and recently was named to the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
Moore will field questions from a panel of journalists from noon to 1 p.m., moderated by Milwaukee Press Club President Corrinne Hess, reporter for Wisconsin Public Radio.
You must register in advance to view this event. Those who register will receive a link on the morning of the event to view it live.
The Milwaukee Press Club’s Newsmaker Luncheon Series is underwritten by presenting sponsor Spectrum News 1.
WisPolitics.com partners with the press club for this luncheon as part of its ongoing event series in Milwaukee, sponsored by UW-Milwaukee, Wisconsin Academy of Global Education and Training, ELEVEN25 at Pabst, Milwaukee Police Association, The Firm Consulting, Medical College of Wisconsin and Spectrum.
New nonstop service offered to Sarasota/Bradenton in April and May 2021
Milwaukee travelers will have a new way to visit Florida this spring thanks to new Southwest Airlines nonstop service from MKE to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.
The new flights to Sarasota will be offered on Saturdays from April 17 through May 8 and will be operated with Boeing 737-700 aircraft. Tickets are available for purchase now at southwest.com.
In addition, Southwest is converting Saturday-only Fort Lauderdale service to daily nonstops beginning April 12. The new schedule features nonstop flights to Fort Lauderdale seven days per week, including two nonstops on Saturdays. Southwest is also increasing flight frequencies on several existing daily nonstop routes from MKE, including Fort Myers, Orlando, Phoenix, and Tampa beginning April 12.
“Florida continues to be the number one destination state for Milwaukee-based travelers, and Southwest is responding to this demand by flying to an additional Florida airport from MKE,” said Airport Director Brian Dranzik. “The best way to keep this service for the long-term is to book tickets on this route and continue to always fly from MKE, our hometown airport.”
MKE currently offers nonstop flights to 35 destinations coast-to-coast, and more than 200 international destinations are available with just one connection. MKE is served by Air Canada, Alaska, American, Apple/Funjet Vacations, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, Spirit, and United. The complete list of nonstop cities can be found at mitchellairport.com.
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is owned by Milwaukee County and operated by the Department of Transportation, Airport Division, under the policy direction of the Milwaukee County Executive and the County Board of Supervisors. The Airport is entirely funded by user fees; no property tax dollars are used for the Airport’s capital improvements or for its day-to-day operation.
Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast (GSWISE) is hosting a safe and socially-distant drive-thru cookie event at the Marion Chester Read Service Center at 131 S. 69th Street, Milwaukee, on February 27, March 6, and March 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Customers can use this link (https://app.abcsmartcookies.com/#/virtual-booth-landing/a030aa72-2cce-47e1-8019-3b8e79728ea9) to pre-order their cookies and pay online, or they can drive up and purchase cookies when they arrive and pay via cash, check or credit card. All eight cookie options will be available as supplies last: Toast-Yay!, S’mores, Lemonades, Shortbread, Thin Mints, Peanut Butter Patties, Caramel deLites, and Peanut Butter Sandwich. Gluten-free options are also available.
The local 2021 Girl Scout Cookie season began February 1 and girls have adapted their sales methods to share the joy of Girl Scout Cookies during the COVID-19 pandemic in a safe, contact-free way. In addition to the cookie drive-thru events, consumers will notice cookie booths outside local stores starting February 26. Consumers can find a cookie booth near them use the Cookie Finder at gswise.org, text COOKIES to 59618, or use the official Girl Scout Cookie Finder app. Girl Scout Cookie season ends March 21.
All the ways customers can purchase Girl Scout Cookies this year include:
Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast Cookie Drive-thru Events
When:
Where: Marion Chester Read Service Center, 131 S. 69th Street, Milwaukee
Interviews & Visuals:
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About Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast
Girl Scouting began more than 100 years ago in southeastern Wisconsin and today Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast (GSWISE) is more than 23,000 strong – serving 16,530 girls in grades K5-12 and 6,664 adults who believe in our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who take the lead in making the world a better place. Girl Scouts is a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)™ community focused on practicing everyday leadership. Girl Scouts began over 107 years ago with one woman, Girl Scouts’ founder Juliette Gordon “Daisy” Low, who believed in the power of every girl. We’re the preeminent leadership development organization for girls and young women and GSWISE is currently in the top 5 out of 111 councils nationally in overall girl market share. With programs in Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties, we give every girl in our council the chance to reach her full leadership potential. To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, visit gswise.org, email [email protected], or call 800-565-4475.
The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) encourages home and business owners to ready their snow throwers and other winter equipment. Clearing driveways, sidewalks and parking lots is no small job. You rely on your outdoor power equipment to make snow removal easy, but it’s also important to keep safety in mind when using snow throwers, often referred to as snow blowers.
“If you’re anticipating bad weather or snow, start the machine and makes sure it operates before you need it and before repair shops are busy,” says OPEI President and CEO Kris Kiser. “Gas stations also can close and roads can be treacherous during a winter storm. You want to protect your power by having the right and fresh fuel on hand for your equipment. And, remember, gasoline-powered snow throwers should use E10 or less.”
OPEI offers the following questions to help you ready your snow thrower for the winter season:
GETTING READY
Have you read your owner’s manual? Read up on safe handling procedures. Review how to operate the controls. You should be able to shut off your equipment quickly. If you lost your manual, you can look it up online, and store a copy on your computer so you have the manual available to reference in the future.
Have you checked your equipment since storing it? Make sure all equipment is completely powered off when checking it over. If you forgot to drain the fuel last winter before storing your snow thrower, drain the gas tank now. Adjust any cables and check the auger when the equipment is powered off.
Is your equipment where you can get to it easily? Move your equipment to a convenient and accessible location, so you can get to it quickly when you need it.
Have you purchased the right fuel? Be sure to use the correct fuel, as recommended by your equipment’s manufacturer. Place gasoline in a fuel container and label it with the date purchased and the ethanol content of the fuel. Use fresh fuel in your snow thrower as fuel that is more than 30 days old can phase separate and cause operating problems. Make sure fuel is stored safely and out of the reach of children. For more information on fueling properly see www.LookBeforeYouPump.com.
Are you fueling safely? Before you start the engine, fill up the fuel tank on your snow thrower while the engine is cold and outside your home or garage. Never add fuel to a running or hot engine.
Are batteries charged? If using a battery/electric-powered snow-thrower, make sure batteries are fully charged, in case electricity goes out during a winter storm.
Is the area you intend to clear free of obstructions or hidden obstacles? Snow can hide objects. Doormats, hoses, balls, toys, boards, wires, and other debris should be removed from the areas you intend to clear. When run over by a snow thrower, these objects may harm the machine or people.
Are you dressed properly for winter weather? Locate your safety gear now, and place it in an accessible closet or location in your home. Plan to wear safety glasses, gloves and footwear that can handle cold and slippery surfaces.
OPERATING SNOW THROWERS SAFELY
Do you have a clean out tool or stick? NEVER put your hands inside the auger or chute. Use a clean out tool (or stick) to unclog snow or debris from your snow thrower.
Do you turn off your snow thrower if you need to clear a clog? Always turn off your snow thrower and wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop before clearing any clogs or debris.
Do you use your snow thrower in visible conditions? Never operate the snow thrower without good visibility or light.
Can you aim your snow thrower with care? Never throw snow toward people or cars. Do not allow anyone to stand in front of your snow thrower. Keep children or pets away from your snow thrower when it is operating.
Will you use extreme caution on slopes and hills? Do not attempt to clear steep slopes and use caution when changing directions on slopes or inclines.
Do you know where your cord is? Use an extension cord that is weather-resistant and designed for outdoor use. If you have an electric-powered snow thrower, be aware of where the power cord is at all times. Avoid tripping. Do not run over the power cord.
Are pets and children inside while the snow thrower is operating? Kids and pets may love to play in the white stuff, but it’s best to keep them inside your home and supervised (by someone else) while you are using your snow thrower to clear a path or driveway. Do not allow them to play in the snow as it is tossed out of the snow thrower’s chute.
About OPEI
The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is an international trade association representing power equipment, small engine, utility vehicle, golf car and personal transport vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. OPEI is the advocacy voice of the industry. OPEI is managing partner of GIE+EXPO, the industry’s annual international trade show, and the creative force behind the environmental education program, TurfMutt.com. OPEI-Canada represents members on a host of issues, including recycling, emissions and other regulatory developments across the Canadian provinces.
Milwaukee, WI – The Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee announced its Grant Partners for 2021. Nine organizations have been awarded grants totaling $111,000 for work that is advancing equity for women in our community.
“When just 1.6% of all of philanthropy in America goes toward nonprofits helping women and girls, our commitment to exclusively addressing issues and barriers that impact women, is critical.” says Marilka Vélez, Board Chair of the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee. Vélez adds, “There are lots of ways for women to be philanthropic, however, often that money is invested generically to address a whole range of
issues/needs. We focus exclusively on issues impacting women and girls; this is especially important in the Milwaukee where there are significant gender, racial, and ethnic, disparities. We leverage resources,
inspire hope, and enhance lives. We are grateful to the community for the support and confidence that we can create change for the betterment of all our citizenry.”
In 2021, the Women’s Fund celebrates its 35th anniversary of shifting attitudes, behaviors, and changing culture, so that Greater Milwaukee is an inclusive world-class community where women and girls realize their full potential and everyone thrives. “We are proud of our history and celebrate our Grant Partners,” said, Lisa Attonito, Executive Director.
The Women’s Fund accepts donations from everyone, including businesses, though directs all its resources toward advancing equity for women. Attonito says, “This is an opportunity to demonstrate corporate diversity and inclusion goals, to align your personal values, and use the power of philanthropy. Gifts to the Women’s Fund are empowering and we know have ripple effects.” She adds, “It’s important we always have resources directed to advancing equity for women in our community. The Women’s Fund ensures that forever.”
In honor of the 35th Anniversary, the Women’s Fund is requesting $35 donations for 35 months. Please visit www.womensfundmke.org to make a commitment today.
Historically, the Fund has supported nearly 150 organizations with grant making totaling approximately $3 million. This year the grants range from $5,000 to $20,000 each and support some of the best work that advances equity for women in our community. For information about the organization and projects, please visit the Grants tab of the website: www.womensfundmke.org
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CUB Applauds Move to Analyze Energy Burden for Wisconsin Utility Customers
The Citizens Utility Board on Monday welcomed the state Public Service Commission’s move to have utilities measure the energy burden faced by their customers across the state.
Starting this June, utilities will provide energy burden data to the PSC each year. The PSC also announced it is requiring utilities to file data regarding the diversity of both their workforce and supplier base.
The announcement comes as the COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on utility customers who are struggling to make ends meet.
“This is a tangible step forward, but it’s really the first step on a long path that Wisconsin utilities and the PSC will need to traverse to help identify who’s struggling the most and to develop policies and pilot programs to assist them,” Content said.
“For too long the state has looked at affordability of energy at a statewide level, and utilities have only evaluated energy burden across their entire service territories, some of which span wide regions and areas with varying levels of economic inequality,” he added. “It’s good to see the commission push for more granular information.”
“Utilities and regulators can’t manage what they don’t measure, so filling this data gap is essential,” Content said.
As part of its advocacy for those struggling the most across the state, CUB has been publicly urging the filing of energy burden data by the state’s utilities.
Under rate settlements that CUB negotiated with We Energies of Milwaukee and Wisconsin Public Service of Green Bay in 2019, We Energies and WPS are already analyzing the energy burden for their customers.
In addition, Madison Gas and Electric will be conducting an energy burden analysis pursuant to a rate settlement that CUB reached with MG&E last year. The PSC approved that settlement in December.
“We know from studies already done that in some neighborhoods of Milwaukee the energy burden is disproportionately high — approaching 20% of income in some census tracts,” said Content. “Having more data about the magnitude of the problem across the state will be critical to help utilities gain insights on areas that need a closer focus.”
The PSC effort to analyze affordability of utility bills comes at a time when the electric rates paid by Wisconsin electric utilities’ residential customers rank second highest in the Midwest and 13th highest in the country, according to averages published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
As CUB noted in comments to the PSC last summer, this “presents an incomplete picture of electric utility rate affordability in the state of Wisconsin.
“Even when taking into account statewide averages for different income levels, the actual energy insecurity picture of Wisconsin’s most disadvantaged communities can be lost,” CUB wrote. “Economic conditions vary from one utility service territory to another, and indeed can also vary greatly within a single utility service territory — particularly when a single utility covers a large and diverse swath of the state. Additionally, industry research suggests that electricity consumption, and therefore bills, can differ for low-income customers as compared to the average.”
For more information:
See PSC Announcement
Milwaukee, WI – A handful of organizations from Milwaukee will be coming together at 7:30pm on Tuesday, February 16th to welcome President Joe Biden to the city with the demands of the people’s movements. While Mr. Biden speaks inside the Pabst Theater to an invite-only audience for a town hall with CNN, people will gather across the street outside City Hall on the corner of Wells and Water.
“The Coalition to March on the DNC was big for us last summer. That momentum has continued into 2021 with an action in January and now this one in February,” said Ryan Hamann, a leader with Wisconsin Freedom Road Socialist Organization. “United fronts and pressing for our demands are two tactics that have been proven time and again throughout history to achieve results. All power to the people!”
The general demands that make up the program of the demonstration are as follows:
● Relief for the People → We demand the promised $2000 stimulus checks and additional subsequent monthly payments; the reinstatement of special unemployment benefits; an extension of the rent, mortgage, & eviction moratoriums; increased access to the COVID-19 vaccine; and at least a $15/hour minimum wage
● End Police Crimes & White Supremacy → We demand community control of the police and that the police be defunded in favor of community programs; justice for the victims of killer police, such as Joel Acevedo and Alvin Cole; and the swift conviction of white supremacist murderer Kyle Rittenhouse
● Defend Indigenous Sovereignty & Protect the Earth → We demand that indigenous treaty rights be respected and that the respective indigenous Nations be granted control over their lands and its resources; an end to the Dakota Access Pipeline as well as Enbridge Lines 3 and 5; and the creation of green union jobs for workers affected by the closure, including job training programs to learn the necessary skills
● End the Wars & No More Sanctions → We demand that the U.S. ends its involvement in the war on Yemen; an end to the encirclement and antagonism toward the People’s Republic of China; an end to the intervention models used in places like Venezuela, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and Bolivia; and an end to all sanctions against Cuba, Iran, and all other targets of U.S. foreign policy
● Legalization for All & Abolish I.C.E. → We demand immediate formal citizenship for all 11 million-plus undocumented people in the U.S.; an end to the system of family separation through deportation and detention in concentration camps; a closure of those camps; and the defunding and dismantling of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
The list of organizations sponsoring the event includes: Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression, Party for Socialism & Liberation, Our Wisconsin Revolution, Students for a Democratic Society, Unemployed Council of Milwaukee, Peace Action Wisconsin, Wisconsin Coalition to Normalize Relations with Cuba, Democratic Socialists of America, and the Milwaukee chapter of the National Lawyers Guild.