Katrina Shankland

2024 Roundup- Gov. Evers Completes Annual 72-County Tour of Wisconsin

Will Western Wisconsin Shock the Nation?

Republican-held congressional district could elect Democratic challenger.

A Summer of Intense Politics

With more to come in the next two months.

Democrats Label Effort to Unseat Van Orden A ‘Red to Blue’ Priority

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee promises resources, support to challenger Rebecca Cooke.

Rebecca Cooke Wins Primary to Take on GOP Congressman Derrick Van Orden

Defeats Rep. Katrina Shankland in Democratic primary for western Wisconsin district.

3 Democrats Battling In 3rd Congressional District Primary

Winner to face Republican US Rep. Derrick Van Orden in western Wisconsin district.

Wisconsin Democrats Rally Around High Stakes 2024 Election

But state convention shows division, protest against Baldwin on Israel-Palestine issue.

One-Fourth of Assembly Will Be Newbies

Fair maps drawn by both parties for first time in 12 years could transform the Assembly.

Will Legislators Run Or Not?

The long list of legislators in newly mapped districts who haven't filed to run includes Robin Vos.

Rep. Shankland Sells Her Record in 3rd Congressional District Race

Democratic legislator seeks to beat Republican U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden.

Students, Professors Question Closure of UW Two-Year Campuses

Why the austerity measures when state has a $4 billion surplus?

Rebecca Cooke Believes She Can Turn 3rd Congressional District Blue

Pitting working class, dairy farm background against Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden.

Statement on Derrick Van Orden fundraising off of his outburst interrupting President Joe Biden at the State of the Union

Van Orden Yells ‘Lies’ at Biden During State of the Union

It's another outburst by controversial GOP congressman from western Wisconsin.

Legislature Passes PFAS Bill, But Evers Likely To Veto It

$125 million is set aside in trust for addressing forever chemicals, but bill would limit DNR authority.

Bill Eliminates Work Permits for Younger Teens

Democrats warn it undermines child labor laws. Legislation now goes to governor.

Bill Would Stop Wisconsin’s Participation In UN’s Agenda 2030

The DNR's Green Tier program helps participants improve their environmental performance

Republicans Seek to Ban DEI Statements ‘Once and For All’

But proposed bill could make it harder to hire conservatives at Wisconsin's universities.

Legislature Approves Bill Allowing Nurses to Write Prescriptions

Also would allow nurses to treat patients without oversight. Evers expected to veto.

Congressman Mark Pocan Endorses State Rep. Katrina Shankland in The Race For WI-03

Shankland for Congress Campaign: Endorsed by State Representative Steve Doyle

Harvard Law Student Quits Western Wisconsin Congressional Race

Aaron Nytes backs Rebecca Cooke, one of several Democrats challenging GOP Rep. Derrick Van Orden.

Legislature Passes $2 Billion Tax Cut. Again

Republicans rejects Evers call for child care coverage and more school funding.

GOP Bill Would Punish Wisconsin Colleges For Free Speech Violations

Loss of state grants, admissions document notice, up to $100,000 in damages per incident, among penalties.

Rep. Shankland Joins Race Against GOP Congressman Derrick Van Orden

Democratic Assembly Member calls herself bipartisan and 'battle-tested.'

State Representative Katrina Shankland enters race for Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District

With seven labor endorsements out of the gate, Shankland’s campaign is garnering momentum on day one.

Legislative Democrats Unveil Agenda To Restore Worker Rights

Bill package includes proposals to undo Act 10, "Right to Work" legislation.

Gov. Evers Announces Appointments to Green Ribbon Commission on Clean Energy and Environmental Innovation

Commission will advise on the creation of the Green Innovation Fund to leverage public and private financing to invest in environmental and clean energy solutions

Evers Celebrates Bipartisan Shared Revenue Law

It will increase state funding to all Wisconsin municipalities by at least 20%.

Republican Bills Would Change Unemployment Insurance, Licensing

"Solutions in search of problems," says Sen. Melissa Agard.

New Bills Would Make It Easier to Lose “Welfare Benefits”

After statewide referendum, Legislature debating eight bills that would expedite removal of Medicaid and unemployment benefits.

2022 Roundup: Gov. Evers Completes 2022 72-County Tour of Wisconsin

Republicans Don’t Win Veto-Proof Legislature

Had to flip five Assembly seats and one Senate district and fell short.

Republicans Seek Veto-Proof Legislature

GOP supermajority possible if they flip one senate district, five assembly seats now held by Democrats.

Gov. Evers Announces $10 Million to Improve Access to Clean Drinking Water Across the State

Governor's investment and expanded eligibility could help more than 1,000 private well owners

Should Wisconsin Establish Right to Clean Water?

5 counties will have referendums on this question in November election.

Wisconsin Legislative Democrats Introduce Hazard Pay for Frontline Workers

GOP Bill Would Penalize Colleges for Free Speech Violations

Colleges could lose funding and face lawsuits. Bill mirrors a Board of Regents resolution.

Bill Would Restore Educators’ Collective Bargaining Rights

In order to address teacher shortage, bill restores rights stripped by Act 10.

Baldwin, Colleagues Visit Fort McCoy

Baldwin toured facilities and was briefed on Afghan evacuee operations

Legislative Session Much Ado About Nothing

School spending issue gaveled in and out. Failed veto override generates many speeches.

Workforce Investments Will Support Economic Recovery

Gov. Evers Recently Announced $130 million investment into workforce development.

Bill Could Reduce DNR’s Regulatory Authority Over PFAS

Legislation would bar towns from suing polluters if they accept a cleanup grant.

Evers Vetoes Bill to Help Paper Mills

A 'gut punch,' Republican says. Using federal pandemic aid could be prohibited, Evers says.

Marquette University Cuts Reflect National Trend

A decline in commitment to liberal arts seen in Wisconsin and nationally.

Gov. Evers Expresses Disappointment After Assembly Fails to Adopt Bipartisan Amendment Supporting Verso, Park Falls Paper Mills

Failure to adopt amendment proposed by bipartisan coalition jeopardizes federal funds, paper mill support

GOP Lawmakers End Weekly Unemployment Boost

State legislature votes to end $300 federal supplement. Governor Evers could veto.

As State Looks to Bounce Back from Pandemic, Gov. Evers Urges Bipartisan Support for $2.38 Billion in Capital Budget Investments to Provide Estimated 29,000 Family-Supporting Jobs, $4.3 Billion in Economic Impact 

Governor's 2021-23 capital budget to be taken up by State Building Commission this week includes major projects in both Republican and Democratic districts

34 State Legislators Endorse Jill Underly for State Superintendent

Unemployment System Audited After Pandemic Failures

Massive delays in claims, duplicate payments and an unreliable call center among issues found in report.

Elected Officials Across the State Join Call for Peaceful and Fair Vote Count

99% of State Public Water Meets Standards

But new report finds more than 300 water systems unsafe, violate federal standards.

First Lady Evers Announces the Wisconsin 19th Amendment Celebration Committee’s Next “Women Who Inspire” Nominees

Committee celebrates Ntxhais "Chai" Moua, Stevens Point and Inez “Midge” Montano, Bayfield

State Trails Midwest in Spending on Universities

Report: Wisconsin’s public university funding below five neighboring states, down 42% since 2006.

Finalist for UW System President Withdraws

Candidate withdraws, after search process came under criticism.

Can Democrats Retake State Senate?

An uphill fight. Retirements by seven incumbents make races hard to call.

Will Senate Act on Assembly-Passed Bills?

160 bills passed by Assembly haven’t gotten consideration by state Senate.

Bipartisan Water Quality Bills Pass

Though, they do not make it through the sharply divide legislature without some disagreement.

Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Push $10M Clean Water Fund

Trust fund would support clean water projects, though a cash source for the fund remains uncertain.

Democrats Introduce “Raising the Bar on Clean Water” Legislative Package

The package consists of five bills which repeal a multitude of regressive Republican water policies.

Rep. Shankland Introduces “Clean Water Fund for Our Future”

Under the bill, the legislature would transfer $10 million in General Purpose Revenue biennially to the clean water fund

Clean Water Becomes Hot Political Issue

Gov. Evers and legislators in both parties call for action. Will they work together?

Legislators Unveil $10 Million Clean Water Plan

Package of 13 proposals. Evers likely to support the approach.

Regent’s UW President’s Search Criticized

Search committee includes no faculty, staff or non-regent students.

Polluted Wells Issue is Urgent, Legislator Says

Rep. Shankland, member of Water Quality Task Force, says state funding needed to help families.

Legislature Must Repair Damage to UW System

Funding cut 12% under Walker. UW System falling behind other states' universities.

Rep. Shankland Coauthors Legislation to Legalize Medical Cannabis in Wisconsin for Fourth Consecutive Session

"This commonsense bill will make a real difference in the lives of people who are suffering, and if passed, will improve their quality of life significantly."

Tapped Infused Maple Syrup Nominated For “Coolest Thing Made In Wisconsin”

“I am excited to nominate this phenomenal company for the title of ‘Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin.’”

Working for Clean Energy a Tricky Task

Polls show bipartisan support, but how you talk about it matters.

Rep. Shankland: First Wisconsin Legislator to Attend Clean Energy Legislative Academy

"It was an honor to be selected to attend the 2019 Clean Energy Legislative Academy."

Rep. Shankland Applauds Governor Evers’ Leadership on Clean Energy and Sustainability

"The simple fact is that we’ve got to act on climate change."

Rep. Shankland: Republican So-called “Campus Free Speech” Bill Likely To Do Just The Opposite

"I’m especially concerned about the far-reaching impact this legislation could have on freedom of speech on campus."

Rep. Shankland: Governor Evers Leads on Preventing Nitrate Contamination

"These new efforts by the Governor, DNR, and DATCP tackle the root of our pollution runoff problems and will help to prevent future nitrate contamination."

Rep. Shankland: $72 Million of Inaction — Memo Underscores Missed Opportunities to Act on Water Quality Crisis

"Everyone deserves access to clean drinking water, and no one should have to buy bottled water because their drinking water is contaminated."

Rep. Shankland Introduces Bipartisan 12-Month Contraceptive Care Act

"At some point in their lifetime, almost all women will depend on birth control for their health or family planning."

Rep. Shankland: Statement on Joint Finance Committee’s Vote on UW System

"I am thankful to Governor Evers for his leadership in investing in the UW System, and I know he will keep pushing for funding the tuition freeze and investing in our UW System."

Oh, Those Dreaded Plastic Bags

Council debates what to do with bags that clog up recycling process.

Rep. Shankland: No Time to Wait for Clean Water

"Water quality is a vital issue that affects every community in our state, and we should be working together to ensure that everyone has access to clean drinking water."

Rep. Shankland Honored for Distinguished Service on Behalf of Wisconsin CDFIs

"I’m honored to receive this recognition and appreciate all that Wisconsin’s CDFIs do to invest in and grow their local economies and communities."

Report Urges Action on Schools’ Drinking Water

State gets “F” grade for not preventing lead in schools’ drinking water. But lead paint still biggest issue.

Rep. Shankland Commends Governor Evers on The People’s Budget

“Tonight, Governor Evers delivered a vision for Wisconsin that clearly reflects the priorities and will of the voters."

Bill Curbing Evers’ Power Moves to Legislature

All 12 Republicans on Joint Finance back plan to reduce governor’s power, restrict early voting.

Highways Issue Will Hurt Republicans

Democrats used LFB report to eviscerate GOP record at legislative hearing.

Legislative Committee Approves Highway Funding

“The roads in Illinois are much better,” Republican Sen Alberta Darling charges.

No Choice in 36% of Legislative Races

Gerrymandering and decline in number of candidates leaves 2.5 million residents with no choice.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words: Republicans Continue Pattern of Unfunded Mandates, Attacks on Local Control

"Do they really want to add even more attacks on local control to this list?"

Rep. Shankland Introduces Bipartisan Clean Water Legislation

"Clean and safe drinking water is vital to our quality of life and public health."

Rep. Shankland introduces Legislation to Deter Consignment Sale Fraud

This bill increases DOT oversight over “consignment motor vehicle dealers.”

Women’s Health Groups Applauds Legislative Effort to Increase Access to Birth Control

New bill would guarantee women access to a 12-month supply of contraception

With Elections Just a Year Away, Legislature Abandons Wisconsin Families

Industrial Acid Mining Bill Will Put Public Health at Risk for Generations

Wisconsin Remains “America’s Dairyland”

"Wisconsin’s reputation as a dairy state is a point of pride."

Rep. Shankland: Statement on Walker’s Veto of DVA Oversight

"I’m disappointed Governor Walker was unwilling to take even one step forward on an issue so critical to qualify of life for our veterans."

Walker administration misleads on environmental rollbacks for Foxconn

Memo confirms permit exemptions could apply to multiple businesses, or across whole state

Rep. Shankland: Statement on Audit of King Veterans Home

"The audit makes clear that the challenges at King Veterans Home aren't going away."

Rep. Shankland: Statement on Foxconn Analysis

"Even under the most favorable circumstances, we now know that the state won’t break even on the Foxconn project until 2043."

Rep. Shankland introduces proposal to fund CWD research and management

The Wisconsin DNR first detected CWD in a white-tailed deer in 2002.

Pass A Budget, Please

Even Illinois has managed to do this. What’s wrong with our Legislature?

Governor’s Race Influences Budget

Joint Finance Democrats raise issues that could be used against Walker.

Student Loan Debt Disproportionally Affects Women

Women hold two-thirds of student debt across the country, according to report by AAUW

Republican “plan” fails workers, small businesses, and our roads

"...Republicans have proposed even more ways to make workers and businesses pay for their lack of leadership."

Rep. Shankland Introduces Bills in Celebration of Earth Day

"As we celebrate Earth Day, we must do more to protect our natural resources and ensure their sustainability for generations to come."

Memo Reveals Walker’s Budget Creates $1 Billion Structural Deficit

"The governor’s budget is built on a house of cards"

Rep. Shankland: Statement on Republican Groundwater Bill

"This bill does not seem to allow the DNR to periodically review the impacts of high-capacity well withdrawals."

Rep. Shankland: Response to Governor Walker’s Budget Address

"Governor Walker is gambling with taxpayer money and our health care by moving to self-insurance..."

Rep. Shankland: Statement on Walker’s K-12 Education Budget

"Our public schools have lost over a billion dollars in state aid under Governor Walker, leaving school districts at a breaking point."

Rep. Shankland: Statement on Redistricting Court Order

"Too many people feel that their vote doesn’t matter and that the system is rigged against them."

Rep. Shankland: Response to Governor Walker’s State of the State Address

“Republicans should be working with Democrats to invest in the middle class and help working families get ahead.”

Rep. Shankland Appointed to Joint Finance Committee

“I’m honored to be appointed to the legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance.”

Federal Court Finds Legislative Maps Drawn by Republicans Represent Unconstitutional Gerrymander

Court finds maps drawn by Republicans were “intended to burden the representational rights of Democratic voters”

Assembly Dems Point Way to Reform

Their Clean Elections Act seeks to fix broken campaign finance law.

Lawmakers Battle Over High Capacity Wells

Are they drawing down streams and lakes? Republican and Democratic lawmakers disagree.

Madison Knows Best

GOP legislators have passed 128 restrictions to "local control" in the past six years.

Rep. Shankland Statement on “Right to Work” Ruling

“So-called 'Right to Work' has not worked for Wisconsin’s working families, and today is a victory for everyone who works hard and deserves the chance to get ahead.”

Republicans Not Serious About Redistricting Reform

Assembly committee to address the issue is really a sham. The issue will never get a hearing.

Here’s what Gov. Walker didn’t tell you while signing higher education bills

"The governor forgot to tell you that funding levels for need-based higher education grants remained frozen at 2011 levels in his 2015-17 executive budget."

Rep Shankland: What a Bunch of Baloney!

Reacts to Report of WI Business Lobby Dissuading State Action after Kraft Heinz Merger

How Low Will Scott Krug Go?

Rep. Krug plays Madison politics and votes against his own proposal… after he voted for it

Statement on the State Assembly’s Final Session Day

“True to their actions all session, Republicans ended the year by selling another piece of Wisconsin to the highest bidder.”

Rep. Shankland Responds to Ed Wall’s Resignation from Secretary of DOC

“While the governor seems to have a refined ability to casually brush off scandal after scandal associated with his administration, the mismanagement within our correctional system needs to be addressed immediately.”

Governor Walker Commits to Shifting Campaign Costs onto Wisconsin Taxpayers

It was reported that Governor Walker’s political campaign will no longer be paying for his security team’s travel costs for campaign events.

Rep. Shankland: Statement on the 7th Anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

The median income of working women is just 78% of the income of working men.

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin Praises 12-Month Contraceptive Care Act

Women’s heath expects agree: This common sense legislation would remove barriers to birth control and increase contraceptive access in Wisconsin.

Rep. Shankland Responds to Release of Gov. Walker’s Receipts from State after Failed White House Bid

"Given that the Department of Administration has released receipts, I hope this means the governor will consider supporting the Wisconsin Taxpayer Protection Act."

Response to Governor Walker’s State of the State Address

“Over the past year, Governor Walker and Republican legislators made it clear that special interest handouts and political power grabs were their top priorities – not the people of Wisconsin.”

Reps. Shankland, Wachs Introduce Legislation to Increase Higher Ed Financial Aid

Over 36,000 UW & Tech College students denied aid in 2014-15 due to lack of state funding

Republicans Skirt Open Records Laws, Again

“Telling state employees not to conduct state business using official e-mails and telephones is a new low.”

Walker Opens Floodgates for Money in Politics

“While out-of-state billionaires may like the new campaign finance law, the people of Wisconsin will see their voices drowned out as the state is flooded with dark money.”

Walker Signs Bill to Open Wisconsin to Corruption

“It’s clear that the people of Wisconsin can’t trust Republicans to stand up for clean government.”

Repaying taxpayers is still not a priority for Governor Walker

Faced with $1 million in campaign debt, Governor Walker has been busy soliciting donations to fill the hole caused by his presidential campaign’s reckless spending.

Shut Down WEDC and Move Real Reforms Forward

“The Republican WEDC experiment is an outright failure.”

Republican WEDC illegally gave out $21 million in taxpayer dollars

Democrats have put forward numerous proposals to reign in the WEDC, increase accountability and improve economic development.

Assembly Democrats Urge Gov. Walker to Veto Assembly Bill 387 and Assembly Bill 388

Bills Will Have a Devastating Impact on Wisconsin’s Tradition of Clean, Open and Transparent Government

Republicans Should Focus on Wisconsin Jobs, Not Their Own Jobs

“The people of Wisconsin deserve swift bipartisan action on initiatives to grow Wisconsin jobs.”

Hansen, Shankland and Taylor to Introduce WEDC Anti-Corporate Fraud Legislation

Legislation would create new felonies for corporate welfare fraud and WEDC specific fraud hotline

Over $1 Million in Debt, Walker Continues to Delay Repaying Taxpayers

“Before the governor pays another penny to a campaign consultant or vendor, Wisconsin taxpayers should be reimbursed immediately.”

Extraordinary Session Should Put People First – Not Politicians

“Republicans have debated for weeks about how to funnel more money into politics, but have not spent one minute trying to address the real issues facing Wisconsin families.”

Last Day of Session: Where are the Jobs?

“Instead of working to create jobs for their constituents, Assembly Republicans focused the fall session on protecting their own jobs by padding their campaign pockets and pushing extreme legislation.”

Republicans Open the Door to Cronyism and Corruption in State Government

“This bill guts Wisconsin’s century-old civil service system and replaces it with a system that will allow partisan political appointees to hire their handpicked cronies.”

Republicans Vote to Open the Floodgates to Unlimited Money in Politics

Assembly Democrats Recuse Themselves from the Vote

Assembly Republicans Vote to Protect Corrupt Politicians

“From the Corrupt Politician Protection Act to Republican legislation that opens the floodgates for unlimited and undisclosed campaign donations, the integrity of our democracy is at risk.”

Walker Delays Repaying Taxpayers for his Campaign Bills

Governor Walker’s campaign expenses this year totaled over $125,000 and he has only repaid $57, 863.

10 Things Walker Can Do To Reunite Wisconsin

Instead of "divide and conquer" why not try a kinder, gentler approach?

Rep. Barca Statement on Dignitary Protection Unit Overtime Ruling

“Like so many people in Wisconsin, it appears that these hardworking law enforcement officers have been thrown under Gov. Walker’s campaign bus.”

Rep. Shankland, Sen. Hansen Unveil Proposal to Protect Wisconsin Taxpayers

Bill Would Require Gov. Walker, Others Running for Federal Office to Report and Swiftly Reimburse Travel Expenses

When will Wisconsin Assembly convene on $250M arena funding bill?

Barca, Shankland call Walker ‘deceitful’

Right-to-Work bill distracts from "incredibly harmful" budget, they say

Who Will Lead the Democrats?

The party badly needs leadership, but the bench looks thin. Here are the likely candidates.

Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters Announces Endorsements

Slate highlights problem solvers.

Representative Katrina Shankland Endorses Jonathan Brostoff for Assembly

Brostoff has most endorsements from state legislators of any in the race

Rep. Shankland and Rep. Goyke ask Walker for Special Session on Feeding Families

Rep. Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point) and Rep. Evan Goyke (D-Milwaukee) sent a letter to Governor Walker today, asking him to order a special session for the Wisconsin Legislature to reverse the Farm Bill’s cuts to food stamps.

Representative Shankland and Representative Goyke Announce Legislation to Preserve FoodShare Benefits for 255,000 Households

Rep. Katrina Shankland and Rep. Evan Goyke announced legislation to protect low-income Wisconsinites from the 2014 Farm Bill’s impending cuts to food stamps.

The Transit Agenda

Supporters headed to the State Capitol for "Public Transportation Day," meeting with legislators, promoting their agenda, and handing out awards.

Redistricting reform the antidote to Republican extremism

Assembly Democratic freshmen urge support for non-partisan redistricting reform as fall session ends

Rep. Barca announces Democratic committee assignments for upcoming legislative session

Today Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) announced the Assembly Democratic members of the standing and joint committees for the 2013-2014 legislative session.