WISCONSIN FAMILY ACTION RESPONDS TO JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATION COUNCIL’S FLAG COMPARISON ALLEGATION

WISCONSIN FAMILY ACTION RESPONDS TO JEWISH COMMUNITY
RELATION COUNCIL’S FLAG COMPARISON ALLEGATION

MADISON, WI –Yesterday the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation along with Diverse & Resilient (D&R) (a pro-LGBT organization) jointly released a statement falsely accusing Wisconsin Family Action (WFA) of comparing the so-called “Rainbow Pride” flag to a Nazi flag. This was in response to a press release in which the following question was asked regarding Governor Evers’ divisive and exclusive action:

“By ordering this flag to fly over the state capitol, Governor Evers is proclaiming one group of Wisconsin citizens as preferred over others. He may have the authority as governor to make this decision; but in our opinion, he made a blatantly bad decision. Would the Governor authorize the Christian flag to be flown over the capitol or a Nazi flag or any number of other flags representing all sorts of Wisconsin citizens and their beliefs?”

JCRC and D&R stated in their press release that they were “disappointed and outraged about Wisconsin Family Action’s comparison of the Pride flag with the Nazi flag.” WFA did not compare the “Pride” flag with the Nazi flag any more than it compared it to the Christian flag. That reference was clearly part of highlighting the reality that there are many citizen groups in this state that have beliefs and identities that could ask for the same special treatment to recognize them as the Governor has done with this “Pride” flag. Sadly, the use of “identity politics” is not a new strategy for those who want to use emotional manipulation to get people to react a certain way and come to a specific conclusion, even if the reaction and conclusion are based on inaccurate or untruthful information.

Wisconsin Family Council, our sister organization, has launched a petition that has, in only a few short days, garnered 6000+ signatures and continues to grow. Wisconsin’s citizens are exercising their voice in sending the message to Governor Evers that they don’t feel represented by this latest tactic and are asking him to take the “Pride flag” down.

Note: The JCRC of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation should not be mistaken for the Milwaukee Jewish Community (MJC). A call was placed yesterday to MJC who, in turn, informed us that statements placed by JCRC are not a reflection of their organization. According to the spokesperson, the JCRC “does not speak for us.”

 ###

Wisconsin Family Action is a statewide organization engaged in strengthening, preserving and promoting marriage, family, life and liberty in Wisconsin.

Copy available online here.

Governor Promotes Abortion at DHS Appointments and hires concern pro-life organization

MADISON, WI – Today the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, chaired by Sen. Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point), held a public hearing regarding the confirmation of Governor Evers’ nominee Andrea Palm as Secretary of the Department of Health Services (DHS).

As Secretary-designee, Ms. Palm has already hired Nicole Safar as Assistant Deputy Secretary of DHS. Ms. Safar is no stranger to state government as she has been lobbying on behalf of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin for over a decade.

Wisconsin Family Action president Julaine Appling expressed concern about the direction DHS is going under the Evers administration. “DHS’s job according to its website is ‘protecting and promoting the health and safety of the people of Wisconsin.’ Having Ms. Safar in a key leadership role in this agency indicates to me that DHS is going to be much more about special interests and political agendas than about the needs of Wisconsin citizens. Frankly, I share Senator Duey Stroebel’s concern as expressed in the press release he issued today about Ms. Palm and Ms. Safar looking for ways to work around laws in order to direct taxpayer funds to abortion groups such as Planned Parenthood.”

“This move, along with Governor Evers appointing Tanya Atkinson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, to his Health Advisory Board, bodes ominously for unborn children and their mothers. Abortion isn’t health care—for women or their unborn babies. It certainly doesn’t qualify as ‘protecting and promoting the health and safety of the people of Wisconsin.’ As Senator Stroebel pointed out, Wisconsin and its citizens deserve better when it comes to the leadership at DHS.”

###

Wisconsin Family Action is a statewide organization engaged in strengthening, preserving and promoting marriage, family, life and liberty in Wisconsin.

Copy available online here.

One Wisconsin Now Owes Judge Hagedorn Public Apology for Religious Bias

One Wisconsin Now Owes Judge Hagedorn Public Apology for Religious Bias
Imposing religious test as qualification for public service violates U.S. Constitution

MADISON, WI – In an attempt to discredit Brian Hagedorn, candidate for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, One Wisconsin Now yesterday declared Hagedorn “unfit to hold public office” because he co-founded a Christian school that seeks to follow orthodox Christian beliefs and standards.

“One Wisconsin Now owes Judge Hagedorn an apology for smearing his character and discriminating against him based on his religion,” said Julaine Appling, president of Wisconsin Family Action. “The U.S. Constitution simply doesn’t allow a religious litmus test for public office-holders and blacklisting candidates for public office because of their religious beliefs and associations is profoundly intolerant.

“Imposing a litmus test on individuals running for public office based on their faith is not only unconstitutional, it’s un-American.  One Wisconsin Now appears to have taken a page from the playbook of those who have bullied and badgered other judicial candidates in recent months for their religious beliefs, and, most recently, Second Lady Karen Pence for teaching at a Christian school that similarly states its religious beliefs and establishes codes of conduct for employees and students. One Wisconsin Now certainly has a right to hold its own beliefs, but smearing a candidate with different beliefs is the very essence of intolerance. Such attempts should concern all Wisconsinites.”

One Wisconsin Now, bolstered by other activists, asserts that because the Christian school Hagedorn helped to found, and now serves as a board member, holds to an orthodox Christian teaching regarding marriage, Hagedorn is incapable of “fairly and impartially” judging cases.

“A judge’s job is to interpret the law as written, not to legislate or impose personal policy preferences from the bench. Judge Hagedorn should be vetted and reviewed based on his temperament and character as a judge—not on his personal religious beliefs, practices, or associations. For millennia, people of all the Abrahamic faiths and no faith at all have held the belief that marriage is between a man and a woman. Holding that belief, or being associated with institutions that hold that belief, doesn’t mean a judge can’t fairly and impartially interpret and apply the law,” Appling continued. “These tired tactics to discredit judicial candidates because of their faith’s beliefs have failed before, and they will fail again.”

Article VI of the U.S. Constitution clearly states that “no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.”

###

Wisconsin Family Action is a statewide organization engaged in strengthening, preserving and promoting marriage, family, life and liberty in Wisconsin.

Copy available online here.

Pro-Family, Pro-Liberty Organizations Share Christmas Message in State Capitol


“Merry Christmas” sign and nativity set greet visitors this season

MADISON—Continuing its 23-year tradition, Wisconsin Family Council (WFC), the educational arm of Wisconsin Family Action (WFA), is once again displaying a Merry Christmas sign in the State Capitol Rotunda. The sign wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and reminds visitors of the real reason for the season—that Jesus Christ was born to become mankind’s Savior.

Wisconsin Family Action has placed an accompanying nativity display, a tradition begun several years ago.

“Celebrating Christ’s birth is a Christian celebration, an American holiday and a Wisconsin tradition,” said Julaine Appling, president of WFA and WFC. “It is altogether fitting for us to share the message of Christmas with our fellow Wisconsin citizens through this public display.”

The First Amendment of the US Constitution prohibits government from interfering with religion and guarantees citizens the right to exercise their religion, including celebrating but in the public square as well.

Appling continued, “During the holiday season, people come to our incredible capitol from all across the state and beyond. While here they enjoy the beautiful state Christmas tree, decorated this year with handmade ornaments around the theme of ‘Wisconsin: America’s Dairyland,’ and the gorgeous tree adorning the Governor’s Conference Room. We are honored to add to their enjoyment as we exercise our religious freedom with our display in the rotunda as a silent but powerful witness to the truth of Christmas and to offer hope to all who see it.”

The sign and the nativity will be on display on the First Floor Rotunda from today through December 31, 2017.

Merry Christmas to all!

###

Wisconsin Family Action is a statewide, not-for-profit organization actively strengthening,
preserving and promoting marriage, family, life and religious liberty in Wisconsin.

Copy available online here.

Wisconsin Family Action Releases 2017-2018 Legislative Scorecard

Wisconsin Family Action Releases 2017-2018 Legislative Scorecard
9 state legislators earn 100% for their work in most recent session; 15 others have distinguished scores

MADISON, WI – Today, Wisconsin Family Action (WFA) released its 2017-2018 Legislative Scorecard, giving its assessment of how all thirty-three State Senators and all ninety-nine State Assembly Representatives did this past legislative session. The session began in early January 2017 and floor activity concluded in March of this year.

“Within our mission, we work on or at least track quite a variety of bills during a legislative session. It’s important that citizens get an idea of how their elected officials did relative to those proposals,” said Julaine Appling, WFA president.

This past session, two (2) senators and seven (7) representatives earned a 100% score from WFA, meaning on all bills scored, these legislators agreed with WFA’s position.

The 100% senators are Dave Craig (R-Big Bend) and Duey Stroebel (R-Saukville). State representatives earning 100% are Scott Allen (R-Waukesha), Janel Brandtjen (R-Menomonee Falls), Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield), André Jacque (R-DePere), Jesse Kremer (R-Kewaskum), Dave Murphy (R-Greenville), and Jeremy Thiesfeldt (R-Fond du Lac).

“Earning a 100% on our scorecard is not easy. We are proud of these state legislators whose body of work during this past session evidences courage and true commitment to conservative principles and ideas. We congratulate these nine on a job very well done,” noted Appling.

Legislators scoring a 95%-99% also distinguished themselves as strong pro-family, pro-life, pro-liberty lawmakers. Six (6) senators and nine (9) representatives achieved this score. Senators with these scores are Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield), Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg), Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green), Terry Moulton (R-Chippewa Falls), Steve Nass (R-Whitewater), and Leah Vukmir (R-Brookfield). Representatives achieving this score are Cody Horlacher (R-Mukwonago), Bob Kulp (R-Stratford), Adam Neylon (R-Pewaukee), Romaine Quinn (R-Barron), Michael Schraa (R-Oshkosh), Ken Skowronski (R-Franklin), Paul Tittl (R-Manitowoc), Ron Tusler (R-Harrison) and Chuck Wichgers (R-Muskego).

“We are also very pleased to recognize the excellent work of those in this group of lawmakers,” Appling commented. “Being an elected official is not easy. It requires tough decisions in pressured situations. We are grateful for those officials who consistently do the right thing.”

This edition of WFA’s Scorecard scores ten bills in the state senate and 11 bills in the state assembly. Details on scoring, WFA’s position, and the bills themselves are available in the Scorecard.

WFA’s 2017-2018 Legislative Scorecard is available online HERE.

###

Wisconsin Family Action is a statewide organization engaged in strengthening, preserving and promoting marriage, family, life and liberty in Wisconsin.

Copy available online here.

Wisconsin Family Action PAC Congratulates Winning Endorsed Candidates

Madison, WI – Wisconsin Family Action PAC, the state’s only conservative pro-family PAC, endorsed several candidates in advance of yesterday’s primary election.  Those winning their races include:

Scott Walker, Republican, Governor
Leah Vukmir, Republican, US Senate
James Sensenbrenner, Republican, Congressional District 5
André Jacque, Republican, State Senate District 1
Shae Sortwell, Republican, State Assembly District 2

WFA PAC director Julaine Appling commented, “We are proud to have endorsed these candidates and congratulate them on their victories and their hard-fought campaigns. We are confident each of them is committed to a pro-family, pro-life and pro-religious freedom Wisconsin and America. To that end, we wish them all the very best as they regroup and begin the final leg of their campaigns leading to the November 6 election. We urge conservative Wisconsin citizens to give these candidates not just their vote in the general election, but their time, energy and financial support over the next twelve weeks. Wisconsin and the entire country will be freer, stronger and more prosperous if they win again in November.

“In addition, we want to thank all of the candidates our PAC endorsed for being willing to step off the sidelines and into the game by running for elected office. It’s not easy to do that. Running for office is costly in many ways.  We deeply appreciate the good people who did not prevail but were willing to bear those considerable costs on behalf of their beliefs and values, as well as for the good of those they would represent.  That’s what public service should be about in this great country.”

###

Authorized and paid for by Wisconsin Family Action PAC and Wisconsin Family Action Federal PAC, Leslie Harrison, Treasurer.  Not authorized by any candidate or by any candidate’s agent or committee.

Copy available online here.

FEDERAL COURT UPHOLDS WISCONSIN’S UNBORN CHILD PROTECTION ACT

FEDERAL COURT UPHOLDS WISCONSIN’S UNBORN CHILD PROTECTION ACT
Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals says lawsuit against the act is moot

MADISON—  Late yesterday the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit ruled that the lawsuit brought against Wisconsin’s long-standing Unborn Child Protection Act is moot because the plaintiff moved out of state, making her case null and void.

Wisconsin’s Unborn Child Protection Act became law in 1997 and allows certain state officials and law enforcement agents to help pregnant women who are struggling with substance abuse, which of course helps both the mother and her unborn baby.

“As Wisconsin, like so many other states, faces this opiod crisis and as the number of babies born with drug dependencies increases, to be able to enforce our Unborn Child Protection Act is more important than ever. We are glad for the outcome of this legal challenge and are grateful for Attorney General Brad Schimel’s aggressive defense of this law throughout the legal proceedings.  Making sure women and their unborn babies get the help they need is especially critical when dealing with addiction,” said Julaine Appling, president of Wisconsin Family Action.


Wisconsin Family Action is a statewide, not-for-profit organization actively strengthening, preserving and promoting marriage, family, life and religious liberty in Wisconsin.

Copy available online here.

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM WINS IN US SUPREME COURT

MADISON—  Earlier today the United States Supreme Court released its opinion in one of the major cases of this term, the Masterpiece Cakeshop case originating in Colorado,  involving owner Jack Phillips who declined to design a cake for a same-sex wedding. The high court ruled 7-2 in favor of Jack and his Masterpiece Cakeshop, overturning the State of Colorado’s decision, which had punished Jack for declining to participate in a wedding that violated his religious beliefs.

Following is a statement from Wisconsin Family Action president Julaine Appling. Wisconsin Family Action (WFA) joined with other like-minded organizations from around the country in filing a friend-of-the-court brief in this case. That brief is available here.

“Today is a victory for the Constitution and for all Americans.  We are reminded we still have a justice system in which the First Amendment actually means something significant. This historic decision will no doubt be part of efforts to protect religious freedom in our country for generations to come. In essence, the decision sends a clear message that it is unconstitutional to show hostility towards people of faith in the marketplace because of their religious convictions.

“As Jack said in his statement, ‘[t]oday’s decision makes clear that tolerance is a two-way street. If we want to have freedom for ourselves, we have to extend it to others with whom we disagree,’ especially on important issues such as the meaning of marriage. The government’s hostility directly impacted the shop Jack and his family relied on for their livelihood, including receiving death threats and harassment.

“Since June 26, 2015, when the US Supreme Court forced a redefinition of marriage on Wisconsin and the entire country, we have known such a showdown was coming. Today’s decision is encouraging and we trust precedent setting moving forward.”

More About the Decision 

Jack Phillips, the owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop, served all customers including his LGBT neighbors. Jack was before the U.S. Supreme Court simply because he did not want to create a custom cake celebrating a same-sex wedding.

The US Supreme Court found that the Colorado Human Rights Commission treated Jack with incredible hostility. As Justice Kennedy wrote in the majority opinion:

“[The] Commission’s treatment of Phillips’ case…showed elements of a clear and impermissible hostility toward the sincere religious beliefs motivating his objection. As the record shows, some of the commissioners at the Commission’s formal, public hearings endorsed the view that religious beliefs cannot legitimately be carried into the public sphere or commercial domain, disparaged Phillips’ faith as despicable and characterized it as merely rhetorical, and compared his invocation of his sincerely held religious beliefs to defenses of slavery and the Holocaust.”

Thankfully, the U.S. Supreme Court found this hostility unconstitutional. While the decision was made on narrow grounds, it sets the tone for future cases on this issue. The decision also shows the Court is still open to considering whether cake artistry is protected speech.

Certainly this is not the final word in protecting religious freedom. Wisconsin Family Action will continue its work to ensure that Christians and all people of faith are not discriminated against because of their sincerely held religious beliefs.

###
Wisconsin Family Action is a statewide, not-for-profit organization actively strengthening, preserving and promoting marriage, family, life and religious liberty in Wisconsin.

Copy available online here.

Pro-Family, Pro-Life Champion André Jacque Wins First Senate District Special Election

Madison, WI – Yesterday, State Representative André Jacque (R-De Pere) won the GOP primary for the Special Election in Senate District 1.

Wisconsin Family Action PAC (WFA PAC) endorsed only Jacque in this race.

“André’s bona fide pro-family, pro-life credentials were difference-makers in this hard-fought primary,” said WFA PAC director Julaine Appling.  “Voters have come to know and trust André to do what he says he will do, to stand up for what he believes and to work hard to champion laws that strengthen, preserve and promote marriage, family, life and religious freedom in our state. He’s obviously the kind of senator the people in that senate district want.

“We are proud to have endorsed André and will continue to work hard to ensure he is again victorious in the general election on Tuesday, June 12.”

###
Authorized and paid for by Wisconsin Family Action PAC, Leslie Harrison, Treasurer.  Not authorized by any candidate or by any candidate’s agent or committee.

Copy available online here.

 

Wisconsin Family Action PAC Endorses André Jacque

Statewide group issues sole endorsement in First Senate District special election

Madison, WI – Wisconsin Family Action PAC (WFA PAC) has endorsed State Representative André Jacque (R-De Pere) for the 1st Senate District in the May 15th Special Election Primary.

Following is a statement from WFA PAC director, Julaine Appling:

“It’s no secret that Rep. Jacque is one of Wisconsin’s most significant pro-life, pro-family champions. That’s why Wisconsin Family Action Political Action Committee (PAC) has endorsed only André Jacque in this special election.

“André Jacque has great passion for his pro-life work. During his time in the Assembly, he has consistently championed the rights of the unborn, as well as stood up for the freedom for all Wisconsin citizens, especially for Wisconsin’s best resource, her families. We are confident that André Jacque as a senator will, in both policy and practice, continue to work to ensure that our families become or remain independent of government and will strengthen and preserve the core values of marriage, family, life and liberty.

“We are proud to endorse André and thank him for running for the 1st Senate District seat. We encourage people in the First Senate District to vote for him in the May 15th Special Election Primary.”

###

Authorized and paid for by Wisconsin Family Action PAC, Leslie Harrison, Treasurer.  Not authorized by any candidate or by any candidate’s agent or committee.

Copy available online here.

Wisconsin Family Action Poll: André Jacque Leading Alex Renard 81% to 19% Head-to-Head

MADISON— On March 29, 2018, Governor Scott Walker called for a special elections to fill Senator Frank Lasee’s seat (SD 1) after Lasee resigned to take a position in Walker’s administration.

Candidates must be registered by April 17, 2018. According to the Wisconsin Elections Commission, the only two candidates currently registered are Republicans André Jacque and Alex Renard.

From April 3rd to April 5th, Wisconsin Family Action conducted a poll of 770 voters in the May 15th Republican Primary for State Senate District 1. Among those who say they are very likely to vote in the next election, State Rep. André Jacque leads 81% to 19% over businessman Alex Renard. Counting undecideds, Jacque is the choice of 32%, compared to 7% for Renard, with 61% undecided. Even with the large number of undecideds, Renard would have to win over 70% of all undecideds, whereas Jacque would need just 30% of undecideds to break his way.

Among all GOP voters that have decided on a candidate in the May 15th special Republican primary, State Rep. André Jacque leads businessman Alex Renard 80% to 20%. Counting undecideds, Jacque has 27% of the vote, to 7% for Renard, with 67% undecided. Even with the large number of undecideds, Renard would have to win 65.4% of all undecideds, whereas Jacque would need just 34.9% of undecideds to break his way.

Looking ahead to the August Primary for US Senate, Republican voters in the 1st Senate District are starting to pick sides. Kevin Nicholson is in the lead among very likely voters with 29%, followed by Eric Hovde with 26%, followed by Leah Vukmir with 6%. 39% of voters are undecided.

Among all Republican voters, Eric Hovde takes the lead over Nicholson. Eric Hovde, who in 2012 won 5 of the 6 counties in the 1st Senate District with approximately 38% of the vote, has a greater pull with those less likely to vote, bringing him to 29.9%. Kevin Nicholson is in second place with 24%, followed by Leah Vukmir with 5%. 41% of all Republican voters in this senate district are still undecided in the US Senate race.

The poll had a 4% margin of error at a 95% confidence rate.

###

Wisconsin Family Action is a statewide, not-for-profit organization actively strengthening,
preserving and promoting marriage, family, life and religious liberty in Wisconsin.

Copy Available online here.

Wisconsin Family Action PAC Endorses Candidates in US Senate Race

Strong candidates given pro-family group’s “seal of approval” to take on Tammy Baldwin

Madison, WI – Today, Wisconsin Family Action PAC (WFA PAC) announced its endorsements for the 2018 US Senate race. In keeping with its policy of each candidate seeking WFA PAC endorsement being evaluated strictly on his/her own merits and positions on its core issues, WFA PAC has endorsed two candidates in this race: Leah Vukmir and Kevin Nicholson.  WFA PAC director Julaine Appling issued the following statement:

“We are very encouraged that we have strong and committed candidates running for a high-level office. That doesn’t happen often. Leah Vukmir as a long-serving state legislator has been solid on our issues. Kevin Nicholson gives strong evidence for being willing to stand strong for marriage, family, life and religious freedom.

“Tammy Baldwin has for years, from the time she was in the state legislature until now as a US Senator, acted consistently with her liberal, progressive beliefs. She’s pushed for redefining marriage, promoted abortion, and believes religious freedom isn’t for individuals, only for religious institutions.  We have a great opportunity to replace Senator Baldwin with a true conservative who will champion our values.

“Sometimes in the course of governing, elected officials are asked to take tough votes. The pro-life issue is a great example. Both Kevin and Leah believe life begins at conception and deserves protection from then until natural death, without exception. However, from time to time a bill that is overall pro-life gets put forward with exceptions for rape, incest and/or life of the mother. When it becomes obvious the bill won’t pass without exceptions, even strong pro-life legislators will vote for the bill because on the whole the proposal will save babies and advance the pro-life cause.

“WFA PAC is pleased we have fine candidates willing to take on such tough votes and Tammy Baldwin. Wisconsin will be well served by either Leah Vukmir or Kevin Nicholson. We need the best we have to ensure that Tammy Baldwin and her liberal, destructive ideas are finished in Washington.”

###
Authorized and paid for by Wisconsin Family Action Federal PAC, Leslie Harrison, Treasurer.  C000506089 Not authorized by any candidate or by any candidate’s agent or committee.

Copy available online here.

Pro-Family Group Applauds Governor Walker’s Child Tax Credit

Giving back to Wisconsin’s families is a good idea

MADISON— “Helping Wisconsin’s families by giving some of their hard-earned money back to them in the form of this credit is a great idea. It’s responsible leadership. The legislature needs to get behind this and get it done yet this session,” said Wisconsin Family Action president Julaine Appling.

In yesterday’s State-of-the-State speech, Governor Scott Walker announced that he plans to give parents a $100 per child, per year tax credit, an initiative that this year would cost $122 million. This year the credit would be available to parents via a rebate and in subsequent years would be part of their annual income tax filing. Funds to pay for this years credit would be from the revenue surplus, which recently was projected to be more than the Department of Revenue had originally forecasted.

Governor Walker says he wants this year’s credit to reach parents before the beginning of school this fall. For this year, parents with children who were under 18 as of December 31, 2017, qualify for the credit. There is no income restriction.

Appling, noted, “Families with children are the backbone of our state. When dads and moms can get real cash in their pocket to help offset expenses related to child-rearing, that is directly helping to strengthen our best natural resource. Whether parents use this credit for school supplies or clothing or to help pay for music lessons or playing a sport or whatever the need or want may be, this is a good use of surplus revenue. Families can do much more with $100 per child than the state can. No contest there, for sure,” Appling noted.

“We would note, however, that even better than a tax credit would be for the state to do better budgeting. What we ultimately need is to let families keep more of their money in the first place. Let’s get Wisconsin out of being a high-taxed state. I’m pretty sure that would give families a lot more than $100 per child.

“Governor Walker is working hard to help Wisconsin families, and we applaud this pro-family proposal. Further, we urge the state legislature to make it a priority in the closing weeks of the session. If there’s anything elected officials should be able to agree on, it’s helping families help their children.” concluded Appling.

The current legislative session will be over no later than mid-March and could be done sooner.

###

Wisconsin Family Action is a statewide, not-for-profit organization actively strengthening,
preserving and promoting marriage, family, life and religious liberty in Wisconsin.

Copy available online here.

Citizen Activist Groups Launch Statewide Campaign To Stop Largest Expansion of Gambling in Wisconsin’s History

Last week, Rep. Tyler Vorpagel (R-Plymouth) circulated a co-sponsorship memo for LRB 2122, a bill proposing to “legalize” and “regulate” Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) games.  The bill would legalize online gambling and represents the largest expansion of gambling in Wisconsin’s history.

In response, Wisconsin Family Action and Citizens Against Expanded Gambling have launched a statewide campaign to oppose this massive expansion of gambling.  Combined, these two groups represent over 22,000 Wisconsin citizens who oppose any expansion of gambling. These citizens are being encouraged to contact their legislators and hold them accountable.

Additionally, a digital awareness campaign, statewide robo calls to citizens who oppose online gambling, a statewide tele-townhall briefing and legislative office visits are underway.  “We’ve  jointly  held statewide information forums on this issue to educate citizens about the dangers of expanded gambling with an emphasis on legalizing DFS.  To date, we’ve held 14 events with over 550 attending. We have 8 more scheduled for this fall.  When the people find out the truth about this issue, they are appalled and  committed to doing what they can to stop it,” says Lorri Pickens, Executive Director of Citizens Against Expanded Gambling.

The proposed “Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) bill” allows the state to force internet gambling into nearly every home, every dorm room and onto every smart phone in the state, a far greater expansion of commercialized gambling than constituents, legislators and state media have been led to believe.

“The point of this DFS bill is to give the appearance of regulation and create the impression this is being done on behalf of consumers. However, no consumer protection groups are advocating for DFS. Only the industry itself is advocating for ‘legalizing’ and ‘regulating’—a situation which should give any lawmaker pause,” said Julaine Appling, president of Wisconsin Family Action. “What industry has ever sought to regulate itself?”

Gambling expansion in Wisconsin is currently occurring in multiple ways:

  1. The Ho-Chunk Nation Legislature approved $143 million in expansion for four of the tribe’s six gaming facilities.
  2. The proposed 2017-2018 Wisconsin State Budget calls for a $1 million increase in lottery advertising to increase the number of tickets sold annually.
  3. Proposed off-reservation casinos in Beloit and Shullsburg are pending approval from the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs.

As is well documented, gambling is addictive; and opening up online gambling, such as DFS, will result in more problem gamblers, more gambler indebtedness, and more broken families. Online gambling does not put money back into the economy; but rather makes it more difficult for problem gamblers in particular to be productive, contributing citizens, helping to enrich the local and state economy.

###

Copy available online here.

Free Speech Victory in Dane County Court: Judge To Issue Order Recognizing Right of Artistic Expression of Madison Photographer/Blogger

MADISON, WI – “This is a huge win for free speech in Wisconsin,” said Julaine Appling, president of Wisconsin Family Action.  “As our good friends at Alliance Defending Freedom keep reminding everyone, no one should be threated with punishment for having views that the government doesn’t favor.”

Earlier this year Amy Lawson, a professional photographer and blogger who works out of her Madison home, filed what is known as a “pre-enforcement challenge” lawsuit against the City of Madison and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, alleging that the city’s public accommodations ordinance and the state’s public accommodations law prohibit her from conducting her business, Amy Lynn Photography Studio, according to the dictates of her conscience and beliefs. Lawson argued the ordinance and law even force her to use her creative expression in support of activities she doesn’t agree with, including same-sex marriage and abortion.

Dane County Circuit Court Judge Richard Neiss determined in yesterday’s court hearing in the case Amy Lynn Photography Studio v. City of Madison  that he would resolve the matter by issuing an order that declares Amy Lawson and her home-based business are not subject to the city’s public accommodations ordinance or the state’s public accomodations law. Both the state and the city agreed to this resolution.

Appling commented, “What this decision means is that creative professionals in Wisconsin and in Madison, those who like Amy don’t have storefronts, have the freedom to determine what ideas they will promote using their artistic talents. In other words, the City of Madison and the State of Wisconsin can’t punish these professionals for exercising their freedom of speech artistically, even if the city or state disagrees with what they are saying.”

Amy Lawson and her photography studio were represented by attorneys from Alliance Defending Freedom.

The court has not yet issued the order but that is expected to happen in the near future.

###

Wisconsin Family Action is a statewide organization engaged in strengthening, preserving and promoting marriage, family, life and religious liberty in Wisconsin.

Copy available online here.

Wisconsin Family Action Commends Legislators for Reining in Lottery “Advertising” Budget

MADISON, WI – “Finally, a bill that addresses the unconstitutional advertising of the state lottery and saves taxpayers money,” says Julaine Appling, president of Wisconsin Family Action.

Earlier this week State Senator Fred Risser (D-Madison) and Assembly Representative Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield) announced they have authored a bill that will cap the amount of spending for “informational advertising” for the Wisconsin lottery at $5 million annually. Currently, the cap is $7.5 million.  Governor Walker has proposed an additional $6 million be added to the  lottery’s “informational advertising” budget in an effort to increase lottery ticket sales. Research shows that more advertising does not directly increase ticket sales.

In 1986, Wisconsin voters approved the lottery in a statewide referendum which included the provision that no “promotional” advertising of the lottery could be done using public funds or monies created through the lottery operation. The lottery commission has deemed their advertising as “product information.” They believe as long as the odds are given in an advertisement, then it isn’t advertising but rather “product information.”

The bill also requires that the information regarding odds be readily decipherable by the average viewer or listener by requiring that a human voice speak the information at a normal rate of speed.

Appling commented, “Thanks to Senator Risser and Representative Hutton at least with this bill the so-called ‘product information’ will be more than a blur on a tv or a voice speaking four times faster than normal. It’s time we stop being disingenuous on this ‘product information’ for the lottery. Let the good citizens of this state know that their odds of winning are ridiculously low.”

The lottery was originally approved with the idea of giving property owners a property tax credit. Over the last 10 years, the average lottery-generated property tax credit has been $93.[1]

“Capping the questionable advertising expenditures will make more funds available to property tax owners rather than hope that additional ‘product information’ results in additional ticket sales,” said Appling. “That’s a responsible position for the government.”

###

Wisconsin Family Action is a statewide organization engaged in strengthening, preserving and promoting marriage, family, life and religious liberty in Wisconsin.          

[1]https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/misc/lfb/informational_papers/january_2017/0021_state_property_tax_credits_informational_paper_21.pdf Accessed 6/29/17

Copy available online here.

Wisconsin Family Action Commends Joint Finance Committee for Eliminating Statewide Same-Sex Only Domestic Partnership Registry

MADISON, WI – Yesterday, the state legislature’s Joint Finance Committee (JFC)  approved on a party-line vote a budget motion that puts an end to the state’s statewide same-sex-only domestic partnership registry.

This registry became law as a part of Democrat Governor Jim Doyle’s 2009-2011 budget and was an effort to undermine Wisconsin’s Marriage Protection Amendment passed in 2006 by more than 59% of the voters. The registry in essential ways mimics marriage and gives numerous benefis to unmarried same-sex couples as if they are married.

The budget proposal would go into effect six months after the bill is enacted and grandfathers in existing domestic partnerships.

Two years ago this month, the United States Supreme Court decided in Obergefall v. Hodges that Wisconsin’s voters have no right to determine what marriage will be in this state and foisted marriage for same-sex couples on the entire country.

Julaine Appling, president of Wisconsin Family Action, said, “Since this registry was enacted, we have been working to repeal it. Not only does it undermine marriage, but it promotes discriminatory co-habitation. Now that the US Supreme Court has waved its magic wand and overridden the will of the people on marriage, there is no reason for this registry. Same-sex couples can get government-offered benefits of marriage by marrying. The state is rightly dismantling this unfair and detrimental registry.”

During the JFC discussion yesterday, Democrat Representative Katrina Shankland (Stevens Point) argued that rather than do away with the registry that it should be expanded to include heterosexual couples. The majority of JFC members rightly determined promoting marriage was a better approach than encouraging government-sponsored co-habitation.

“We are grateful for Rep. Jeremy Thiesfeldt initiating this proposal and for Representatives John Nygren and Dale Kooyenga for making the official motion as JFC members. The twelve members of JFC who supported the motion got it exactly right. It’s time for this discriminatory registry to go and to stop pretending this registry is good or fair. It came in through the budget; it needs to be rescinded the same way,” noted Appling.

###

Wisconsin Family Action is a statewide organization engaged in strengthening, preserving and promoting marriage, family, life and religious liberty in Wisconsin.

Online copy available here.

Wisconsin Family Action Responds to President Trump’s Executive Order on Religious Freedom

MADISON, WI – The following is a statement from Wisconsin Family Action President Julaine Appling on President Trump’s religious freedom Executive Order, signed earlier today.

“Religious freedom and rights of conscience have been severely undermined in America in recent years. The Executive Order signed today by President Donald Trump represents a good first step towards restoring needed protection for those precious rights and the beginning of fulfillment of his campaign promises to protect the religious freedoms of Americans. But it is only a step.

“The previous administration created a climate of hostility towards religion and the right of Americans to live out their faith freely. Across the country employers, faith-based schools and charities have been forced to choose between their faith and continuing to operate for the good of our economy and society.

“While we welcome the signing of today’s Executive Order, on behalf of the thousands of citizens our organization represents and in concert with the 39 state family policy councils with whom we  are in alliance, we call on President Trump and his administration to work towards completely fulfilling his pledge to protect religious freedom. As President Trump said in the Rose Garden this morning, ‘For too long the Federal government has used the power of the state as a weapon against people of faith, bullying and even punishing Americans for following their religious beliefs.’

“Today’s Executive Order represents a start towards reversing this unwarranted government discrimination. Wisconsin Family Action will continue to work for a Wisconsin and an America where religious freedom flourishes and families thrive.”

###

Wisconsin Family Action is a statewide organization engaged in strengthening, preserving and promoting marriage, family, life and religious liberty in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Family Action to President Trump: Make Religious Freedom Great Again

MADISON, WI – Wisconsin Family Action (WFA) joined national ally Family Policy Alliance and our network of 40 state-based family groups, representing hundreds of thousands of families across the country, in sending a letter to President Trump asking him to make good on his campaign promise to protect religious freedom.

President Trump has an opportunity to do this by signing an Executive Order to that effect.

This Executive Order is good, lawful public policy that reinforces existing religious freedom protections in law and affirms that President Trump’s administration will respect the religious freedom rights of all Americans.

The letter, delivered to both the President and Vice President, cites the passage of Obamacare and the HHS mandate, other discriminatory practices by the previous administration, and the numerous small business owners who have been negatively affected by the push to keep people of faith out of the public square.

Read more here.

Wisconsin Family Action Responds to Future of Family Commission Report

MADISON, WI – Wisconsin Family Action President Julaine K. Appling today issued the following statement in response to the recently released final report of the Future of the Family Commission:

“Wisconsin Family Action commends Governor Walker, Secretary Anderson, and the members of the Future of the Family Commission for recognizing that successful families are the foundation of thriving communities and a prosperous Wisconsin. Having read the Commission’s final report, we can say that while we have a different perspective on certain points, there are particular areas on which we agree–namely, the importance of encouraging and strengthening married families and addressing the impact of social isolation.

“As noted in the Wisconsin Family Prosperity Index (FPI) report we co-authored with the American Conservative Union Foundation in June, Wisconsin’s marriage rate ranks 44th in the nation. Given all the research illustrating the strong connection between marriage and economic prosperity, it just makes sense for Wisconsin’s leaders to prioritize and encourage marriage. This has been a focus of Wisconsin Family Action’s executive budget and legislative work over the years, and I’m glad to see the Commission reinforce it.

Read more here.

Wisconsin Family Action PAC-Endorsed Candidates Dominate

Madison, WI – “We are proud of the candidates we endorsed. Some had a much easier time than others who were in tough races, but who through hard work and perseverance prevailed. We are honored to have endorsed all of these men and women,” said Julaine Appling, Wisconsin Family Action PAC director.

WFA PAC state-level candidates won in all but one race in which WFA PAC had endorsed candidates (22 races). And the one race, Senate District 32 (Republican Dan Kapanke challenging incumbent Democrat Jennifer Shilling) is so close that there will likely be a recall.

Federal-level candidates also had a strong showing winning 2 out of 3 races where there were WFA PAC-endorsed candidates.

Appling continued, “We look forward to having these candidates take their pro-family, pro-life, pro-liberty message to Madison and to Washington on behalf of those who share these core values. These strong leaders will be important as we look to advance our agenda that will strengthen and preserve marriage, family, life and religious freedom in Wisconsin and across the nation.

“This is an unprecedented time in our nation’s history as we consider the significance of yesterday’s election. We believe our WFA PAC-endorsed candidates recognize that their total-package conservative positions are absolutely vital to putting or keeping Wisconsin and our nation on the right track. Their core beliefs and the policies and positions they champion are good for Wisconsin’s best natural resource—her traditional families—and that means they are good for Wisconsin.”

We congratulate the following WFA PAC-endorsed candidates and look forward to working with them in the days ahead:

Federal Candidates

Jim Sensenbrenner –
Congressional District 5
Glenn Grothman –
Congressional District 6

State Senate Candidates

Tom Tiffany – Senate District 12
Dan Feyen – Senate District 18
Duey Stroebel – Senate District 20
Dave Craig – Senate District 28

State Assembly Candidates

André Jacque – Assembly District 2
Ron Tusler – Assembly District 3
Rob Hutton – Assembly District 13
Joe Sanfelippo – Assembly District 15
Janel Brandtjen – Assembly District  22
Paul Tittl – Assembly District 25
Terry Katsma – Assembly District 26
Cody Horlacher – Assembly District 33
Mary Czaja – Assembly District 35
Joel Kleefisch – Assembly District 38
Mark Born – Assembly District 39
Joan Ballweg – Assembly District 41
Jeremy Thiesfeldt – Assembly District 52
Michael Schraa – Assembly District 53
Dave Murphy – Assembly District 56
Bob Gannon – Assembly District 58
Jesse Kremer – Assembly District 59
Rob Brooks – Assembly District 60
Bob Kulp – Assembly District 69
Romaine Quinn – Assembly District 75
Chuck Wichgers – Assembly District 83
Pat Snyder – Assembly District 85

WFA PAC endorses and supports candidates whose record or intent is to strengthen, preserve and promote marriage, family, life and religious liberty in Wisconsin.

###


Authorized and paid for by Wisconsin Family Action PAC, Leslie Harrison, Treasurer.  Not authorized by any candidate or by any candidate’s agent or committee.

Copy available online here.

WISCONSIN FAMILY ACTION PAC STATEMENT ON 2016 PRESIDENTIAL GENERAL ELECTION

Madison, WI – In 2012 Wisconsin Family Action (WFA) formed the WFA Federal PAC to endorse and support candidates for federal office who share the vision and goals of Wisconsin Family Action:  strengthening, preserving and promoting marriage, family, life and religious liberty.  Our 2016 endorsements (including both state and federal candidates) can be found HERE.

Some have asked whether WFA PAC would be endorsing in the 2016 presidential race. The WFA Federal PAC will not be endorsing any candidate for president for the 2016 general election, a position consistent with the previous general presidential election in 2012.

Read more here.

Wisconsin Family Action Rolls Out Voter Guide for November 8 Election

Equipping Wisconsinites to vote wisely

MADISON, WI – Wisconsin Family Action (WFA) has rolled out a brand new online voter guide for the upcoming General Election on Tuesday, November 8. This powerful resource covers contested races for president, the U.S. Senate, U.S. House districts, and state senate and assembly.

Julaine Appling, president of Wisconsin Family Action, comments, “We know many voters don’t believe they have access to factual information on the candidates. Compounding the problem is that many also believe the information they do obtain is marred by the candidate, big money, or the media. We believe this voter guide significantly helps solve this problem, encouraging all voters to judge a candidate, as much as possible, based on what they do and not on what they say.”

Read more here.

Wisconsin Family Action Releases 2015-2016 Legislative Scorecard

Twelve state legislators earn 100% for their work in most recent legislative session

MADISON, WI – Today, Wisconsin Family Action (WFA) released its 2015-2016 Legislative Scorecard, giving its assessment of how all thirty-three State Senators and all ninety-nine State Assembly Representatives did this past session. The session began in early January 2015 and floor activity concluded in March of this year.

“Within our mission, we work on or at least track quite a variety of bills during a legislative session. It’s important that citizens get an idea of how their elected officials did relative to those proposals,” said Julaine Appling, WFA president.

This past session, three (3) senators and nine (9) representatives earned a 100% score from WFA, meaning on all bills scored, these legislators agreed with WFA’s position.

Read more here.

State Pro-Family PAC Releases Another Round of Endorsements

Madison, WI – Today, Wisconsin Family Action PAC announces another round of candidates it has endorsed for this fall’s general election.  Additional endorsements may be forthcoming prior to November 8.

Federal Candidates                                                        

Peter Theron, Congressional District 2
Jim Sensenbrenner, Congressional District 5
Glenn Grothman, Congressional District 6

State Senate Candidates                                                               

Tom Tiffany, Senate District 12
Dave Craig, Senate District 28

State Assembly Candidates

André Jacque, Assembly District 2
Rob Hutton, Assembly District 13
Paul Tittl, Assembly District 25
Terry Katsma, Assembly District 26
Cody Horlacher, Assembly District 33
Mary Czaja, Assembly District 35
Joel Kleefisch, Assembly District, 38
Mark Born, Assembly District 39
Jeremy Thiesfeldt, Assembly District 52
Michel Schraa, Assembly District 53
Rob Brooks, Assembly District 60
Pat Snyder, Assembly District 85

WFA PAC director Julaine Appling comments, “We are proud to endorse these candidates who have shown themselves to be true conservatives. They are pro-family, pro-life and pro-liberty, as well as pro-free market and pro-limited government. We wish each of them well as they run to win on November 8.”

WFA PAC endorses and supports candidates who support strengthening, preserving and promoting marriage, family, life and religious liberty in Wisconsin.

###

Authorized and paid for by Wisconsin Family Action PAC, Leslie Harrison, Treasurer.  Not authorized by any candidate or by any candidate’s agent or committee.

Copy available online here.

FEDERAL JUDGE BLOCKS OBAMA’S SWEEPING TRANSGENDER POLICY

Wisconsin is part of lawsuit initiated by Texas

Madison – Today a Texas federal judge stopped the enforcement of Obama’s “bathrooms” edict, which, among other things, would have forced Wisconsin schools to allow boys into girls’ bathrooms, shower rooms and locker rooms.  Earlier this summer, at the direction of Governor Scott Walker and Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel, Wisconsin joined this lawsuit. 

This past May, President Obama’s administration sent a non-binding letter to schools across the nation with only a thinly veiled threat to take away Title IX funding if schools do not adopt the administration’s rule to allow boys into girls’ showers, locker rooms, bathrooms and vice versa. Included in the directive is allowing boys to play on girls’ sports teams and girls’ on the boys’ teams, as well as urging faculty and staff to use “appropriate” pronouns when addressing transgendered students.

A total of 23 states are suing the Obama administration because of the dangerous guidelines and the gross overreach of the federal government into the right of states and individual school districts to self-govern, especially in the area of education.  Today’s ruling can be found here: https://wifamilyaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Harrold-ISD-PI-Order-8.21.16.pdf

Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court weighed in on the issue by implementing a temporary hold on a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit that would have forced a Virginia school district to implement a school bathroom policy that forces schools to allow boys into girls’ restrooms.

Wisconsin Family Action president Julaine Appling commented, “We are thankful Governor Walker and Attorney General Brad Schimel had Wisconsin join this lawsuit and are pushing back against this gross federal overreach. Our state and our schools should have every right to implement policies that protect the privacy rights of all students. ”

This past legislative session, Wisconsin Family Action worked with legislators to introduce legislation that would protect the privacy rights of all students, not give a select few special rights and privileges.  Unfortunately, that bill did not pass. However, lead authors Rep. Jesse Kremer (R-Kewaskum) and Sen. Steve Nass (R-Whitewater) have said they will return with a similar effort in the new session.

###
Wisconsin Family Action is a statewide, not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening,
preserving & promoting marriage, family, life & liberty in Wisconsin.

 

Copy available online here.

State Pro-Family PAC-Endorsed Candidates Have Good Showing in Primary Election

Madison, WI – “We are proud of the candidates we endorsed,” said Julaine Appling, Wisconsin Family Action PAC director. “And we congratulate those who prevailed in their primary contests yesterday.  We look forward to having these candidates take their pro-family, pro-life, pro-liberty message to an even bigger audience in their respective general-election races.”

WFA PAC candidates won in 4 out of 6 races in which WFA PAC had endorsed candidates.

Appling continued, “In November, we anticipate that these individuals will prevail because voting citizens will recognize that their total-package conservative positions will truly keep Wisconsin on the right track. The policies and positions they champion and will implement are good for Wisconsin’s best natural resource—her traditional families—and that means they are good for Wisconsin. We wish these candidates all the best as they gear up for the final stretch in this election cycle.”

Senate District 18

Dan Feyen

Senate District 32

Dan Kapanke

Assembly District 3

Ron Tusler

Assembly District 83

Chuck Wichgers

WFA PAC endorses and supports candidates who strengthen, preserve and promote marriage, family, life and religious liberty in Wisconsin.

###

Authorized and paid for by Wisconsin Family Action PAC, Leslie Harrison, Treasurer.  Not authorized by any candidate or by any candidate’s agent or committee.

Copy available online here.

Pro-Family PAC Rescinds Endorsement of State Assembly Candidate

Wisconsin Family Action PAC responds to insinuation of “religious extremist”

Madison –  Today, the Wisconsin Family Action PAC (WFA PAC) rescinded its endorsement of Steve Whittow, candidate for the 83rd Assembly District.  WFA PAC director Julaine Appling issued the following statement:

“Wisconsin Family Action PAC vets as thoroughly as possible the candidates we endorse. In this instance, new information has very recently come to light. Steve Whittow used the term ‘religious extremists’ on his official campaign Facebook page (posted August 2; recently deleted).  In context he was referring to various people who have come into the district to help one of his primary opponents, Chuck Wichgers. Steve wrote, ‘I’ll be loyal TO YOU, NOT SPECIAL INTERESTS and religious extremists.’ (Emphasis in original)

“We have learned that those coming into the district or giving money to help Chuck Wichgers, another WFA PAC-endorsed candidate, are State Representatives Joe Sanfellipo, Janel Brandtjen, André Jacque and Pro-Life Wisconsin. In an email to Steve, WFA PAC sought to clarify just who he was referring to but received only a statement that he was saying anything about WFA PAC. However, all 3 of the state representatives are WFA PAC-endorsed candidates; and Pro-Life Wisconsin is a front-line partner for us on pro-life issues. We would by association be included in that term—a term we categorically reject in reference to these staunchly pro-family, pro-life, pro-liberty elected officials and our friends at Pro-Life Wisconsin.

“Steve also seems to be disparaging of our core issues of marriage, family, life and religious liberty. In another Facebook post (dated July 29), he touts the endorsement of Wisconsin Realtors and says, ‘A candidate supported by them [WRA] must understand the plethora of issues facing state government not just the emotional ones.’  We asked Steve to clarify what issues he was referring to as “’emotional ones.’ We assume, based on context, he must be referring to the issues of life, marriage, family and even religious freedom. Steve did not respond to our request for clarification. As we categorically reject and condemn the term ‘religious extremists’ as applied to those supporting the pro-life, pro-family position, we also categorically reject the idea that the foundational issues of marriage, family, life and religious freedom are ‘emotional.’ In the context in which Steve used this term, it is disparaging.

“We do not endorse lightly and we definitely do not take the drastic action of rescinding an endorsement lightly. But in this instance we believe reconsidering and ultimately rescinding our endorsement of this candidate is the right thing to do. We will never knowingly endorse a candidate who holds and publicly states these opinions about pro-life champions and about the critical issues of marriage, family, life and religious freedom.

“WFA PAC urges voters in the 83rd Assembly District to vote for Chuck Wichgers in the primary election this coming Tuesday, August 9.  If a candidate is known by the company he keeps and those who support him, then we are doubly proud to have endorsed Chuck in this race.”

###

Authorized and paid for by Wisconsin Family Action PAC and Wisconsin Family Action Federal PAC, Leslie Harrison, Treasurer.  Not authorized by any candidate or by any candidate’s agent or committee.

Copy available online here.

WFA HELPS WISCONSIN VOTERS FIND INFORMATION ON CANDIDATES

Hard-to-find background information becomes available at one online resource

Madison – As part of an ongoing voter education effort, Wisconsin Family Action (WFA) has announced today that it once again has partnered with iVoterGuide to provide Wisconsin citizens with unbiased, easily accessible background information on candidates running for state and federal office here in Wisconsin. WFA’s goal with this robust voter guide is to serve as an asset and tool for those voters looking for sometimes hard-to-find information on the candidates running for office, such as donations and endorsements from political action committees. In addition, the candidates are rated on a scale of very liberal to very conservative, giving users a general overview of how a panel of their peers believes these candidates would govern if elected.

“We are really excited about the new user-friendly interface of this exceptional online voter information resource. Over the years we have had countless voters from across the state come to us looking for a convenient, one-stop website that fairly presented background information on the candidates that would be appearing on their ballots, and we believe that the 2016 WFA iVoterguide will exceed their expectations,” said Julaine Appling, president of WFA.

The release of the WFA iVoterguide is well timed with in-person early voting having already begun for the Tuesday, August 9th Wisconsin Primary Election.

“With early absentee voting already starting, we believe this resource will be a valuable educational tool for those voters looking to cast a more informed ballot this fall, both in the primary and general elections.” Appling continued.

The Wisconsin iVoterguide can be accessed through the WFA website at: wifamilyaction.org, or simply by visiting wifa.ivoterguide.com.

###

Wisconsin Family Action is a statewide, not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening, preserving & promoting marriage, family, life & liberty in Wisconsin.

 

Copy Available online here.

Pro-Family PAC Endorses Candidates for US House of Representatives, State Senate, State Assembly

Madison – Wisconsin Family Action Political Action Committee (WFA PAC) announced today that it has endorsed the following candidates in the respective races for the August 9 primary election:

US House of Representatives

Frank Lasee – Congressional District 8

State Senate

Mark Elliott – Senate District 18

Dan Feyen – Senate District 18

Dan Kapanke – Senate District 32

State Assembly

Christopher Schaefer – Assembly District 3

Ron Tusler – Assembly District 3

Tony Zammit – Assembly District 67

Steve Whittow – Assembly District 83

Chuck Wichgers – Assembly District 83

Julaine Appling, Director of WFA PAC, commented on the endorsements:

“WFA PAC is very pleased to endorse these candidates, who have met the stringent requirements necessary to receive our support.  They have each shown that they understand that to lead Wisconsin and our nation properly, to ensure our future, our best natural resource—our families—must be strengthened and preserved.  These candidates are committed to doing that by working to, among other things, reduce government regulation, improve the business climate in order to encourage job creation, ensure families can make their own health-care choices, protect human life, and strengthen the institution of marriage.  These are values WFA PAC shares with these candidates and with thousands of Wisconsin citizens in their respective districts.

We believe voters this fall will find themselves in agreement with these Wisconsin citizens who have stepped out and taken on the daunting job of running for office.  WFA PAC wishes them the very best as they take their message to their fellow citizens.”

WFA PAC will be releasing additional endorsements for the general election after the primary election has been completed.

###

Authorized and paid for by Wisconsin Family Action PAC and Wisconsin Family Action Federal PAC, Leslie Harrison, Treasurer.  Not authorized by any candidate or by any candidate’s agent or committee.

Online copy available here.