Wineke Column: The ‘Democratic Difference’ Means Progress for Wisconsin

Contact:  Rachel Strauch-Nelson   (608) 255-5172 x 406 (office)   (608) 255-8919 (fax)  

In the coming year, much will be made about the failures of Republican legislators to embrace the priorities shared by citizens in every corner of Wisconsin.

Whether it is our schools, health care, jobs and the economy, clean air and water, or the ongoing war in Iraq, one thing is clear – when it comes to these priorities, Democrats are on the side of the people of Wisconsin.

At the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, we share in the optimism that has always been the cornerstone of the Wisconsin Ideal.  But we also share the real concerns about the direction of our country.

I am here to tell you that Democrats across Wisconsin are on your side in support of our most cherished values – Freedom, Fairness, and Family.  Despite continuing opposition from Republicans legislators, Wisconsin Democrats are fighting successfully to protect our rights, our opportunities, and our way of life.

PROTECTING OUR FREEDOMS

Democrats are fighting every day to protect the freedoms of law-abiding Wisconsin citizens:

• the freedom to have the same quality of education whether you live in the biggest city or the smallest village;
• the freedom to have access to affordable health care;
• the freedom to breath clear air and enjoy clean water;
• and the freedom to earn a respectful wage for a job well done.

These are the freedoms where Democrats are on your side.

Democrats from Governor Doyle to state legislators to our congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. have all supported a unified agenda that moves Wisconsin forward.  In some cases, our Democrats have successfully fought to increase funding and focus attention on these issues, while in other cases, Democrats have stood together and stopped the Republicans from tearing down progress we have made.

PROTECTING OUR FAMILIES

Democrats agree safe and secure communities are built by strong families.  And Democrats have made the commitment to make sure our families have the resources and infrastructure they need preserve our neighborhoods.

Great schools and good jobs are the cornerstones of safe and secure communities.  Family-supporting jobs bring about the economic prosperity that allows our children to succeed.  And Democrats support fiscal policies that reward middle class families instead of the special interests.

PROTECTING AND PROMOTING FAIRNESS

Democrats believe hard-working Wisconsinites deserve a responsive and responsible government that treats its citizens fairly.

No one who works hard and plays by the rules should lose out to those who play at the same country club as Republican legislators.

No children should lose out on a quality education, just because they live in the middle of the city or the middle of the country.  No seniors should lose their homes because they need to pay for prescription drugs.  And no workers should see their wages stagnate because of exploding health care costs.

The greatness of Wisconsin has always been our ability to move forward toward a shared goal.  As Democrats, we value fairness in public policy to ensure that we all have a bright future.

I invite Wisconsinites of all stripes – liberals, conservatives, libertarians, and independents – to join with us in the Democratic Party of Wisconsin to realize the shared dreams to which we all aspire.

In the end, the collective unity of the people of Wisconsin will outlast the division of partisan politics. And on this, Democrats will lead the way.

- Joe Wineke is the Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin