Posts in the category Consumer Protection
The resident's of the A.O. Smith/Tower Automotive neighborhood and everyone who feels personally connected to the site have decided it is time they build a united front for change in their neighborhood. They are researching Community Advisory Board models around the country with the hopes of creating their own board here in Milwaukee. The board will not be a 501c3, will be autonomous from any funding strings and will speak directly to the needs and the political concerns of the residents.
Residents who are interested in helping this effort should attend the next neighborhood meeting on May 10th, 2008 at the Center Street Library. (27th and Fond du Lac) at 10:15 AM.
This meeting is open to anyone who cares about what is happening in our city and believes that residents should have the opportunity to compete for the jobs our money creates!
Residents who are interested in helping this effort should attend the next neighborhood meeting on May 10th, 2008 at the Center Street Library. (27th and Fond du Lac) at 10:15 AM.
This meeting is open to anyone who cares about what is happening in our city and believes that residents should have the opportunity to compete for the jobs our money creates!
Wisconsin AFL-CIO President David Newby has it spot-on regarding John McCain's unwillingness to join a roundtable to talk with working people about the incredible challenges facing families under the current economic disaster of George Bush and his cheerleader John McCain.
Read what Newby had to say, after the jump.
Read More »For Release On:
March 25, 2008
For more information contact:
Jennifer Epps 414-443-0682
Fed up with Injustice, Milwaukee Residents "Rise Up"
More than 1,000 city residents unite to solve Milwaukee's economic crisis
Milwaukee is facing harsh economic times. In response, residents are "Rising Up." At 5 pm on Saturday, March 29th, just 3 days before the critical April 1st elections, more than 1000 residents will gather at the Rave for "Rise Up Milwaukee: Rhythm For a Reason" -an event to unify diverse areas of the city in recognition of the common need for family-friendly jobs with fair wages, where workers can work free from fear with safe and healthy working conditions. The event is organized by "The Milwaukee Unity Cam-paign," a coalition of local community organizations, labor unions, and residents working together to address the economic crisis facing Milwaukee's residents, particularly in African-American and Latino communities. Read More »
March 25, 2008
For more information contact:
Jennifer Epps 414-443-0682
Fed up with Injustice, Milwaukee Residents "Rise Up"
More than 1,000 city residents unite to solve Milwaukee's economic crisis
Milwaukee is facing harsh economic times. In response, residents are "Rising Up." At 5 pm on Saturday, March 29th, just 3 days before the critical April 1st elections, more than 1000 residents will gather at the Rave for "Rise Up Milwaukee: Rhythm For a Reason" -an event to unify diverse areas of the city in recognition of the common need for family-friendly jobs with fair wages, where workers can work free from fear with safe and healthy working conditions. The event is organized by "The Milwaukee Unity Cam-paign," a coalition of local community organizations, labor unions, and residents working together to address the economic crisis facing Milwaukee's residents, particularly in African-American and Latino communities. Read More »
The Institute for One Wisconsin has completed a comprehensive online library of information about Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state's largest and arguably most influential corporate lobbying organization.
At WMCWatch.org, visitors will find information about the priorities, people, corporations and contributions of WMC. Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce has an enormous amount of influence on state policy. WMCWatch.org will provide the information and it is up to the people of Wisconsin to decide whether WMC wields far too much sway in our State Capitol.
At WMCWatch.org, visitors have access to extensive information about Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, including:
Read More »Judges never forget their ambulance chasing days. They learn they have to be scoundrels to compete. It is part of a lawyers survival. Most lawyers are pretty boys or rich kids. Lets face it the average person thinks of making money to help the family etc. We all dream of college, but finances do not allow it. Only rich spoiled brats can make a career out of college or their dealers. I'm talking 8 to 10 years of college as a scoundrel does. Read More »
2008 PROPOSED BALLOT INITIATIVES
Contact Person / Organization Jerry Person
W 7942 Squires Rd
Ojibwa, Wisconsin 54862
(715) 266-3125
Read More »
Contact Person / Organization Jerry Person
W 7942 Squires Rd
Ojibwa, Wisconsin 54862
(715) 266-3125
Read More »
To those who think we should slash $300 million from programs affecting the people of Wisconsin instead of rescinding the estate tax on the heir and heiresses to the state's largest fortunes, consider this:
"In 2005, the 300,000 men, women and children who comprised the top tenth of 1 percent had nearly as much income as all 150 million Americans who make up the economic lower half of our population. Add the income the rich are not required to report and those 300,000 made more than the 150 million." [Free Lunch, David Cay Johnston]
"Of each dollar people earned in 2005, the top 10 percent got 48.5 cents. This was the top tenth's greatest share of the income pie since 1929, just before the Roaring Twenties collapsed into the Great Depression." [Free Lunch, David Cay Johnston]
Read More »This Wednesday morning, February 27th, The Assembly Committee on Jobs & the Economy will hold a hearing on Wisconsin’s minimum wage. The Committee’s hearing starts at 10:00am in room 400NE, and it will consider Assembly Bill 274, which would raise the minimum wage and index it for inflation.
Although federal increases in the minimum wage passed the U.S. Congress last summer, bringing the federal minimum wage up to $7.25 by July 2009, AB274 is important because of its long term implications. Without indexing for inflation, some obvious problems remain constant even after a boost to the minimum wage is given. As explained by Goldman Sachs Vice President Andrew Tilton in a 2006 issue of US Economics Analyst,
Read More »“the periodic debates about raising the wage consume politicians’ (and economists’) time and energy, and the unpredictability of the law – irregular large hikes followed by gradual erosion through inflation – makes business planning more difficult. If a minimum wage is desired, indexing it to inflation would avoid these problems.” (WCCF)
There is currently a bill, AB 418 that proposes closing the Wisconsin Circuit Courts Records website from the public.
A Dem authored bill, it claims that discrimination is being made, by landlords and employers who use the information, from this open records website.
I disagree.
The first page of that court website has disclaimers and warnings about the use of information, derived from court records...and anyone must agree to that rule before being given access to the records.
http://wcca.wicourts.gov/index.xsl
I understand the concern about discrimination, and I also think that is does occur, albeit- rarely. What I feel is a better solution, is providing convicts with a resource; that shows them the proper, and legal means, by which they can have their records and convictions expunged, removed and cleared.
Every court is capable, and willing, to allow everyone to rehabilitate themselves, and provides a means by which they can clear their records.
Even the worst offenses can obtain a pardon.
This bill, AB 418, does not address that process.
Instead, it removes, from public view, all the records, by which those who HAVE NOT rehabilitated themselves can hide behind.
I am sure many landlords, and employers have found people, who have not admitted to their crimes, given false addresses and other misleading information, when applying for housing or employment.
If an applicant has provided false information, then that should be confronted, and the applicant can either pay the fees for a more thorough background check, which is a service that has been available for decades; or rescind the application.
This website aids in finding the truth, for some persons...and suggests that if information is wrong, they should pursue it with the applicant.
You can only take a person's word...so far.
This is a free service, of records that are already public...they should not be restricted because, a discrimination MIGHT occur.
It is the responsibility of those accused to defend themselves in the face of discrimination. This bill does not provide anything to aid in that defense...which is where I believe the real issue lies.
There should be more accessible information on how to remove a criminal record.
This process is available, but not as widely known.
The records check, as proposed in this bill, would be required to be done for a payment, to a third party, who would have access.
The bill proposes that only registered press, lawyers and police have access to the records.
They are going to provide this information for free?
This is unacceptable, as the website affords all of us; an accurate look into a person' legal past, from which we can garner a more educated opinion, to take a next step in screening of applicants for anything; whether it be jobs, credit, housing, etc.
There is no means by which, the authorized 'records' viewer' cannot influence the paid report. It adds another 'opinion' to the factual data needing clarification, if limited to a chosen few, privileged enough to view those records.
The AB 418 bill is back in the Corrections & Courts Committee, whose link is right below this line. Please contact them and voice your opinion.
http://www.legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/CommPages/IndividualCommittee.aspx?COMMITTEE=Corrections+and+Courts&HOUSE=Assembly
Or contact your Assembly Representative and let them know.
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/w3asp/contact/legislatorslist.aspx?house=assembly
A Dem authored bill, it claims that discrimination is being made, by landlords and employers who use the information, from this open records website.
I disagree.
The first page of that court website has disclaimers and warnings about the use of information, derived from court records...and anyone must agree to that rule before being given access to the records.
http://wcca.wicourts.gov/index.xsl
I understand the concern about discrimination, and I also think that is does occur, albeit- rarely. What I feel is a better solution, is providing convicts with a resource; that shows them the proper, and legal means, by which they can have their records and convictions expunged, removed and cleared.
Every court is capable, and willing, to allow everyone to rehabilitate themselves, and provides a means by which they can clear their records.
Even the worst offenses can obtain a pardon.
This bill, AB 418, does not address that process.
Instead, it removes, from public view, all the records, by which those who HAVE NOT rehabilitated themselves can hide behind.
I am sure many landlords, and employers have found people, who have not admitted to their crimes, given false addresses and other misleading information, when applying for housing or employment.
If an applicant has provided false information, then that should be confronted, and the applicant can either pay the fees for a more thorough background check, which is a service that has been available for decades; or rescind the application.
This website aids in finding the truth, for some persons...and suggests that if information is wrong, they should pursue it with the applicant.
You can only take a person's word...so far.
This is a free service, of records that are already public...they should not be restricted because, a discrimination MIGHT occur.
It is the responsibility of those accused to defend themselves in the face of discrimination. This bill does not provide anything to aid in that defense...which is where I believe the real issue lies.
There should be more accessible information on how to remove a criminal record.
This process is available, but not as widely known.
The records check, as proposed in this bill, would be required to be done for a payment, to a third party, who would have access.
The bill proposes that only registered press, lawyers and police have access to the records.
They are going to provide this information for free?
This is unacceptable, as the website affords all of us; an accurate look into a person' legal past, from which we can garner a more educated opinion, to take a next step in screening of applicants for anything; whether it be jobs, credit, housing, etc.
There is no means by which, the authorized 'records' viewer' cannot influence the paid report. It adds another 'opinion' to the factual data needing clarification, if limited to a chosen few, privileged enough to view those records.
The AB 418 bill is back in the Corrections & Courts Committee, whose link is right below this line. Please contact them and voice your opinion.
http://www.legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/CommPages/IndividualCommittee.aspx?COMMITTEE=Corrections+and+Courts&HOUSE=Assembly
Or contact your Assembly Representative and let them know.
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/w3asp/contact/legislatorslist.aspx?house=assembly
I just moved to this great state from MA. in 2006 and I was lucky enough to get injured while working on a Cranberry Farm in Vesper, G.Brockman Cranberry Inc. I not only had a hard time trying to report this injury to my employer as they would not return my call to them so I could tell them I was at home and unable to get there in person.This is after being sent home for moving to slow at work on Friday .I was also forced to file my own claim with their Insurance company, Rural Mutual Insurance Company, because they would not return my calls to them and if you don't report an accident in a timely manner you can loose your benefits .So after doing that I hired a Lawyer to help me get my workers compensation while I was getting better and he ran into a roadblock with the insurance company .I find out in this state that you might not get any money from the insurance company for up to 1 full year, because they use so many tactics not to pay and in the meantime you loose everything you have worked for because you are unable to pay your bills. I was told to get my family to help me .I don't think it their job to pay my way, I didn't get hurt working for them! I would like to hear from other people about this problem.
I was listening to Ben Meren's show on WPR yesterday and heard a caller mention the COWS study on low-wage jobs. It seems that the station went off the air for a moment cutting off the beginning of his remarks. You can still get a feel for what he is saying as well as him plugging the COWS website. If you would like to hear it click the link below. The comment is about 22 minutes and 26 seconds into the program.
Link
Link
Late last week a Delaware credit card company paid the State of Wisconsin $740,000 to settle a suit filed against them for abusive debt-collection practices and other violations. The company has more than 30,000 card customers in Wisconsin. The small news item reminded me of how when J.B. Van Hollen takes office, consumers will be on their own.
J.B. Van Hollen spent almost all of his time saying two general things, that he is going to run around the state fighting crime (a cross between a glorified DA and a superhero), and that he would drop the lawsuit that was filed against a cranberry grower who was a client of his law firm and whose family members gave him campaign cash.
Van Hollen has said next to nothing about his plans for the consumer protection aspect of his job or even if he considers it part of the duties of his office. It looks like the big bucks that Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce spent on their candidate was a good investment and will now pay off for them. If Van Hollen does not plan on giving his financiers a pass then exactly where is his plan for consumer protection? If we don't find out soon, we can probably assume that consumers will be left out in the cold while corporate interests get the VIP treatment.
*This was originally posted on One Blog on 12/4/06.
J.B. Van Hollen spent almost all of his time saying two general things, that he is going to run around the state fighting crime (a cross between a glorified DA and a superhero), and that he would drop the lawsuit that was filed against a cranberry grower who was a client of his law firm and whose family members gave him campaign cash.
Van Hollen has said next to nothing about his plans for the consumer protection aspect of his job or even if he considers it part of the duties of his office. It looks like the big bucks that Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce spent on their candidate was a good investment and will now pay off for them. If Van Hollen does not plan on giving his financiers a pass then exactly where is his plan for consumer protection? If we don't find out soon, we can probably assume that consumers will be left out in the cold while corporate interests get the VIP treatment.
*This was originally posted on One Blog on 12/4/06.
Houston, TX - Wednesday, November 15th.
To shouts of "Si se puede!" and "No justice! No Peace!" 14 supporters of the striking janitors were arrested after they handcuffed themselves together, sat down and blocked a doorway to the Chevron building in downtown Houston. The protesters were surrounded by trash bags while other supporters taped up signs on the glass windows and on the revolving door they were blocking while a crowd of 300-400 looked on, screaming, cheering and chanting. The signs said" Chevron: What would you do with $14 billion? Support health care for janitors!" The 14$ billion was a reference to Chevron's reported profits last year.
Many of the arrested were SEIU members from other cities including, San Diego, Cleveland, Chicago and New York.
The action was pulled off with few glitches as the crowd of 300-400 firs tmarched around to the other side of the Chevron building to create a diversion while the 14 quickly set up, handcuffed themsleves and positioned themselves acroos the entrance to a set of revolving glass doors. Security inside the building was unable to stop them.
Chevron's building is contracted to be cleaned by one of the companies the janitors' union is on strike against. The protest targeted Chevron becaused they refuse to intervene in the dispute, claiming that the low pay and lack of benefits is an issue between the union and the cleaning companies. This, despite the fact that Chevron is a large and very influential corporation in Houston and, if they took a principled stand they could help resolve the strike which is now in it's fourth week.
The 14 should be released on bond by tommorow morning. More cicil disobedience will folow this week...
To shouts of "Si se puede!" and "No justice! No Peace!" 14 supporters of the striking janitors were arrested after they handcuffed themselves together, sat down and blocked a doorway to the Chevron building in downtown Houston. The protesters were surrounded by trash bags while other supporters taped up signs on the glass windows and on the revolving door they were blocking while a crowd of 300-400 looked on, screaming, cheering and chanting. The signs said" Chevron: What would you do with $14 billion? Support health care for janitors!" The 14$ billion was a reference to Chevron's reported profits last year.
Many of the arrested were SEIU members from other cities including, San Diego, Cleveland, Chicago and New York.
The action was pulled off with few glitches as the crowd of 300-400 firs tmarched around to the other side of the Chevron building to create a diversion while the 14 quickly set up, handcuffed themsleves and positioned themselves acroos the entrance to a set of revolving glass doors. Security inside the building was unable to stop them.
Chevron's building is contracted to be cleaned by one of the companies the janitors' union is on strike against. The protest targeted Chevron becaused they refuse to intervene in the dispute, claiming that the low pay and lack of benefits is an issue between the union and the cleaning companies. This, despite the fact that Chevron is a large and very influential corporation in Houston and, if they took a principled stand they could help resolve the strike which is now in it's fourth week.
The 14 should be released on bond by tommorow morning. More cicil disobedience will folow this week...
I believe that you will be interested in my new book, "A Drinker's Guide to Pure Water--Is Your Water Safe? The purpose of my book is to deliver a wake-up call to the public about the existing toxic water crisis. "The Manmade Toxic Chemical Age", that now prevails and has been for about 75 years, is responsible for causing widespread toxic contamination of earth's water. Governments have failed to protect the people from harm, and continue to be derelict in their responsibilities for public safety. The author describes how and why this neglect has occurred, and how we can prevent an escalating toxic water crisis. His website www.safewaterguide.com provides more information.
Three book discusions with the author, Zalman P. Saperstein, are scheduled in the Madison area.Listen in and join the author for discussions concerning the safety of your drinking water.
1)WORT fm radio on Wed. Nov.22, 2006 at 12:05-1:00pm, "A Public Affair" with Esty Dinur that will be aired in the greater Madison area.
2)The Spring Green General Store, at 137 S. Albany St. in Spring Green on Sat., Nov. 25 from 2:00-4:00pm.
3)The Room of One's Own Feminist Book Store at 307 West Johnson St. in Madison on Sun., Nov. 26 from 1:00-3:30pm. Read More »
Three book discusions with the author, Zalman P. Saperstein, are scheduled in the Madison area.Listen in and join the author for discussions concerning the safety of your drinking water.
1)WORT fm radio on Wed. Nov.22, 2006 at 12:05-1:00pm, "A Public Affair" with Esty Dinur that will be aired in the greater Madison area.
2)The Spring Green General Store, at 137 S. Albany St. in Spring Green on Sat., Nov. 25 from 2:00-4:00pm.
3)The Room of One's Own Feminist Book Store at 307 West Johnson St. in Madison on Sun., Nov. 26 from 1:00-3:30pm. Read More »
Saturday, October 28th - Houston.
Approx. 500 people rallied in a park near the Galleria section of Houston in support of striking janitors. After hearing inspirational folk songs in Spanish and listening to testimonials from community activists speakers we marched a mile or two towards Williams Tower with the police shutting down several busy intersections near the Galleria Mall. The inconvenience was necessary to underscore the urgency of our struggle to obtain a contract for the janitors,most of whom make only $5.15 an hour with no health insurance benefits.
We were organized, loud and orderly as many passers by watched in wonder and some confusion. We tried to make our message clear by giving leaflets to motorists stopped at lights. Most took them as they could not move. We got some honks and thumbs up, but a few folks made obscene gestures.
Media coverage continues to be excellent: We had all the major networks covering and I managed to catch the 3-4 minute segment that Channel 39 in Houstion gave us on their 7:00pm broadcast.
Food banks will be set up on four corners in downtown Houston Monday for supporters who wish to donate items to teh janitors struggle.
Approx. 500 people rallied in a park near the Galleria section of Houston in support of striking janitors. After hearing inspirational folk songs in Spanish and listening to testimonials from community activists speakers we marched a mile or two towards Williams Tower with the police shutting down several busy intersections near the Galleria Mall. The inconvenience was necessary to underscore the urgency of our struggle to obtain a contract for the janitors,most of whom make only $5.15 an hour with no health insurance benefits.
We were organized, loud and orderly as many passers by watched in wonder and some confusion. We tried to make our message clear by giving leaflets to motorists stopped at lights. Most took them as they could not move. We got some honks and thumbs up, but a few folks made obscene gestures.
Media coverage continues to be excellent: We had all the major networks covering and I managed to catch the 3-4 minute segment that Channel 39 in Houstion gave us on their 7:00pm broadcast.
Food banks will be set up on four corners in downtown Houston Monday for supporters who wish to donate items to teh janitors struggle.
Glenn Grothman is our albatross, but the voters keep electing him. My own naivete insists that this is because no one really pays attention to what he's been up to and hence, this little blog attempts to put the light on him. Come see us.
Glenn Grothman Watch: What did Glenn Grothman get wrong this week?
hiho
Mpeterson
Glenn Grothman Watch: What did Glenn Grothman get wrong this week?
hiho
Mpeterson
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