2007 DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF WISCONSIN RESOLUTIONS
Resolutions for Consideration at 2007 State Convention
RESOLUTIONS CONCERNING AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
07-AGE-01 Preservation of Family Farms (2nd CD – 96 Words)
WHEREAS, although only 4% of Americans are now involved in commercial farming, a vast number of families still live on small family farms in rural communities and are the life-blood of the social and economic fiber of those communities;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW advocates that families should be enabled to continue living on small family farms as an important part of Wisconsin's historic social system through a combination of features included in Senator Feingold's Rural Opportunities Act of 2007 and the provision, when needed, of alternative government sponsored employment opportunities and family income maintenance "safety-net" payments.
07-AGE-02 Protecting Great Lakes (7th CD – 96 Words)
WHEREAS, the Great Lakes Basin and surrounding aquifer offers 20% of the worlds fresh water;
WHEREAS, sewage and other pollutants, such as pesticides and mercury, are routinely found in the Great Lakes;
WHEREAS, demand for fresh water is increasing and the states, tribes and Canadian provinces bordering the Great Lakes have formed a compact to protect this aquifer;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW encourages any legislation to protect the Great Lakes from further pollution and exploitation, including federally subsidized sewer infrastructure;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the DPW opposes any efforts to sell or divert our fresh water.
07-AGE-03 Foster Renewable Energy (7th and 8th CD – 100 Words)
WHEREAS, rising energy costs and climate change caused by increasing greenhouse gases place a burden on citizens, businesses and agriculture;
WHEREAS, atmospheric accumulations of greenhouse gasses due to fossil fuels results in substantially altered weather patterns and rising sea levels; and
WHEREAS, the development of industries which promote alternative energy and the use of locally grown fuels would increase economic development, reduce dependence on foreign oil and production of green house gases;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW supports tax incentives and legislation that foster the manufacture and implementation of renewable energy systems aimed at achieving 25% renewable energy use by 2025.
07-AGE-04 Fluorescent Bulbs (5th CD - 81 Words)
WHEREAS, global warming is generally recognized by the vast majority of the population and;
WHEREAS, history has shown the benefits of economical savings of resources such as water when low capacity toilets became required and;
WHEREAS, Australia has instituted regulations phasing out incandescent light bulbs in favor of fluorescent lighting;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW supports legislation requiring Wisconsin municipal buildings to convert to fluorescent lighting at their earliest convenience and encourage, by multiple means, citizens of Wisconsin to do the same.
07-AGE-05 Global Warming (1st , 2nd, and 8th CD – 96 Words)
WHEREAS, the President is misleading the public over the threat of global warming and pressuring Federal scientists to eliminate “global warming” from their writing;
WHEREAS, global warming has been established as a real threat by the scientific community;
WHEREAS, the US hasn’t accepted global warming politically and hasn’t enacted or enforced laws to prevent global warming;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW urges adoption of the Kyoto Protocol, enact legislation to regulate tailpipe emissions, create "cap and trade" carbon emissions programs, and enact a corporate carbon tax with dollars collected going toward the creation of renewable energy sources.
07-AGE-06 Global Warming and Renewable Energy (3rd CD – 79 Words)
WHEREAS, serious environmental damage occurs with the continued burning of fossil fuels;
WHEREAS, alternative energy methods provide safe, clean alternatives to the burning of fossil fuels;
WHEREAS, significant savings and environmental benefits are achieved through a focus on energy conservation;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, that the DPW supports the Governor’s efforts to form a Global Warming Task Force and supports legislative efforts to require the use the renewable energy, to limit gasses that contribute to global warming and to encourage conservation.
RESOLUTIONS CONCERNING FOREIGN AFFAIRS
07-FA-01 African Genocide (5th CD – 77 Words)
WHEREAS, the ethnic groups of the Western Sudan have experienced the daily horror of war, rape, beatings, famine and disease;
WHEREAS, the Republican Administration has ignored or scuttled any responsibility for ending this great tragedy;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW supports the people of Darfur and requests that the administration, in direct consultation with Congress, pressure the United Nations to take concerted action against Sudan to halt all overt and covert aggression against the people of this region.
07-FA-02 Dave Obey Commendation (7th CD – 99 Words)
WHEREAS, the Chequamegon Democratic Party continues to implore Congress to heed the will of the American people to end the war;
WHEREAS, Dave Obey, along with Senator Feingold, voted against going to war in Iraq, was the first to call for Rumsfeld’s resignation and continually spoke against the war;
WHEREAS, Dave Obey has worked tirelessly to author, produce and pass a bill in the House that would end the war, utilizing benchmarks and a date for withdrawing troops, while also addressing unmet domestic needs;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW commends Dave Obey on his extraordinary efforts to end the war.
07-FA-03 Support our Troops in Iraq and Throughout the World (2nd CD – 62 Words)
WHEREAS, the DPW supports our troops in Iraq and throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, the DPW supports funding our troops so that they are able to operate safely and efficiently with the proper equipment until they return;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW supports the safe and swift removal of our troops from Iraq and the efforts being made by Congress to do so.
07-FA-04 Troops Home (1st CD – 92 Words)
WHEREAS, virtually every reason the Bush Administration gave for going to War in Iraq has proved to be false;
WHEREAS, over 3000 American military personnel have already given their lives;
WHEREAS, even the current generals in Iraq are calling for troop reductions;
WHEREAS, the citizens of the City of Racine voted in support of bringing the troops home by a margin of 60-40 on November 7;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW calls upon President Bush to immediately begin troop reductions in Iraq with the goal of total withdrawal by the end of 2007.
07-FA-05 End the War in Iraq (8th CD – 82 Words)
WHEREAS, the invasion and occupation of Iraq has overextended the U.S. military and is bankrupting the national budget;
WHEREAS, the continued presence of the U.S. military in Iraq is destabilizing the Near East and creating enemies every day;
WHEREAS, Congress has the Constitutional power to declare wars and finance the military;
WHEREAS, Senator Feingold has already proposed legislation to end the occupation of Iraq, which is carefully designed to support and protect our troops;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW supports Senator Feingold's bill.
07-FA-06 On Ending our Invasion of Iraq (3rd CD – 85 Words)
WHEREAS, the mounting casualties and mounting debt resulting from our unjustifiable and badly managed invasion of Iraq has resulted in a majority of Americans now calling for an end of that war and bringing our troops home;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW insists that Congress legislate a planned withdrawal from Iraq, including working with the UN and Iraq’s neighbors to stabilize that war torn country and the region, provide humanitarian aid to the refugees caused by the war, and facilitate needed reconstruction after our troops leave.
07-FA-07 Out of Iraq Now (2nd CD – 100 Words)
WHEREAS, the Bush Administration lied us into war in Iraq;
WHEREAS, that war has lasted longer than World War II; and,
WHEREAS, that war is needlessly killing and maiming Americans, Iraqis and others; destroying families and communities; bankrupting our nation; shredding our civil liberties; and costing us many friends we had in the world;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW demands the United States get the hell out of Iraq NOW! Now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now.
07-FA-08 American Internment Camps (5th CD – 87 Words)
WHEREAS, one response to national security has been the creation of a number of camps to hold illegal aliens in Texas;
WHEREAS, these camps have inadequate, substandard facilities, not only for individuals, but also for families;
WHEREAS, some individuals and families have been held in these camps for a number of months waiting for disposition of their cases;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW urges Congress to conduct hearings for the purpose of exposing and eradicating the substandard conditions and to pass legislation to insure humane treatment and respect.
07-FA-09 Nuclear Disarmament (5th and 2nd CD – 97 Words)
WHEREAS, in 2004 Senator John Kerry identified nuclear proliferation as the greatest threat to American security;
WHEREAS, the United States is obligated by the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty to negotiate for universal nuclear disarmament, yet we are engaged in no such negotiations;
WHEREAS, defense expert and former Democratic United States Senator Sam Nunn has endorsed “the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons and working energetically on…that goal;”
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW calls on all Democratic presidential candidates to address this issue in their campaigns and directs the State Chair to communicate this resolution to each candidate.
07-FA-10 Millennium Goals (4th CD – 97 Words)
WHEREAS, 189 nations, including the United States, in a United Nations Summit Meeting in 2000 agreed to end extreme poverty by achieving the Millennium Development Goals by 2015; and,
WHEREAS, this global campaign is manifest in the United States as the ONE Campaign, i.e., a campaign to increase poverty focused development assistance by an amount equal to ONE percent of the federal budget;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW expresses support for ending global poverty, achieving the Millennium Goals, and making the financial commitments in the federal budget consistent with the ONE Campaign.
RESOLUTIONS CONCERNING PARTY GOVERNANCE
07-PG-01 Restoration of Regional Field Directors (3rd and 7th CD – 97 Words)
WHEREAS, regional field directors (RFDs), hired by the DNC in 2005, were instrumental in Democratic successes in 2006 by providing assistance to candidates and volunteers across the ticket;
WHEREAS, RFDs support put more candidates on ballots and built local campaign expertise that benefits everyone from the top down;
WHEREAS, an understanding of and immersion into local politics was key to the RFDs success;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, that the DPW will recreate and support the RFD program, will raise funds for the program, hire experienced homegrown RFDs and keep at least 4 RFDs in the field at all times.
07-PG-02 Primary Selection Reform Process (4th CD – 98 Words)
WHEREAS, our selection process for democratic presidential candidates limits participation for the majority of states, is media controlled, and prevents comprehensive exposure of candidate viewpoints;
THERFORE, RESOLVED, that the DPW petition the DNC to establish a task force to reformulate the Presidential Primary system, such that the party rank and file can be truly involved in the selection process of all viable candidates by having a single, same day national caucus organized and controlled by state party units with remaining delegates determined by each state, with imposed candidate spending limits, but with party supported forums for candidate exposure.
07-PG-03 Labor Resolution (6th CD – 44 Words)
WHEREAS, the US trade deficit continues to rise at an alarming rate; and,
WHEREAS, thousands of American jobs are being lost to foreign countries;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, that all products being offered for sale at Democratic Party functions be “union made” or “made in America.”
RESOLUTIONS CONCERNING EDUCATION, LABOR, AND ECONOMICS
07-ELE-01 QEO (1st CD – 93 Words)
WHEREAS, education employee collective bargaining is limited and controlled by statute and administrative code diminishing full exercise of their democratic and economic rights;
WHEREAS, education employees are the only public employees unable to keep up with the cost of living;
WHEREAS, QEOs are used to deny salary increases and withhold cost-of-living adjustments;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, DPW demands the repeal of laws restricting collective bargaining, especially qualified economic offer requirements, laws and code restricting job action connected with collective bargaining, and laws and code which limit the opportunity to bargain collectively in good faith.
07-ELE-02 Wisconsin’s School Finance Formula (3rd and 7th CD – 93 Words)
WHEREAS, the current school finance formula is based on student population and property values; and,
WHEREAS, a combination of high property values, low income, declining enrollment, high unemployment, and rapidly rising energy and health insurance costs, make it difficult for many public school districts to provide even a basic education; and,
WHEREAS, a high quality, comprehensive education for all students is a priority for Wisconsin’s continued economic and social growth;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, that the DPW support revamping Wisconsin’s School Finance Formula to insure an equal and high quality education for all Wisconsin students.
07-ELE-03 Funding School Safety (6th CD – 88 Words)
WHEREAS, the current funding and budget restrictions, state imposed levy caps, placed on local school boards and municipalities restrict and prevent districts from providing school resource officers to individual schools;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, that the DPW urges the Wisconsin Legislature and the Governor to work together with local school boards and law enforcement administrators to develop a comprehensive plan to allow school boards and law enforcement agencies the ability to collectively address school safety issues and to do so with funds that fall outside the existing tax levy restrictions.
07-ELE-04 Oppose No Child Left Behind (NCLB) (7th CD – 92 Words)*
WHEREAS, the NCLB Act was passed in 2001 to raised the achievement level of students, but has certainly failed, and significant funding increases were promised, and yet it is only funded to 58%; that is, $9 billion underfunded; and,
WHEREAS, NCLB has the misguided premise that one test can comprehensively assess a student's progress; and,
WHEREAS, NCLB punishes school districts that fail to make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) by redistributing Title 1 funds away from direct instructional services to students;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, that the DPW does not support the re-authorization of NCLB.
*Note: The Platform and Resolutions Committee asks that this resolution be separated out along with 07-ELE-05.
07-ELE-05 Amend No Child Left Behind (NCLB) (1st CD – 63 Words)*
WHEREAS, the NCLB law sets standards developed by non-educators and does not consider individual differences;
WHEREAS, the NCLB law is an unfunded mandate, even draining funds from other areas;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW is committed to amending NCLB so that federal funding is provided to states, school districts, and schools which do not meet "test passing" standards to enable them to meet the current standards.
*Note: The Platform and Resolutions Committee asks that this resolution be separated out along with 07-ELE-04. Should that resolution pass, the Committee recommends that this resolution be defeated as they stand in contradiction to one another.
07-ELE-06 Repeal Bush’s Tax Cuts Benefiting Those Earning More Than $300,000 Per Year (8th CD – 90 Words)
WHEREAS, the vast benefit of the Bush Administration tax-cuts in 2002 went to the wealthiest 1% of the American population, helping to wipe out our budget surplus, increase the national debt, and increase the income gap between rich and poor, while draining the resources for the essential needs of the population;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW demand the repeal of the Bush Administration tax cuts, to fund essential services, provide tax relief for low and middle income Americans, reduce the income disparity between rich and poor, and reduce the national debt.
07-ELE-07 Taxation (7th CD – 94 Words)
WHEREAS, payment of necessary taxes should be based upon ability to pay:
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, that the Bush administration’s deficit causing tax cut is amended to eliminate it for those earning over $200,000;
RESOLVED, that there be greater taxation of the huge “golden parachutes” of departing corporate executives, and increased taxation of their huge salaries, deferred salaries and other benefits.
RESOLVED, that no consideration be given to eliminating the estate tax, which is a fair and reasonable tax upon accumulated wealth.
RESOLVED, that taxation upon corporate dividends be at the same rate as other income.
07-ELE-08 Social Security Taxation Equality (8th CD – 88 Words)
WHEREAS, there is a broad consensus that Social Security taxes must continue to provide a minimum retirement income that functions as a "safety net" for the aged, infirm, and less fortunate, and that benefits therefore must be increased, to keep pace with inflation and not to be reduced;
WHEREAS, any increase in taxation to support continued Social Security benefits ought to be borne proportionately in the same percentage of income for all;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW believes that all earned income be made subject to Social Security taxation.
07-ELE-09 Social Security (7th CD – 62 Words)
WHEREAS, Social Security is one of the most successful social programs;
WHEREAS, Social Security is a benefit that retirees, survivors and disabled rely upon;
WHEREAS, Social Security is the principal income for 2/3 of retirees, and for 1/3 of retirees, their only income;
WHEREAS, privatization would weaken Social Security as we know it;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW opposes privatization of Social Security.
07-ELE-10 Eliminate Subsidies for Outsourcing (7th CD – 73 Words)
WHEREAS, many manufacturers and service providers choose to outsource production to other countries while benefiting from tax breaks by our government; and
WHEREAS, employment in the United States has diminished, resulting in a reduction of wages and benefits for the middle class;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, that the DPW support legislation that eliminates tax breaks or subsidies for firms that outsource production to other countries such that it results in the loss of U.S. jobs.
07-ELE-11 Support Collective Bargaining (8th CD – 92 Words)
WHEREAS, recent Republican-backed legislation and Republican administration activities have weakened the capacity of labor unions to organize and bargain collectively on behalf of workers;
WHEREAS, strong unions are needed to ensure the rights of workers to fair and living wages, workplace safety, and job security;
WHEREAS, securing these worker rights strengthens the American middle-class, and reduces the income disparity between the richest and the poorest Americans;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW recognizes the importance of organized labor and supports legislation which restores and enhances workers' rights to organize and bargain collectively with employers.
07-ELE-12 Mass Transit/Passenger Rail (5th CD – 100 Words)
WHEREAS, improved passenger and commuter rail service benefits Wisconsin residents and the state’s economy;
WHEREAS, the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative (MRRI) is a cooperative effort between nine Midwest states, Amtrak and the federal government;
WHEREAS, Wisconsin’s MRRI projects include upgrading passenger service from Milwaukee to Madison, Madison to Minneapolis and Milwaukee to Green Bay;
WHEREAS, METRA Commuter Rail Service should be extended from Kenosha to Milwaukee;
WHEREAS, Light Rail Service should be established from Milwaukee to Waukesha and within the Madison area;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW supports all of the above commuter rail, mass transit and passenger rail service projects.
07-ELE-13 Maximum Sick Leave Benefits (5th CD - 67 Words) *
WHEREAS, the current policy for elected Wisconsin officials is to allow banking of sick leave; and
WHEREAS, attempts are made to circumvent some of the imposed restrictions;
WHEREAS, the private sector cannot be as generous with their employee benefits; and
WHEREAS, sick leave is not appropriately used anyway;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW supports limits for state employees pertaining to the practice of banking sick leave.
*Note: The Platform and Resolution Committee asks for the separation of this resolution and recommends non-adoption.
07-ELE-14 Sick Leave for Wisconsin Workers (6th CD - 97 Words) *
WHEREAS, the DPW recognizes the need for the health and well-being of Wisconsin workers;
WHEREAS, we also believe all employees, hourly or salaried have the right to sick leave;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, that the DPW recommends legislation mandating that all employers with six or more employees provide sick leave to workers;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that sick leave be accrued at the rate of one hour for every twenty hours worked.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that sick leave be allowed to be accumulated at the employee’s current place of employment but relinquished upon change of employment or retirement.
*Note: By direction of the Platform and Resolution Committee, this resolution will be separated out for debate and discussion.
RESOLUTIONS CONCERNING JUSTICE, HUMAN CONCERNS, AND DEMOCRACY
07-JHD-01 Medicare Part D (1st CD – 63 Words)
WHEREAS, the Medicare Part D law does not allow negotiations for the prices;
WHEREAS, the out-of-pocket cost is too high;
WHEREAS, the process is too complicated;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW asks our Congressional representatives to work to make the following changes: Government should negotiate the lowest prescription prices; the "dough nut hole" should be removed and customer prescription drug prices should be lowered.
07-JHD-02 State Sponsored Prescription Drug Pool (1st CD – 65 Words)
WHEREAS, Medicare Part D is prohibited from negotiating lower prescription costs;
WHEREAS, it will be left to the states to pass prescription reform;
WHEREAS, a state prescription drug pool incorporating government employees, state run health programs, and private employers would be large enough to bargain for lower prescription prices,
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW urges state lawmakers to pass a state sponsored prescription drug bargaining pool.
07-JHD-03 Resolution in Support of National Health Insurance (3rd CD – 95 Words)
WHEREAS, nearly 50 million Americans have no health insurance and millions of other have inadequate coverage; and,
WHEREAS, approximately half of all US bankruptcies are caused by exorbitant medical costs; and,
WHEREAS, the US is the only developed nation in the world without government-sponsored universal health insurance; and,
WHEREAS, the private insurance model is designed to generate profits by insuring the relatively healthy, forcing others into the ranks of the uninsured or government-funded programs;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW supports adoption of a national health insurance system that includes medical care, preventive care, and prescription drugs.
07-JHD-04 Comprehensive Health Care (6th CD – 92 Words)
WHEREAS, Wisconsin and our nation are facing a health care crisis due to rapidly increasing costs that is putting quality health care out of reach for a majority of Americans;
WHEREAS, these increases are causing many employees to shift more costs to their employers thus affecting the employee’s standard of living; and,
WHEREAS, Wisconsin still had more than 500,000 residents who were uninsured for at least part of 2004;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, that the Governor and the State Legislature adopt the Wisconsin Health Care Partnership Plan introduced as SB698 in the 2005-2006 session.
07-JHD-05 Universal Health Care (6th CD – 100 Words)
WHEREAS, the USA is the only Western industrial nation without a National Health Care System for all citizens;
WHEREAS, 50 million Americans (& children) cannot afford health insurance and small businesses are over-burdened by the cost of such insurance for their workers;
WHEREAS, Medicare and Medicaid currently offer coverage with lower overhead cost (2% as opposed to 15%) with more choices of doctors and hospitals;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, by the DPW that Democratic legislators on federal, state, and local levels fight for legislation to make the above agencies into our National Health Care System for all citizens from birth to death.
07-JHD-06 Universal Health Care State Trials Bill, S. 3776 (1st CD – 62 Words)
WHEREAS, Congress will not pass universal health care for all;
WHEREAS, it will be up to the states to implement universal health care;
WHEREAS, Senator Russ Feingold introduced a bill to ensure high-quality health care coverage for uninsured individuals through state health care initiatives;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW urges lawmakers to pass Senator Feingold's Universal Health Care State Trials bill, S. 3776.
07-JHD-07 Health Care Reform (3rd CD – 90 Words)
WHEREAS, our concern for our neighbors compel us to demand health services for those least able to obtain it for themselves;
WHEREAS, half a million Wisconsin people have no health insurance, including 90,000 children;
WHEREAS, businesses are faced with rising costs of 20 to 40%, placing an unfair burden on companies facing international competition;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, that the DPW urges legislators and the Governor to implement health care reform that is affordable, covers all Wisconsin residents regardless of employment, provides high quality services focused on prevention and controls rising costs.
07-JHD-08 Health Care (8th CD – 85 Words)
WHEREAS, the US is the only Western nation without a National Health Care system for all citizens; and
WHEREAS, nearly 50 million citizens are unable to afford health insurance and businesses are hard put to provide worker benefits; and
WHEREAS. Medicare and Medicaid currently offer coverage with lower overhead cost than the private sector (2% v. 15%) with more choices of doctors and hospitals;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW supports a single-payer universal health-care program modeled on Medicare for Wisconsin and the rest of the nation.
07-JHD-09 Stem Cell Research (7th CD – 62 Words)
WHEREAS, the University of Wisconsin is a world leader in stem cell research and technology;
WHEREAS, stem cell research and genetic mapping potentially offer cures for life ending diseases;
WHEREAS, many who suffer from debilitating diseases are offered hope and relief from prolonged suffering;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW encourages that State and Federal funds be pursued to support further stem cell research.
07-JHD-10 Campaign Finance Reform (2nd CD – 88 Words)
WHEREAS, campaign spending has reached absurd levels;
WHEREAS, special interest groups, PACs and the very wealthy have disproportionate advantages in electing and influencing public officials;
WHEREAS, campaign costs keep worthy candidates from running for office; and
WHEREAS, the perpetual need to raise campaign funds consumes valuable time of elected officials;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW encourages comprehensive finance reform laws which include public funding of campaigns, free and fair media coverage, sane caps on all categories of contributions and on campaign spending, and honest and accessible campaign funding reporting.
07-JHD-11 Public Financing (8th and 6th CD – 49 Words)
WHEREAS, the need to raise vast amounts of money and spend it primarily on advertising has become so corrupting to our electoral system and for our elected officials;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW endorses full public financing of elections and free and equal access to all media for all candidates.
07-JHD-12 Campaign Finance (3rd CD – 73 Words)
WHEREAS, we have passed some legislation regulating money being donated for campaigns;
WHEREAS, the last Governor’s race and the Supreme Court race spent huge amounts of money;
WHEREAS, we need to restrict spending for political campaigns to ensure that there is a level playing field for all candidates;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, that the DPW demands that the State of Wisconsin enact campaign finance laws requiring that all campaigns for public office be publicly financed.
07-JHD-13 Honesty in Government (5th CD – 95 Words)
WHEREAS, scandals continue to rock our state government;
WHEREAS, Wisconsin residents are fed up with elected officials who bow to special interest groups and are no longer dedicated to doing what is for the public good; and,
WHEREAS, it is time to end corruption and the appearance of corruption in government;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, by the DPW that laws be passed to eliminate any ways in which special interest groups can financially influence legislators, including but not limited to full publicly funded campaigns, making gifts of any kind illegal and limiting lobbyist activities to providing information.
07-JHD-14 Resolution to Stop Sleazy, Dishonest Campaign Ads (4th CD – 56 Words)
WHEREAS, the sleazy cartoon character ads of the gubernatorial and other state races depicting our candidates were beneath the level of truth in advertising worthy of Wisconsin voters and candidates; and,
WHEREAS, these ads were also dishonest;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, that the DPW supports State Legislation to enforce truth in advertising for Wisconsin elections, at all levels.
07-JHD-15 Expand Civics & Democracy Education (6th CD – 83 Words)
WHEREAS, knowledge of and participation in public affairs is critical for the health of a democracy;
WHEREAS, all children should be educated in the responsibilities of citizenship in our democracy;
WHEREAS, public and private schools give only a cursory civics education, and public participation in our democracy is at disgracefully low levels;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW advocates that Civics studies, including the responsibilities of citizenship, be expanded in public schools and that private and home schooling curricula be held to the same requirements.
07-JHD-16 Expand Public News Media (6th CD – 96 Words)
WHEREAS, a free and independent news media investigating and informing the public of the activities of government and business is essential for a vibrant democracy at the national, state and local levels;
WHEREAS, a news media dependent on advertising revenue and/or corporate funding cannot fulfill this mission in a completely unbiased manner;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW advocates increased public funding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Television and Wisconsin Public Radio, eliminating corporate funding for them and advocate creating or assisting programs to aid local, state and national investigative reporting organizations and media outlets.
07-JHD-17 Repeal Discriminatory Amendment to the Wisconsin Constitution (2nd CD – 87 Words)
WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Constitution reads, "All people are born equally free and have certain inherent rights, among these ... the pursuit of happiness";
WHEREAS, an amendment to the Constitution bans domestic partnerships, civil unions and gay marriages;
WHEREAS, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered individuals are valuable, contributing, taxpaying members of our state; and
WHEREAS, there is social value in encouraging stable, monogamous, relationships, irrespective of the sex of the participants;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW urges repeal of the amendment banning gay marriages, civil unions and domestic partnerships.
07-JHD-18 Equal Rights Amendment (1st CD – 89 Words)
WHEREAS, the equal rights of women are being debated and agreed upon in the world court, with only the United States bringing amendments to compromise the agreements;
WHEREAS, the erosion of equal treatment of women is evident in new legislation passed as "moral values";
WHEREAS, inequities exist between states in the treatment of men and women, and in jurisdiction in matters of law;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW supports the immediate introduction of the Equal Rights Amendment, with no additions, and urges all members of Congress to speed its passage.
07-JHD-19 Restore the Constitution (1st CD – 82 Words)
WHEREAS, the President issues Executive Orders which violate federal statutes;
WHEREAS, the President's addition of "signing statements" to signing bills excuses him from enforcing that law, thereby using an impermissible line-item veto;
WHEREAS, the President continues practices that flaunt the Constitution's checks and balances and separation of powers as they usurp legislative prerogatives and evade accountability;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW demands that Congress petition the federal courts to stop these practices and restore the laws as passed and support the U.S. Constitution.
07-JHD-20 Restore Habeas Corpus (8th CD – 98 Words)
WHEREAS, in 2006, Congress passed a law governing military commissions, which included a provision stripping certain detainees of their habeas corpus rights;
WHEREAS, habeas corpus has been "the fundamental instrument for safeguarding individual freedoms";
WHEREAS, without habeas rights, detainees are denied a fair hearing in a Federal court challenge their detention and the government is free to imprison such persons indefinitely;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW believes that such policy is unconstitutional and un-American, undermining our national character, and that such policy must be overturned by Congress to fully restore the right to petition for Writs of Habeas Corpus.
07-JHD-21 Repeal the Military Commissions Act of 2006 (MCA) (3rd CD – 97 Words)
WHEREAS, the US Constitution provides: “The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended…”;
WHEREAS, in September 2006, the Congress passed the MCA, which denies habeas corpus to individuals labeled “unlawful enemy combatants,” whether US citizens or not;
WHEREAS, US citizens can be arrested and detained indefinitely without charge if the President declares them to be “unlawful enemy combatants”;
WHEREAS, under the MCA, “enemy combatants” can be tried and executed on the basis of coerced testimony, hearsay and secret classified testimony;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW demands the immediate repeal of the Military Commissions Act.
07-JHD-22 Resolution Calling for Repeal of Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (Patriot Act) (3rd CD – 67 Words)
WHEREAS, the U.S.A.P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act was passed by Congress in an atmosphere of fear and panic; and,
WHEREAS, predictions of abuse of the powers granted to governmental officials to spy on and harass American citizens and to deny American citizens’ constitutional rights guaranteed in the First, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Eighth Amendments have all come to pass;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW demands immediate repeal of the U.S.A.P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act.
07-JHD-23 Repeal of Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (Patriot Act) (8th CD – 75 Words)
WHEREAS, a democratic government is responsible for safeguarding the constitutional rights of its citizens; and,
WHEREAS, the U.S.A.P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act threatens all of those rights and permits large-scale information gathering without citizens' knowledge and no accountability by authorities, as well as seizure of property without due notice; and,
WHEREAS, the U.S.A.P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act limits judicial review of executive branch actions and erodes the separation of powers;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW demands immediate repeal of the U.S.A.P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act.
07-JHD-24 Impeachment of President Bush and Vice President Cheney (6th CD – 99 Words)
WHEREAS, the President and Vice President took oaths to “preserve, protect, and defend” the US Constitution;
WHEREAS, they manipulated intelligence and misled the country to justify war in Iraq;
WHEREAS, they directed agencies to conduct domestic spying without warrants, violating U.S. law;
WHEREAS, they authorized detention of persons without allowing them access to the U.S. legal system, violating the U.S. Constitution;
WHEREAS, they authorized torture against prisoners violating U.S. law and the Geneva Convention;
WHEREAS, these violations of law constitute a “high crime or misdemeanor”;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW demands the impeachment of President Bush and Vice President Cheney.
07-JHD-25 Support for Bush’s Impeachment (5th CD – 95 Words)
WHEREAS, President Bush violated the 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act by allowing the NSA to spy on American citizens without warrant;
WHEREAS, Bush violated the torture convention of the Geneva Conventions;
WHEREAS, Bush ordered American citizens held as POWs without charging them with crimes or conducting trials;
WHEREAS, Bush and his administration manipulated intelligence reports to justify invading Iraq and leaked classified national secrets for political gain;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW supports state Representative Frank Boyle’s (D-Superior) efforts to impeach George W. Bush and requests that Vice President Dick Cheney be included in such action.
07-JHD-26 Resolution of Impeachment (4th CD – 96 Words)
WHEREAS, the Bush Administration deceived the American people to illegally invade Iraq, without a Congressional declaration of war, and continued the occupation after the objective was obtained, killing thousands needlessly;
WHEREAS, it sanctions torture; denies victims the right of habeas corpus, including American citizens; illegally eavesdrops on citizens private communications; and circumvents the Constitution with signing statements;
WHEREAS, these actions destroy lives and violate rights, and therefore constitute high crimes and misdemeanors, and there must be accountability to preserve our constitutional government;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW demands the impeachment of President Bush and Vice President Cheney.
07-JHD-27 Resolution of Impeachment (3rd CD – 97 Words)
WHEREAS, George W. Bush and his Administration (GWBA) lied to the American people to pursue an illegal war in Iraq under the cover of fighting terrorism, killing tens of thousands of people, civilian and military for no just cause;
WHEREAS, GWBA has sanctioned torture and denied habeas corpus to persons labeled “enemy combatants”;
WHEREAS, GWBA has violated FISA by directing illegal surveillance;
WHEREAS, the Administration must be held accountable for these actions in order to preserve the basic principles of our constitutional government;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW demands the impeachment of President Bush and Vice President Cheney.
07-JHD-28 For Impeachment of the President and Vice President (2nd CD – 96 Words)
WHEREAS, the DPW adopted resolutions in 2005 and 2006 calling for Bush/Cheney impeachment and Iraq withdrawal, yet illegal wars, torture, wiretapping, massive bloodshed, national bankruptcy and other high crimes continue;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW calls upon Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation to immediately call for impeachment proceedings in the US House against President Bush and Vice President Cheney; State Assembly Democrats to cosponsor and vote for Representative Boyle’s Joint Resolution calling upon the US House to commence impeachment proceedings against President Bush; and State Senate Democrats to immediately introduce and vote for a companion resolution in the Senate.
07-JHD-29 Reinstituting the Draft (5TH CD – 95 Words)*
WHEREAS, under the Bush administration policies only military personnel and their families are paying the price of fighting in Iraq;
WHEREAS, recent revelations prove the Bush administration has shown little concern for the welfare of returning wounded veterans; and,
WHEREAS, Bush showed his complete lack of understanding saying, “a lot of people are in this fight. I mean, they sacrifice peace of mind when they see the terrible images of violence on TV every night;”
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW supports reinstituting the draft in order to fairly share the physical burdens and dangers of war.
*Note: The Platform and Resolutions Committee recommends that this resolution be separated out and amended to specify that there be no exceptions to participation in the draft.
07-JHD-30 Adopt a State Prohibition of the Federal Real ID Act of 2005 (4th CD – 94 Words)
WHEREAS, critics of the Federal Real ID Act of 2005 contend that it is an unfunded federal mandate, and it would effectively create a national identification card;
WHEREAS, the Arizona Senate voted Thursday, March 8, 2007, to prohibit the state from implementing Real ID, a federal law that dictates guidelines for driver licenses and state identification cards,
WHEREAS, Idaho and Maine have already enacted similar prohibitions, and at least 20 other states are considering similar legislation,
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, that the DPW calls upon the Wisconsin State Legislature to adopt a ban on Real ID.
07-JHD-31 Fighting for Fair Voting (2nd CD – 100 Words)
WHEREAS, the Bush Administration has a sordid history of entitling its legislative initiatives - No Child Left Behind, Clear Skies Act, Healthy Forests Initiative - opposite to what the legislation does;
WHEREAS, the major problem with elections in America is people not being allowed to vote, or their votes not being counted; and
WHEREAS, despite its lying title, the Help America Vote Act makes it harder for people to vote;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW supports voting laws which make it as easy as possible for citizens to register and vote and should fight contrary federal legislation with lawsuits if necessary.
07-JHD-32 Paper Ballots are Best (2nd CD – 73 Words)
WHEREAS, fair voting is fundamental to democracy;
WHEREAS, the sole value of electronic voting machines (EVMs) is speed of reporting, not accuracy; and,
WHEREAS, EVMs can be hacked;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, by the DPW that state law should mandate that every vote in Wisconsin be cast on a voter-marked paper ballot, regardless of how they are counted; and, after each election, paper ballots in a randomly selected 10% of the wards be manually canvassed.
07-JHD-33 Resolution Against State Sponsored Murder (1st and 4th CD – 92 Words)
WHEREAS, our justice system derives its moral authority by maintaining a higher standard than common murderers, not by sinking to their level; and,
WHEREAS, states without executions have lower murder rates, and Wisconsin has an effective deterrent, life without parole; and,
WHEREAS, more than 100 innocent people on death row have been exonerated; and,
WHEREAS, Wisconsin’s recent execution referendum was driven by politics, and its chief Legislative sponsor admitted that it was worded to confuse voters;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW urges the Governor and Legislature to actively resist state-sponsored murder in Wisconsin.
07-JHD-34 Support for Returning Troops (5th CD – 93 Words)
WHEREAS, the prolonged war in Iraq has produced 30,000 wounded veterans to date, it is incumbent upon the nation to provide adequate and sufficient health and mental health care to enable these veterans to return to their respective civilian positions;
WHEREAS, the Republican administration has not planned for the return of these veterans to civilian status;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW urges the government to remove ponderous paper work, speed up processing of benefits, provide immediate health care – mental and physical, and provide access to appropriate training for sustainable jobs for our returning troops.
07-JHD-35 Part-time Legislature (6th CD - 57 Words) *
WHEREAS, the citizens of Calumet County have passed a referendum advising the legislature to return to a part-time status; and,
WHEREAS, many feel our elected representatives can better serve their constituents by spending more time in their respective districts;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW continues to support the move to return the Wisconsin Legislature to a part-time status.
*Note: The Platform and Resolution Committee asks for the separation of this resolution and recommends non-adoption.
07-JHD-36 Condemn Police Brutality (4th CD – 99 Words) *
WHEREAS, police brutality is an issue that the general community is concerned with;
WHEREAS, all people have the right to feel safe from police brutality and be treated humanely; and,
WHEREAS, there has been a history of police brutality in Wisconsin;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW condemns police brutality, the use of excessive or unnecessary force by police officers with the purpose or expectation of causing death or bodily or mental harm to a human being, and supports the efforts of the Milwaukee Police Accountability Coalition to create an appointed, independent Civilian Review Board to address complaints against police officers.
*Note: By order of the Platform and Resolutions Committee, this resolution will be separated out for debate.
FLOOR RESOLUTIONS
07-FL-01 Great Lakes Shipping Moratorium (Submitted by Bob Heule, 1st CD – 98 Words) *
WHEREAS, aquatic invasive species are taking an adverse environmental toll on the water quality of the Great Lakes due to ocean-going vessels discharging ballast water;
WHEREAS, cost of efforts to control zebra and quagga mussels alone is estimated to be $500 million annually;
WHEREAS, during a shipping moratorium, alternative transportation can be accomplished by off-loading cargo to lake vessels, rail or truck;
THEREFORE, RESOLVED, the DPW calls upon Congress to enact a moratorium on Great Lakes shipping by ocean-going vessels until shipping companies develop a method preventing the discharge of ballast containing invasive species into the Great Lakes.
*Note: Pursuant to the DPW By-laws and the Rules on Floor Resolutions, this resolution was presented to the Platform and Resolutions Committee on June 9, 2007. The committee found it met the proper criteria to be presented to the convention. This was the only floor resolution submitted prior to the printing of the convention packets.