Mason raises $64K for re-election; Krupp breaks $100K

State Rep. Cory Mason, 62nd Assembly District, D-Racine, is doing his best to scare away Republican challengers. The first-term incumbent announced Wednesday he's raised $64,000 for re-election. Here's the full release (and an update on Marge Krupp, below):

Racine- State Representative Cory Mason (D-Racine) announced today that he has raised over $64,000 for his re-election campaign. In addition, Rep. Mason has built a broad coalition of financial support from over 600 Racine County residents.

In making this announcement Rep. Mason said, "It is important to me to not only raise the resources I will need to run a vigorous campaign, but to do it the right way. The majority of my donors are from Racine County, and my average donation is less than $55. I want my campaign to reflect the interests of those that I serve, so it is very important to me that I continue to build grassroots support from around the community."

Rep. Mason is in his first term as a state Representative. He serves on the following committees: Natural Resources, Education, and Jobs and the Economy. Mason is a graduate of Case High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is an active member of the River Alliance of Wisconsin and serves as a commissioner to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Racine.

Mason filed his campaign finance report with the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board today.

Filing period for candidates ends on July 8. So far, Mason has one opponent: Keith Deschler, who ran unsuccessfully for the seat in 2002 and 2004.

Marge Krupp, one of five Democrats vying for the nomination to run against Congressman Paul Ryan, R-1st District, announced today that she broke the $100,000 barrier of credibility. It's looking like she has a shot at winning the Democratic nomination. That'd be a major accomplishment for First Congressional Dems who haven't been able to overcome the cross-dressing Republicans who nominate Doc Thomas every two years.

p.s. (pre-emptive strike): Yes, dear commenters, we'll post Vos' totals as soon as they're available.

Read More...

Summary only...

A lovely day to enjoy the Root River

It was a full day of activities -- rain be damned! -- at the grand opening of the Root River Environmental Community Center (REC).

Most fun, of course, was "Running the Root," when more than two dozen canoes and kayaks floated downstream all the way to Belle Harbor ... and then paddled back through a light rain.

Rep. Cory Mason explained at brief opening ceremonies that the event was aimed at getting people to think about what a real economic asset the Root River can be. Mayor Gary Becker noted that when the city was developed, the river "was a highway and a sewer." Today, however, he said "we need to get ahead of development, to decide what Racine wants the River to be." Also in attendance was State Department of Administration Secretary Mike Morgan, who helped provide a grant a year ago to help spur river planning and "obtain input on how we clean up our urban waterways." Full schedule of events HERE.

The area paddled was the proposed River District, whose boundaries are roughly the railroad bridge just upstream of REC to the mouth of the river, and the lands adjacent to the river along that route.

Among the points of interest for canoeists and kayakers were:

--The idea of placing a riverwalk between Sixth and Main Streets. The idea is that the river's edge would be vegetated and the riverwalk would be adjacent to the green space, about 15-20 feet wide, accommodating walkers and bicyclists.

--The large retaining wall at Water Street isn't going anywhere -- it's part of the sewer system infrastructure. However, it is not attractive, and the idea of creating a fabric mural created to cover the wall has been suggested.

--Belle Harbor's marina is silting in, and not viable for larger boats. Saturday's boaters were asked what kind of land use they would suggest for that property.

At the Belle Harbor Marina, under the State Street bridge

Cory Mason and his family.

Sec. Mike Morgan and Alderman Terry McCarthy

What the smartly-shod kayaker wears on her feet...

Fred, 3, ready for his first kayak ride ever

May 3 also marks the opening of this year's fishing season

Read More...

Summary only...

Mason, Turner calling for eight-lane interstate

Update: I'll leave the original post, but here's a clarification. Mason and Turner are calling for an eight-lane interstate from the Mitchel airport exit to the Illinois border. In other words, they are in favor of four lanes in each direction, which means one new lane in each direction. They are not in favor of a 10-lane interstate as I first wondered.

In talking with Mason, he explained the state is in a comment period on the project. Some people are advocating for keeping the interstate at three lanes in each direction. Mason said he supports four lanes because it will help economic development in Racine County and create more construction jobs for local residents to help build the highway.

It's also worth noting the project will "unbraid" the frontage roads through Racine County. This is critical to future development, because the current configuration of the frontage roads prevents serious development along the I in the county.

More will be out on this tomorrow when Mason and Turner hold their press conference.

Here's the original post:

Rep. Cory Mason sent out a press release this morning titled, "Racine Leaders to Call for Maximizing Economic Impact of I-94 Reconstruction."

The release then adds: "Local Leaders Support 4 Lane Expansion" and "Four Lanes a Better Option."

So what does this mean? It seems like Mason and Rep. Bob Turner, whose name was also on the release, are in favor of adding four lanes to I-94 from Milwaukee to the Illinois border. If true, that would make the interstate a Los Angeles-esque 10 lanes through Racine County.

I wrote Mason's office for further explanation, and will update when I hear back from them.

The state is already planning to add two lanes to I-94 once it completes the Marquette Interchange project. The interstate expansion is expected to cost $1.9 billion.

Since Mason's plan is touted as an "alternative" to the state plan, it seems like he is calling for a bigger project. He's scheduled a press conference for Friday morning with representatives from the highway construction unions and local job training agencies.

Perhaps a larger roads project is a way to generate jobs for the area.

Read More...

Summary only...

Racine one of 15 counties to benefit from Mason bill, state says

Racine County would be one of 15 counties to benefit from Rep. Cory Mason's proposal to boost funding at technical colleges to address unemployment, according to a state fiscal estimate.

The $10 million grant program (AB947) is limited to communities with unemployment rates at 125% or more than the national unemployment rate. Money could be used by technical colleges, including Gateway, to recruit students and expand programs. Fifteen counties and six cities could apply for the funds, according to the estimate.

Students without high school diplomas could attend technical colleges for free under the proposal.

The annual $10 million program would come from state funds. It's designed to offset any property tax increases at the local level, but would have an impact on administrative costs at the state level, according to the fiscal estimate, which was completed on March 21. The overal financial impact is listed as "indeterminate."

Mason introduced the proposal on March 4. Mason, D-Racine, is the former lobbyist political director for the American Federation of Teachers-Wisconsin, a union that represents technical college teachers.

Read More...

Summary only...

Democrats honor three; 'November is our turn'

Diane Lange receives Phyllis Dresen Spirit of Democracy Award

from Doug Dresen, and Phyllis' granddaughter

Racine County's Democratic Party held its annual banquet Sunday night, honoring three long-time members and declaring, in the words of keynote speaker Rep. Cory Mason, "November is our turn."

The dinner was a combination pep rally, campaign meeting and celebration, as some 200 Democrats heard brief speeches from a number of candidates while honoring County Board Supervisor Diane Lange with the first annual Phyllis Dresen Sprit of Democracy Award, for making a positive impact supporting democratic principles; Michael Corona with the James Arena Award for long and continuing contributions to the county party; and Judy Van Koningsveld with the Democrat of the Year Award for Party-building activities during the past year.

Some of those who spoke included:

Ken Lumpkin, county board supervisor also running for city council, noted: "It's exciting having two sharp candidates on the ticket, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama."

Lisa Neubauer, running for a full term on the Appeals Court to which Gov. Jim Doyle appointed her in December, noted that hers has turned into "the most overtly political race," especially unfortunate since judges are non-partisan. "What people are looking for," she said "is someone who is hard-working, competent and has integrity.'

Doug Dresen, who with his son, Scott, and two granddaughters, honored Diane Lange with an award named after his late wife, pointed out "how pleased she'd be" to see the award go to "such a force for positive activism, someone who does what's right even when the cause is unpopular."

For her part, Lange noted, "a woman is like a teabag; she never knows how strong she'll be until she's in hot water." She said, "Politics is serious work; it matters, it affects the whole world... and the world is ready to welcome us back."

Racine Mayor Gary Becker said, "Lord knows, this country needs the Democrats to take control."

Paulette Garin, who is seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, said "every issue can be tied to the economy...we need fair trade over free trade." She also noted, "we are so past due in creating universal health care."

One of her opponents, Marge Krupp, said, "We have a real chance at taking this seat back. Tax breaks for big oil does not work to create jobs here."

Rep. Bob Turner agreed with both of them, hoping "we can remove that old rubber stamp Ryan from Congress." Turner also pointed out that the state is just a few votes shy of having a Democratic-controlled Assembly, "and it's a big difference being part of the majority. We need it to bring the bacon home." He noted that the Assembly has spent $24 million so far this session, but met only 23 days -- far fewer than in previous years.

Mason, a freshman legislator with just 15 months in the Assembly, said "a freshman legislator in the minority party is humbled pretty quickly." The situation is "unreal," he said, noting hours of debate for such no-brainer questions as "should children under five who are deaf get hearing aids, or should autistic kids get health insurance?"

"These are the things we spend our time on; universal health care? Not so much."

But "the long political winter of our discontent" is nearly over, he said hopefully. "We say this every two years, that 'this is the most important election ever.' But this year it's true."

Ray DeHahn gives Michael Corona the James Arena Award;
at right, his wife Carol

Democrat of the year Judy Van Koningsveld,
given her award by Brent Nance

Michael Shields, Jeff and Lisa Neubauer, Bob Turner

Read More...

Summary only...

$100,000 for RUSD's homeless kids in Mason's bill

Racine Unified School District would receive $100,000 from the state to help educate homeless kids, if a bill proposed by Rep. Cory Mason, D-Racine, becomes law.

Mason introduced Assembly Bill 832, and today, the companion Senate Bill, SB 495, had a hearing before the Wisconsin State Education Committee. It would provide an additional $100 for each homeless student in the state public eduction system; RUSD has 1,000 homeless students out of 8,100 statewide.

"It is considerably more expensive and challenging for school districts to educate homeless students. Allocating modest additional resources to address this problem is critical in aiding our districts in meeting the state academic standards and reducing the achievement gap between the rich and the poor," Mason said.

Also testifying today was Liz Erven, the homeless student coordinator for Racine Unified School District, who shared with the committee some of the challenges that homeless students face.

Under Mason's bill, the $100 per student would be categorical state aid -- in other words, supplied totally by the state and not requiring any funds from local property taxes. In addition, it must be spent on the purpose designated, although the bill does not specify how each school district should use the funds.

"It's intended to address an improved academic performance," Mason said. "The premise behind the bill is if you come to school not knowing where you're going to sleep that night, or not having breakfast, or having to stay up all night, all that affects performance. We leave it loose enough: if the student needs tutoring, fine, the school can do that with the funds. If what they really need is something that addresses their home situation, a safer environment, the schools can do that, too."

"Being homeless comes with so many contingencies ... I can't even imagine," Mason said. "It's up to each district. It's all deferred to Liz Erven's program, which requires the schools to keep track of homeless kids (a requirement of No Child Left Behind). If what they need most is shoes, so they don't come to school with frostbite, do that; if what they need is after-school tutoring to get them through fractions, the schools can do that. It's different from situation to situation."

Read More...

Summary only...

Legislature to honor Corinne Owens Thursday

Racine civil rights activist Corinne Owens has been named a Hometown Hero by the Wisconsin State Assembly. Ms. Owens, active in the Racine community for 60 years, was nominated for the award by Rep. Cory Mason, D-Racine. She will be honored on Thursday, Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. in the State Capitol’s Assembly Chambers.

The Hometown Hero award is presented to outstanding citizens during each two-year session of the Assembly. Members of the community are nominated by their state representatives and winners are chosen by either the Speaker or Minority leader. Those selected as Hometown Heroes are given the award and honored in front of the State Assembly.

Corinne Owens arrived in Racine in 1946. She began her career as a teacher in Mississippi but was denied a teaching job in Racine due to a then district policy that barred African American teachers.

She started the Racine chapter of the NAACP in 1947. Since then, Ms. Owens has led campaigns for fair housing in Racine, more police officers on city streets, and more minority teachers. She has mentored many young people and has organized scholarships to help Racine’s African American youth.

In 1968, she returned to the classroom after more than a 20-year absence. Today, at the age of 95, Ms. Owens is still a dedicated volunteer teacher in the Racine school system. She was inducted into the Southeastern Wisconsin Educator’s Hall of Fame in 1994.

Among many other accomplishments, Corinne Owens was also the first woman and minority to be appointed to the Gateway Technical College Board in 1971. She served as chairwoman of the board from 1978-79.

"I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award than Ms. Owens," said Rep. Mason. "It is especially appropriate that we acknowledge her during black history month. Ms. Owens has accomplished more than anyone I know and she is still going strong. I am honored to be able present this award to a living legend," he said.

Read More...

Summary only...

Mason's bill raising minimum wage gets hearing

Assembly Bill 274, which raises the minimum wage from $6.50 to $7.25 per hour and indexes it annually at the rate of inflation, will receive a public hearing Wednesday in the Assembly Jobs and Economy Committee. The Senate Companion to Assembly Bill 274, Senate Bill 130, passed the Wisconsin state Senate on Jan. 15. Rep. Cory Mason, D-Racine, is the lead author in the Assembly and Sen. Russ Decker, D-Schofield, is the lead author in the Senate.

"I am proud that raising the minimum wage was the first bill I introduced in the Wisconsin state Legislature," said Mason. "Approximately 255,000 workers — 10 percent of Wisconsin’s workforce — will experience some increase in pay if this legislation passes. Additionally, 92,000 children have parents who will benefit from this increase.

"Indexing the minimum wage rate to inflation will help middle class families struggling to keep up with rising costs," he said.

"Wisconsin’s minimum wage now ranks 40th in the country. The impact of this critical legislation is far too important for it to become a part of a political stalemate. I call on my Republican and Democratic colleagues to meet the needs of working Wisconsinites by passing this necessary legislation as soon as possible," he concluded.

Read More...

Summary only...

Mason pleased about Compact, but has concerns

State Sen. Robert Cowles, R-Green Bay, and State Rep. Cory Mason, D-Racine, 62nd District, responded positively today to the long-awaited introduction of the bill to implement the Great Lakes Compact. Cowles and Mason said they’re pleased that the implementing legislation is finally being introduced, but they still have concerns that will need to be addressed to ensure that the Great lakes are protected to the greatest extent possible.

"As we all know, the devil is in the details," Cowles said, "and this bill is going to require more work to make it as strong as it needs to be to protect our water from the folks in the Western part of the country who would like nothing more than to get their hands on this valuable resource."

The Compact was originally signed by all of the Great Lakes governors in Milwaukee back in 2005. For the Compact to go into effect, all the legislatures in the Great Lakes states must pass it, and the United States Congress must ratify it. Three other Great Lakes states have already passed laws adopting the compact, and the remaining states have introduced bills that are at various stages of the legislative process.

“I still have concerns about how this bill addresses return flow of treated sewage through rivers like the Root. I am concerned about some of the effective dates, and will looking closely to see how strong the conservation measures really are,” said Mason.

Mason and Cowles said their initial reading of the complicated 153-page bill is generally positive, but more work will need to be done to strengthen the Compact. Among their concerns are that standards for in-basin withdrawals must be tightened during the interim period between the passage of the bill in Wisconsin and the federal ratification of the Compact. Cowles and Mason said the bill must set standards to ensure that return flow of water to the lakes is of a temperature and quality that will be safe for the habitat and for drinking water.

“There are bipartisan concerns about the ability of this Compact bill to adequately protect all of Wisconsin’s communities. We should not let this historic opportunity go by without doing it right,” said Mason.

Read More...

Summary only...

Black leaders left out of Obama event?

Update, 7:20 a.m.: The Journal Times is on the story.The J-S, too.

Update, 10:20 p.m.: We're hearing now that several black leaders in the community (not Lumpkin) are not being invited to sit on the stage during Obama's talk.

Update, 12:30 p.m.: Just heard from County Board Supervisor Ken Lumpkin who was trying to get involved with the visit. The response he got from local organizers: "You can volunteer." Lumpkin's response: "I'm not holding doors open for anybody."

A representative from the Obama campaign is scheduled to meet with local black leaders this morning. The lack of outreach to the black community will be one of the issues they discuss. "Isn't this supposed to be a campaign of inclusion?" Lumpkin asked.

Gaynell Dyess, Michael Shields and Donnie Snow have also not been contacted regarding Obama's visit. Lumpkin is working to organize a local black leaders group in support of Obama.

Original post: We're hearing that Racine Mayor Gary Becker and State Rep. Cory Mason are under fire for not reaching out to African Americans ahead of Barack Obama's visit to Racine on Wednesday. There's apparently some movement to include local black leaders, but only after the black leaders asked to be included. It'd be interesting to know what Obama thought about including minorities in his town hall meetings, particularly in a diverse city like Racine.

Read More...

Summary only...