News

Joint Finance Committee Hearing Schedule - April 2021

Friday, April 9:  Whitewater, UW-Whitewater, 800 W Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190.  10 a.m. – 5 p.m.                                            

Wednesday, April 21:  Rhinelander, The Hodag Dome, 665 Coolidge Ave, Rhinelander, WI 54501.  10 a.m. – 5 p.m.                                                              

Thursday, April 22:  Menomonie, UW-Stout, 712 Broadway St S, Menomonie, WI 54751. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.                      

Wednesday, April 28:  Virtual.  10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Those wishing to testify must register in advance; more details to come.

AFL-CIO Flyer

Labor “Get Out the Vote” Virtual

Rally & Phone Bank

    Saturday, October 17, 2020

    Noon – 4:00 p.m.

    Stephanie Bloomingdale, Mark Pocan & Josh Kaul

Flyer

The Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans (WiARA) will be holding its annual Power Lunch on October 12.  This year, it will be a virtual meeting.  See the flyer for more details.

Flyer

August 25, 2020:  In a recent Zoom Conference with Congressman Mark Pocan arranged by the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans (WiARA), we learned that the House of Representatives have prepared a bill to strengthen and protect Social Security. 

The effort was led by Representative John Larson.  The bill would increase the cap for payroll taxes to $400,000, set a minimum benefit level and more.  The bill hasn't been introduced yet and is awaiting Speaker Pelosi's determination of the right time for introduction.  

For more details, go to https://larson.house.gov/social-security-2100

June, 2020 -- See the notice from the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans about how to confirm that your voting information is correct.  

WiARA Notice

Wisconsin Grassroots Festival – March 21, 2020 in Mazomanie

This event is to inform, engage, and inspire with thought-provoking speakers and breakout sessions. Come meet activists and organizations from around the state, and enjoy music, food and fun.   Some events will also be available for live streaming and live broadcasting.   For more information, including how to register, go to:  https://allevents.in/mazomanie/12th-annual-wisconsin-grassroots-festival/1000092495593811

Wisconsin Labor History Society Conference – March 28, 2020 in Milwaukee

This conference will look at Wisconsin’s past and how to regain our State’s progressive traditions.  Sara Nelson, international president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, will be the keynote speaker.   For more information, go to  http://www.wisconsinlaborhistory.org/   Registration may be made online at www.wlhs2020.eventbrite.com.   

Wisconsin Coalition of Annuitants 2020 Conference – May 15, 2020 in Madison

The WICOA conference is scheduled for Friday, May 15 at the American Family Campus.  In addition to the presentations on the Wisconsin Retirement System, Jay Heck of Common Cause in Wisconsin will be speaking on What’s Ahead for ending Partisan Gerrymandering in Wisconsin.  For a copy of the agenda and a link to registration, go to https://www.wicoa.org/2020conference.php. 

Note to all Retirees,

Recently all members of the Wisconsin Retirement System should have received a mailing from Delta Dental regarding a new program which allows all members of the WRS to participate in the state insurance pool for dental insurance. Because of the much larger risk pool members may find the rates lower than other plans which are available, however open enrollment for the new plan closes on October 25.

Any retirees who may be interested in this new dental offering can call Delta Dental at 844-337-8383 or visit for more information if you misplaced the original mailing. Again, open enrollment ends October 25, so those who may be interested in investigating this new program need to do so soon.