In an effort to redefine marriage, some Wisconsin legislators are circulating a proposed Joint Resolution LRB-0414/1 to Repeal Wisconsin’s Marriage Protection Constitutional Amendment.  A memo was sent to all Wisconsin legislators this morning and to various media outlets with the proposal. Promoting the redefinition of marriage in Wisconsin are Senators:  Tim Carpenter, Kathleen Vinehout & Mark Miller; and Representatives JoCasta Zamarripa, Chris Taylor & Melissa Sargent. You can read Senator Carpenter’s news release here .  Joining in their efforts is Fair Wisconsin which actively worked to stop the Marriage Protection Amendment from being added to our State’s Constitution.  You can read Fair Wisconsin’s press release here . It is vital for all Wisconsin residents to share views with your elected officials.  To determine who your Senator and Representative is, click here  or call 1-800-729- 9829.   Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org

After being passed in the WI Assembly, three pro-life bills continue to be blocked in the WI State Senate.  Their fate will be determined shortly as the legislative floor period soon comes to a close. The 3 Bills are: AB-206  – Allows a “Choose Life” license plate in the State of WI with proceeds benefitting Crisis Pregnancy Centers around the State AB-216  – Protects WI taxpayers from having to pay for the abortions of state employees AND will protect many religious institutions from being forced to provide insurance coverage for abortion inducing drugs AB-217  – Prohibits the practice of performing abortions based on the gender of the child To share your views WI residents can make the following contacts: 1)  Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald – 1-888-291-3489 or [email protected] 2)  Your own WI State Senator at this link  or by calling the Legislative Hotline at 1- 800-362-9472 3)  Governor Scott Walker – (608) 266-1212 or [email protected]   Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org

After being passed in the WI Assembly, three pro-life bills continue to be blocked in the WI State Senate.  Their fate will be determined shortly as the legislative floor period soon comes to a close. The 3 Bills are: AB-206  – Allows a “Choose Life” license plate in the State of WI with proceeds benefitting Crisis Pregnancy Centers around the State AB-216  – Protects WI taxpayers from having to pay for the abortions of state employees AND will protect many religious institutions from being forced to provide insurance coverage for abortion inducing drugs AB-217  – Prohibits the practice of performing abortions based on the gender of the child To share your views WI residents can make the following contacts: 1)  Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald – 1-888-291-3489 or [email protected] 2)  Your own WI State Senator at this link  or by calling the Legislative Hotline at 1- 800-362-9472 3)  Governor Scott Walker – (608) 266-1212 or [email protected]   Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org

As many families begin their Thanksgiving travel, Wisconsin State Senator Fred Risser issued a press release  today regarding his proposed legislation to prohibit licensed mental health providers from engaging in sexual orientation change efforts with anyone under the age of 18.  He also says his legislation forbids counseling minors for the purpose of changing their sexual orientation.  He calls such therapy “a scam”.  He also states “gay conversion therapy promotes stigmas and prejudice.” Senator Risser is presently circulating this legislation for co-sponsorship.  You may contact your legislators in Madison with your views at 1-800-362-9472. Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org

Tuesday, February 19th is the Wisconsin State Primary.  Local races and issues on the ballot will vary depending upon your municipality.  However one race that’s on everyone’s ballot is that of Supreme Court Justice.  The one who is elected to this 10 year term will render decisions on such issues as Wisconsin’s Domestic Partner Registry, Voter ID, and numerous other issues.  Polls will be open Tuesday from 7am-8pm.  Voter turnout is anticipated to be less than 10% meaning your vote Tuesday will have a significant impact in narrowing the field of candidates for the April General Election.  To view a sample ballot you can use the state’s website here .  For non- partisan voter information on the Supreme Court candidates from WI Family Council click here .  VCY extended an invitation to each of the Supreme Court candidate campaigns for an interview on IN FOCUS which was carried live on TV and simulcast on radio.  The interview with Supreme Court Justice Pat Roggensack can be viewed here . The interview with Attorney Vince Megna can be viewed here . As of this writing, Attorney Ed Fallone’s campaign has not responded to our invitation. For all In Focus programs you can click here .   Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org

A three judge panel of the of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals (Branch 4) released their opinion  today that upholds the same-sex domestic partnership registry as being constitutional.  This registry was enacted under the Doyle Administration and was challenged in the courts.  Julaine Appling (a plaintiff in the case) from Wisconsin Family Action stated, “The people of Wisconsin have strongly affirmed the lifelong, faithful union of a man and a woman as the fundamental building block of civilization.  Our system of government serves no purpose if politicians can ignore the will of the people with impunity.”  You can read WFA’s full press release here .  Alliance Defending Freedom which represents the case will appeal this case to the Wisconsin Supreme Court.  Cases like this underscore the importance of the WI Supreme Court Election.  The Primary will be held February 19, 2013 and the General Election will be on April 2, 2013.   Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org

Today, Governor Walker wrote to Secretary of Health and Human Services indicating that Wisconsin would not set up a state based health insurance exchange. You can see his letter here .  In his explanation available here , he cited four main reasons to for his decision:  (1) that the long-term risk to Wisconsin taxpayers is too high; (2) that no matter who sets up and administers the exchange, the federal government makes all the decisions and the final product is the same; (3) that the federal government’s demonstrated lake of cooperation and detail increases the burden and risk to our state; and, (4) PPACA does not allow for a uniquely Wisconsin option.   Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org