ICYMI: Wisconsinites Take Center Stage at the Democratic National Convention
MADISON, Wis. — With all eyes on Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, Wisconsin leaders are taking center stage this week, with Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, retired Teamster Local 200 member and president of the National United Committee to Protect Pensions Kenneth Stribling, and Milwaukee residents Deanna Branch and Rashawn Spivey sharing their stories with the nation in primetime. These Wisconsinites shared how Biden-Harris policies have directly impacted the lives of people across the Badger State—and why they know Vice President Harris will continue fighting for their communities.
On Monday night, Lieutenant Governor Rodriguez, a former health care professional, highlighted how important it is to elect a fighter like Vice President Harris to continue fighting for lower prescription drug costs and reproductive freedom.
Mayor Cavalier Johnson credited the Biden-Harris Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for bringing infrastructure investment to the historically Black community of Bronzeville. Retired Teamster and National United Committee to Protect Pensions president Kenneth Stribling spoke of his experience of almost losing his union pension, which along with the pensions of 33,000 other Wisconsinites, was saved by the Butch-Lewis Act—signed into law by President Biden as part of the American Rescue Plan.
Mayor Johnson was joined on stage by Milwaukee residents Deanna Branch and Rashawn Spivey shared how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is removing lead pipes from communities like theirs, and expressed gratitude for Vice President Harris’ commitment to making sure that everyone has access to clean water.
See what Wisconsin’s DNC speakers said, in part, down below:
Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguez: “[The Biden-Harris administration] negotiated down the prices of ten more life-saving drugs […] Kamala will continue to take on big pharma and lower the cost of prescriptions for everyone. Of course, healthcare isn’t just about drugs and treatment. It’s about freedom. The freedom to make your own choices, and the freedom to get the care you need without worrying about the cost. Kamala Harris is fighting for that healthy future.”
Mayor Cavalier Johnson: “In Wisconsin, keeping promises is important—so is making amends for your mistakes. One of those mistakes happened 60 years ago in a neighborhood called Bronzeville, brimming with black music, black culture, and entrepreneurship. And then came urban renewal, and the construction of Interstates 94 and 43, ripping our communities apart. Sixth Street was widened and people of color were displaced, homes destroyed, businesses shuttered […] Under Kamala Harris and Joe Biden we’re bringing Bronzeville back […] Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the opportunities are coming back.”
Kenneth Stribling: “After 50 days in office, the Biden-Harris administration passed the American Rescue Plan, including The Butch-Lewis Act, to save our pensions and secure our retirement […] They saved over 1 million pensions including 33,000 from my state, Wisconsin, 52,000 from Pennsylvania, 61,000 from Michigan. As President, I know Kamala Harris will have our backs. She will fight for our retirement, Social Security, and Medicare.”
Deanna Branch: “When my son, Aiden, was 2, he was hospitalized due to high levels of lead in his blood. Lead was everywhere: in our pipes, in our paint, and in our soil. President Biden and Vice President Harris passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law [which] removed lead pipes from communities like ours. As President, Kamala Harris will make sure [that] everyone can drink clean water and, in Aiden’s words, be Lead Free Superheros.”
Rashawn Spivey: “When President Biden and Vice President Harris announced their goal to replace every lead pipe in America, [Hero Plumbing] stepped up to help make that vision a reality. We went to work replacing lead pipes that served homes and child care centers in our communities. Since then we have replaced more than 1,000 pipes. That was made possible thanks to Vice President Kamala Harris […] Because of her leadership, I’ve grown my business and helped kids like Aiden have safer and healthier lives.”
