Exactly a year ago, the Wisconsin Legislature caught us sleeping. In a secret predawn move on June 5, 2013, legislators anonymously inserted a measure into the state budget. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Jason Stein broke the news in a tweet at 5:19 a.m. — the moment we’re posting this update, as we reflect on the first anniversary. The entire Legislature soon approved the two-sentence provision, titled “Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism.” It would have evicted WCIJ from offices we share with our student interns on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, and would have made it illegal for UW employees to collaborate with WCIJ. With your help, our darkest hour became our finest hour.
Tag: eviction attempt
Posted inBlogs, Government, Money & Politics, News about Wisconsin Watch, WisWatch Blog
Center’s possible eviction from UW: Summary and resources
A summary of what happened, news coverage and the Center’s response to the budget provision that would have evicted the Center from the University of Wisconsin.
Posted inNews about Wisconsin Watch
Center responds to veto of eviction attempt, launches Education Fund drive
We thank Gov. Scott Walker for deleting this ill-conceived measure from the budget. The effort by an unnamed lawmaker or lawmakers to end the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism’s award-winning relationship with the University of Wisconsin, however, tells us that our reporting is making a difference.
Posted inGovernment, News about Wisconsin Watch
Center’s eviction now in Walker’s court
The Center’s eviction is now in Walker’s court. Both houses of the state Legislature have declined to ax a state budget provision that would evict the Center from the University of Wisconsin and bar UW employees from working with it as part of their duties.
Posted inNews about Wisconsin Watch
WCIJ Board of Directors statement on the Joint Finance Committee proposal to evict the Center from the UW
“We believe the Center can contribute much more in the future to Wisconsin citizens, faculty and students through its present location at the university. Thus, we respectfully request removal of language that would curtail what has been a productive and rewarding collaboration for all, providing students with pay, real-world experience and expanded opportunities for employment while helping residents understand major issues facing their communities.”
Posted inNews about Wisconsin Watch
Simpson Street Free Press stands with WCIJ
“In an age where print media is on a steady decline, funds to support the watchdog function of journalism are virtually non-existent. That’s why attacks by some in state government on the Center for Investigative Journalism are so deplorable.
And they hurt Wisconsin’s young people.”
Posted inNews about Wisconsin Watch
Investigative Reporters and Editors board calls for Wisconsin lawmakers to halt action against Center
“Beyond the impact of the stories it tells, the Center stands as a unique training ground for a new generation of young reporters learning the skills of investigative journalism under the guidance of executive director and former IRE Board member, Andy Hall. Targeting such work is indefensible.”
Posted inGovernment, News about Wisconsin Watch
Lawmakers’ attempt to evict Center arouses national controversy
Motion 999 was approved 12-4 down party lines, with Republicans in the majority, around 6 a.m. The controversy and coverage began shortly afterward, from news organizations and groups across the nation and the political spectrum.
Posted inNews about Wisconsin Watch
‘Petty, vindictive, dumb’: Conservative host Charlie Sykes defends the Center
Charlie Sykes, a conservative radio host on Milwaukee’s WTMJ, came to the Center’s defense in a June 5 column, reprinted here from RightWisconsin.com.