Pure Madnesson

Progressive Left Helps Make City #1 for Business

Progressive Dane's best public policy proposal will always be the next one it hasn't dreamed up yet. It's the combination of numerous successful policy initiatives that make Madison so attractive to businesspeople and residents alike.

The grassroots political party Progressive Dane continues to successfully pass progressive policy initiatives that level the playing field for small businesses, protect even the most vulnerable Madisonians, and push the envelope for change on a state or national level. Some like to focus on the finer points of Progressive Dane's individual proposals. But it's the big-picture combination of policies that continues to drive economic development in a positive direction while ensuring worker rights, public health, and social justice.

People used to criticize Madison for not being able to get things done. Now people are impressed by the actions of the City Council as Progressive Dane's grassroots efforts have brought people together to find solutions.

In just the last year, the progressive grassroots activists, mostly but not exclusively tied to Progressive Dane, have:

• Passed a "Big Box" law to protect local retailers and to ensure that the city follows better land use practices.
• Passed and tried to keep in place a minimum wage that is actually a living wage so that Madison's workforce can actually afford to live in the city. This ordinance pushed the state to follow suit with a minimum wage increase of its own.
• Supported a smoke-free workplace ordinance that protects public health and the health of Madison's workforce, which has not hurt tavern business overall as businesses are applying for more liquor licenses than ever.
• Tried to protect the public's right to know who is being paid to influence local governmental decisions by insisting on enforcement of Madison's lobbying ordinance.
• Passed and are fighting to protect the Inclusionary Zoning ordinance that requires some affordable, moderate-income housing in all new developments. Such dispersion of affordable housing is good for our schools, our community, and our workforce.
• Unveiled a sick leave ordinance that would require the few employers in Madison who currently force workers to work while sick to provide a minimal amount of paid sick leave, protecting the health of our families, our children, and the public.

Go ahead and debate specific items that you may not like. That's not the point. The point is that -through these initiatives and other actions such as insisting on an economic development plan for the city- Progressive Dane is making Madison a great place to live, play, and work.

Numerous publications have called the Madison area great for entrepeneurs and creative workers. Our world class university and related technology firms are just one part of that. The efforts of Progressive Dane and others also contribute to Madison's top notch economy and low unemployment rates.

Progressive Dane has also put forth a package of small business initiatives to further promote economic development. Their efforts in keeping transportation affordable, promoting public transportation, and increasing quality of child care and other community services are all a major part of economic development. We must recognize that businesses will only locate in Madison as long as their workers can afford to live in the city.

The economy in Madison's suburbs has been growing, as well, largely because Madison is running out of space to physically expand. Businesses needing more land but valuing what Madison has to offer may choose to locate in the suburbs where issues of sprawl have not been addressed yet. The economy of the region mirrors that of its strongest asset: Madison.

Madison's progressives have shown they care about the city and its economy. They care enough that when Congress or the State Legislature refuse to act, Madison's leaders come through to ensure the quality of life within the city. We can't control the state and federal bodies of government, but we can make Madison an example for the rest of the country.

The Chamber of Commerce continues to fight for the big business special interests in its midst, ignoring the desires of its smaller members. Their whining is making it harder and harder for Progressive Dane and the city's left to do what it needs to do to make Madison the thriving city we all desire.

Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, to some degree, seems to listen to the Chamber of Commerce and others on the far right. Hopefully, he will see his mistake and continue to support the progressive voice in Madison, and hopefully, voters in future elections will too.

posted by Pure Madness<>  # 7:35 PM