Welcome to the new Wisconsin Fair Trade Coalition website!
We encourage you to click through and learn more about our organization, get key information on how our international economy is organized, and take action to fight for fair trade policy and a stronger economy!
Check back often for recent fair trade news, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved.
URGENT ALERT – Say NO to the Colombia “Free” Trade Agreement
In an unprecedented move, President Bush sent the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement up to Capitol Hill this week, against the strong objections of Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other congressional leadership. This is the first time a President has sent a trade agreement under Fast Track in complete defiance of the top leaders of Congress. Under Fast Track trade authority rules, the House will likely face an up-or-down vote on the Colombia deal before the end of August, and perhaps as soon as this month.
We've seen the results that past "free" trade agreements like NAFTA and CAFTA have had on our country — jobs lost, communities devastated, families ruined and left without a chance to achieve the American dream. This is yet another example of a job-killing trade deal that will have damaging consequences at home and abroad.
Contact your representatives today, and ask them to oppose the Colombia FTA. Be sure to leave your home address and to ask for a response. Here’s how to contact your Member of Congress:
- By phone. A handful of calls from your district can make the difference. Let them know you are watching. Call (202) 224-3121 and ask the capitol switchboard operator to connect you to your member’s office. There’s a sample script below. You can call three times – to reach your Representative, and both Senators Kohl and Feingold.
- By email. Both the AFL-CIO and Change to WIN have launched email campaigns opposing the Colombia FTA. To participate, click on the links, enter your address, and send an email directly to your congressperson.
You can also download a poster by clicking here, and put it on a bulletin board at work, school, or a public place. Link your blog or website to this to get more information out.
Need more information? You can find background on the Colombia FTA at talking union posts here and here.
Milwaukee Fair Trade Coalition to host WFTC Celebration of World Fair Trade Day and Free Trade Crawl
Retail stores, coffee shops and bakeries in Milwaukee will celebrate World Fair Trade Day with special discounts and free stuff on Saturday, May 10, all day at locations throughout Milwaukee. Check back soon for more details.
In addition, please join us for a special Community Reception to Celebrate World Fair Trade Day that day, Saturday, May 10, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Outpost Natural Foods Co-op in Bay View, 2826 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. Contributions of any size will be appreciated!
SPECIAL ELECTION ALERT:
The Wisconsin Fair Trade Coalition sent policy questionnaires to the five remaining candidates for President in advance of the Wisconsin Primary Election to be held on Tuesday, February 19.
We thank Senator Clinton for returning the questionnaire, and her responses are posted here. Senator Obama sent us a letter, and that is posted here.
UPDATE: Senator Obama submitted the questionnaire later the evening of Monday, February 18, and it is now posted here.
Senator McCain indicated he does not return questionnaires. We have not received any response from Governor Huckabee or Congressman Paul.
You can read the Wisconsin Fair Trade Coalition press release regarding these questionnaires by clicking here.
The Wisconsin Fair Trade Coalition is a 501(c)4 organization and has not made any endorsement in this election. The information provided here is for information only.
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