Latest News Clips
Community members and a few politicians help remodel Bolton Refuge House
- 1/30/10
Labor came from community members and few familiar faces, Congressman Ron Kind and State Representative Kristen Dexter were on hand to help give back to the community. Read more »
Rep. Kind pitches in to get new Bolton Refuge House ready
- 1/30/10
Kind and a team of 25 supporters spent much of the day doing construction work at the new shelter for victims of abuse. They painted and tore down walls to make room for living and meeting spaces. He says his supporters turned out today because they recognize the important role the shelter plays in the Chippewa valley. Read more »
Kind deserves to be re-elected to Congress
- 12/23/09
I've disagreed with a couple of Ron's decisions, yet I've continued to respect and support him because he has consistently demonstrated that while his heart and soul are all western Wisconsin, his mind and eyes are on both western Wisconsin and our nation. That is why next November, I'll again be voting to return Ron Kind to the U.S. House of Representatives, as should every 3rd Congressional District voter. Read more »
U.S. Rep. Ron Kind reacts to President's Afghanistan plan
- 12/1/09
A decision to increase troops is one of the most difficult decisions a President has to make. I am pleased that President Obama is taking time to weigh all the options and is asking the right questions. It is important that the policy is worth the sacrifice that our men and women in uniform are making on behalf of our country. Read more »
Our view: Reform rightly remains top priority
- 11/22/09
Overhauling the U.S. health care system is tough. And we continue to applaud the efforts of Kind, U.S. Rep. Tim Walz and U.S. Sens. Russ Feingold and Herb Kohl to tackle the unsustainable fiscal trajectory of Medicare - a two-edged sword of brutal geographic disparities in its reimbursement system and the reliance on a fee-for-service care that rewards quantity over quality. Those issues are reason enough to continue the drive to reform our current system. Read more »
Cindy Innes: AARP thanks Kind for health care vote
- 11/16/09
AARP wants to thank U.S. Rep. Ron Kind for his vote in favor of better health care for every Wisconsinite. With the passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962), we are one step closer to a stronger Medicare for seniors and future generations as well as stable, affordable health care options for all Americans. Read more »
Ron Kind: I voted for stable, affordable health care
- 11/15/09
The Affordable Health Care for America Act not only makes health care more stable and affordable for those who already have health insurance, but it also guarantees access to health insurance coverage for the uninsured and provides security for seniors, while responsibly reducing the federal deficit during the next 10 years and beyond. This is reform that is long overdue. Read more »
Kind to hold town hall meeting on health care
- 11/10/09
U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, D-La Crosse, will hold a telephone town hall meeting Nov. 18 where residents of Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District can provide feedback and ask questions about the health care reform bill passed by the House of Representatives on Saturday. Read more »
Killing them with Kind-ness: Rep. Kind uses diplomacy to challenge leaders
- 10/27/09
Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.) isn't a bomb-thrower, but he certainly knows how to stand his ground and defend his position - even when it challenges the Democratic status quo.
Through this diplomatic approach to bucking Democratic leaders, the earnest centrist has emerged as an influential voice on healthcare, ethics and efforts to cut pork and reduce wasteful spending.
Read more »
Ron Kind: It's time for a new national dairy policy
- 10/26/09
The past year has been a very difficult time for Wisconsin dairy farmers and their families. I have heard the personal stories from farmers across the state who are going to extraordinary lengths to get through this crisis. We must find both an immediate and a long-term solution so we can save farms and preserve the livelihood of farmers in western Wisconsin and across the country. Read more »
House passes Kagen-Kind bill to help veterans buy houses
- 10/12/09
Jerry Kavanaugh says he doesn't hesitate to call his representatives in Congress about whatever's on his mind, but he rarely expects much of a response.
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So the Kaukauna street and parks department worker was surprised to learn that a call he made in April to U.S. Rep. Steve Kagen has been answered with House passage of a bill that might help Kavanaugh's son, Dave, buy a home when he returns from Iraq. Read more »
\Richard Mial: Kind introduces bill to monitor pollution hot spots
- 10/6/09
With the Mississippi River as the backdrop for television news cameras Monday, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind talked about a way he and the U.S. Department of Agriculture can clean up the Mississippi River. Read more »
Bill would alter tax options for home-based businesses
- 9/25/09
Self-employed home-based business owners may have an additional tax option beginning next year as bi-partisan legislation aims to streamline home office deduction filing. Read more »
Kind touts student-loan overhaul
- 9/20/09
The House last week approved sweeping changes to the student loan system, an overhaul Republicans see as more government intervention and Democrats insist will lift the burden of crippling debt off students while cutting into the national debt.
The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act was approved Thursday, 253-171, largely along party lines, and establishes a deadline of July 1, 2010, for all American higher education institutions to switch their loan systems over to the federal direct loan plan. Read more »
Federal grant will help promote healthy lifestyles in La Crosse County
- 9/12/09
La Crosse County has received a $333,000 federal grant to help fight obesity in young schoolchildren and train physicians to counsel patients on healthy lifestyles.
Read more »
Jennifer O'Neill: Bill would greatly help today's students
- 9/10/09
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Jennifer O'Neill: Bill would greatly help today's students
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By Jennifer O'Neill / La Crosse | Posted: Thursday, September 10, 2009 12:15 am | No Comments Posted
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In the past decade, tuition in the University of Wisconsin System has more than doubled. About 110,000 Wisconsin students received government aid in the 2007-08 academic year, yet every year thousands and thousands of students are priced out of higher education. The increasing costs, without a corresponding increase in aid, is making life that much more difficult for students and their familie Read more »
National Fish Habitat Conservation Act
- 9/4/09
Since the idea was presented about nine years ago, the concept of a national framework for fish habitat restoration has been met with nearly unanimous support. The few that questioned the reality of such a large-scale effort generally were concerned about the complexities of pulling it off. Read more »
Congressman Kind taking feedback from health care meetings back to Washington
- 8/28/09
Taking care of your health and finding an affordable way to pay for it is one of the biggest debates in Washington today.
After holding several town hall meetings throughout the summer, Representative Ron Kind will now be taking Western Wisconsin's public input to Washington with him. Read more »
Rep. Kind's forum passionate but civil
- 8/22/09
WHITEHALL - Compared with the unruly, sometimes violent health care town hall meetings that have gained national attention in recent weeks, the forum led Friday by U.S. Rep. Ron Kind was downright tame. Read more »
Civility reins at Kind's town hall meeting
- 8/19/09
"There was enough respect and courtesy where you can conduct a forum of this nature without degenerating into mob rule." - U.S. Rep. Ron Kind Read more »
Kind cares for constituents
- 8/14/09
Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District is fortunate to have strong, common-sense representation by U.S. Rep. Ron Kind. Since my mother was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson's disease five year ago, I have been following research and legislation effecting health Read more »
Kind to hold health care listening sessions
- 8/7/09
Congressman Ron Kind wants to hear about health care problems in western Wisconsin.The La Crosse Democrat is holding listening sessions this month, along with hospital administrators and doctors. Read more »
UW-La Crosse receives federal grant to prepare students for doctoral study
- 8/1/09
U.S. Representative Ron Kind announced Wednesday that both the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and the University of Wisconsin-Stout have been selected to receive funding under the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program Read more »
Community to receive $99,999 in federal assistance
- 8/1/09
U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, D-Wis., recently announced that the village of Gays Mills will receive $99,999 in funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Read more »
Congressman Kind talks with local firefighters about federal money
- 7/28/09
Hundreds of millions of federal dollars are helping support fire stations across the country.
Recently, the house passed the 2010 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill which will provide 810 million dollars for firefighter assistance. Read more »
Kind throws support behind health care reform
- 7/24/09
U.S. Rep. Ron Kind said Friday he would support a national health care reform bill now that a coalition has proposed changes to Medicare reimbursements. Read more »
Moderate Democrats star in health care debate
- 7/24/09
Washington Wisconsin Rep. Ron Kind and other moderate Democrats in the House are playing starring roles in the evolving congressional debate over health care reform.
As a potentially decisive voting bloc in Congress, moderates are now at the center of the action in Washington, heavily courted by President Barack Obama, who counts health care as his top domestic priority, and in the thick of negotiations with congressional leaders who are changing the legislation to accommodate their concerns. Read more »
US House leaders reach deal on Medicare payments
- 7/24/09
Democratic leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives said an agreement reached on Friday over ways to reduce regional disparities in Medicare payments would go a long way toward advancing an overhaul of the healthcare industry. Read more »
Mission to Mars
- 7/20/09
"It was a time in our nation's history," says Rep. Ron Kind, (D) 3rd District Wisc. "We were literally reaching for the stars." Read more »
An Rx for better care at lower cost
- 7/20/09
Cost-effectiveness should be one of the goals of American health-care reform.Without an emphasis on cost-effective care, the other goals of reform -- extending health insurance to virtually all Americans and improving the quality of care -- will be unaffordable . Read more »
Kind seeks health care testimonial
- 7/17/09
REEDSBURG, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) is interested in hearing health care testimonials from constituents. Read more »
Energy bill took care of farmers
- 7/6/09
America's family farmers have unique roles to play in combating global climate change. Several members of Wisconsin's congressional delegation understand that, and I thank them for their votes in support of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. As President Barack Obama said about the legislation's passage, it is a bold and necessary step. Read more »
Congressman Kind Holds Panel Discussion About Health Care Reform
- 7/2/09
The federal agency for Healthcare Research and Quality ranks Wisconsin number one in the nation for health care quality.
In addition, the coulee region serves as an efficient health care model for the entire United States.
Today Congressman Ron Kind, along with a group of local health care officials held a panel discussion to address health care reform. Read more »
Area health care panel addresses insurance, reimbursement concerns
- 7/2/09
Todd Ondell can't afford health insurance for his employees at Grounded Speciality Coffees.
Part of the reason insurance is out of reach might have to do with how the federal government reimburses health care institutions for Medicare.
A recent story in The Washington Post compared Medicare reimbursement rates in La Crosse and Miami. Read more »
Dodgeville Residents Talk Health Care Reform At Panel
- 6/30/09
DODGEVILLE, Wis. -- While health care has been getting plenty of discussion on a national level, an area community was chiming in on Tuesday.In Dodgeville, health care is available for all whether or not they have insurance. Read more »
Kind, Walz back climate bill in House
- 6/27/09
U.S. Reps. Ron Kind and Tim Walz joined 211 House Democrats and eight Republicans Friday in passing a sweeping and controversial energy plan that would for the first time put limits on carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. Read more »
Immediate need for health care reform
- 6/23/09
I recently held a telephone town hall meeting where I was able to address many of the details of health care reform with people throughout western Wisconsin. Over 2,300 constituents called in to hear me discuss health care, share their ideas on the topic, and ask me questions on a variety of health care concerns. We face unique American challenges in reforming our health care system which will require a unique American solution Read more »
Report: Health premiums double in state in 9 years
- 6/23/09
The health care crisis is deepening in Wisconsin, according to a report released Monday by Health Care for America Now.
The health care reform coalition report said health insurance premiums for employers and employees have risen to $13,599 per year for a family in Wisconsin, nearly double what it was in 2000. Read more »
Wildlife Takes Top Priority Under New Public Lands Management Blueprint
- 6/18/09
A sweeping bill introduced last week in Congress would mandate that wildlife habitat preservation "should guide the stewardship of America's public lands," a policy that, if implemented, could upend current land management policies and create new challenges for renewable energy development across the West. Read more »
Kind and Walz push for quality, lower cost health care
- 6/16/09
The Democrats from western Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota are co-sponsors of a bill that would change the way the federal government reimburses health care institutions to put the emphasis on quality care and better coordination of care.
Costs can be substantially reduced in the process, they said.
Read more »
A Century of Service: Fort McCoy commemorates anniversary
- 6/14/09
TOMAH, Wis. As military personnel and public officials remembered Fort McCoy's past at a Centennial Commemoration Ceremony on Saturday, the distant sound of helicopters served as a reminder of ongoing training efforts on the post. Read more »
Kind talks health care with Obama and Pelosi; newspaper praises La Crosse for affordability
- 6/10/09
The timing couldn't have been better: On the day U.S. Rep. Ron Kind was to meet both with President Barack Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, The Washington Post ran a front-page article praising La Crosse for its economical health care. Read more »
Kind optimistic about healthcare reform
- 6/10/09
Minutes after discussing health care with the president, a Wisconsin congressman say he feels good about reform. Read more »
Kind: Economy growing but tough road ahead
- 6/3/09
Some encouraging signs for an economic recovery recently but we're not there yet according to Wisconsin Congressman Ron Kind (D-La Crosse). Read more »
Stimulus Money Pays for Loans to Help Small Businesses
- 6/2/09
Congressman Ron Kind joined local business developers at UW-La Crosse to help people understand the loans. Read more »
Kind: Cost control key to health care reform
- 5/10/09
But U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, D-La Crosse, Wis., argues that the most important issue is cost.
For us to have any hope to getting back to balanced budgets in the future, we've got to do health-care reform, Read more »
Ron Kind thanks teachers for their roles in student education
- 5/8/09
In honor of National Teacher Recognition Week, Kind thanked teachers for the role they play in making sure every student gets a quality education. Read more »
La Crosse Congressman: Get Your Fit On
- 5/5/09
Ever the fitness advocate, La Crosse's congressman is back at it again in Washington. Democrat Ron Kind is among the lawmakers in DC introducing legislation to pump up the fitness levels of all Americans through some financial incentives Read more »
Conservation tool must continue
- 5/1/09
Our community should know about new legislation championed by our Congressman Ron Kind that will preserve a critical tool for land conservation. Read more »
Rep. Kind emphasizes preparedness
- 4/30/09
n a formal statement Thursday, US Representative Ron Kind (D-WI) emphasized the importance of preparedness in responding to three probable cases of H1N1 influenza reported in Wisconsin. Read more »
Workers Deserve Choice
- 4/24/09
U.S. Rep. Ron Kind is absolutely correct in supporting the Employee Free Choice Act, which would level the playing field between chief executive officers and their employees. Read more »
Recognizing on Earth Day that Small Steps Make a Great Impact
- 4/24/09
In the tradition of former Wisconsin Senator and Earth Day founder, Gaylord Nelson, we celebrate the 39th Earth Day this week. Senator Nelson would be proud to see that since 1970, Earth Day has come a long way. Read more »
Third District Art Contest Held by Congressman Kind & His Wife
- 4/18/09
A couple of local art students recently got some national recognition for their art work, thanks to Congressman Ron Kind and his wife. Read more »
Kind Introduces Bill to Stop Farm Subsidies to Millionaires
- 3/20/09
Rep. Ron Kind says he is introducing the bill in response to a report issued byt he Government Accountability Office, which states that thousands of farmers in recent years have received taxpayer subsidies, even though they did not legally qualify for them based on their high incomes. Read more »
Fort McCoy at 100
- 3/11/09
WASHINGTON, DC n U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI-3) and Wisconsins two U.S. Senators, Herb Kohl (D-WI) and Russ Feingold (D-WI), introduced a congressional resolution Thursday marking the 100th anniversary of Fort McCoy Read more »
Kind, allies meet with Obama on economy
- 3/10/09
U.S. Rep. Ron Kind and 64 of his closest allies in Congress met with President Barack Obama on Tuesday at the White House to discuss solutions to several major challenges facing the nation. Read more »
Kind: US must reign in health costs
- 2/25/09
Rising health care costs are a major factor in federal budget problems, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind said after attending President Barack Obama's Fiscal Responsibility Summit on Monday. Read more »
Kind hears concerns about Health Care
- 2/18/09
Affordable health care is the nation's No. 1 challenge, Kind said. The United States needs health care reforms that reward outcomes and performance instead of simply reimbursing providers. Read more »
Kind likes what he's hearing from Obama on agriculture
- 12/8/08
U.S. Rep. Ron Kind said in an interview with WisPolitics.com last week he is optimistic about President-elect Barack Obama's early statements on the farm subsidies program. A GAO report this week found that taxpayer subsidies continue to go to individuals with incomes in the millions of dollars, Kind said. Read more »
Kind: GAO Report Shows Illegal Farm Subsidies Went to Millionaires
- 12/4/08
A Wisconsin lawmaker is calling for more oversight after a report by the Government Accountability Office showed that nearly $50 million in farm subsidies were paid to ineligible multi-millionaires from 2003 to 2006. Congressman Ron Kind says the findings are 'a slap in the face' to the other American families who are struggling, and it creates a lack of trust for the government.
Read more »
US House farm-subsidy reformers to meet Obama team
- 12/2/08
Farm-subsidy reformers from the U.S. House of Representatives will meet members of the Obama transition team next week to discuss possible changes in the farm program, said Rep. Ron Kind on Monday. Read more »
Reps. Kind, Walz call for cooperation as Dems increase control of Congress
- 11/6/08
Democratic Congressmen Ron Kind and Tim Walz weren't gloating over their re-elections Wednesday, or the prospect of a strengthened majority working with a Democratic administration.
Calling for "a dose of humility," Kind said Democrats must work with Republicans to govern effectively. Read more »
Rep. Kind upbeat after re-election
- 11/5/08
U.S. Rep. Ron Kind is excited about working with a Democrat-controlled Congress and Democrat Barack Obama in the White House. Everyone will have to work together, however.
"These are going to be exciting days," Kind said Wednesday morning. "But it took awhile to get us into this (economic) situation, and it's going to take a while to fix it. The challenge is great." Read more »
Kind continues to focus on small business growth
- 10/29/08
Small business is the background of the economy here in the Midwest and everywhere else in America, according to Ron Kind. Read more »
Congressman Ron Kind brings campaign to Tomah
- 10/27/08
Congressman Ron Kind discussed health care, the financial crisis and stressed government unity on the campaign trail in the Tomah area on Thursday. Read more »
For Congress: Ron Kind
- 10/27/08
Since 1997, incumbent Congressman Ron Kind has been working for area residents on issues including farm policy, conservation, the environment and the Mississippi River.
Read more »
OUR ENDORSEMENT: Kind for Congress in Dist. 3
- 10/25/08
Voters in western Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District should return Kind to Washington for a sixth term so he can keep fighting for farm families and public schools. Read more »
Kind touts oversight, taxpayer protection in economic bailout plan
- 9/29/08
Like most members of Congress -- and their constituents -- Ron Kind isn't thrilled with the $700 billion Wall Street bailout. But he is happy with changes made to the proposal put forth last week by President Bush. Read more »
Kind says invent now, not drill now
- 9/17/08
This week U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, D-Wis., is supporting a measure in the U.S. House that would give states the right to allow off-shore drilling as long as it is at least 50 miles off the coast. Read more »
Kind visits Hudson, tours Energy Concepts
- 9/5/08
U.S. Rep. Ron Kind continued his "Energy Tour" of western Wisconsin Tuesday, Sept. 2, with a visit to Energy Concepts Inc. in Hudson. Read more »
Kind pumps up fitness message in Madison
- 9/5/08
A Wisconsin congressman brings his "FIT Kids" message to a Madison elementary school. It's not in his district, but La Crosse Democrat Ron Kind thinks Lapham Elementary School's innovative phy ed program is a great example of what he'd like to see more of, in schools across the nation. Read more »
Rep. Ron Kind honored for land trust support
- 9/4/08
Two land conservancy groups honored U.S. Rep. Ron Kind on Wednesday for his support of tax breaks for people who donate conservation easements on their land. Read more »
Finding New Energy Resources
- 8/11/08
As part of the 3rd Congressional Energy Tour, Representative Ron Kind has been visiting businesses in Wisconsin that are helping save money and the earth. Read more »
Rep. Ron Kind: Energy crisis a man-on-the-moon challenge
- 8/7/08
Nearly 50 years ago, President Kennedy issued a bold challenge to Congress: Put a man on the moon within a decade. Many said it could not be done. But eight years later, when Apollo 11 commander Neil Armstrong took that first step for man and mankind, it became the single most powerful image of our strength as a nation to achieve the impossible. Read more »
Democrats Seek Tougher Line on Drug Patent Rights
- 8/4/08
Congressional Democrats want U.S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab to take a tougher line on protecting the intellectual property rights of U.S. drugmakers. Read more »
Work to protect Hmong urged
- 8/4/08
Lawmakers have called on the State Department to persuade the Thai government to stop forcibly returning Hmong refugees to their homeland. Read more »
Ron Kind introduces tax relief bill for disaster victims
- 8/2/08
Natural-disaster victims would automatically qualify for tax benefits under a bill introduced last week by Wisconsin Congressman Ron Kind. Read more »
Kind holds listening session on economy
- 7/29/08
People shared concerns about the economy and other issues Monday at a listening session hosted by Rep. Ron Kind at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Read more »
Simmons behind Kind's fitness bill
- 7/25/08
One described himself as an ex-fatty kid from Louisiana who lived on bearnaise sauce and didn't exercise -- at all -- until after college.
The other didn't merely exercise, he was a star high school athlete and Harvard University quarterback.
But Richard Simmons and U.S Rep. Ron Kind now have at least this much in common: They testified Thursday, along with 1987 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Brown, before the House Education and Labor Committee about their passion for the FIT Kids Act. Read more »
Bipartisanship only way to cure disease
- 7/12/08
I believe that the only way we are going to tackle this crisis is to do it in a bipartisan way - not only because Social Security and Medicare don't discriminate by party, but also because history has shown that broad reform simply does not work when it is one party shoving its proposals down the other party's throat. Read more »
Expanding access to health care
- 6/11/08
A new effort in Congress could make health care coverage more accessible for
small business owners and their employees. Read more »
Legislation seeks to retool small-business insurance
- 6/10/08
A bipartisan congressional health care proposal was unveiled during a
Capitol Hill news conference Tuesday.
U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, D-La Crosse, and others introduced the legislation,
which was endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Businesses,
National Association of Realtors and Service Employees International Union. Read more »
Fort McCoy Gets Money for Barracks Improvements
- 5/30/08
Fort McCoy is among the Army posts getting money to improve living
conditions in the barracks. Representative Ron Kind announced Friday Fort
McCoy is getting $13 million for barracks improvements. Read more »
Venture capitalists see what area has to offer
- 5/28/08
Taking the expression "nothing ventured, nothing gained" to heart, U.S. Rep.
Ron Kind decided it was worth investing the time and effort to bring a group
of venture capitalists to western Wisconsin on Tuesday. Read more »
Capitalists venture to Wisconsin
- 5/26/08
It's not exactly a beaten path for venture capitalists.
But 10 financiers from firms as far-flung as Palo Alto, Calif., and Boston
will visit western Wisconsin today at the invitation of U.S. Rep. Ron Kind
(D-LaCrosse). Read more »
Kind, others in Congress call for earmark reform
- 4/16/08
U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, D-La Crosse, is one of several members of Congress calling for creation of a bipartisan commission to recommend reforms on Congressional spending for pet projects, commonly referred to as earmarks. Read more »
Kind hears from his constituents - electronically
- 4/12/08
Washington - Some 5,700 constituents joined Rep. Ron Kind on the telephone last week to share thoughts about the economy, health care and energy policy.
Read more »
Whatever happened to the idea of a balanced federal budget?
- 4/9/08
Remember the Ross Perot movement of 1992? It was a remarkable movement in which citizens got involved in politics out of concern about government spending.
Read more »
Plant farm bill on new ground
- 4/9/08
Congress ought to replace the old subsidy system with a more efficient farm safety net, similar to one Kind proposed last year. Read more »
War, healthcare costs and the price of gas - Congressman hears from constituents during listening session
- 4/2/08
U.S. Rep. Ron Kind held a listening session last week at the Dunn County Judicial Center. Attendees asked questions and expressed concerns they had with the federal government. According to the congressman, listening sessions provide a direct link between Kind and his constituents. Read more »
BOUNTIFUL HARVEST Farm Lobby Beats Back Assault On Subsidies
- 3/27/08
With grain prices soaring, farm income at record highs and the federal budget deficit widening, the subsidies and handouts given to American farmers would seem vulnerable to a serious pruning. Read more »
Spectrum to add jobs in Fennimore
- 3/18/08
New alkaline battery technology is bringing 50 jobs back to the Rayovac plant in Fennimore, Spectrum Brands announced today. Read more »
Kind's anti-pork pledge laudable, necessary step
- 3/17/08
The issue: U.S. Rep. Ron Kind pledges he won't put earmarks in federal spending bills this year and calls for a reform of the process.
Our view: Foregoing pork barrel projects is a small but important step toward fiscal sanity in Washington.
Read more »
Editorial: Plow new ground
- 3/16/08
Congress is threatening to pass another bloated farm subsidy bill. Instead, lawmakers should trim subsidies and set a reasonable income cap for farmers to receive them. Read more »
Lift farm policy into 21st century
- 3/15/08
That may be the only way to explain why Congress wants to spend $1 billion a year more to subsidize American farming when farmers are enjoying incomes that are 51 percent above the average of the past 10 years, thanks to a boom in biofuels and other factors. Read more »
Kind vows pork fast, says he will not request earmarks
- 3/12/08
U.S. Rep. Ron Kind announced Tuesday he would not seek any federal funding through the earmark process for 2009, calling the process broken. Read more »
Stuck on the Farm
- 3/9/08
AS CONGRESS and the administration wrangle over a new farm bill before the current version expires next Saturday, here are two numbers that may help clarify the issues: $5.74 and $92.3 billion. The former is the price of a bushel of corn on Wednesday, a historic high. The latter is the Agriculture Department's estimate for farm income; it is 4.1 percent above the $88.7 billion farmers made in 2007 and 51 percent above the average for the past 10 years. Read more »
Reform delegate process
- 2/17/08
On Tuesday, all eyes will be on Wisconsin. The tremendous strength and appeal of the candidates and the competitiveness of the race for the Democratic nomination have put our state in a pole position to decide who will go on to represent the party in the general election. Read more »
Save Money, Help the Economy
- 2/16/08
Congressman Ron Kind has an idea to put an extra 200 dollars a year into the pockets of most Americans. Read more »
Rep. Kind introduces bill that would help businesses offer savings plans
- 2/14/08
U.S. Rep. Ron Kind said Wednesday he has introduced legislation to encourage small businesses to offer retirement savings plans to their employees.
Read more »
Kind critical of super delegate system
- 2/14/08
A Wisconsin Congressman is criticizing the use of "super delegates" to determine the Democratic Party presidential nominee. Read more »
Kind says his superdelegate vote will follow 3rd District
- 2/14/08
U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, D-La Crosse, said today hes not going to endorse either New York Sen. Hillary Clinton or Illinois Sen. Barack Obama before Tuesdays Wisconsin presidential primary.
Read more »
Kind asks DNC to lose superdelegates
- 2/14/08
Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.) has asked the chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to revisit the issue of superdelegates so that those public officials and party leaders, who could decide the 2008 Democratic nomination, will not do so in the future. Read more »
Battleground WI: State Democrat Says Scrap Superdelegates
- 2/14/08
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Rep. Ron Kind called on the Democratic Party to scrap its super delegate system Wednesday, while announcing he'll cast his super delegate vote for whichever presidential candidate wins his congressional district in next week's primary. Read more »
Bill targets small businesses
- 2/13/08
Small businesses will have an easier time providing employees with retirement benefits under proposed legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, D-La Crosse. Read more »
Ron Kind Offers Proposal to Fight High Gas Prices
- 2/12/08
Congressman Ron Kind is encouraging President Bush to take action, in order to put a halt to rising gas prices. At a news conference Monday, Kind talked about his proposal. Read more »
Kind: Stop filling up U.S. oil reserves to pump up economy
- 2/12/08
The Bush Administration would better jump-start the U.S. economy by suspending purchases for the nations oil reserves, a move that would reduce gas prices by putting 70,000 gallons a day back into the market, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind said Monday.
Read more »
Kind's Iraq read is sound
- 12/12/07
We do not always agree with U.S. Rep. Ron Kind's approach to the Iraq occupation.
But we appreciate his thoughtful assessment of circumstances on the ground in that country. Read more »
Millions In Subsidies For Profitable Corn?
- 11/23/07
A lot of my farm families and neighbors come up to me and say, 'Why are we getting these payments when prices are so good?' And I say, 'You're right, this is crazy.'
Rep. Ron Kind, D-Wisc. Read more »
Kind to push for peace in Iraq
- 11/21/07
Like the nearly 170,000 American troops deployed in Iraq, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind will be a man on a mission when he departs next week on his fourth trip to that country since the U.S. invasion in 2003.
Kind, D-La Crosse, plans to meet with Iraqi officials to try to persuade them to take advantage of the lull in violence to work toward political reconciliation, he said Tuesday in a meeting with the Leader-Telegram editorial board.
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Kudos to Kind, a rare voice of sanity on farm bill
- 11/19/07
Our view: Ron Kind's efforts to reform our overweight and out-of-date farm policy is commendable, but his gutless colleagues won the day.
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Veterans Day brings attention to oral history project
- 11/10/07
This coming week is National Veterans History Project Week, as per a new U-S House resolution.
Congressman Ron Kind (D-La Crosse) says Veterans Day and the following week is a great opportunity to get the word out about the oral history project and increase participation.
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Rep. Kind: Veterans care turning corner
- 11/9/07
Congress made a historic pledge to veterans with a series of health and welfare bills this year, says Rep. Ron Kind, D-La Crosse.
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Kind's bill would help self-employed
- 11/8/07
Small-business owners across the United States have Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.) to thank for the introduction of the Equity for Our Nation's Self-Employed Act (H.R. 3660). The bill seeks to eliminate an inequity in the tax code that requires our nation's 21 million self-employed individuals to pay an additional 15.3 percent in payroll taxes on the cost of their health insurance premiums. Read more »
FROM THE HILL: Honor our veterans every day
- 11/8/07
Last summer I had the pleasure of interviewing Eugene Moran, a highly decorated World War II veteran from Soldiers Grove. This mans story was truly awe-inspiring. Eugene was flying a mission in a B-17 bomber in November of 1943 when he was shot down, falling 21,000 feet into enemy territory. He miraculously survived the fall, but he woke up a Prisoner of War. His struggle had only begun. Read more »
Kind failed in farm policy reform, but he shouldn't give up the fight
- 11/7/07
A story in this week's edition of Time magazine shows how difficult it is to be a Washington reformer.
The issue was American agricultural policy - which rewards the richest farmers who raise corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton and rice, and ignores the fact that while these few farmers are prospering, most of the rest of the population is living in depressed economic times.
U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, D-La Crosse, tried to change all this. Working with Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Mesa, Ariz., Kind tried to end no-strings-attached direct payments to farmers, end subsidies to rich farmers, increase spending for conservation and economic development, and send aid to farmers who were having tough economic times. Read more »
Why Our Farm Policy Is Failing
- 11/2/07
Agricultural policy is not sexy. You probably don't know the intricacies of "loan deficiency payments" or "base acreage," and you probably don't care. This was once an agrarian nation, but now there's a less than 1% chance that you're a farmer, and if you are, you're probably part time; the average farm family gets 82% of its income from nonfarm sources. We're not a people of the soil anymore, and for most of us, our eyes glaze over when we see farm statistics like the ones in that last sentence. Read more »
Active Ingredient
- 11/1/07
Childhood obesity has become a rallying point for politicians who've proposed countless pieces of local, state and federal legislation promising to make kids healthier, thinner and more physically active. Many of those bills haven't gotten far, often losing their initial support groups, proving too unwieldy for local jurisdictions or simply lacking necessary funds. Read more »
Editorial: Neglect on the Mississippi
- 10/20/07
In the decades since it assumed a central place in American culture and commerce, the Mississippi River has been called many things, including "The Father of Waters,"Old Blue" and, in the robust vernacular of Mark Twain, "the crookedest river in the world." Read more »
Self-employed seek equity on health deduction
- 10/15/07
Sole proprietors could save around $1,800 a year if Congress allows them to deduct the cost of their health care premiums before calculating their self-employment taxes. Read more »
FROM THE HILL: President's SCHIP veto was all about his priorities
- 10/11/07
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Editorial: Override this veto
- 10/4/07
Even some of the president's supporters in Congress realize he was wrong to veto the bill to expand health insurance for children. They need to convince others to override the veto.
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Health bill offers help to smallest businesses -- Proposal would give tax benefit when buying insurance
- 10/4/07
Reps. Ron Kind (D-Wis.) and Wally Herger (R-Calif.) have introduced legislation that would lower the cost of health insurance for people who are self-employed as sole proprietors of small businesses. Read more »
Sportsmen's Week spotlights industry
- 9/28/07
The week is the idea of U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, D-La Crosse, co-chairman of the caucus, along with Rep. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho. In Wisconsin, fishing and hunting make up a $4 billion industry directly employing 50,000 people. Nationally it's a $75 billion industry, Kind said Tuesday in a phone interview from Washington, D.C. Read more »
Kind, others introduce physical fitness bill
- 9/17/07
Law would boost school exercise Read more »
Editorial: Make physical education a bigger national priority
- 9/15/07
With childhood obesity at epidemic levels in the United States, it's time to put a greater emphasis on ensuring that schoolchildren are physically active. Read more »
Making Waves in Dairyland
- 6/22/07
WASHINGTON, June 19 - Ron Kind, a Democratic representative from Wisconsin dairyland, is making a name for himself as a crusader for big changes in farm policy. It's making many of his colleagues nervous.
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Campaign Spotlight
Kind Communities Service Projects
Throughout my life and work, I'm constantly reminded of the importance of giving back to your community. Therefore, I am asking you to join us as we work to turn out volunteers to the many important public service efforts that are going on around us every day.Please click the link below to get involved, suggest future projects, and learn more about the Western Wisconsin organizations that we're working with.
Thank you and please help us keep our communities healthy and strong!
Sowing the Seeds of Reform
In 2007, Ron Kind took on powerful and entrenched special interests in an effort to reform our farm and food policies to be more equitable for family farmers and for taxpayers.
Check out why the New York Times called Ron a "crusader."
Read More about Ron.
Press releases
12/10/09
Rep. Kind Committed to Fiscal Responsibility
Votes against Excessive Spending Bill
3/12/09
Rep. Kind Launches New Online Office
Website Offers More Opportunities to Connect with Congress
2/26/09
Rep. Kind Leads Effort to Prevent Forced Repatriation of Hmong Refugees to Laos
Kind Took Issue to Thailand's Acting Ambassador Wednesday
10/3/08
Kind: Proud to Support Phil Garthwaite For State Assembly
Kind supports Garthwaite's re-election
10/3/08
U.S. Rep. Kind Statement on House Vote to Approve Economic Rescue Plan
9/25/08
House Passes Rep. Kind's Disaster Tax Relief Plan Benefiting Victims of Wisconsin's June Floods
9/22/08
Congressman Kind endorses 91st Candidate Chris Danou
Kind supports Danou for Assembly
9/22/08
Congressman Kind endorses 92nd Candidate Mark Radcliffe
Kind supports Radcliffe for Assembly
9/11/08
U.S. Rep. Kind Statement on the Seventh Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks
9/10/08
Kind to Chair Sportsmen and Women for Obama in Wisconsin
Highlights Obama's Commitment to Protecting Gun Rights, Strengthening Conservation
4/15/08
Kind Introduces Bill Creating Bipartisan Commission to Reform Earmarking, Restore Public Trust in the Process
"This is a Bipartisan Problem Requiring a Bipartisan Solution," says Kind
3/20/08
U.S. Rep. Kind Pledges Super Delegate Vote
Obama Wins Third Congressional District 57% to 43%
3/18/08
Rep. Kind, Spectrum Brands, Announce New Jobs for Southwest Wisconsin
Rayovac to Bring 50 Jobs Back to Fennimore Plant
3/13/08
Congressman Kind Pledges His "Super-Delegate" Vote to Winner of the Third CD
Calls for Reform of Democratic Primary Process to Best Represent Voters' Will
3/12/08
Nation's Only Middle-Class Congressional Scorecard Awards "A" Grade to Rep. Ron Kind
2/28/08
CDF ACTION COUNCIL NAMES CONGRESSMAN KIND
AMONG THE "BEST REPRESENTATIVES FOR CHILDREN"
2/21/08
LCV Releases 2007 National Environmental Scorecard
New Leadership and New Members Make Down Payment on Desperately Needed Change
2/19/08
Rep. Kind Column: Reform the Nomination Process
12/18/07
Rep. Kind Votes to Send Landmark Energy Bill to President's Desk
Energy Independence and Security Act Strengthens National Security, Combats Global Warming, Lowers Energy Costs, Creates Jobs
11/6/07
Rep. Kind Votes to Override Bush Veto of Water Resources Development Act
Legislation Would Benefit Upper Mississippi River Basin
11/5/07
House Passes Resolution Establishing a National Veterans History Project Week, Nov. 11-17
11/5/07
Rep. Kind: Despite Reduction in Violence, Without Political Reconciliation Iraq Cannot Move Forward
11/1/07
Rep. Kind Secures Expansion of Wisconsin Veterans Mortgage Benefit
Tax Package for Military Families Quadruples Availability of Home Loans for Wisconsin Veterans
10/25/07
Kind Co-Authors Legislation Benefiting Small & Family-Owned Businesses in Western Wisconsin
Tax Relief Measure to Help Area S Corporations Reinvest, Grow their Business
10/22/07
House Passes Kind's REPAIR Act, Legislation to Combat Invasive Species in Wildlife Refuges
Establishes Comprehensive Approach to #1 Refuge Threat
10/18/07
U.S. Rep. Kind Statement on House Vote to
Override Vote Came Up 13 Votes Short
10/3/07
Kind, Herger Outline New Legislation to Eliminate Tax on Health Insurance Premiums for Self-Employed
Equity for Our Nations Self-Employed Act Addresses Inequity in Tax Code
9/20/07
Rep. Kind Takes the Lead on Priorities of Wisconsin's Sportsmen and Women
First Ever Congressional Sportsmens Week to Highlight Importance of Hunting, Fishing, and Outdoor Recreation in Wisconsin and Across America
7/31/07
Reps. Kind, Wamp, Inslee Introduce FIT Kids Act
Legislation Would Focus on Combating Childhood Obesity through Education
7/24/07
Reform Coalition Unveils Fairness in
Members Taking Farm Bill Reform Proposal to the Floor
7/10/07
House Passes Kind Bill to Protect Mississippi River
Legislation Will Reduce Sedimentation, Improve Water Quality
3/22/07
Cong. Kind Announces $3.5 Million for Necedah Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center