Expanding Treatment Options

After months of collaboration and discussions with fellow legislators, on Tuesday, the Assembly gave final approval to legislation I authored with Rep. Goyke that will allow for the statewide expansion of the Family Drug Treatment Court program (FDTC). The program is currently in use in Milwaukee County and has yielded tremendous success.

The FDTC is an alternative drug rehab program that brings together social workers, attorneys, the judge and participants for a discussion focused on treatment and steps to reunifying the parent with children who have been removed from the home due to unsafe conditions.

This innovative program will save lives by creating a path for people suffering from addiction to get the help they need to maintain a sober household that is safe for their children. I look forward to it becoming law in the coming days.

Have a great week!

On Monday evening we celebrated a very important figure in our community; South Milwaukee Police Chief Ann Wellens celebrated her retirement after 28 years on the force.

Chief Wellens started on the force in 1989 and was elevated to chief in 2005. Under Chief Wellens leadership the South Milwaukee Police Department became the first in Milwaukee County to be certified by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group.

Chief Wellens has been a selfless leader in the community and I want to thank her for her years of service making South Milwaukee a safe place to live and work. It is a retirement that is well-earned!

Next week, the Assembly will be in session on Tuesday, January 23, followed by the State of the State address delivered by Gov. Walker on Wednesday, January 24. You can follow along both days on Wisconsin Eye.