Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley Should Resign  

On Friday, I was joined by Representative Chris Taylor, UW student advocates against sexual assault, and One Wisconsin Institute for a press conference at which we called upon Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley to repudiate her past remarks blaming victims of sexual assault and correlating birth control to murder and to step down from serving on our state’s highest court.

Published in the Marquette Journal, Marquette Tribune, and MKE Magazine, Justice Bradley defended a professor who she claimed “legitimately suggested that women play a role in date rape” and stated that pharmacists should be able to refuse to fill birth control prescriptions if they object “to being a party to murder.”  Justice Bradley has refused to apologize or even clarify these remarks that were made several times between 1992 and 2006. Her writings have also included homophobic slurs and attacks on AIDS victims.

Justice Rebecca Bradley’s extreme and hate filled beliefs make her unfit to serve on our state’s highest court.  From calling members of the LGBTQ community “degenerates” and “queers,” to believing that women play a role in date rape, this is a person who has extreme biases unacceptable in a justice who is supposed to embrace fairness and neutrality. Especially in light of her continued refusal to apologize for and denounce her own absurd statements about rape and birth control, Rebecca Bradley should immediately step down from her position as a Justice on our Supreme Court.

Republicans Fail on Student Loan Debt Relief

Last week, I gave the Democratic Weekly Radio Address. The address focused on the failure of Republicans to take meaningful action on college affordability, which they claimed would be the centerpiece of their spring agenda.

You can listen to the radio address by clicking here.

A written transcript of the address is below:

This week Republicans wrapped up the legislative session with a whimper, particularly when it comes to college affordability, where they did not do one solitary thing to actually help students reduce their debt obligations.

Governor Walker and Republican legislators claimed college affordability would be the centerpiece of their spring agenda. But once again, they were all talk and no action. At the last minute – due to their own irresponsible budget decisions – the Republicans were forced to abandon key parts of their plan.

Wisconsin student loan borrowers deserve better than the weak, anemic proposals Republicans put forward. That’s why Democrats introduced our “Higher Ed, Lower Debt” bill, which would ensure real relief for the more than one million Wisconsinites with student debt by allowing them to refinance their loans as they would with a car loan or mortgage. Our proposal would save individual borrowers hundreds of dollars a year, providing more opportunity for our citizens and jumpstarting our economy.

Meaningful relief for students and borrowers is a top priority for people across Wisconsin, and it will continue to be a Democratic priority as well. We can and must do better to address this growing crisis.

Early Voting Has Begun

The Presidential Primary and Spring General Election will be held on April 5, but you do not have to wait until then to cast your ballots. In-person absentee voting for the election has already begun, and will continue through Friday, April 1, at the Madison City Clerk’s Office. To learn more about in-person voting, including location and times, please click here.

Absentee ballots are also available by mail. Everything you need to know to receive a ballot by mail is available via the Madison City Clerk by clicking here.

Remember: You must present an acceptable photo ID card to vote in Wisconsin. Click here to find out if you have the correct identification and to get information on how to obtain a free Wisconsin State ID Card for voting purposes.

Click here to see what is on your ballot.

Click here to read the “Candidates’ Answers” on the League of Women Voters of Dane County website.

Note: If you vote outside of the City of Madison, you will need to contact your local city or village clerk’s office for absentee voting locations and times.

Wisconsin Girl Scouts Troop 1912

On Thursday, I took part in the Wisconsin Girl Scouts Troop 1912 investiture ceremony. Wisconsin Troop 1912 was created in 2011 by the Girl Scouts Alliance of Wisconsin to honor those who serve in the Legislative and Executives branches of state government. At the ceremony we learned about the Girl Scouts’ current initiatives and heard from a Girl Scout about her experience. 

Since its inception, Wisconsin Troop 1912 has brought attention to the good work being done by Girl Scouts across our state and has provided us with the opportunity to serve as role models to the over 75,000 Girl Scouts in Wisconsin. Building women of courage, confidence, and character, the Girl Scouts are developing young leaders and fostering a spirit of service that will better our communities and our state.

Verona Road (US 18/151) Project Update and Open House Reminder

Construction Update for March 21-25
All lane restrictions and work operations are weather dependent and subject to change.

Access remains open to area businesses and neighborhoods in the project area. Please continue to patronize the area businesses!

Westbound and Eastbound Beltline, Whitney Way to Seminole Highway

• No nightly lane closures anticipated for westbound and eastbound Beltline, Seminole Highway to Whitney Way.

• Nightly lane closures on the westbound Beltline ramp to Verona Road.

  • 9p.m. – 5 a.m. (March 21-25)

• Nightly Beltline bridge demolition expected to start Monday night through Friday morning (March 21-25).

  • View the nightly closure (9 p.m. to 5 a.m.) of Verona Road/Midvale Boulevard at the Beltline during the demolition.

  • Significant noise is anticipated.

• Read the westbound Beltline construction activities.

• TRAFFIC SHIFT THIS WEEKEND: Learn about the upcoming Beltline traffic shift to the eastbound side, between Seminole Highway and Whitney Way, in effect Sunday morning (March 20).

• NEW RAMP MOVEMENTS: Learn about upcoming changes to ramp exit locations from the westbound Beltline to Verona Road and to Whitney Way.

• View the construction staging plans for the Beltline, Whitney Way to Seminole Highway.

  • Note: You will need to zoom in to see details.

Verona Road, Midvale Boulevard and Mohawk Drive

• Nightly full closure of Verona Road/Midvale Boulevard between the westbound and eastbound Beltline ramps (under the existing bridge for bridge demolition).

  • 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. (March 21-25)

  • Only right turns permitted in this area. Signed detour routes to be provided for closed movements.

• Daily and nightly lane closures to occur on westbound Beltline ramps at Verona Road and at Midvale Boulevard/Nakoma Road intersection for storm sewer, grading, and temporary traffic signal work.

  • 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (March 21-25)

  • 6p.m. – 6 a.m. (March 21-25)

• Daytime/nighttime single lane closure on southbound Midvale Blvd. between Nakoma Road and the Beltline. No time restrictions; please be alert for construction crews.

• MIDVALE TRAFFIC SHIFT: Midvale Blvd. traffic to shift Wednesday night (March 23) or Thursday night (March 24). Learn more about the Midvale Blvd. traffic shift and initial construction activities.

• Mohawk Drive to be CLOSED to through traffic starting Thursday (March 24) until late May 2016; no detour posted. Access to local businesses to be maintained.

  • Work will begin on new water main, storm sewer, and pavement in this area.

Pedestrian Accommodations

• Pedestrians should use temporary walkways and permanent sidewalks.

  • Sidewalk under the Beltline on east side of Verona Road is CLOSED; please use the west sidewalk.

  • Sidewalk from Midvale Blvd./Nakoma Road intersection CLOSED on the east side of Midvale Blvd.; please use the west sidewalk.

Plan Ahead: Two week look-ahead
Week of March 28 – April 1. Read about construction activities for week of March 28 - April 1.

For more information, contact:
Steven Theisen
Verona Road Project Communications Manager
(608) 884-1230 | steven.theisen@dot.wi.gov

STAY INFORMED: Verona Road Project website | Project Facebook page

Open House Reminder:

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is hosting a quarterly open house meeting to discuss design and construction activities for the Verona Road (US 18/151) reconstruction project, from the Madison Beltline south to County PD (McKee Road) in Fitchburg as well as the remaining westbound Beltline expansion, between Seminole Highway and Whitney Way.

When: Thursday, March 24, 2016 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Where: City of Fitchburg Fire Station No. 2 (5415 King James Way, Fitchburg)

No formal presentations are scheduled; stop by at your convenience.

Maps and exhibits of the Verona Road improvements will be on display. Department representatives will be available at these meetings to discuss the project on an individual basis.

Visit from Olson Elementary School

Last week, I met with a group of students from Olson Elementary School who came to visit the Capitol. I enjoyed meeting with the students after they finished their tour during which they explored the building and learned about the history of the State Capitol.

You Ask, I Answer

“You Ask, I Answer” is a feature of my weekly newsletter where you can get your questions answered. From time to time, a constituent emails or calls with a question that may also be of interest to others. Therefore, I created this feature, allowing constituents to email me questions for consideration in a future newsletter.

Please feel free to email your questions to Rep.Subeck@legis.wisconsin.gov, and we may share the answer in a future e-newsletter.

This week’s question was submitted by a constituent who has recently moved and needs information about registering to vote.

Read on for more details.

Question: I recently moved to a new home, and I wish to vote in the April 5^th primary.  How can I register to vote?

Answer: Within 20 days of an election, you may only register to vote in person. You may register at the municipal clerk’s office – which in Madison is located in the City County Building – any time through 5 p.m. of the Friday before the election. You may also register to vote at your polling place on election day. (Note: Wisconsin currently offers other ways to register but not within 20 days of an election.)

You must reside at your current residence for at least 28 days to register to vote at that address. If you have moved within Wisconsin during the last 28 days, you may vote from your previous address either in-person at your previous polling place or via absentee ballot. Voters who have moved to Wisconsin within the last 28 days are only allowed to vote in the Presidential election.

To register to vote, you must provide proof of residence. Click here for a list of documents that qualify for proof of residence. If you have a Wisconsin DOT-issued driver’s license or ID card, you will need to provide the number and registration date from your card. If you do not have a Wisconsin license or ID, you will need to provide the last 4 digits of your social security number.

For more information about registering to vote, click here.

Blue Books and Maps

My office has available the newest edition Blue Books and state maps. If you would like one, you may pick one up my at my Capitol office (418 North) any time from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you are unable to come to the Capitol but would like a Blue Book or map, please email Rep.Subeck@legis.wisconsin.gov or call my office at 608-266-7521 to have one sent to you.

Fun Wisconsin Fact

Belle Case La Follette, the wife of Robert “Fighting Bob” La Follette, was a lawyer and editor. She was the first woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin Law School. La Follette was also a leader in fight for the rights of women and African Americans in Wisconsin.

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