Fair
Funding for our Schools
Funding for public education in Wisconsin is far below what is needed to
fund our neighborhood schools. To make matters worse, the school funding
formula does not fairly distribute funds across all school districts.
Under the current funding formula, some children do not have access to
the best education opportunities simply because of the zip code where
they live.
Every child has the right to a high quality education, no matter where
they live. That is why I am one of the authors of a “Fair Funding” bill
for our public schools. The bill alters Wisconsin’s school funding
formula to be fair, sustainable, and transparent. It provides a greater
base level of funding for each student, allocates slightly more for
students who are eligible for free and reduced lunch, and increases what
are called equalization aids. Additionally, the bill creates a path for
the state to again fund two-thirds of educational costs, taking more of
the burden off our property taxes.
School funding issues are complex and can seem overwhelming. What I
think we need to keep in mind is that you used to be able to live
anywhere in the state with the confidence that your children would
receive a quality education. Unfortunately, Republicans have changed
that. Increasingly, we see families selling a home in one neighborhood
and moving into another neighborhood in search of better schools.
Passing our fair funding bill would strengthen Wisconsin schools and
provide every child with the opportunity for a great education
Republican
Bill Bad for our Neighborhoods
Under legislation proposed by Senate and Assembly Republicans, SB 639,
cities like Madison would no longer be able to conduct systematic
inspections of rental properties. This would have a chilling effect on
neighborhoods on the tipping point where aging housing stock and a
patchwork of largely absentee landlords renting their properties to
tenants, as property inspection has been crucial to maintaining quality
of life in these neighborhoods.
Additionally, while homeowners that do not clean and maintain their
walks in winter can be fined, those who own rental property would not be
held to the same standards if Republicans have their way. Under their
bill, the City of Madison would have to mail notices to landlords of
rental properties before charging for ordinances related to maintaining
property, including sidewalk snow removal.
The bill allows landlords to charge tenants increased fees for credit
checks, background checks, inspection fees, and even for performing
repairs to the apartment that should be the landlord’s responsibility
anyway. The bill also makes several changes that would impact a tenant’s
ability to defend against an unfair eviction action. For example, if a
landlord has been accepting a tenant’s rent on the 5th of the month for
years despite the lease stipulating it is due on the 1st, the landlord
could evict the tenant for not paying on the 1st, and the fact that the
tenant has always paid on the 5th would no longer be a defense that
could be used in court.
All in all, this legislation would be bad for renters and bad for our
neighborhoods. The bill would leave tenants more vulnerable to arbitrary
eviction actions and potential discrimination. At the same time, the
proposed law would take away critical tools that our city uses to
maintain the quality of housing and quality of life in our
neighborhoods. At a time when we face a shortage of affordable housing,
this legislation would only exacerbate the problem, likely increasing
the cost of renting.
SB 639 had a public hearing in Senate this week and is expected to have
a public hearing and a vote in the Assembly in January.
FCC
Nixes Net Neutrality
Earlier this week, Republican appointees to the Federal Communications
Commission took an action that threatens to dramatically change the
internet. The FCC voted to repeal the net neutrality rules put into
place by the Obama administration in 2015.
Basically, “net neutrality” is the idea that internet service providers
should treat all data equally. For example, if you have internet service
through a provider, then you have the right to expect that the content
you wish to access would be treated the same – no fast lanes for some
sites, or slow lanes for others. Without net neutrality, providers would
have leeway to manipulate the flow of online data by blocking or
throttling different websites, social media platforms, and streaming
media services.
Some Republican lawmakers argue that repealing net neutrality is fine
because the internet ran just fine before the rule was in place. That is
disingenuous at best. Prior to the adoption of net neutrality rules, the
FCC was frequently at odds with internet service providers who wanted to
manipulate the flow of online data and treat websites and social media
platforms differently. The net neutrality rules were put into place
because they were needed to prevent internet service providers from
continually trying to manipulate the internet.
The vote by the FCC now jeopardizes the ability of universities to
provide online content to students, and threatens to create a host of
problems for entrepreneurs. It also threatens to create a scenario where
certain news content is blocked while other news content flows freely.
As it will likely take months before the policy reversal
takes effect, the fight for net neutrality is far from over. New York
Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is taking the lead on a multi-state
lawsuit challenging the FCC’s vote. There could also be Congressional
action either by review of the FCC decision or new legislation codifying
net neutrality in federal law.
Out
and About in the District
While things at the Capitol have slowed down a bit through
the end of the year, I have had the opportunity to meet with groups of
constituents in the district.
Earlier this month I spoke to a group at Attic Angels about what is
happening here at the State Capitol and how they can engage on the
issues that matter to them. Last week, I spoke to a UW-Madison PLATO
class at Covenant Presbyterian Church. We discussed the $3 billion
corporate handout to Foxconn. I shared my concerns with Foxconn and
heard their concerns. Also last week, I joined the Wisconsin Women's
Network Policy Institute for lunch (pictured right). We talked
about my bill to end the inhumane practice of shackling inmates during
labor and childbirth. A group of women taking part in the Policy
Institute are helping me to spread the word and get the bill passed.
It has been great to visit so many of you over the last few weeks, and I
look forward to hearing more from you in the New Year! If you would like
me to visit your group, please contact my office at 608-266-7521 or by
email at
Rep.Subeck@legis.wi.gov.
ACA Open Enrollment
Ends Today
Today is the last day of open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act.
This year, the Trump Administration cut the enrollment period in half
and Republicans also cut funding for Affordable Care Act outreach and
advertising efforts.
If you, or someone you know, needs health insurance, visit healthcare.gov (Cuidadodesalud.gov)
TODAY to enroll.
2017 Capitol Christmas Tree
This year’s Capitol Christmas Tree, a 40-foot balsam fir harvested
in the Town of Emery, was donated by Jim Ryf. The tree’s
ornaments will honor the Capitol’s centennial and have been made by
school children around the state.
Wisconsin is the nation’s fifth-largest Christmas tree producer, with an
annual harvest of more than 600,000 trees valued at more than $16
million. There are more than 850 Christmas tree farms in the state,
covering more than 23,600 acres.
Be sure to come and check out the tree and centennial ornaments. Please
feel free to stop by my office while you are here to say hello and for a
free copy of a Wisconsin Blue Book. We are located in room 418 North.
Don't
Let Charity Grinches Steal Your Holiday Goodwill
Many consumers open their hearts and wallets during the holiday season,
donating generously to charities. Unfortunately, the season of goodwill
opens the market to scammers who use high-pressure pitches to gather
funds through fake charities. Two state agencies ask consumers to do
their research on charities before making a contribution this holiday
season and to be leery of pushy phone- and internet-based requests for
payments.
Before donating, check with DATCP about any consumer complaints on file
against the organization and check to see if the charity is registered
with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI).
DATCP and DFI offer these tips for donors considering a contribution to
a charitable organization:
-
If contacted by phone, avoid being pressured to make an immediate
donation. Don't hesitate to ask the caller to send you information
about the organization and its programs.
-
Ask a solicitor to explain the purpose of the organization, what
services are provided, how much of the donation goes to fund-raising
expenses, whether the donation is tax-deductible, and whether you
will be sent a receipt.
-
Donate to charities that you trust and are well-established.
-
Watch out for "look-alike" sites or imposter websites. Scammers will
often use names and websites that are similar to those of
better-known, reputable organizations. Watch the spelling of the
charity's name and web address closely.
-
Be wary of unsolicited requests for donations, especially ones
received by email or text.
-
Criminals know that many people make year-end charitable
contributions for tax purposes, so they may take a tax-related angle
in pitching their scam.
-
Never write out a check or give cash to an individual solicitor.
Write out checks to the name of the organization or use a credit
card.
For more information or to file a complaint, consumers may contact:
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DATCP on the web at datcp.wi.gov; by phone (Consumer Protection
Hotline) at 800-422-7128; by e-mail at datcphotline@wisconsin.gov;
or at
www.facebook.com/wiconsumer.
-
DFI on the web at www.wdfi.org/CharitableOrganizations; by phone at
800-452-3328; or by e-mail at
DFISecretary@wisconsin.gov.
Fun
Wisconsin Fact
The official state wildlife animal of Wisconsin is the white-tailed
deer. While the Badger is widely known as the State’s official animal,
the white-tailed deer was made the state ‘wildlife’ animal by the
legislature in 1957. White-tailed deer are not only animals of
incredible beauty and grace, but they have an incredible amount of
power. White-tailed deer can run up to 40 miles per hour, jump 9 foot
fences, and swim 13 miles per hour. Wisconsin shares the white-tailed
deer with 12 other states as an official symbol.