Representative Lisa Subeck's E-Newsletter


 February 2, 2016

 

Contact Me

 

418 North State Capitol

P.O. Box 8953

Madison, WI 53708

 

PH: (608) 266-7521

TF: (888) 534-0078

FAX: (608) 282-3690

 

rep.subeck@legis.wi.gov

Website


   

 

Things happening in the district & around Madison

 


Absentee Voting

Monday, February 1 to Friday, February 12

8:00 am – 7:00 pm

City Clerk’s Office

210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blv

 

Cast your absentee ballot in the City Clerk's Office. If you are not already registered, register at the City Clerk’s Office.

 


Storytime for the Very Young

Wednesday, February 3

10:30 am – 11:00am

Meadowridge Library

5726 Raymond Rd.

 

Enjoy stories, songs and rhymes. No registration required. (For children ages 0 to 24 months)

 


Read to a Dog

Wednesday, February 3

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Meadowridge Library

5726 Raymond Rd.

 

Bring a favorite book and read aloud to a furry friend. Time slots available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

 


Science Day: Current Research at the Arboretum

Thursday, February 4

9:00 am – 11:30 am

UW Arboretum Visitor Center

1207 Seminole Hwy

 

Students and faculty will present findings from projects on Arboretum land and in the Lake Wingra watershed. No fee.

 


West Madison Senior Coalition Free Lunches

Thursday, February 4

9:30 am – 2:00 pm

Meadowridge Library

5726 Raymond Rd.

 

Nutritious meals are offered to those 60 and older, the suggested minimum donation is $4.00 but please pay what you can afford. Transportation to the meal is available by donation. Meal and bus reservations or cancellations should be made by noon the preceding day by calling 238-0196

 


Drop-in Preschool Storytime

Thursday, February 4

9:30 am – 10:15 am

Alicia Ashman Library

201 W. Mifflin

 

A happy blend of stories, fingerplays and songs that help preschool children develop print and phonologic awareness, vocabulary, letter knowledge and narrative skills. Groups welcome. Siblings welcome. No registration required.

 


Book Baby

Thursday, February 4

11:00 am – 11:30 am

Alicia Ashman Library

201 W. Mifflin

 

Enjoy stories, songs and activities presented by librarian, Jane Kelly. One adult per baby is required. Class length is 15 minutes with time after for play and conversation. For babies ages 0-15 months. No registration required.

 


Literacy Network SCALE Program

Thursday, February 4

5:45 pm – 8:00 pm

Meadowridge Library

201 W. Mifflin

 

Literacy Network SCALE Program - Improve Reading, Writing and Computer Skills. Call Ezi (608)244-3911 to register. Space is limited.

 


Job Connect with the Worksmart Network

Friday, February 5

12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Meadowridge Library

5726 Raymond Rd.

 

Get help with job search, resumes, & interviewing, and get connected with a full range of workforce and community resources and services. Sessions are one-on-one with a professional Employment Specialist from the Worksmart Network. Advance registration is required and you must call library staff to schedule a time.

 


Hilldale Winter Farmer’s Market

December 12, 2015 to April 23, 2016

Saturdays 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

 

Hilldale Shopping Center

702 N. Midvale Blvd.

 


Winter Birds Walk

Sunday, February 7

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

UW Arboretum Visitor Center

1207 Seminole Hwy

 

Returning migratory birds often arrive in February. We will look for red-winged blackbirds, bluebirds, robins, and more.

 


Neighborhood Mystery Book Group – Winter People/McMahon

Monday, February 8

10:00 am – 11:30 am

Alicia Ashman Library

201 W. Mifflin

 

Join the Alicia Ashman Mystery Book Group for discussions of mysteries, thrillers, and suspense titles. Be ready to share with the group recent reads in these genres. Our next title will be available for pick-up following today's discussion, with extra copies available at the reference desk while supplies last.

 


Mommy and Me

Tuesday, February 9

10:00 am

Nicki’s Diapers

739 N. High Point Rd.

 

Are you interested in connecting with other moms who share similar parenting styles as you? Do you find it difficult to meet those moms with a busy schedule? Visit the Mommy & Me Hour at the Nicki's Diapers Madison Retail Store! Topics discussed in an informal, friendly environment.  Little ones are welcome to play in our play area while you enjoy yourself and network with other moms! Cost: FREE

 


West Madison Senior Coalition Free Lunches

Tuesday, February 9

9:30 am – 2:00 pm

Meadowridge Library

5726 Raymond Rd.

 

Nutritious meals are offered to those 60 and older, the suggested minimum donation is $4.00 but please pay what you can afford. Transportation to the meal is available by donation. Meal and bus reservations or cancellations should be made by noon the preceding day by calling 238-0196.

 


Library LEGO Club

Tuesday, February 9

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Meadowridge Library

5726 Raymond Rd.

 

Join other LEGO fans and build your own unique creation. We'll provide books and pictures to inspire the imagination!

 


Tax Assistance

Wednesday, February 10

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Alicia Ashman Library

201 W. Mifflin

 

By appointment only. Free assistance from AARP volunteers to help you fill out and file your Wisconsin and Federal personal income taxes. Call 824-1780 to reserve a half-hour appointment.

 


Drop-in Preschool Storytime

Thursday, February 11

9:30 am – 10:15 am

Alicia Ashman Library

201 W. Mifflin

 

A happy blend of stories, fingerplays and songs that help preschool children develop print and phonologic awareness, vocabulary, letter knowledge and narrative skills. Groups welcome. Siblings welcome. No registration required.

 


West Madison Senior Coalition Free Lunches

Thursday, February 11

9:30 am – 2:00 pm

Meadowridge Library

5726 Raymond Rd.

 

Nutritious meals are offered to those 60 and older, the suggested minimum donation is $4.00 but please pay what you can afford. Transportation to the meal is available by donation. Meal and bus reservations or cancellations should be made by noon the preceding day by calling 238-0196.

 


Book Baby

Thursday, February 11

11:00 am – 11:30 am

Alicia Ashman Library

201 W. Mifflin

 

Enjoy stories, songs and activities presented by librarian, Jane Kelly. One adult per baby is required. Class length is 15 minutes with time after for play and conversation. For babies ages 0-15 months. No registration required.

 


Knitting at the Library

Thursday, February 11

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Meadowridge Library

5726 Raymond Rd.

 

Learn to knit or bring your current project. Supplies provided. Children under 8 must have an adult present.

 


Visiting the Capitol

Whether you are planning a visit to the state Capitol as part of a large group, small gathering, or just by yourself, our office can assist you in scheduling a free guided tour of the Capitol building during normal business hours.

 

Free tours are offered daily, year round. Tours depart from the ground floor Information Desk Monday through Saturday at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 am and 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 pm; and Sundays at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 pm. A 4:00 pm tour is offered Memorial Day through Labor Day. The sixth floor museum and observation deck are also open during the summer months.

 

 
 

 

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

 

Winter is definitely here with Winter Storm Kayla dropping snow all over Wisconsin. The good news, however, is that Rep. Hebl informed us that Jimmy the Groundhog did not see his shadow in Sun Prairie this morning, so we should have an early spring. Stay warm and be safe while you are out and about.

 

In this week’s newsletter, you will find information regarding what you need to bring to the polls on Election Day, an update on what’s happening in the Assembly, and resources from the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection to protect your personal information online.

 

If you have any questions or need assistance with any matter, please feel free to contact my office. 

 

Sincerely,

Lisa Subeck

State Representative

78th Assembly District


Spring Primary: Bring your ID to the Polls

Absentee voting for the Spring Primary began yesterday, and Election Day is on Tuesday, February 16. This will be the first election since the courts ruled that Wisconsin's Voter ID law will be in effect.

 

The Government Accountability Board released its list of the top things voters need to know about the photo ID law.

 

1.    Most people already have the photo ID they need to vote.

 

You can use any of these five IDs, even if they expired after November 4, 2014:

  • A Wisconsin DOT-issued driver license, even if driving privileges are revoked or suspended

  • A Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card

  • A Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card or driver license without a photo issued under the religious exemption

  • Military ID card issued by a U.S. uniformed service

  • A U.S. passport book or card

You can use any of these IDs, but they must be unexpired:

  • A certificate of naturalization that was issued not earlier than two years before the date of an election at which it is presented

  • A driving receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days)

  • An identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days)

  • An identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin

  • A photo identification card issued by an accredited university, college or technical college in Wisconsin that contains the signature of student, the date the card was issued, and an expiration date no later than two years after date of issuance.  Also, the university, college or technical college ID must be accompanied by a separate document that proves current enrollment such as an enrollment verification letter, class schedule, or tuition fee receipt.

  • A citation or notice of intent to revoke or suspend a Wisconsin DOT-issued driver license that is dated within 60 days of the date of the election.

2.    If you don’t have one of these IDs, you can get a free state ID card to vote even if you don’t have your birth certificate.

 

In 2014, the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles started a new program to help people who don’t have copies of their birth certificates to get a state ID card.  Just bring the documents you have to your local DMV office.  They can track down your birth records in Wisconsin or another state, but it may take some time so don’t wait until the last minute.

 

3.    Your photo ID doesn’t need to have your current address.

 

Some people think they need to get a new driver license or state ID card to vote if it has an old address, but that’s not correct.  The Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles doesn’t require drivers to get a new license every time they move, and neither does state elections law.  The photo ID law requires registered voters to prove their identity before getting a ballot.  Anyone registered to vote has already proved Wisconsin residency.

 

4.    There are significant exceptions to the law for those who have difficulty getting to the polls.

 

Unlike regular absentee voters, permanent absentee voters who have difficulty getting to the polls due to age, illness, infirmity or disability are not required to provide a copy of their photo ID to get a ballot.  The person who witnesses and signs the absentee ballot envelope verifies the voter’s identity. 

 

The same is true for active-duty military who vote absentee – they do not need to provide a copy of their photo ID to get a ballot.

 

5.    Be ready to “State it, show it and sign it” at the polling place.

 

To save time at the polling place, voters should have their photo IDs ready to show election workers, but that’s not the only thing you have to do to receive a ballot.  Wisconsin law requires voters to state their name and address so the election workers and observers can hear it.   After the election worker finds your name in the poll book and checks your ID, you will be asked to sign the poll book next to your name.  Just remember:  State it.  Show it. Sign it.

 

6.    If you forget your photo ID on Election Day, you can get a provisional ballot.

 

Don’t worry if you get to the polls on Election Day, look for your ID and find you forgot to bring it.  Just ask the election worker for a provisional ballot.  You can return to the polling place before it closes at 8 p.m. with your ID, or bring your ID to your municipal clerk’s office by 4 p.m. the Friday after the election in order for your ballot to be counted.

 

Click here to find out if you have the correct ID and to get information on how to obtain a free ID for voting purposes.

 


Winter Storm Kayla

Winter Storm Kayla is expected to hit most of Wisconsin today. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for many counties and a Winter Storm Advisory for others, as forecasters say some areas could receive up to a foot of snow.

  

ReadyWisconsin is warning people about the storm and recommending precautions you and your family should take to keep safe.

  • If you must travel allow plenty of extra time for your trip. Also keep at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle and inform friends and family of your travel plans and approximate arrival time.

  • Check the roads before you travel. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation advises travelers check road conditions before leaving home by calling 5-1-1 or visiting www.511wi.gov.

  • Have an emergency winter weather survival kit in your vehicle. Your kit should include water, snack food such as energy bars or raisins, blankets, first aid kit and booster cables. If you have a cell phone make sure you have a power adapter you can plug into the lighter. You can find more kit tips at ReadyWisconsin: http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/winter/HowToMakeAKit.asp

  • Get supplies for your home. Make sure your home emergency kit is stocked with food that can be stored and prepared without electricity.. For a complete list of kit items go to ReadyWisconsin at http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/kit/GetKit.asp

  • Stay informed. ReadyWisconsin will keep you posted on any emergencies that occur during the storm. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ReadyWisconsin is a campaign of Wisconsin Emergency Management with a mission to prepare individuals, families and businesses for emergencies and disasters. For additional winter safety tips, visit http://ReadyWisconsin.wi.gov

 


On the Floor of the Assembly

 

In the next few weeks, the full State Assembly will take to the floor at least a few times as we wrap up our legislative session. I will provide updates on items we will consider, but you can click here to view full agendas as they are posted.

 


Visit From Jefferson Middle School AVID/TOPS Students

 

On Thursday, eighth graders from Jefferson Middle School came to visit the Capitol and learn more about state government. The students are participating in the AVID/TOPS program which is a Boys & Girls Club initiative in partnership with the Madison Metropolitan School District. The program works with students to prepare them for college, offering tutoring, mentorship and paid summer internships in addition to eligibility for college scholarships. The students had a lot of good questions about the legislature and quite few questions about college, as well. It was great having a chance to visit with some of our state’s future leaders.

 

 

 


You Ask, I Answer

This week, I am sharing the answer to a question submitted regarding how to best share your opinion on issues before the legislature. Read on for more details.

 

Question: What is the best way to share my opinion with your office and have my voice heard in the Capitol? 

 

Answer:   

You can call, email or write to my office and we will respond in the same format. If you send me an email, I will email a response. If you send me a letter, I will mail a letter in response. If you call, you will most likely speak to staff, but know that those messages are always passed on to me.

 

Here is the contact information for my office:

Phone: (608) 266-7521

Email: Rep.Subeck@legis.wisconsin.gov

Mail:   Representative Subeck

P.O. Box 8953

Madison, WI 53708

 

Another way you can speak out about issues is through the public hearing process. After a bill is introduced and referred to a committee, that committee holds a public hearing on the bill to gain input from the public. Anyone can come and testify directly before the committee and share their thoughts on the legislation. You can use the Legislative Notification System to find out when and where the public hearing is taking place for legislation you are following.

 

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

 


Data Privacy

Last Thursday was Data Privacy Day, and it is a good time to think about how you use the internet, question the amount of information you are sharing online, and evaluate the steps you are taking to protect your personal information.

 

The best way to protect your valuable information is to use caution when sharing personal and financial details online and to make use of the added security features built into the internet-connected devices and online services they use.

 

You can start building a more secure online presence by:

 

Strengthening the security around online devices

  • Protect your devices. Update the operating system and antivirus software on your devices to target recent viruses and patch any holes that hackers can use to access your system. For added security, set your device to require regular password unlocks.

  • Always keep your phone in a secure location. Your smartphone and tablet contain a wealth of personal information like your contacts, messages, media files and schedules. Know where your phone is at all times and keep it locked away in public.

  • Set up your device with privacy in mind. Set your smartphones, tablets and computers to “time out” every so often and to require a password or fingerprint to log back in.

  • Consider turning off “geotagging.” Mobile devices often link GPS data with photos and online posts by default, and many programs request this data from the device during normal usage. Be very careful how you utilize this feature – this information can give criminals the tools they need to track or rob you. If you wish to disable this feature, look in your device’s settings menu for references to “Location” or “Location Services” services and turn these options off. Watch for apps that ask for this data before you install them.

Taking the fight online – protecting accounts and browsing wisely

  • Secure your home network. At home, password-protect both your router and your WiFi network and choose the WPA2 setting when you setup the network.

  • Enter sensitive information only into encrypted websites. Before you enter personal or banking information into a website, make sure the URL starts with “https” rather than “http” (the “s” stands for secure). This signals that your connection to the site is encrypted and more resistant to spoofing or tampering.

  • Use caution on public networks. If you are using a public Wi-Fi hotspot to connect to your personal accounts on a mobile device, limit the types of business you conduct and set your device to hide your password character entries. Other network users could monitor your information if it is not encrypted (again, look for “https”).

  • Change your internet passwords frequently. Use a long combination of numbers, letters and special characters. Use different passwords for different websites.

  • Protect your email account. Use a complex and unique password that is specific to your email account. Many websites send password update and account access emails to customers, so getting a hold of these emails could potentially give a hacker access to all of these online accounts.

  • Use two-factor authentication when offered. Two-factor authentication is a security process in which you, the user, provide two means of identification – something you have and something you know. Something you have is typically a physical token, such as a card or a code sent to your smartphone. Something you know is something memorized, such as a personal identification number (PIN) or a password.

Remaining cautious and attentive when browsing and posting online

  • Keep personal information private. Never give out personal information in a reply to an unsolicited text message or email.

  • Think before you click. Never open any links or attachments in an unsolicited email. Research unfamiliar websites and companies before you interact with them.

  • Think before you post. What you post can last a lifetime. Adjust the privacy settings for your social media accounts to block your content from strangers. Remember that sensitive information such as names, birth dates and Social Security numbers posted to social media accounts can be used by scammers to steal your identity.

  • Think before you app. Before downloading a mobile app, understand what information (your location, access to social networks, etc.) the app accesses to function.

For additional consumer information or to file a complaint, visit the Consumer Protection Bureau at datcp.wisconsin.gov, send an e-mail to datcphotline@wisconsin.gov or call the Consumer Information Hotline at 800-422-7128.

 


Meet our Intern, Tasha

I am happy to introduce you to Tasha, the newest intern in our office. Tasha joined us at the end of January and will be with us through the spring semester.

 

Born and raised in Green Bay, Tasha has had a passion for politics since high school and is thrilled to be interning in the Capitol. She is currently completing her last semester at Edgewood College and will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science in May. She hopes to continue her education through graduate school and eventually move on to a career involving politics in Wisconsin at the state or local level.

 


Fun Wisconsin Fact

For over 50 years, residents of Sun Prairie have proclaimed their city to be "The Groundhog Capital of the World."

 

The Groundhog Day tradition in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin dates back to 1948, when Wisconsin celebrated its centennial year.  Many ways were found to commemorate the centennial event, both public and personal.  One such private observance was a rather ambitious project.  A commercial artist, Ira Bennett, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin and his young son decided to create a series of commemorative post cards relating various locations in Wisconsin to the holidays throughout the year.  Some of the cities chosen were: Independence, Wisconsin for July 4th, Port Washington, Wisconsin for Washington's Birthday, Loyal, Wisconsin for Boy Scout Sunday (a scout is loyal).  Groundhog Day required a stretch of the imagination.  The groundhog sees his shadow when the sun comes up on the prairie, thus, Sun Prairie was picked for the honor.

 

At that time the postmaster in Sun Prairie was Margaret McGonigle, a lifelong resident, active in politics and a promoter of the virtues of Sun Prairie.  When this idea was presented she quickly asked the artist his permission to use this idea to further promote the community.  Soon after, the Sun Prairie Groundhog Club was organized as a sort of serious spoof.  All people born on February 2 were eligible to be groundhogs.  Those born on other days in February were designated woodchucks.  The word spread and birth certificates were mailed to folks all over the country for a nominal fee.

 

Ground hogging really hit its stride in Sun Prairie when the 4-H Club and its leaders, Erich and Teena Lenz took over.  Erich, never one to do things halfway, immediately got live groundhogs and always had one ready for the ceremony. Telephone calls came from TV and radio stations all over the country wanting to know if spring was at hand or if we were in for six more weeks of winter.

 

 

 

 

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