It was another busy week around the Capitol and in State Government. The Governor's Task Force on Reducing Prescription Drug Prices met for the first time, Attorney General Josh Kaul announced the back log sexual assault kit testing has finally been completed, outstanding adoptive parents were recognized, and the Governor signed a slew of bills into law and vetoed a few as well.
Governor Evers' veto of AB 76 was a bold step to ensure quality care for patients while maintaining Wisconsin's high standards for CNA certification. The bill would have slashed training hours for CNAs which would ultimately affect the standard of care provided to the sick, elderly, and frail. Wisconsin faces a significant and growing shortage in personal care workers, while the need for their services continues to grow as our state’s population ages. To recruit and retain more direct care workers, we must pay those who care for our most vulnerable family members and neighbors a living wage and treat them as respected professionals, and that is why I introduced the CNA Pay Act in March to give them the help and credit they deserve.
I hope everyone has a great weekend, and for the nearly 600,000 of you headed out for the the opening of weekend of Gun Deer Season I wish you a safe and successful hunt in the woods, and I hope the rest of us safe travels on our roads and highways as the deer will no doubt be spooked.
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
Task Force on Reducing Prescription Drug Prices Holds Inaugural Meeting
On Wednesday, the Governor’s Task Force on Reducing Prescription Drug Prices met for the first time at the Hill Farms State Office Building in Madison. The Task Force and is made up of stakeholders from across the health care industry, industry leaders, legislators, state agency officials, and consumers. I am honored Governor Tony Evers appointed me to serve along with this group of experts.
The task force heard updates from the Wisconsin Department of Justice on the status of prescription drug lawsuits. Of particular note, was the lawsuit revolving around the medication Suboxone, a drug that helps treat opioid dependency, and how the makers are alleged to have gouged consumers by “orphaning” the tablet form of the drug, and marketed their film version to keep generics out of the market. Additionally, the task force had an overview of the prescription drug supply and financing chain, and learned about state and federal policies that are trying to address prescription drug access and affordability.
The task force will produce a set of recommendations to the governor by the fall of 2020 aimed at reducing the price of prescription drugs in Wisconsin. We don’t have time to wait on a federal solution. Wisconsinites in every community of the state are struggling to afford the prescription drugs they need.
2019 Governor’s Outstanding Adoptive Parent Award Ceremony
Also this past Wednesday, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) recognized five outstanding adoptive families with a 2019 Governor’s Outstanding Adoptive Parent Award during a ceremony at the State Capitol.
National Adoption Month is observed in November to recognize and honor those outstanding adoptive parents who have welcomed a child into their home, and to highlight the positive impact that adoptive families make in our communities. At the ceremony, DCF presented Outstanding Adoptive Parent Awards to: Chris and Wendy Attoe of Chippewa Falls, Abigail an Nicholas Farmer of Reedsburg, Wendy and Steven Seifert of Greenbush, Siri Uden of Glendale, and Mandy and Jeremy Van Schyndel of Kaukana. These parents have demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to their communities by providing loving, nurturing homes to children who were in need of a “forever family” in order to grow, flourish and reach their full potential.
Attorney General Josh Kaul announced on Wednesday that testing is complete for all sexual assault kits designated for testing in the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI). Additional data has been updated and added to wisaki.doj.wi.gov including new prosecution progress details. Additionally, AG Kaul also announced Wisconsin was awarded $1,839,118 from the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance to continue the investigation and prosecution of SAKI cases and to fund a statewide kit tracking system.
Currently, 1,029 kits with foreign DNA identified have been added to a national database of DNA profiles, out of 4,471 tested sexual assault kits. The latest data can be found here.
There are three lanes are open each way on Verona Road with travel under Williamsburg Way and over County PD. Drivers are encouraged to be alert for lane configurations and overheard signs for the interchange ramps to/from the local roadways. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has a narrated animation video you can watch to better navigate this area.
Additionally, work is nearly complete on Williamsburg Way for the permanent traffic signals. On Monday, November 25, 2019 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. temporary stop signs will used at the interchange ramps and minor delays are anticipated. Please be alert for crews and equipment in this area.
In spring 2020, permanent restrictions will occur at the County PD, Nesbitt Road and Kapec Road intersection. View DOT’s map of the permanent turn restrictions. Also, stop signs will be installed on the local roadways with free-flow left turns from County PD to Nesbitt Road and Kapec Road.
Currently, access is open to area businesses and neighborhoods in the project area. Please continue to patronize the local businesses!
Celebrate the Holiday Season at the Executive Residence
The annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Wisconsin Executive Residence will be on Sunday, December 1, 2019 from 4:30 - 7:00 PM. The event will take place outdoor so dress in warm clothing. After the Tree Lighting Ceremony guests will be invited to walk through the Residence to admire the holiday decor.
If you cannot make it to this event, there are free tours of the Executive Residence throughout the holiday season.
Executive Residence Tours Available 11 AM - 2 PM on:
Tuesday, December 3
Thursday, December 5
Saturday, December 7
Wednesday, December 11
Saturday, December 14
Thursday, December 19
The Executive Residence is located at 99 Cambridge Road, Madison, WI 53704. Street parking is available just outside the residence gates. Handicapped parking available upon request at the time of arrival.
Parties of 20 or more are asked to call (608) 246-5501 to make a reservation.
In 1943, Phillip Wrigley and Branch Rickey launched The All-American Girls’ Professional Baseball League as an attempt to supplement the losses of male athletic talent throughout WWII. By the second season in 1944, two more teams joined on, The Minneapolis Millerettes and our state’s own, Milwaukee Chicks. The initial response was of undermining nature – media began commenting on the fact that women playing ball could never have the coordination or wherewithal of their male counterparts. However, as the season dragged on, the Milwaukee Chicks saw great success. They played nearly every day, and finished third just in the first half of the season.
Connie Wisniewski would be seen as the MVP of the team, and the winner of 23 games during the regular season, Wisniewski threw five complete games during the series, with a record of 4-1. With the Chicks down at one point, Wisniewski threw 13 innings in game six – a win for the Chicks – and then came back the very next day to defeat the Comets once again and give Milwaukee the title. Though their wins got little media attention, it was clear to those who were watching that the Chicks were a special development for Milwaukee. The lack of support forced the team to relocate to Grand Rapids the next season. Nevertheless, they are commemorated in Miller Park today for their terrific season, during which they led the league in runs, batting average, steals, and homers. The Chicks deserve recognition for their incredible work for Milwaukee and female sports leagues alike.
Things happening in the district & around Madison:
Gem, Mineral, & Jewelry Show Saturday, November 23 & Sunday, November 24, 2019 Saturday: 9:30 AM - 5 PM & Sunday: 10 AM - 5 PM Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall
Shop for creative and fun Christmas gifts and look at rock and fossil exhibits this weekend at the gem, mineral and jewelry show!
Madison's Women's Weekend Saturday, November 23 & Sunday, November 24, 2019 10 AM - 4 PM Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall
Spend some time with your ladies and enjoy products from local Madison businesses such as spa services, crafts, speakers, and other activities!
Zero Waste Pop-Up Shop Saturday, November 23, 2019 12 PM - 4 PM Black Locust Cafe' 829 E. Washington Ave., Madison
Join Black Locust and Green Life Trading Co. for Madison’s very own low waste shop, will be loaded up with low waste gifts for your family, friends and self.
Holiday Gift Fair Sunday, November 24, 2019 10 AM - 4 PM VFW Post 1318 133 E. Lakeside St., Madison
Pictures with Santa and crafts and vendors! All donations go to benefit Dane County Humane Society.
Mad City Holiday Bazaar Saturday, November 23 & Sunday, November 24, 2019 10 AM - 4 PM Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall
Half of proceeds from this gift centered event go to benefit the Alzheimer’s Associaiton
Madison Mini Makers Faire Sunday, November 24, 2019 10 AM - 4 PM Monona Terrace 1 John Nolen Dr., Madison
Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, & commercial exhibitors.
Shine On Madison Thursday, November 28, 2019 Dusk Capitol Square
Spend Thanksgiving night enjoying lights around the square and getting in the holiday spirit.
Downtown Holiday Open House Thursday, November 28, 2019 9 AM - 4 PM State St., Madison
With more than 80 retail shops there is no better place to shop than Downtown Madison. The Open House includes family shows and activities, trolley rides and special welcome bags, plus special offers and refreshments from participating merchants.