Wednesday, the Joint Committee on Employment Relations approved a 2% pay raise for state and University of Wisconsin employees to go into effect in 2020 and then again in 2021. Unfortunately, the $15 minimum wage proposed by Governor Evers was rejected by Republicans on the committee despite the fact that the State of Wisconsin has a difficult time recruiting employees in certain fields or losing them to the private sector.
Also, this week, the lawsuit over the purging of voter registration heated up with the case being taken to the Court of Appeals. The case is effectively on hold because the court wants to hear from the plaintiffs before making a decision. The best thing voters can do right now is check their voter registration on MyVote.wi.gov to make sure your registration is current especially since 2020 is a presidential election year.
The State Capitol’s observation deck and museum’s last day open for the season will be on Tuesday, December 31, 2019. The observation deck and 6th level museum are open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM; Saturday 9 AM to 3:30 PM; Sunday noon to 3:30 PM. The observation deck and museum will be closed on Christmas Eve day and Christmas Day. The outside observation deck will also be closed with inclement weather, snow or ice.
May your days be merry and bright, and as always, 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
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is excited to announce more than 40 candlelight events happening this winter at Wisconsin state parks, forests, recreation areas, and trails.
Most events begin around sunset and run until 8:30 p.m. or 9 p.m. Properties offer an array of activities from skiing, snowshoeing to hiking, and include bonfires and hot chocolate. Depending on the property, other refreshments may be available for sale. Some candlelight events even provide grills for cooking food or roasting marshmallows while some properties have warming shelters.
This winter's candlelight events kick off Jan. 4 at Blue Mound (Iowa County) and Mirror Lake (Sauk County) state parks. The largest number of events take place on Jan. 19, Feb. 2, and Feb. 9. Feel free to call properties directly to confirm the event if there is inclement weather in the forecast.
Beginning October 1, 2020, as required by federal regulations, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license (or another acceptable form of identification) in order to fly.
As the holiday travel season is now underway, this is a good time to think about your preparations ahead of next year’s deadline. For information on upgrading your Wisconsin drivers license free of charge, please see the Wisconsin DMV’s website or check out the TSA’s website page.
It is forecasted that 115.6 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more between Saturday, December 21 and Wednesday, January 1. This would be the largest travel volume since 2000, meaning drivers could experience double the travel times on Thursday and Friday afternoon.
More than 853,000 motorists will call AAA for assistance at the roadside this holiday season. Dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts will be the leading reasons AAA members will experience car trouble. Be sure to take your vehicles to a trusted repair facility to perform any needed maintenance before heading out on a road trip, and remember to slow down and move over for stopped emergency vehicles at the roadside. It’s the law in all 50 states.
Happy Birthday, Justice Abrahamson! December 17th marked the latest birthday of retired Wisconsin Chief Justice, and first woman to serve on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Shirley Abrahamson.
A graduate of Hunter College high school, Abrahamson received a BA from NYU in 1953. She received a JD from Indiana University Law School in 1956. She was first appointed to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 1976, to fill a vacancy created by the death of Chief Justice Horace W. Wilkie. She became Chief Justice on August 1, 1996, upon the retirement of Chief Justice Roland B. Day.
Things happening in the district & around Madison:
First Responders Christmas Ball Saturday, December 21, 2019 6:30 PM - 9 PM Common Ground 2644 Branch St., Middleton
The International Peace Orchestra would love to invite the public as well as our wonderful first responders to an evening of celebration and thanks. Common Ground in Middleton has offered a space on December 21 Saturday, 630-9 pm to celebrate those in our community in the line of fire. We would like to extend an invitation to first responders and their families, and there will be a buffet of food offered for free for first responder and their families.
The night will include music, family friendly fun and we will be raising money for the local chapter of NAMI and the International Peace Orchestra. Cafe and bar drinks will be available for purchase during the event (view menus online here: https://commongroundmiddleton.blog/menu/)
17th Annual Solstice Celebration Saturday, December 21, 2019 4 PM - 8 PM Olbrich Park 3527 Atwood Ave., Madison
Bring thoughts to forget and lose in the fire ash, wishes to ascend with the smoke to hope for more light in our lives as we celebrate the beginning of the long night. Free Event.
4:00pm Starkweather Creek singers and musicians 4:15pm Fanfare and Lighting ceremony: 4:26pm (Sunset): Bonfire🔥🔥🔥
Featuring your Friends and Neighbors, Ice Lanterns (weather permitting), Hot Chocolate & Cider, Drumming, Singing, Dancing, Wish fairies, Giant puppets, and a BONFIRE !! (Actual moment of Solstice: Dec. 21, 10:19pm Central)
Study Break Skate Sunday, December 22, 2019 10 AM - 6 PM The Edgewater Madison 1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison
Calling All Students....Save the Date for our Study Break Skate! Watch our website/Facebook page for day-of weather updates.
**Rink Pricing** Adults: $7 - Senior: $4 - Students: $6 - Youth 5-12 yrs: $4 4 and under: FREE - Skate Rental: $3 or Bring Your Own
Packer vs. Vikings; Silent Auction for the River Food Pantry
Cash, check and card accepted for the silent auction. Final bids must be placed by the end of the 3rd quarter. Go Pack Go!
Open Art Studio Monday, December 24, 2019 6:30 PM - 9 PM Common Ground 2644 Branch St., Middleton
Come join in a night of creative comradery, as we open the large studio space upstairs for artists & crafters to grab a cocktail & work on their project amongst friends, new & old!
Open Art Studio will be the last Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8:30pm & hosted by Brianna & Heidi.You are welcome to order goodies from the restaurant downstairs to enjoy during studio time (appetizers, dinner, bakery, cafe & bar drinks) this is not required, but please no outside food & drink. Let’s get creative!!
Christmas Hours 2019 OPEN on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, from 10 am til 6 pm. OPEN on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, from 10 am til 6 pm. Pegasus Games 6640 Odana Rd, Madison, Wisconsin 53719
The Playground will be available for gaming, though no games are scheduled.
Madison's Ballet - The Nutcracker Thursday, December 26, 2019 2 PM – 4 PM Madison Ballet 6734 Odana Road, Madison
Madison Ballet rings in the holiday season with this timeless story filled with some of literature’s most treasured characters. A trip to Madison Ballet’s Nutcracker in Overture Hall is an unforgettable experience for everyone in the family!
Blood Drive at the YMCA Friday, December 27, 2019 9 AM - 1 PM
Lussier Family West YMCA 5515 Medical Cir, Madison
For an appointment call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org Enter sponsor code: WestYMCAMadison - You can save up to 15 minutes when you donate blood by using RapidPass! Visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass for more information.
Walk-ins welcome!
Give a gift, get a gift. Come to give December 19-January 5 for an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved t-shirt, while supplies last.
