Hmong-Lao Veterans Day

This week Senator Petrowski and I were honored to be joined by Na Shoua Xiong and Bea Yang to testify in the Senate Committee on Transportation, Veterans, and Military Affairs.  Na Shoua Xiong is the President of the Wisconsin Lao Veterans Association and Bea Yang is the Secretary of the Wisconsin Lao Veterans Association.

They joined us to support legislation that seeks to recognize Southeast Asians, Americans, and their allies who served in the Secret War in Laos during the Vietnam War. The bill designates May 14^th as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day, while encouraging individuals and schools to spend part of their day remembering and honoring the Hmong and Lao veterans that made enormous sacrifices to fight in collaboration with the United States in northern Laos during the Vietnam conflict. 

Legislative Update: Assembly Bill 287

On Wednesday, a bill that I authored was signed by Governor Evers.  The legislation allows qualified advanced practice clinicians to make certain determinations, with a physician, for the purpose of invoking a health care power of attorney or advanced directive. Under current law, only physicians can make these determinations. While Assembly Bill 287 still requires one provider to be a physician, it allows, if the patient chooses, the second provider to be a physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse. Now 2019 Wisconsin Act 90, the legislation will ease the burden of the healthcare workforce shortage on communities across the state by allowing advanced practice providers to provide a continuity of care that was previously prohibited under state law. 

Upcoming Events!

• On Saturday, there is a great, inexpensive opportunity to have your cat or dog vaccinated for rabies and microchipped! You can also take care of your pet license at the same time! Paws and Protect will be on February 8, from 8 am-12 pm.  The event is open to residents of Wausau, Weston, and Schofield only.
• Local food products direct from farmers, bakers, roasters, chefs, and beekeepers will be at the Boys and Girls Club of the Wausau Area from 8 am to 12 pm February 8th for the Wausau Winter Market. 
• The Marathon County Public Library-Wausau Branch will be hosting their Family Story Time Saturday, February 8th from 10:30 am-11 am. Bring your family to enjoy stories, songs, and literature-based activities.