Rep. Radcliffe's Legislative Update

Welcome to the News from the 92nd, my legislative newsletter. So much of what happens in Madison directly affects folks in the 92nd District, and I want to make sure that you can stay informed about what's happening at the Capitol and in our community.

It appears that the Legislature will not be back in session until January of next year. Things are still happening here and in Madison though, and today I have information about holiday events happening in the district, safety tips folks should remember as the snow starts to fall, and an update about what we're expecting to vote on next session.

It is a privilege to serve as your Representative, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you have.

Sincerely,

Mark Radcliffe
State Representative
92nd Assembly District


Contact My Office

Whenever I'm in the district, I have legislative staffers working in my Madison office that are there to help me help you with your questions and concerns. If you would like to contact them directly, you can call the office line (regular or toll-free) or reach them by email:

Chelsea Domer at chelsea.domer@legis.wi.gov

Dave Groshek at dave.groshek@legis.wi.gov





At the Capitol


Back in Session Next Month

The 2011 regular session ended on November 3 and although the Governor could still call us back for a continuation of his special session, it is unlikely that the Assembly will return to the floor until mid-January when the 2012 regular session is scheduled to begin.

When we do return, we will continue to work on the bills from the special session and also look at some new bills that have been introduced over the past few months. I anticipate that we will vote on jobs bills like my vocational diploma bill, which gives high school students the opportunity to receive a vocational diploma and be trained in important jobs skills so that they are prepared to work right out of high school. There is also a chance that we will vote on a mining bill that will streamline mining regulations and a venture capital bill that will allow the state to provide start-up loans to local businesses.

The most important thing we can do as a Legislature is craft laws that will help strengthen our economy and get folks back to work. I hope that during session we will stay focused on this necessary goal.


Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Last Friday, the Capitol's Holiday Tree lights were officially turned on during two ceremonies throughout the day. The Governor held a special early morning event and  lit the tree in honor of our veterans and service members. In this light, the holiday tree is decorated with ornaments created and donated by kids from all over Wisconsin following the theme of "Honoring 163 Years of Wisconsin Veterans."

The second event honored the 36 foot balsam fir tree, which was harvested in Brule, Wisconsin. The Maple School District high school chamber choir traveled from their home in Northern Wisconsin to perform a medley of holiday songs, and filled the Capitol with holiday cheer throughout the afternoon.


Reminder: New Concealed Carry Law

Updated: Last week, the Joint Committee for the Review of Administrative Rules (JCRAR) voted to remove the requirement for 4 hours of firearms safety training. There is still a training requirement, but individuals no longer have to spend at least 4 hours in training. You also now only have to provide basic information about your training session to include: the name of the course, date of completion, and name of instructor and instruction agency.

You can view the motions that created these changes here and here.

2011 Wisconsin Act 35 went into effect on November 1 and the Wisconsin Dept. of Justice is now accepting applications for concealed carry licenses. You can download a copy of the application here. Before you apply for your license, you have to receive the appropriate training as determined by Act 35.

According to the Dept. of Justice, the following forms of proof of training will be accepted:
-  Attending the hunter education program established under s. 29.591 or a similar program established by another state and recognized by the Dept. of Natural Resources.
-  An unrevoked concealed carry license from another state (current or expired).
-  Proof of military, law enforcement, or security firearms training.
-  Dept. of Justice Firearm Safety Course certificate (issued by a DOJ-certified instructor).
-  Firearms safety training certificate from a course taught by a national or state organization that certifies firearms instructors. (Further information regarding this option is available on the Dept. of Justice website).

All applications should be completely filled out, signed in all areas indicated, include a check made out to the Dept. of Justice for $50.00 and include a copy of your proof of training.

Although we now have the right to carry a concealed firearm, there will still be some businesses and locations that prohibit the carry of firearms on their property. It is important to be mindful of these restrictions because violations will result in a citation and fine. Also, it is still a felony for a person to possess a firearm on school grounds.

For more answers about the concealed carry law, click here.


Reminder: Updated Voter ID Rules

Since the passage of the Voter ID law, which requires people - even if they're already registered voters - to bring a photo ID to the polls, there has been a lot of confusion about the new rules.

Here are some important changes to remember as you navigate the new voting process:
- Corroboration is no longer an acceptable way to prove where you live. If you are not registered to vote at your current address and your ID does not list your current address, you must provide proof of residence in the form of a utility bill or lease when registering to vote. See a full list of acceptable proof of residence here.
- You will be asked to show a photo ID at the polls at every upcoming election but do not technically have to do so until the 2012 Spring Primary in April.
-  Only certain government-issued IDs will be accepted at the polls. See a full list of IDs here.
- If you do not have any of the IDs listed, you can get a free state identification card at your local DMV. You must tell the DMV that the ID is for voting purposes to receive it free of charge, otherwise the cost is $28.


Reminder: Blue Books

We have received many requests for the 2011-2012 Blue Books already, and for those of you that have asked for one: your book is on the way! We do still have Blue Books available if you are interested.

Blue Books are packed with information about the organization and functions of state government and about the people that represent Wisconsinites at the Capitol. Please email me with your address or call my office to request a free copy.