Friends and Neighbors,

It is hard to believe that I have been serving you in the State of Wisconsin Assembly for just over a year now.

As I approach the State Capitol each morning I am reminded of the importance of honoring the "peoples house" and responsibility that is bestowed upon me by you.

I am still learning my way around the building and depend on the directionals on the light globes, and I am grateful for the collegiality and generosity of my fellow legislators as we review and discuss legislation that is before us. I am also thankful to the thousands and thousands of conversations that I have had with the people who live, work and recreate in the fabulous 48th Assembly District. Without you and your vision I would not be as effective at representing your values and voices.

February looks to be a very busy month as we take up Governor Walker's Special Session, as our committees ramp up for a last push to consider legislation for this session, and as the full Assembly meets an extraordinary amount of times. The calendar is more full that usual and with the addition of the very important State of the Tribes Address and Black History Month Celebrations I will certainly be hoping.

Please contact my office if you have any suggestions for future issues of the Sargent Voice. Rep.Sargent@legis.wi.gov or 608-266-0960.

Forward,


Judge Rules Permit Requirements for
Sing-a-Long Unconstitutional

I have been a staunch supporter of the sing-a-long in the capitol rotunda from day one, both as an observer and a participant. I know that the right to petition the government without fear of arrest or retribution is protected in our constitution.

I am pleased to say that a huge victory was recently delivered in protecting free speech and the integrity of our constitution.

Dane County Judge Markson dismissed protest tickets on constitutional grounds, stating that the state's permitting requirements for Capitol gatherings are unconstitutional.

Before Markson's ruling Wednesday, there were approximately 400 of these cases pending before Dane County judges against peaceful protestors. I anticipate that we will soon see the rest of these cases follow suit as the other Dane County judges also rule or dismiss the remaining cases on similar grounds.

My office will continue to closely watch these cases unfold to ensure that the Department of Administration and Walker Administration honor this ruling.

Higher Ed, Lower Debt Bill
has Public Hearing

Hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites are college graduates who have student debt, in fact Wisconsin No. 10 in the nation for number of college students with debt. These graduates have no ability to refinance their debt that often has higher than market interest rates and unlike most other debt it is immune from bankruptcy.

I am a proud co-sponsor of the Higher Ed, Lower Debt bill that would provide our graduates with refinancing options, similar to refinancing your mortgage,  by creating the Wisconsin Student Loan Refinancing Authority. Once we address this crippling problem I know that our young adults will then be able to buy cars, homes, and eat out. This will provide a must needed infusionof dollars directly into our economy.

Read more about the bill by clicking HERE.

I know that this bill will provide a common sense solution for real savings on behalf of our hard working Wisconsinites by:

  • Enabling Wisconsin's student loan borrowers to refinance their student loans at lower interest rates, putting potentially hundreds of dollars back in their pockets and into Wisconsin's economy annually. For example, a borrower with an interest rate of 6.8% and the average University of Wisconsin graduate's loan debt of $27,000 who could lower their interest rate to 4% could save over $40 per month. That would put almost $500 back in their family's pocket over the course of a year.

  • Providing students and parents with detailed information about student loans, the best and worst private lenders, and ensure that students receive loan counseling so that Wisconsin's student loan borrowers can make informed financial decisions about student loans.
  • Allowing Wisconsin's student loan borrowers to deduct their student loan payments from their income tax, resulting in annual tax savings of approximately $172 for the typical borrower or as much as $392.
  • Ensuring data is collected and tracked about student loan debt in Wisconsin to help policymakers and the public better understand the depth of the debt crisis in our state.

Black History Month

Each February, we celebrate Black History Month in Wisconsin and across the nation. As a member of a multi-cultural family I take pause each February to realize how far the African American community has come over the course of our history.

While the many statistics and achievements of African Americans should be celebrated, this creates an abridged version of a rich history. Simply stating facts is wholly insufficient, and we will have missed an opportunity to bring the black American experience to life and render from it its true, intrinsic value.

I encourage everyone to actively participate in Black History Month to further understand where we have come as a nation, and where we are today. While the accomplishments are important, the experience of black culture in America is a deeper and stronger journey than one month of the year can portray.

Events, dedications, and remembrances will be occurring throughout the state as we recognize Wisconsin's, and the nation's, black leaders who have fought incredibly hard for rights that many of us take for granted.

Here in the State Capitol, there will be a Black History Month Celebration on February 18th, at 11a.m. in the Assembly Parlor. Please email or call if you would like further information about this event. Rep.Sargent@legis.wi.gov or 608-266-0960

Wisconsin Youth in Government Program

I was honored to speak to the Wisconsin YMCA Youth in Government Program recently.

The YMCA Youth in Government Program is a nationwide program in almost 40 states for high school students to gain hands on experience of participating in and running our governmental system.

Students research bill topics, drafting arguments, and prepare for a Model Government weekend at the Capitol.

Their efforts build, strengthen and encourage life assets and positive character traits. The hands-on program provides positive opportunities and experiences for youth.

Participants strengthen their communities by becoming active and responsible contributors who are inspired to lead and are empowered to create meaningful change.

These youth are the future leaders of our state. I was thrilled to speak with them and share some of the lessons I have learned both on the County Board and in the State Assembly.

Upcoming Listening Sessions

I will be holding the following community listening sessions:

Tuesday, February 25th: @ Cool Beans Coffee Shop
1748 Eagan Rd, Madison, WI 53704
from 9a.m. - 10a.m.

Tuesday, March 4th: @ Lakeview Branch Library
2845 N Sherman Ave, Madison, WI 53704
from 5:30 to 6:30

Monday, March 24th: @ Pinney Branch Library
204 Cottage Grove Rd, Madison, WI 53716
from 5:30 to 6:30

I know I cannot do my job as a State Representative without hearing from my constituents. These local listening sessions provide a chance for us to sit down one on one and discuss any concerns you have at the state level. Blue Books, state maps, and other goodies will be available. Drop by and say hello!

Marijuana Legalization Petition

I know that this bill is highly controversial but I assure you that I did not introduce it lightly. I have researched marijuana legalization from many angles including addiction, medical benefits, racial disparities, fiscal impacts as well as civil liberties.

I encourage all of you to become a citizen co-sponsor of LRB 3671 to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in Wisconsin. Your support will show Republicans and Democrats in the state legislature that the citizens of Wisconsin are ready for full legalization in Wisconsin.

This bill will benefit Wisconsin and its citizens in many ways, including: addressing racial disparities in arrests, providing medical benefits, time and cost savings to law enforcement, and additional revenue for the state.

Full legalization will also address the unfounded prohibition and denial of the freedom of choice by adults. This bill would bring marijuana usage out of the shadows and allow adults who are 21 and over to partake in it as they see fit.

The facts clearly show that legalization is right for Wisconsin and that the most dangerous thing about marijuana is that it's illegal.

Sign the petition by clicking HERE today.



If you would like to have your name removed from this email list, please reply to this message with “Unsubscribe” in the subject line.  

 

February 10, 2014
Issue 27

Contact Me

State Capitol
P.O. Box 8953
Madison, WI 53708

Office: (608) 266-0960

Email:
Rep.Sargent@legis.wi.gov

On the Web: sargent.assembly.wi.gov
 

Stat of the Week

Student Loan Debt Crisis

There is roughly somewhere between $902 billion and $1 trillion in total outstanding student loan debt in the United States today.
 
 

In the Capitol

 

Cell Phone Tracking Bill Moves Forward

I authored AB 536/SB 432 which has now passed out of the committee stage in both the Senate and the Assembly.

This bill would prohibit law enforcement from tracking an individual’s movements through their cell phone without first obtaining a search warrant.

Our cell phone location data creates an intimate portrait of our lives. It can reveal whose house you visited, your place of worship, a doctor’s office you went to, and much more. This information should have a higher degree of protection under the law.

I am hopeful that this important legislation will pass out of both houses before the end of session and head to the Governor's desk for his signature.

Silver Alert Bill has Public Hearing

AB-710, which would set up a silvert alert system statewide, received a public hearing last week in the Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-term Care (which I sit on). This is the first step in getting a full vote before the State Assembly.

A Silver Alert would create an Alert system similar to the popular Amber Alert which is used for missing children. The Silver Alert would create a statewide system to alert media and law enforcement of missing citizens suffering from dementia or cognitive disabilities.

This issue was brought to the public's attention when two elderly citizens in Northeastern Wisconsin went missing for over thirty hours in the spring of 2013.

 


Ask Rep. Sargent


Q: When does the 2013-14 legislative session end?

A: At the beginning of each two-year legislative session we are given the potential session days for the following two years. Some of the days allotted are used, and other are not. The last possible session day this year is May 21st, however we are hearing indications that session may be done as early as the first week in March.
 

Quote of the Week

 
“The cost of liberty is less than the price of repression.”

W.E.B. Du Bois
 

In the District

Honoring People and Groups in our Community



One of my favorite things as a State Representative is being able to honor people and organizations in our community that go above and beyond to serve the people around them. I was recently able to honor Jim Martine, the owner of Pedro's as the WRA Restaurateur of the Year.

I also attended Sherman Avenue Methodist Church's 60th Anniversary celebration. Please let me know how I can help make a momentous occasion more special with an Official State of Wisconsin Citation of Commendation.

Neighborhood Meetings

I recently attended the Annual Meetings for

Friends of Lakeview Hill : http://www.lakeviewhill.org/

Friends of Cherokee Marsh : 
http://cherokeemarsh.org/

I encourage each of you to become involved with a friends group, a local school, or community organization. Volunteer hours in our community are invaluable and help to make our little piece of this planet so special.

If you belong to a friends group or another organization and want to invite me to learn more about it or to present to your group please contact Aaron at 608.266.0960 or rep.sargent@legis.wi.gov to schedule.
 

February Go Red Heart Month




UW Health is proud to support Go Red for Women, a passionate social initiative created by the American Heart Association to empower women to take charge of their heart health. Help spread the word about the Go Red for Women movement.

Why go Red for Women? Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women, but lack of awareness makes women particularly vulnerable to the devastating consequences of heart disease. Though one in three women will die of heart disease, only one in five recognize heart disease as a threat to her health.

Visit uwhealth.org/loveyourheart to learn more.

TASC Tour


I had another great in district business tour last week at TASC.

Total Administrative Services Corporation (TASC) provides complete third-party administrative services for nationally known insurance products. They have been busy recently adapting to changes in federal law under the Affordable Care Act. I look forward to continuing to work with them to ensure that these good family sustaining jobs stay in the heart of the 48th Assembly District.

Read more about my visit on CEO Dan Rashke's TASC blog: http://tascceo.com/2014/02/03/tascs-state-representative-visits/

It is wonderful when I meet fellow Wisconsinites who care so deeply about our state and it's people. Thank you Dan for your time and the time of your great team.