Friends and Neighbors,

This will be the last emailed issue of the Sargent Voice until the next legislative session. Starting April 15th, the Sargent Voice will only be available on my legislative website. Due to a rule in the Assembly known as 'the rule of 50', legislators are not allowed to send more than 49 pieces (electronically or by mail) of anything that is substantially similar.

While you won't be getting the Sargent Voice in your inbox, I hope you'll still visit my website to keep updated on everything going on at the Capitol and in the 48th Assembly District.

Thank you for giving me the extreme honor of representing you in the state legislature. I take this job seriously, and promise to always act in the best interest of my constituents.


Forward,

77,000 Lose BadgerCare Coverage

 

On April 1st, 77,000 of our friends and neighbors were forced off of BadgerCare. This was a direct result of Scott Walker denying the federal Medicaid expansion available under the Affordable Care Act.

Too many across our state are being denied access to health care. Wisconsin should not wait one more day to accept these funds.

I continue to remind people that there is no sunset on accepting these federal dollars. These are our tax dollars coming home and to continue to deny them is a huge mistake.

Dane County Marijuana Referendum


(click above to see my YouTube video about the referendum)
 

I was excited to hear th

e results of the Dane County advisory referendum regarding marijuana legalization in Wisconsin. 64.5% voted 'yes' that marijuana should be legalized in Wisconsin.

There are many reasons that people voted for this referendum. Including:

  • Racial Disparities in arrests
  • Personal freedom and liberty
  • Medical benefits
  • Potential tax revenue.

This is a conversation that needs to take place in Wisconsin. I look forward to introducing my marijuana legalization bill again next session to continue these efforts.

Youth Arts Day Celebration

I was thrilled to speak at the Youth Art Day celebration at the Capitol on Friday.

Students from across the state contributed art that is currently hanging in the Capitol rotunda. These students efforts have brought joy into our Capitol. This vibrant display shows me and all the other legislators, staff, and visitors who have witnessed it that the future of art is bright in our state.

As a mother of four sons, and a state representative, I have been able to see the benefits of arts education first hand. The arts provide multiple areas of engagement which enhance the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical aspects of a young person’s educational journey.

Farewell to the County Board

It was a bittersweet moment for me last week as I attended my last meeting as a County Board Supervisor. I decided not to run for another term so I could focus on my role as a State Representative and so that we have different voices at all levels of government.

My time on the County Board has been truly inspiring. Local government is effective, collaborative, and shows that we can get things done when we roll up our sleeves and work together.

In my duties as the chair of the Health and Human Needs Committee I saw the best in public service. Our administrators and point of service providers make our community a better place. They give people living under difficult circumstances the freedom and independence to pursue a fulfilling life.

While I will miss my fellow supervisors, I look forward to continuing to work with them in my capacity in the State Assembly.

Community Award from Boy Scouts

I was honored to be awarded the Yahara District - Glaciers Edge Council - Community Award by the Boy Scouts of America.

Scouting is an important part of my family's life. My sons have learned valuable life skills through the scouts and my eldest two are on their way to becoming Eagle Scouts. The =Boy Scouts of America strives to make our community a better place, and I am thrilled to receive this award from them as I continue to work for the betterment of our friends and neighbors.

Community Events - Here to Serve


As your State Representative it is my privilege and honor to represent you. I know that I cannot do my job without hearing from, and participating in, our communities.
I am always happy to come to any events in your neighborhood. Please feel free to reach out to my office if there are any of the following (or any other event in your neighborhood):
  • 50 year anniversaries
  • Street parties
  • Eagle Scout Ceremonies or Gold
  • Award Ceremonies
  • 100 year birthdays
  • Neighborhood picnics
  • Scout meetings
  • Girl Scout and Boy Scout badge requirements dealing with government
  • Neighborhood Association meetings.

If I can be of any assistance in addressing you and your neighbors’ concerns or answering your questions please contact me at 608-266-0960 or Rep.Sargent@legis.wi.gov.


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

 

April 8, 2014
Issue 31


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
 

In the District

I am proud of the outreach that Team Sargent has accomplished in my first term in office. It is my goal to be an extremely accessible legislator so that I can assist you with any matters related to our state government.

  • Doors knocked on since January 2013: 10,37171
  • Listening Sessions Held: 20
  • Surveys sent out to constituents of the 48th Assembly District: 21,000
  • Constituent Letters sent out: 3,906
  • Classroom Visits: 29
  • E-Updates Sent: 30
     

Did You Know?


Marriage offers 1,138 Federal benefits and responsibilities, not including hundreds more offered by every state.

We must have marriage equality so everyone is treated the same under the law.

 

Affordable Care Act Update

As of last Tuesday, 7.1 million people had signed up on federal or state exchanges for coverage under the Affordable Care Act.


Great Season Badgers

I want to congratulate the University of Wisconsin Men's Basketball team on a great season. Reaching the Final Four is a huge achievement, and they played a fantastic game against Kentucky that went down to the last possession.

As a proud UW alum, I look forward to watching this team achieve even bigger and better things next season.

On Wisconsin!
 

Quote of the Week

Tomorrow, April 8th is Equal Pay Day. Equal Pay Day was originated by the National Committee on Pay Equity (NCPE) in 1996 as a public awareness event to illustrate the gap between men's and women's wages.

Women get paid 77 cents for every dollar a man makes. This pay inequity goes up as a woman moves further in her career. One hero of women's pay equality is Lilly Ledbetter who, when learning that she was paid less than her male counterparts, took her company to court.

"We sought justice because equal pay for equal work is an American value. That fight took me ten years. It took me all the way to the Supreme Court. And, in a 5-4 decision, they stood on the side of those who shortchanged my pay, my overtime, and my retirement just because I am a woman."

-Lilly Ledbetter

 

NESCO Concerts

NESCO 20th Anniversary Summer Concert Series is coming back to Warner Park in June!

*Each concert is on Monday except for July 4th Weekend

June 16, 6 pm
June 23, 6 pm
June 30, 6 pm
July 14, 6 pm
July 21, 6 pm
July 28, 6pm


 
 

Local Elections

Congratulations to all who participated in our local elections last week. Whether you won or lost, know that you have made our democracy stronger by stepping up and running for local office.

Election Day is a special time in my household. Together, as a family, we go to the polling place so I can show my sons what democracy looks like in action. As citizens of the United States, we have this freedom which many people across the globe do not have. The right to choose our elected representatives to be our voice at each level of government is too often taken for granted. I encourage everyone to become more actively involved, whether just by voting or putting your name on the ballot.


 

Free Dental Care for Kids

Where: Madison College Dental Hygiene Clinic, 1705 Hoffman St., Room 151
When: During Madison's School Spring Break
Monday, April 14 @ Noon
Wednesday, April 16th @ Noon

Appointments required - Call 608-258-2400

You will be required to complete medical history and HIPPA forms for each child.

Written permission must be given for services.

-Dental cleaning
-Fluoride treatment
-Dental x-rays (as needed)
-Dental sealants (as needed)