Friends and Neighbors,

This summer has been active and informative for my office. I signed up for multiple legislative conferences which teach leadership, policy, and the value of a bi-partisan working manner. I will carry the lessons that I learn at these conferences into the next  legislative session in order to continue being a strong voice for my constituents.

While the Capitol is quiet this time of year, there is still plenty of state news. I was disappointed to learn that Governor Walker chose to appeal the lift of Wisconsin's gay marriage ban. As I pointed out in a recent op-ed, we need true leadership from the Governor on this issue, not more political games.

I have also continued my outreach to our community. Each business tour, facility tour, or neighborhood visit brings me a new appreciation for how special the 48th Assembly District is. I am proud to call it home.

As always, please contact my office if you have any topics you would like included in future issues of the Sargent Voice.


Forward,

Walker appeals lift of gay marriage ban

Governor Scott Walker and Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen have chosen to challenge Judge Crabb’s decision to lift the gay marriage ban in Wisconsin. This challenge is supposed to put Wisconsin on “equal footing” along with other states such as Indiana who are hoping to put a stop to marriage equality. In reality, this is simply an attempt to stall or invalidate same sex marriage in Wisconsin.

Civil rights advocates such as the ACLU are challenging Van Hollen and others in order to promote and ensure the basic human right to marry who you love. While the majority of Wisconsinites, and the majority of Americans support marriage equality the Walker administration does not.

Governor Walker’s decision, while a disappointment to advocates of civil rights, is unsurprising given his track record on this issue. As a state we will continue to watch this process unfold and we hope to see our state move in the right direction in the near future.

Welcome DAIS, to the Northside!

Domestic abuse is an issue that affects families and entire communities.

Domesitic Abuse Intervention Services provides amazing resources to help those who have suffered do to an abusive situation.

I toured the new DAIS facility on Sherman Avenue, and it is everything you could hope for and more.

This is an exciting moment for our Northside community. They are rallying to provide a safe and nurturing facility to support and provide hope for our domestic abuse victims.

I am honored to continue supporting this fabulous organization and look forward to seeing the important work they will continue doing at their new location.

Emerging Leaders Program

Engaging with state leaders across the country is a valuable way to share information and increase our skills and legislators.

I was honored to attend the State Legislative Leaders Foundation Emerging Leaders program at the University of Virginia’s School of Businesses. I had the opportunity to work with instructors and legislators from across the country. I learned a lot as part of this experience,

I look forward to applying what I have learned in the future.

Conservation Champion Award


Our environment is one of Wisconsin's most valuable resources. This week, the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters delivered their conservation champion awards.

I am honored to have a 100% conservation rating because my children and their children deserve to know and value our natural world.

Investing, maintaining and preserving our environment are vital now and into the future in order to provide health and security for all people.

WALA Luncheon

Allowing our older friends, family and neighbors dignity and independence in their living arrangements provides protections of their individual liberties and freedoms.

I recently spent time with  members of the Wisconsin Assisted Living Association (WALA) and advocates discussing the importance of quality assisted living facilities.

Summer Interns

I am passionate about increasing youth voice in our state government.

Team Sargent's summer intern program is in full swing. We are fortunate to have three talented high schoolers joining us this summer working on policy research and generally learning how the Capitol works.

Please contact my office if you would like an internship or know a young person who would be interested. Rep.Sargent@legis.wi.gov or 608-266-0960.

 


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July 16, 2014
Issue 37


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

July 4th on the Northside

Each year on July 4th we celebrate the freedoms that we enjoy in this country.

Team Sargent took part in the First Annual Northside Parade and Independence Day celebration. I saw many familiar faces and had fantastic discussions with friends and neighbors. I am proud to live in such a special community, and I look forward to taking part in this event for years to come.

 

Did You Know?

Wisconsin visitors and residents enjoy the state's 7,446 streams and rivers. End-to-end they'd stretch 26,767 miles. That is more than enough to circle the globe at the equator.
 

Hobby Lobby Protest

The recent Supreme Court decision which allowed Hobby Lobby to limit women's access to vital health care needs was a step backwards for our country. This ruling is a clear impingement on the freedom of women to determine their own health care and reproductive needs.

I was proud to participate in protest at the local Hobby Lobby. The Supreme Court's ruling in favor of Hobby's Lobby's discriminatory insurance rules is a clear impingement on the freedom of women to determine their own health care and reproductive needs. It should be obvious in today's day and age that women deserve the same freedoms and liberties to healthcare as men, yet we must continue in this struggle together.
Companies like Hobby Lobby, who needlessly endanger the health of their profit-creators, will
not receive my business. I pledge to continue working towards providing women the freedoms
necessary to live a prosperous, fulfilling life.


Ride the Drive

Ride the Drive - Eastside on August 24, 10am-3pm

Ride the Drive is a carefree, car free event that turns Madison’s signature streets into a public promenade that is open to cyclists, walkers, rollerbladers, and those out to share in the experience and fun atmosphere. These popular events bring 20,000 people out to ride, walk and skate on the route, enjoy live music, food, and participate in various activities, and fun stopping points along the way.

Questions? Contact: ridethedrive@cityofmadison.com

Quote of the Week

"Don't look ahead. Look behind. Look back from your old age at the life you hope to live. Know that you need to be happy now, to enjoy your friends and family, to follow your dreams.

You are here.

You can be there.

Let the journey begin."


- Marshall Goldsmith

 

Feed Kitchen Project

The Northside sense of community was shining last week at the FEED Kitchen.

The boys from BSA Troop 127 gathered to help their fellow scout complete his Eagle Project.

This is Just what I like to see in my district: youth engagement in the community and for the community.