Friends and Neighbors,

A colleague of mine once described the Republican agenda as similar to a game of 'whack-a-mole'. Just when you think think we've averted one crisis, another initiative is introduced to threaten the progressive traditions of our state.

The budget process provides a look inside the corporate-driven policy agenda of Wisconsin's GOP. The goal is comprehensive privatization - the replacement of government agencies and elected officials with unelected corporations controlling more aspects of American life for their own profits, not the public good.

And the GOP and their corporate donors has been busy this session. They're expanding school vouchers, sidestepping the rules at WEDC, attacking women's health, and decimating our natural spaces.

All of this means that we must continue to be vigilant in ensuring that these legislators are held accountable for their policy positions. From Madison to Appleton to Spooner, citizens must stand up to let them know that the politicians work for them, the people.

As always, if you have any topics you would like to see discussed in future issues of the Sargent Voice, please contact me at 608-266-0960 or Rep.Sargent@legis.wi.gov.

In solidarity,

Melissa Sargent
State Representative
48th Assembly District
 

Public Education under attack... again

A Kansas waitress recently refused a tip from budget-slashing Gov. Sam Brownback, urging him to “tip the schools” instead. After hearing about their exchange, I couldn’t help but think how appropriate that reaction would be here in Wisconsin, too.

(Governor Walker, I’m lookin’ at you.)

With Gov. Walker’s proposed budget for 2015-17, K-12 schools in our communities are facing historic cuts — to the tune of $127 million across Wisconsin. In fact, during his tenure, Walker has cut more school funding per student than any other governor in America.

After visiting every school in my district, I’ve seen what these cuts mean for our kids and how our local schools are already struggling to stay afloat while our governor runs for president. This, coupled with the fact that we also just found out there will be no additional state tax revenue to fill these gaping budgetary holes, paints a woeful economic outlook for our kids and our schools.

And yet, there I sat perplexed last week — during Teacher Appreciation Week, no less — as I watched Republicans pat themselves on the backs for graciously letting Wisconsin schools keep their crumbs. I watched them pat themselves on the backs for “meeting expectations” and saying they would restore the dangerous budget cuts they originally proposed in the first place.

But before we join in celebrating and congratulating Republicans for conquering their self-inflicted budgetary woes, we should take care to realize restoring these cuts isn’t a victory, it’s a concession: Our schools will be no better off than they are right now, and we can and should do better.

Our schools are the hearts of our communities. We should be strengthening important programs that support our children in school, not dismantling them year after year. We should be fully funding public education at every level, not letting Republicans celebrate our schools settling for scraps. We should be investing in our future and opportunities for our children to learn and succeed, not letting Republicans masquerade as heroes for leaving our children with nothing better than the status quo.

We can’t keep letting Republicans take a victory lap every time they defeat their own awful agendas, especially when it comes to public education. Our schools and our children deserve better.

WEDC Loans Questioned

Hardworking people around our state deserve to know that their taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely and with full transparency. Private prosperity is not possible without strong government agencies supporting job growth. WEDC as a job creation agencies has failed in implementing any policies that will help move our state forward.

It has come to light that Gov. Scott Walker’s top aides and a powerful lobbyist pressed for a taxpayer-funded loan through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation in 2011 to a financially struggling Milwaukee construction company that lost the state half a million dollars, created no jobs and raised questions about where the money went.

Two of my Democratic colleagues, Senator Julie Lassa and Rep. Peter Barca, have called for a federal investigation into this $500,000 unsecured loan. I support his investigation because people deserve to know whether their taxpayer dollars are being spent in an ethical, responsible manner.

Time and time again, we have seen the GOP privatization model fail. Since Governor Walker first took office he has tried to privatize our public schools, our human services, and our job creation agency. Each of these examples proved to be reckless in their lack of accountability. The people of our state, who rely on these vital programs, deserve better. While the Governor is off pursuing his own personal ambitions, he is selling off our state's future. Simply put, this request for reform comes more than two years late.

As the ranking Democrat on the Joint Committee on Audit, I have called on the committee co-chairs call a public hearing as soon as humanly possible to discuss the changes that need to be made at WEDC to stop corruption like this from happening again. Governor Walker has unfortunately only suggested small changes when truly, a complete assessment of the agency is needed.

Non-Emergency Medical Transit Audit Released

In Wisconsin, we value taking care of our friends and neighbors. We care for them when they are sick and we make sure that they can get to their needed medical appointments.

I am deeply concerned by the report by the Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB) concerning Wisconsin's non-emergency medical transit program. This audit was conducted at the behest of a bi-partisan group of legislators who were troubled at the extraordinary amount of complaints coming into their offices regarding problems with non-emergency transportation services.

This is not the Wisconsin Way and we must do better.

This audit shows a lack of respect for their most basic needs. Republicans in Wisconsin continue to let corporations off the hook while people are at their most vulnerable. I call on my colleagues on the Joint Audit Committee to take swift action to ensure that we see immediate improvements to this vital service and act in the best interest of the people of our state.

The continued privatization of our human services is not working. The problems shown in this report are not points on a graph or numbers on a chart. These are members of our community whose medical needs are not being met due to poor service by Medical Transportation Management Inc. (MTM).

Wisconsinites everywhere should be outraged that in LAB’s survey of 5,000 customers, they found that over 40 percent of respondents indicated they had experienced instances in which they missed or had to reschedule their appointments because drivers arrived more than 15 minutes late to pick them up or did not arrive at all. Folks in need of dialysis or other time-sensitive medical treatment deserve better.

People relying on these services must have confidence that this system will get them from Point A to Point B. MTM had problems not only in their service, but in their response to the legitimate complaints filed by their consumers. As the former chair of the Health and Human Needs committee on the Dane County Board and now as the ranking Democrat on the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, I have heard first hand from people in our community who repeatedly have been hurt by this privatized model.

SeniorCare Saved

Promoting the health of our seniors is one of my top legislative priorities. I know that our seniors shouldn't have to choose between their medication and having a healthy meal or turning on their heat.

I was relieved to learn that that the Joint Finance Committee bowed to the overwhelming citizen call to preserve SeniorCare, the state’s prescription drug program for Wisconsin’s older adults.

The Governor’s proposal to force seniors on to Medicare Part D was one of the most unpopular proposals in the budget.

I joined my Democratic colleagues in the Legislature to call for SeniorCare to be saved. So many people in the 48th Assembly District rely on SeniorCare to secure certainty and protection against rising prescription drug expenses and tax increases. The vote to save SeniorCare is a real victory for the people of Wisconsin who let their voices be heard on this issue.

Higher Ed, Lower Debt Bill Re-Introduced

Higher education gives people the freedom to pursue a prosperous future - the American Dream.

I am proud to stand with my colleagues in support of the 'Higher Ed, Lower Debt' bill that was introduced last week by Rep. Cory Mason and Sen. Dave Hansen. This bill would allow student borrowers to refinance their loans much like you can with a home mortgage. Legislative Fiscal Bureau has estimated this will save borrowers hundreds (and in some cases thousands) of dollars each year.

Some startling facts about our state's student loan crisis:

  • Since 2013, the number of Wisconsin residents with student loans has grown from 753,000 to 815,000.
  • The average loan debt for someone who obtained a bachelor’s degree has increased from just over $22,000 to $28,400.
  • Total student debt in Wisconsin is over $19.3 billion.
  • Nationally, nearly 40 million Americans hold over $1.2 trillion in student loan debt.

According to Generation Progress as many as 515,000 Wisconsin residents could benefit from being able to refinance their student loans.

Student borrowers are paying off their student loan debts years, even decades, after their education has concluded. Research demonstrates that student loan borrowers are less likely to buy homes, purchase new cars, and put much- needed money back in to Wisconsin’s economy.

I call on my colleagues across the aisle to support this important legislation.

Aging and Long-Term Care fight's not over

Providing vital services to our seniors and vulnerable citizens provides them with the freedom to live a more independent life.

I was encouraged to learn that members of the Joint Finance Committee are rejecting Governor Walker’s proposals for IRIS and Family Care. I’m glad that our friends and neighbors across Wisconsin are finally being heard for the first time since the budget was introduced four months ago.

But before we let Republicans pat themselves on the back and take a victory lap, we should remind ourselves that the battle to protect our aging and long-term care programs from Governor Walker’s budget is far from over.

While this is a step in the right direction, there are still serious concerns about this budget and the implications it will have on our parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors.

I am hopeful that GOP legislators will continue listening and hearing the people of Wisconsin as they work to preserve ADRC services, our SeniorCare program, and any changes to Family Care and IRIS that they’re considering. These programs affect the most vulnerable in our communities, and we depend on these programs for everyday livelihood and survival. This isn’t a partisan issue; it’s about doing what’s best for Wisconsin.


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May 26, 2015
Issue 54

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

Memorial Day

I hope everyone had a peaceful and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.

While we all enjoy the sun and the extra day off, we must also remember to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country

My uncle lost his life in the Vietnam War. The people we celebrate and revere on Memorial Day are people's husbands, wives, sons, and daughters.


 

Quote of the Week

"The budget is not just a collection of numbers, but an expression of our values and aspirations."

-Jacob Lew
 

Budget Update

Special Education Vouchers slipped into the budget

The GOP slipped the special education voucher program into the budget at the final hour, with no public hearing.

This is a program so extreme and harmdful to students with disabilities that it couldn't pass the extreme Republican legislature last session. Every single disability rights advocacy group in Wisconsin opposes this measure.

Private schools do not have to follow federal regulations and discriminate regularly against kids with special needs. They are also not required by the bill to use the vouchers to meet the needs of the children they're intended to serve.

This system that takes additional money out of public schools and leaves parents and special needs students with no resources or rights. It is clear that by not requiring services for children with severe needs or complicated medical issues that this burden will still fall upon public schools. It is the height of arrogance to add an entirely new approach to educating children with disabilities without allowing any input from the public.


 

Marijuana Bill Update

I can now announce that my bill to legalize marijuana in Wisconsin has a bill number (AB 224) and has more than twice as many co-sponsors as last year.

Across the nation, we see momentum for this movement growing by the day. With four states and the District of Columbia allowing marijuana for recreational use, and many more have legalized for medicinal purposes, we know that this is going to happen. It is simply a matter of whether we allow the federal government to dictate it, or do we come up with a homegrown marijuana solution.

Please sign and share the petition to show your support for AB 224!


 

In and Around the District

Ride the Drive - 2015

Madison Parks is pleased to bring Ride the Drive, presented by Trek, back for its seventh year!

Sunday, June 7
10am - 3pm
Click HERE for more details.

Ride the Drive is a community event that turns Madison's signature streets into a public promenade that is open to cyclists, walkers, roller-bladers, and residents out to enjoy car-free streets. Ride the Drive is more than just a bike ride - with music, activities, and fun stopping points along the way - there is something for everyone.


 

Did You Know?

In honor of all the graduates from UW-Madison, and as a proud UW alumna, here are 7 fun facts about the crown jewel of our state:

  • Bucky Badger's full name is Buckingham U. Badger.
     
  • Annual tuition in 1900 was $20.
     
  • Marching Band members started wearing their caps backward after a Badger win in the 1920s to symbolize looking back at their victory.
     
  • One in every 790 living Americans has at least one degree from UW-Madison.
     
  • The university has 10,649 acres of land and some 850 buildings.
     
  • 17 Nobel prizes and 24 Pulitzers have been awarded to UW-Madison faculty or alumni.
     
  • More than 30,000 doctorates have been awarded.


     

Badger Care Expansion

The healthier we are as a society means more economic opportunity for our citizens.

In a report by the Wisconsin Budget Project and Citizen Action of Wisconsin, new numbers show that the decision to reject enhanced federal dollars for BadgerCare will cost the state $398 million in the next state budget.

A paper issued by the Legislative Fiscal Bureau contains the new enrollment assumptions for childless adults and other Medicaid groups. By using those figures, it is estimated that the state would save at least $23 million more than the Fiscal Bureau calculated back in February, when it said that by expanding BadgerCare and accepting the increased federal funding Wisconsin would enjoy a net savings of $345 million during the 2015-17 biennium. This calculation is based on the increased adult caseload.

The bottom line in the LFB paper is that the combined effect of all the variables is a net increase in the state share of projected Medicaid and BadgerCare spending of $23.8 million (GPR).

This $398 million is more than enough to reverse most of the slashing cuts to education in the Governor’s budget.

As I have said for over two years, it is not too late to accept these BadgerCare expansion dollars. There is no sunset. Sadly, the Republicans on the Joint Finance Committee once again rejected this expansion which would save money and insure more citizens.

This doesn't mean we're giving up, it only makes our resolve stronger.



 

Boy Scouts of America

As the wife an Eagle Scout, and the mother of two boys who will soon receive this honor, I was thrilled to hear the president of the Boy Scouts of America, Robert Gates, call for an end to the group's ban on gay troop leaders.

Gates told a meeting of the organization's leadership in Atlanta that "we cannot ignore the social, political and judicial changes taking place in our country."

While he did not propose that the national board formally drop the ban. He suggested that each troop sponsor set the rules for their troop. "Such a rule would allow all churches, which allow some 70% of our scout unites, to establish leadership standards consistent with their faith."

I welcome moving this conversation forward, and I am hopeful that troops all over the nation will choose equality.

Kids Fishing Day!

Warner Park Shelter
June 6
9am - 12pm

First 300 kids 14 and under get a free rod/reel combo or tackle box.
Live bait provided and free instruction from club members.
Lunch @ 11:00a.m.

Questions: Contact Paul Zoch at 608-770-7587 or email: lynne2133@yahoo.com