I am proud to announce that Team Sargent has gone to over 10,000 doors since since February 2015.

Based on my conversations at your doors, and the returned surveys we have received in my office, it is very clear to me that my friends and neighbors in the 48th Assembly District work hard and play by the rules and that they believe deeply that government should work for the people.

They believe that our families deserve a raise - that is why I introduced a bill to increase the minimum wage in Wisconsin.

They believe that everyone should have access to quality affordable healthcare - that is why I introduced a bill to expand BadgerCare in Wisconsin.

They believe that everyone should feel safe at a movie or sending their kids to school - that is why I have introduced common sense gun reform legislation.

They believe that marijuana prohibition in Wisconsin is not working - that is why I have introduced a bill to fully legalize marijuana in Wisconsin.

They believe that our public schools are our greatest asset - that is why I am tireless about standing up against a second school system that is privatized and unaccountable yet funded with our hard earned tax dollars.

Share your thoughts with me today - because I know that when we fight for what we believe in and what makes us so proud to wear our Wisconsin sweatshirts as we travel this great country; we win.

We are a powerful movement of passionate, thoughtful change and by working together we will win for our kids and for our tomorrow.

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,

Voting Rights Act 50th Anniversary

50 years ago, the Voting Rights Act was signed into law. However, America is not living up to its fundamental ideals and promise with the current influx of restrictive voting laws around the country. Until all American citizens have the guarantee – regardless of race, age, gender, zip code, or birth nation – of an equal freedom to vote, our friends and neighbors will not truly have reached the promise of the American Dream.

Climate Change Action Plan

Clean air and water provide security, health, and safety for our citizens. I applaud the Obama Administration for their Climate Change Action Plan. It is no longer debatable that climate change results from human actions. The only thing left to decide is how to move forward. The President’s plan sets a bold, aggressive path towards a more sustainable future.

The plan calls for a large reduction in carbon pollution from power plants across the country, with states required to cut their emissions by 32% from levels set in 2005 by 2030.

We must protect the health of our hardworking friends and neighbors. We cannot condemn our future generations to a planet that’s beyond fixing. As a member of the Committee on Energy and Utilities, I look forward to working with all the stakeholders in this process to ensure that we achieve the goals laid out in this plan, while respecting our partners in the utility industry.

GOP proposal would limit accountability at WEDC

I believe in a government that is transparent and accountable to the people it represents. I also care about process. We need to have the right people involved, doing things in the right way. Due to these factors, I was extremely troubled by a bill circulated late last Friday afternoon that would remove legislative members from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Board of Directors

After continued silence on the mess at WEDC, the Republicans idea of reform at the troubled agency is to remove the only board members who are directly responsible to taxpayers. The fact of the matter is that neither the Governor nor majority party legislators can absolve themselves of WEDC’s problems by looking the other way.

We have seen repeated concerning trends at WEDC. They have failed to implement stricter oversight and better reporting measures. They have lost money, written off huge loans, and misused funds on extravagant purchases. Why would anyone think the Legislature should have less oversight at this agency?
 

Congratulations, DAIS!

As of August 1, Domestic Abuse Intervention Services has been in their new shelter facility on Fordem Avenue for one year. This building marked a new era for the organization and more than doubled the number of beds available in the old shelter from 25 to the current 56.

In addition, shelter stays were lengthened from 30 days to 45 days, a critical change allowing DAIS to offer more help for residents to find safe and stable housing, to get on their feet and work toward their goals.

DAIS has seen an increased demand for their services and with the new building has been able to increase their staff to meet the needs of survivors. In 2014, they fielded more than 11,500 calls to their Helpline.

Northsider Renee Moe Named as President and CEO of United Way of Dane County

United Way of Dane County is a nationally recognized organization that works to improve the human condition in areas such as homelessness and the racial achievement gap. A new president and CEO will be taking the reins of leadership beginning in October. Renee Moe, a Northsider, has been named to the position by the United Way Board of Directors. Moe currently serves as the United Way Executive Vice President of Resource Development and Marketing and she has been with the organization since 2004.

Moe has a MBA degree from UW-Madison and is the YWCA’s 2015 Woman of Distinction. She has been recognized as a community impact change agent. She lives in Madison with her husband Jason Salus and two children, Nick and Nora. Moe succeeds Leslie Ann Howard who is retiring at the end of 2015 after 34 years of service.

Planned Parenthood Under Attack

Last week the U.S. Senate failed to advance a bill that would have immediately ended federal funding for Planned Parenthood, with Republican Senators calling to "Fund Women's Health, Not Planned Parenthood." How ironic that in their quest to "Fund Women's Health," Republicans are attempting to defund an organization of which 97% of its services are prenatal and preventative care, cancer screenings, disease treatment, and providing birth control.

Republicans need to stop playing gynotician and pretending that they know better than medical experts, health care providers, and women.

Community Calendar

Lakeview Hill Park Volunteer Activity 1202 Northport Dr. September 5th 10am-12pm, Meet in the parking lot at the top of the hill by the cell tower. Help restore this beautiful natural area. Dress for work in the woods. Contact Nelson Eisman (608)217-5512.

Sixth Annual Harvest Dinner for Hunger
East Side Club, 3735 Monona Dr.
October 11
4:30pm-8:00pm

Join the Riverside Food Pantry on a voyage to fight hunger at their largest fund raiser of the year. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, silent and live auction, raffles, dinner and program. Tickets are available at www.riverfoodpantry.org or call (608)442-8815 or email Amy Lord, Development Director, amy@riverfoodpantry.org

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August 13, 2015
Issue 59