Welcome to my e-newsletter. I will use this to update you on issues in the Capitol and around the state, as well as events taking place in our community. I hope you find it interesting and informative. As always, don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance or just to share your thoughts.
Racine/Kenosha Vocational Ministry Impacting Our Community One Life at a Time
People coming out of prison face a number of obstacles in putting their lives back together. From challenges obtaining employment and housing to the stigma they face from the general public to possible mental illness and other negative influences that led them to prison in the first place, the struggles often result in the person re-offending and back in prison. Wisconsin's three-year recidivism rate, or the chance that a person who has been released will be sent back to prison within three years, is over 31%. This impacts not just the offenders, their victims and their families; we all pay as a result, with the average Wisconsin inmate costing taxpayers nearly $39,000 per year.
Right here in our community, there is an organization working to change that. Racine/Kenosha Vocational Ministry has made it their mission to "prepare individuals for life and work by developing attitudes, habits and skills that reflect human dignity; empower unemployed and underemployed citizens to become productive and fulfilled; and help individuals use their unique callings to powerfully influence their communities". Founded in 2002 by Jim Schatzman as Racine Vocational Ministry, the organization has a proven track record of success when it comes to helping disadvantaged citizens find the right path and changing lives. In fact, according to Schatzman, the organization has placed more than 4,300 ex-offenders and other disadvantaged individuals in job and educational opportunities since 2002. While statewide recidivism rates are over 31%, just 14% of participants in RKVM's programs have re-offended after three years, and RKVM estimates that it saves taxpayers $1.275 million per year by keeping these men and women out of prison.
I have been honored to attend Racine/Kenosha Vocational Ministry's annual recognition dinner in years past, and it was awe-inspiring to hear the personal stories of transformation from people whose lives have been changed by Racine/Kenosha Vocational Ministry. Recently, the Racine Journal Times has featured stories on two successful participants of RKVM's programs. You may have read about Anton House, a former Racine resident who, with the help of Racine/Kenosha Vocational Ministry, went from drug dealer to earning a doctorate from Howard University, or Carol Pagan, who overcame struggles with alcoholism and domestic abuse to become a social worker helping other disadvantaged individuals. These are just two of the thousands of people whose lives have been changed through the efforts of Racine/Kenosha Vocational Ministry.
For more information, or to find out how you can help Racine/Kenosha Vocational Ministry in their work, go to rvmracine.org or visit their Facebook page.
Let Me Know Your Thoughts; Take My Legislative Survey
As a State Senator, it is important to me to hear from you on important issues facing our community and state. Direct feedback from you help me better do my job as a legislator. If you have a second and haven't yet done so, I'd greatly appreciate if you'd take the time to visit my website and complete my 2019 legislative survey. Make your opinions known. Thank you.
Is Your Car Impacted by Recent Airbag Recall?
More than 41 million vehicles in the United States have been recalled due to a defective Takata airbag. A part inside of the defective airbags can explode, shooting sharp metal fragments at passengers inside the vehicle. This can occur no matter what causes the airbag to deploy. Effected vehicles located in areas of high humidity are at even greater risk. At least sixteen people in the U.S. have died and hundreds more have reported serious injuries. Vehicles from model years 2000 to 2018, from at least 34 different brands, are included in the recall. Takata airbag recall repairs are completed free of charge by a local dealer. Free loaner vehicles or other forms of alternate transportation are provided during the repair. To find out if your vehicle is impacted by the recall, or to get more information, visit airbagrecall.com.
State Consumer Protection Agency Offers Guidance on Scams Targeting Seniors
Financial scams targeting seniors is an increasingly common, and lucrative, crime. The state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)is trying to bring attention and awareness to this issue through several resources. DATCP's senior scam bookmark provides a quick look at the main scams targeting seniors and offers simple tips to spot fraud. A more in-depth, thorough resource is The Wisconsin Senior Guide, a free booklet that helps seniors navigate tricky consumer issues and provides a detailed look at a wide range of scams and identity theft risks. Consumers can get their hands on one or both of these valuable tools through DATCP's website, by calling the Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-422-7128 or emailing datcphotline@wi.gov. One final way to stay ahead of fraudsters is to sign up to receive DATCP alerts through email or text message here. As always, if you or a loved one have been the victim of fraud or a scam, contact the local police and use the contact information above to report it to DATCP, as well.
Every year between 800,000 and one million people worldwide take their own lives. It's estimated that a suicide occurs once every 40 seconds. Suicide is a public health problem that impacts people of all genders, races, religions, nationalities and incomes; no one if immune. September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month, and September 10 specifically is designated as World Suicide Prevention Day. This is a time to raise awareness and erase the stigma associated with mental illness and suicidal thoughts.
I'll once again be holding a listening session for you to come and talk with me, share your thoughts on state issues and find out about the legislative session. Come to Kenosha's Northside Library, 1500 27th Ave., on Friday, September 13, from 2:30 to 4 pm, with Special Guest State Representative Tip McGuire and join the conversation.
Track specific legislation, see the latest bills to be introduced, or found out how your legislators voted on a bill through the Wisconsin State Legislature'slegislation page.
Constituent Services
No responsibility that I have directly affects the lives of the average person, or gives me as much satisfaction, as that of constituent services. These can come in many different forms. Some people contact me because there is a problem with their unemployment benefits; it could be a delay in receiving a tax refund; or maybe someone is having difficulty in getting a state-issued occupational license. These are sometime simple fixes. Then there are more complex problems: things like health care issues; disputes with utility or insurance companies; or problems with a mortgage lender. Whatever the issue is, big or small, I am happy to help or point you in the right direction.
State Senator Bob Wirch 127 South, State Capitol PO Box 7882 Madison, WI 53707-7882 (608)267-8979 or (888)769-4724 sen.wirch@legis.wisconsin.gov||
Upcoming Community Events
