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.
Governor Visits Kenosha, Hears From Residents on State Budget
Sen. Wirch and Gov. Evers listen to residents' concerns
On Wednesday, April 10, Governor Tony Evers hosted a budget listening session in the Daimler-Chrysler Room at the Kenosha Public Library. Approximately 150 members of the public came out in the midst of an April winter storm to discuss health care, education, criminal justice reform, jobs and taxes, transportation, the environment and a number of other topics as Evers, several Cabinet members including Peter Barca, and a group of state legislators listened. The Kenosha session was the second in a series of discussions the Governor is hosting around the state to hear from Wisconsin residents on the state budget. Governor Evers was pleased with the evening, telling the Kenosha News, "The input was just extraordinary. Kenosha didn't disappoint me." If you were unable to attend and would like to share your thoughts with the Governor, you can contact Evers through his website.
Special Election for 64th Assembly District to Be Held April 30
On Tuesday, April 30, a special election will be held to elect a new Representative in the 64th Assembly District, which was left vacant when Peter Barca was chosen to serve as Revenue Secretary by Governor Evers. The 64th Assembly district includes the northern and western parts of the city of Kenosha, the eastern part of the village of Somers, the southeast part of the village of Mount Pleasant, parts of the southwest side of the city of Racine, and the village of Elmwood Park. For more on the election, to find out if you live in the district, and to learn what you need to bring to vote and where your polling place is, visit My Vote Wisconsin.
Cut Down on Annoying Telemarketing Calls
Telemarketing calls are consistently rated the most complained about consumer protection issue, and they get worse and worse every year. Many of these calls are scammers who don't abide by consumer laws. However, you can cut out many calls from legitimate sales people by registering your telephone number on the federal Do Not Call list. The federal Do Not Call list is a free and easy way to reduce telemarketing calls. To register, click here or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone number you want to register. You phone number should show up in the registry the next day; however, most sales calls will stop once your number has been on the registry for 31 days. The Do Not Call list prohibits sales calls; you could still receive political, charitable, deb collection, and telephone survey calls. You can find more information on the Do Not Call list from the Federal Trade Commission.
Most Common Consumer Complaints in 2018 (courtesy of the Department of Ag, Trade and Consumer Protection)
The successful SeniorCare prescription drug program was recently given a 10-year extension by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). SeniorCare is an innovative Wisconsin program that requires a waiver from the federal government in order to operate. To enroll in SeniorCare, you must: be a Wisconsin resident; be a U.S. citizen or have qualifying immigrant status; and be 65 years of age or older. There is a $30 annual fee, co-pays range from $5 to $15, and your annual income determines your level of coverage. With no coverage gaps, SeniorCare coverage is more comprehensive and less expensive than Medicare Part D. Approximately 50,000 Wisconsin seniors benefit from SeniorCare. Find out more or apply for SeniorCare by visiting the Department of Health Services.
Safely Dispose of Unused Medications During Drug Take-Back Day
On Saturday, April 27, from 9 am to 1 pm, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and the Wisconsin Department of Justice will hold a national Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. The goal is to raise awareness about the need to properly dispose of unwanted, unused medications while providing safe, convenient locations for the public to do so. Unused or expired medications are often flushed or poured down a drain, resulting in traces of drugs in bodies of water worldwide. You can find a location for safe disposal of medications through the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
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
