We are in a budget year.  The state budget is possibly the most important thing the Legislature does each session. Governor Evers has released his budget proposal, and the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee will begin their work on the budget soon.  The state budget touches all areas of government, and the process can be complicated and confusing.  You'll have an opportunity to share your thoughts and hear what other community members are saying when Governor Tony Evers and Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes host a Kenosha listening session on Wednesday, April 10, from 5:30 - 7 pm in Daimler Chrysler Hall at the Kenosha Public Museum. Preregistration is encouraged in order to guarantee your spot; you can register here.  

Disability Rights Advocates Fill the Capitol to Discuss Legislative Issues

 Advocates with Governor Tony Evers

On Wednesday, March 20, the halls of the Capitol were full of activity as disability rights advocates from all over the state arrived in Madison to speak to their legislators about issues ranging from healthcare to transportation to jobs and employment. I was fortunate to have a group of ten activists and caregivers visit my office for a lively discussion of these topics and more.  While they were here, they decided to take Governor Evers up on an offer he had made during the campaign to Pam DeVuyst to stop by his office.  The group was able to meet the Governor and discuss their concerns with him, as well.  The group had a busy, productive and exciting day.

  Taking On Phone Scammers

It seems like every day we hear about another person being taken by a phone scam. The Grandparent Scam, Social Security and IRS scams - they are all over the news, with more and more unsuspecting people losing their hard-earned money to fraudsters.  A new wrinkle to some of these scams allows the crooks to make it look on a caller ID like they are calling from a local number, a government agency or even a utility company in an effort to further confuse and trick their victims.  In an effort to combat this growing problem, I have co-sponsored legislation that will prohibit telephone solicitors from the intentional falsification of information transmitted to a caller ID display.  This important consumer protection legislation has broad bipartisan support, and I'm hopeful we will get it passed this session.  You can read the bill and track its progress through the Legislature's website.