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.
On Wednesday, March 13, I was delighted to welcome a group of eleven pharmacy students from the area to the State Capitol for the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin's Legislative Day. Many different professional and advocacy groups have these types of days, which gives them an opportunity to discuss issues and legislation that are important to them with their state elected officials. These meetings are helpful, as I get to hear what the real-world impact of legislation will be from the true experts. During our meeting, we talked about three pieces of pharmacy-related legislation that are expected to come up this session. This was an impressive group of students; one of them, Carly Lanhardt of Kenosha, was recently awarded a $1,000 scholarship through the Susan B. Anthony Women of Influence Awards. With these students staffing our pharmacies in the coming years, we will be in good hands.
Scam Phone Calls Targeting WE Energies Customers
WE Energies is warning about a scam call some of its customers have received, claiming that they are behind on their bill, sometimes thousands of dollars behind, and will be disconnected unless immediate payment is made using a pre-paid debit card. These calls are not coming from WE Energies; if you receive a similar call, you should hang up. WE Energies will never threaten a customer or insist on payment through a pre-paid card. If you aren't sure, you can call WE Energies Customer Care Center at 800-242-9137; WE Energies has been informed of at least 75 scam calls in March so far alone. The Federal Trade Commission has published a list of tips to avoid being the victim of a scam. If you fall victim to this or any other scam, contact local law enforcement.
Conservation Congress Hearings Give You Input into State Natural Resources Policy
The Wisconsin Conservation Congress was created by state statute as an advisory body to the Natural Resources Board. Since 1934, it has provided citizens of the state the opportunity to introduce ideas and forward proposals to protect and enhance policy on outdoor recreation and enjoyment. According to the state Department of Natural Resources, no other state in the country provides such a direct line or unique opportunity.
According to the Wisconsin Conservation Congress Mission Statement: "The Wisconsin Conservation Congress is the only statutory body in the state where citizens elect delegates to advise the Natural Resources Board and the Department of Natural Resources on how to responsibly manage Wisconsin's natural resources for present and future generations. The Congress accomplishes this through open, impartial, broad-ranged actions."
Every spring, public hearings are held in each of Wisconsin's 72 counties, offering the public the opportunity to provide input and testimony on proposed rule changes and advisory questions relating to fish and wildlife management in Wisconsin; individuals can also bring up new conservation issues through the citizen resolution process. Residents can elect delegates from their counties to represent their county's view on the Conservation Congress, as well. This year, for the first time, Wisconsin residents will be able to weigh in on the spring hearing questions through an online option, providing even greater opportunity for citizen input.
The Wisconsin Conservation Congress will hold its 2019 spring hearings on Monday, April 8, at 7:00 pm. TheKenosha County hearingwill be held in the Hearing Room of the Kenosha County Center in Bristol; theRacine County hearingwill take place at the Union Grove High School Theater.
The Department of Natural Resources provides instructions onhow to participateand the list ofquestions and issuesthat will be discussed at this year's spring hearings. Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine published agreat articleon the history of the state's Conservation Congress; I highly recommend it.
April is National Financial Literacy Month
In March 2004, the U.S. Senate passed Resolution 316, which officially recognized April as National Financial Literacy Month. Financial literacy is more important than ever before. Consumers are bombarded with offers for credit cards, loan refinancing, bank accounts, etc. Without the proper education, experience and advice, one bad decision can haunt a person's credit report for years, making it difficult or impossible to buy a car or a house or take other important steps in life. Last session, I co-sponsored bipartisan legislation, which was passed and signed into law by the Governor, to provide instruction on financial literacy in grades K-12. Early education will help young people make better financial decisions as they enter adulthood and beyond. The Federal Trade Commission provides tips on financial literacy, and CNN has compiled a list of tips for young adults starting out their financial lives on the right foot.
Come Talk with Me at My Listening Session
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 new legislative session. Come to Kenosha's Northside Library, 1500 27th Ave., on Friday, March 22, from 2:30 to 4 pm 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||