January 6th: One-Year Anniversary of the United States Capitol Insurrection
Yesterday, January 6th, marked one year since insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol in a violent attempt to stop the U.S. Congress from certifying the votes of the 2020 election. This armed insurrection was a direct assault on our nation’s democracy, and while it failed, it left us with challenges that have lasted well beyond that disgraceful day.
Over the course of the past year, despite repeated confirmations that our elections are free, fair, and secure, public figures actively continue to spread disinformation and lies about the integrity of our elections. Wisconsin Democrats have fought and will continue to fight attempts to undermine and attack our democracy.
As we remember the January 6th insurrection, may we reject the dangerous attacks on this country— be they through a violent insurrection, false election claims, or assaults on our citizens’ constitutional right to vote. And may we renew our commitment to fighting for, restoring, and protecting our democracy.
See Rep. Vining’s full press release HERE.
Healthy School Meals for All Coalition
As an original co-author of the Healthy School Meals for All Bill, I am proud of my work to make sure that no child goes hungry. Having access to healthy, nutritious meals helps kids achieve both in and out of school.
The Wisconsin Healthy School Meals for All Coalition is having its first meeting next Thursday, January 13th at 11am and will serve to connect legislators, community partners, and activists who are passionate about making sure that no child goes hungry. We will discuss where the Healthy School Meals for All Bill stands, and what can be done in our community to raise awareness about the issue.
To register for the coalition meeting, please click HERE.
For more information about the bill and a list of community supporters, please click HERE.
Wisconsin Office of Children's Mental Health 2021 Annual Report
The Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health (OCMH) is releasing their 2021 Annual Report next Tuesday, January 11th, 2022. Join us for a virtual event to learn more about the OCMH's accomplishments, the mental health data they track, and areas of improvement for children's mental health.
The virtual event begins at 9 am on Tuesday, January 11, 2022.
To RSVP, please click HERE. For more information about the OCMH and what they do, please click HERE.
Thank you, Maddie!
On January 4th, we celebrated and thanked Maddie, my Chief of Staff, for her past three years of service to our district. We also sent her off on an exciting adventure! We are going to miss her— as you know, we appreciate her very much! If you’d like to send notes of thanks to Maddie for her work these last three years, you can send them to Rep.Vining@legis.wisconsin.gov and we will send them along. Thank you, Maddie! Forward together
Assembly Committee on Health
Yesterday, January 6th, the Assembly Health Committee (of which I am a member) held a public hearing. We heard testimony on the following bills:
- Assembly Bill 485: Relating to prior authorization of specially formulated nutritional supplements and replacements.
- Assembly Bill 529: Relating to the regulation and licensure of naturopathic doctors, creating a naturopathic medicine examining board, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty.
- Assembly Bill 537: Relating to the ratification of the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact.
- Assembly Bill 656: Relating to the qualification of international medical graduates to practice medicine and surgery.
- Assembly Bill 720: Relating to the practice of certain skilled health services by military medical personnel and granting rule-making authority.
- Assembly Bill 765: Relating to modifying and creating administrative rules to require reimbursement for group physical therapy under the Medical Assistance program.
I always appreciate hearing your thoughts on these bills and many of you have reached out to voice your opinions on the bills we heard in committee. You can always check on the Assembly Health Committee page HERE to see what bills have been scheduled for a public hearing or executive session.
Upcoming Committee Hearings
Next week, the Assembly Committee on Health (of which I am a member) will be meeting on Tuesday at 10AM for a public hearing and on Wednesday for an executive session. Watch live for free on wiseye.org.
Wauwatosa COVID-19 Testing Moves to Hart Park
Originally set up on 68th street and North Avenue, this testing site has been relocated to Hart Park, 7300 Chestnut street, to accommodate pedestrian and car traffic. Testing for COVID-19 is one of the most important tools we have to protect our communities. Be sure to check out all community testing sites (in addition to healthcare providers, pharmacies, and at-home testing) HERE.
Hours include 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
For more information see Milwaukee Sentinel Journal article HERE.
New Tools to Fight COVID-19
New COVID-19 treatments and oral antivirals can reduce complications from COVID-19. Not everyone is eligible and supply is limited, so continue to take steps to stop the spread of COVID-19 to avoid needing this treatment. To learn more, talk to your health care provider or visit the DHS website HERE.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
As of January 6th, 8,689,956 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Wisconsin and 62.3% of Wisconsin residents have received at least one dose, with 58.3% fully vaccinated. Additionally, 1,364,843 additional or booster doses have been administered.
DHS has reported that new data indicates that unvaccinated individuals are 5 times more likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19, are 11 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19, and die from COVID-19 at 12 times higher rates than fully vaccinated individuals.
If you have not yet been vaccinated, now is a critical time to get your vaccine. The vaccine protects individuals and communities from getting seriously ill or dying of COVID-19, including the variants. Find more information of COVID-19 variants HERE.
As of November 3rd, the Pfizer Biontech pediatric vaccine has been approved for children ages 5-11. This gives us another tool to protect kids and their teachers, caretakers, and peers from Covid-19. See DHS full press release HERE.
The new omicron variant is cause for concern, but not panic. The best protection against this new variant, or any variant of COVID-19, is to get fully vaccinated and get a booster shot. All Wisconsinites 18 years or older who had their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago, or got their Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at least two months ago, are eligible for a free booster shot. Getting your booster shot will provide the best protection from COVID-19, including this new variant.
Find additional information on booster shots HERE.
For more information about where you can get a vaccine, visit the DHS website HERE.
For more information about where to get vaccinated in Waukesha County, visit their website HERE.
En español, AQUI. ¿Tiene preguntas sobre la vacuna contra el COVID-19? Llame al 844-684-1064 (llamada gratuita)
For more information about where you can get a vaccine, visit the DHS website HERE.
For more information about where to get vaccinated in Waukesha County, visit their website HERE.
For more information about where to get vaccinated in the city of Wauwatosa, visit their website HERE.
For more information about where to get vaccinated in the city of Milwaukee, visit their website HERE. En español AQUI.
COVID-19 Update
14th District Counties
Milwaukee - 177,805 Fri, Dec 31, 2021 and 182,737 confirmed cases Fri, Jan 7, 2022 (increase of 4932)
Waukesha - 68,221 Fri, Dec 31, 2021 and 69,339 confirmed cases Fri, Jan 7, 2022 (increase of 1118)
