For those who were unable to attend or watch the public hearing of our Assembly Committee on Consumer Protection this week, here is a story on one of the bills we heard.
Contrary to what some believe, pro-life is NOT just pro-birth. This week, Rep. Dittrich was delighted to introduce her legislative package of bills attempting to get Wisconsin's children more quickly to stable permanency.
This week, Rep. Dittrich was very excited to see our victims' rights bill, Kayleigh's Law (AB 520), scheduled for a public hearing on Wednesday morning in front of the Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety.
Additionally, the senate companion of the bill (SB 519) was heard on Thursday afternoon in front of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety.
Rep. Dittrich was joined by Kayleigh Kozak, the bill's namesake, and other advocates to testify on the legislation.
This week saw a day of restoration. "Colonel Hans Heg" and "Forward" have been reinstalled at the Capitol.
EDUCATION LEGISLATION UP FOR A VOTE NEXT WEEK
As a member of the Assembly Committee on Mental Health, Rep. Dittrich voted in favor of this proposal (AB 564) this week. With the flood of federal ARPA dollars coming into our state, our student mental health support should surely receive a significant amount of the funds.
Wisconsin students have a number of challenges in basic subjects. You've likely seen last week that just under 40% of our students in the state are proficient in reading, which impedes their future success in employment.
On a national level, only 24% of students in eighth-grade were at or above proficiency in civics according to the 2018 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). In other words, 75% of eighth-grade students are not proficient in civics. The news is even worse in US History as only 15% of students are at or above proficiency according to the 2018 NAEP U.S. History Assessment. And adults aren't much more ahead with those scores.
That is why Rep. Dittrich is a proud co-author of AB 563, requiring basic civics instruction in our schools taking public dollars. It is sad that we should even need to legislate such a requirement, but as parents have become more keenly aware over this past year, too many of our schools are failing to get students prepared with basic competency.
Next week Tuesday the legislature will vote on these bills and a host of other education related proposals. It's past time that we get our kids back on the right track with learning.
With a federal court already moving ahead on a redistricting trial, the state Supreme Court has agreed to take original action in a case asking the justices to draw Wisconsin’s legislative and congressional boundaries if Capitol leaders fail to reach a deal.
The concerns surrounding Ft. McCoy and the Afghan refugees they are housing has not diminished. As you may have seen this week, two individuals were charged with assault.
Chaos abounds and the needs of the refugees remains great. Donations are still greatly appreciated.
The following are the official channels that Fort McCoy would like to use to collect donations, volunteers and other incoming help. They want to make sure that all donations and offers to help are received and managed efficiently and effectively. Funneling generosity through these three entities will help in that effort.
The American Red Cross has more than 50 personnel on the ground at Fort McCoy to provide critical care and help to our Afghan guests. Financial gifts will help the American Red Cross continue to fund efforts to help the people affected by this crisis.
Team Rubicon partnered with the American Red Cross to coordinate local volunteers and donors throughout the Wisconsin community to improve the well-being of our Afghan guests.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin, launched a campaign to provide assistance. They are accepting donations at 3710 East Avenue South in La Crosse, and they have a gift registry set up through Amazon Smile. Amazon Smile allows donors to purchase needed items and have them shipped directly.
Again, thank you for your continued efforts as we band together -- military and civilian -- to share the hope of a new start to those in need.
JEFFERSON COUNTY COVID-19 TESTING
The Wisconsin National Guard will be returning to Jefferson County to help with increasing access to COVID-19 tests.
PCR tests will be available at the Jefferson County Health Department every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to a National Guard news release. Online preregistration is encouraged but not required.
BLUE BOOKS AVAILABLE
The new edition of the Wisconsin State Blue Book arrived in Rep. Dittrich's office this week. Please email to request your copy.
Get out and enjoy Wisconsin's rich sporting heritage Saturday! It's National Hunting and Fishing Day! Learn more about Wisconsin seasons, permits, and rules at WI DNR.
IN THE DISTRICT
KOSHKONONG SOLAR
Green energy is not without controversy. The Koshkonong solar project at the southwest end of the 38th Assembly District is the more contentious of two going up in our legislative district. Rep. Dittrich continues to communicate with constituents, stakeholders, and the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Energy and Utilities, Representative Mike Kuglitsch, on this issue.
Fall is in the air! Join us at Bittersweet Blessings Farm for all things apple: apple cider pressing, apple butter, apple cider donuts, apple pie, apple jams and jellies... shop the 150+ vendors, listen to great music and enjoy some tasty food! $5 for adults, children 12 and under free. Free parking. Come spend a great day at the farm, rain or shine!
CONSTITUENT CORNER
JESSE'S RIDE
It was an honor for Rep. Dittrich to join her colleagues, State Representative Jim Steineke and Representative Cindi Duchow to help kick off Jesse's Ride in support of this incredible, brave constituent of the 38th Assembly District.
Jesse is recovering from a life-altering accident a year ago and the subsequent rare diagnosis of Locked-In Syndrome. Locked in Syndrome is where you’re completely paralyzed head to toe, unable to even speak, which is fatal for most.
Thank you to all who came out to make sure this family knows that they are not alone in this battle. It's people like YOU that make Wisconsin wonderful.
Rep. Dittrich is working on legislation to form a Rare Disease Advisory Council to amplify the voice of patients like Jesse in Madison.
If you have any comments regarding the subject of this E-Update, please feel free to contact me.
Representative Barbara Dittrich State Capitol, 17 West PO Box 9582 Madison, WI 53708 Toll-Free (888) 534-0038 or (608) 266-8551 Rep.Dittrich@legis.wi.gov| Read Online |
