Friends and Neighbors,

Happy Thanksgiving! It's estimated 55 million people will be traveling for the holiday this year; given the winter storm expected to hit Wisconsin and neighboring states, it could cause some headaches. Whether you're traveling or hosting, I hope you have a safe and enjoyable holiday. 

Earlier this month Republicans rejected Governor Evers' Special Session to address gun violence, which was disappointing to see. Since then, Madison has been pretty slow; Republican leadership has said we will not meet on the floor until mid-January. As they take nearly a two-month vacation, I will be working to ensure my bills get a vote on the floor. 

I always welcome your feedback and opinions, so please feel free to contact me. Also, if you would like something to be included in future e-newsletters, just let me know at (608) 266-0455 or Rep.Ohnstad@legis.wi.gov.

Sincerely, 

Current Legislation

AB 221; Federal Retirement Benefit Tax Fairness

As you know, this is a bipartisan bill I authored which ends the tax disparity between retired federal workers receiving social security and former federal employees not receiving social security, but instead a pension. Unfortunately, this bill was not brought to the floor for a vote this month. I am working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to hopefully ensure a vote in the future. Many Wisconsinites are rooting for this bill and I'm hoping to making it a reality for retirees.  

AB 168/SB 246; Voting Requirement Change 

Currently, state law requires a voter to state their name and address at a polling place. It may be easy for most of us to do, but for someone who has a disability and cannot speak, not so much. There are provisions in state law which allow for voters with disabilities to receive assistance in the process of voting, but no provision to allow them to receive assistance with the requirement to verbally state their name. 

This bill would allow those who are unable to state their name and address due to a physical disability, to present their ID to the election official to be verified and then have either the election official or the person assisting the voter state the name and address out loud. I am a proud cosponsor of this bill. Governor Evers signed it into law this month: Wisconsin Act 48. 

AB 190; Wetland Mitigation Banks

A few months ago, I introduced this bill with Representative Ron Tusler (R-Harrison). This bill requires wetland mitigation to occur closer to the site of a development project in order to better protect against flooding and preserve local habitats and groundwater filtration. I am pleased Governor Evers signed this bill into law this month.

AB 357; Regulation of Public Adjusters 

As co-author of this bill, I am pleased to share it passed the State Assembly unanimously earlier this month. I worked closely on the bill with the Wisconsin Insurance Alliance and lead authors Representative David Steffen (R-Green Bay) and Senators Dan Feyen (R-Fond du Lac) and Janet Bewley (D-Mason). 

This bill sets up a framework to license public adjusters in our state. Public adjusters are not affiliated with a particular insurance company, but instead work independently on behalf of a policyholder to assist with the claims process in exchange for a fee. Public adjusters can be of tremendous value to a claimant in ensuring these somewhat complicated processes are handled properly. However, there also have been horror stores of fly-by-night adjusters who swoop in after a disaster and take advantage of claimants when they are at their most vulnerable. This piece of legislation ensures Wisconsin families are not gauged or exploited by in the wake of an accident or disaster. I am hopeful this bill passes the Senate with bipartisan support. 

What Else is Going On? 

Open Enrollment  

You have until December 15th to sign up for health insurance or make changes to your current plan. Go to www.healthcare.gov before the 15th to get covered. 

Homeless Veterans Stand Down Celebration 

Earlier this month, I attended the Homeless Veterans Stand Down and Veterans Celebration at the Kenosha County Job Center. It was a special event to honor the men and women who have served to protect our country. Many Veterans across our state and country are homeless and do not have the resources to help them get back up on their feet. It's estimated there are 350 homeless veterans in Wisconsin; it's important we recognize this issue and work together to assist Veterans who are struggling. 

 EBSOLA-Creative Arts Capitol Tour 

A great group of students from EBSOLA-Creative Arts toured the Capitol this month. Ironically, at the same time of this tour, the Assembly Committee on State Affairs was having a public hearing on whether or not cursive should be mandated in elementary grades! 

Read to Succeed Award Celebration

It was great to see all the work being done by the Kenosha Literacy Council at this event. Also, congratulations to my good friend Jennie Tunkieicz who received an award for all her efforts. 

Dedication Ceremony 

I was very happy to attend Gateway Technical College this month to be a part of the education ceremony for Arthur F. Mahone Student Atrium. 

Request a Wisconsin Blue Book 

Remember, my office has 2019-2020 Blue Books to give away. Each legislator receives a limited supply of these Wisconsin resource books every two years, which function somewhat like an almanac for the state.

If you are my constituent and would like to request a copy, please call or email my office with your name and home address at (608) 266-0455 or Rep.Ohnstad@legis.wi.gov.

Kenosha County Aging & Disability Resource Center 

Volunteer Guardian Services is a program located in the Kenosha County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) within the Kenosha County Division of Aging and Disability Services. The program provides qualified legal guardians to elderly and disabled adults in need. Since its inception, the program has grown to include over 40 guardians who make a positive difference in over 70 people’s lives. If this program sounds interesting to you, click here for more information so you can start making a difference!  

Labor Times Column 

Every month I write a column in the Labor Times Newspaper where I discuss my legislative priorities, events I participated in, and what's happening in our community. I encourage you to subscribe to Labor Times by liking their Facebook page. You can also read my November report by clicking here. If you would like to subscribe to the Southeast Wisconsin Labor Times Newspaper, call (262)-595-0329 or email marymodder@hotmail.com.