Friends and Neighbors,

I hope all is well. As Halloween is just around the corner, I'm looking forward to seeing all the unique costumes and decorations around our community. It's always great to see families and friends out trick-or-treating with a big grin on their face and a bucket full of candy. Families in Kenosha will be knocking for sweet treats on October 31st from 4-8pm. Don't forget to turn on your house light! 

Between session and committee hearings, Madison has been busy this past month. We had session on October 10th, where we voted on numerous bills and honored close to a hundred First Responders. I was happy to honor Kenosha Police Officer, Nick Benvenuto, as a First Responder of the Year. Continue reading my October Report to learn more about his story.  

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 recall in my August Report, 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. Earlier this month, AB 221 was unanimously passed by the Ways and Means Committee. I am hoping during the next floor session AB 221 will be up for a vote. Click on the video below to see highlights from the bill's public hearing:  

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 pleased to share this bill passed both houses earlier this month and will be going to the Governors' desk for a signature. I am a proud cosponsor.   

AB 300/SB 266; Protecting Families of Fallen Law Enforcement Officers 

Currently in Wisconsin, when a law enforcement officer dies in the line of duty, his or her family is notified a few days later their health insurance has been terminated. This bill ensures those families of the fallen officer no longer lose health insurance coverage. I cosponsored this bill because law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day and the least we can do is to make sure their families are taken care of if the unthinkable happens. I am glad Governor Evers signed this bill into law a few weeks ago: 2019 Wisconsin Act 19. 

Governor Evers' Special Session Call

The Governor has officially called for the Legislature to vote on gun violence legislation. The bills being considered are universal background checks for all firearm purchases and Extreme Risk Protection Orders. Because Republicans in the Legislature will not take action on these issues and ignore any discussion of gun violence legislation, Governor Evers took it upon himself to call a special session. I am proud to support his effort and both the policies being considered. There is a lot of political rhetoric around policies relating to gun-violence, but it should not be a political issue because here are the facts: 

• In 51% of mass shootings, the shooter showed dangerous warning signs before the tragedy. 
• 80% of Wisconsinites - including the vast majority of gun owners - support universal background checks. 
• 81% of Wisconsinites support Extreme Risk Protection Orders which protect our loved ones and community from gun violence. The bill provides a substantial penalty for making a false claim.  
• Connecticut experienced a 14% reduction in firearm suicide rates after the implementation of Extreme Risk Protection Orders. Furthermore, Indiana saw a 7.5% reduction after implementation. As someone dies by suicide every nine-hours in Wisconsin, it is important we pass policy to reduce the growing rate. 

If an individual is substantially likely to injure themselves or others, as deemed by a judge, they simply should not have access to a firearm. No one should be able to sell a gun on the internet to a felon or those who are a danger to the community you and I live in. Republicans need to stop ignoring the will of the people and work with us to keep Wisconsin communities free of gun violence. 

Another Republican Power Grab 

During our floor session on October 10th, the Republicans used most of the day changing house rules. Representative Jimmy Anderson, a legislator who became quadriplegic after a tragic car accident, has been pressing legislative leaders for accommodations to his disability. After months of asking, Republicans finally made some accommodations, but rather than just accommodating a few of his requests and moving on, the gerrymandered super majority took advantaged of the rules and disrespected our caucus as a whole. If you would like, please watch my speech I gave on the floor. 

What Else is Going On? 

State Treasurer Visit to Kenosha 

It was wonderful to welcome State Treasurer Goldlewski to Kenosha to discuss important retirement issues and innovative proposals to be considered in Wisconsin: 

First Responder of the Year Award

Earlier this year, Officer Benvenuto responded to a call involving an automobile accident and vehicle fire. Upon arrival, he found the driver unresponsive in the locked car with his foot still on the accelerator. Benvenuto acted quickly to break the window using his service baton, and as the car became engulfed in flames, he was able to rescue the injured driver. Nick’s heroic actions risked his own safety to save the life of the driver. I honor his sacrifice he continues to show for our community. 

I was happy to welcome Officer Benvenuto and his family to the Capitol:

Request a Wisconsin Blue Book 

The new 2019-2020 Blue Books have arrived. 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.

Register to Vote 

It is important you are registered to vote. Many of us may frequently move and not think to register at our new address, but I encourage you to ensure you are registered at your current address. You could be one of the 234,000 voters which become ineligible to vote. Please update and check your voting status by clicking here.

Veterans Day Events 

Veterans Day Commemorative Celebration

• November 9, 11am 
• Civil War Museum, Kenosha

Rotary Club of Kenosha West Veterans Day Luncheon

• November 7, 12-1pm
• Civil War Museum, Kenosha

Evil Smiley Veteran's Day Run 

• November 9, 10:30am 
• UW-Parkside Outdoor Track 

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 it 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.