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Friends and Neighbors, 

I hope you are doing well as we officially say goodbye to summer and head into the fall season. With the State Assembly recently meeting for the first time since debating the Governor’s biennial budget, there is much to talk about.

This month, I continued to fight for issues that will make Wisconsin a cleaner and safer state to live in. The CLEAR Act, of which I am a proud co-author, will raise our state’s drinking water standards and provide sufficient funding to appropriately address the harmful effects of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Every person deserves clean drinking water, and I believe it is time to have Wisconsin be a national leader on this issue.

In addition, my colleagues and I proposed common sense gun legislation to close the background check loophole on and keep our communities safer. In 56% of mass shootings and many instances of suicide, dangerous warning signs were exhibited beforehand. However, there is currently no legal remedy to take action before it is too late. Our proposed legislation is a tremendous first step toward saving countless lives and making Wisconsin safer for everyone.

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, 

Assembly Floor Session 

To no surprise, Republicans pushed through unworkable legislation by partisan means. Without consulting academic experts and teachers—and without understanding the most basic principles of what they were discussing—my Republican colleagues voted to ban the teaching of critical race theory in K-12 schools. While critical race theory is certainly not taught at this level of education, they are using this as an excuse to prohibit our teachers from discussing any honest history of our country they personally do not want our children to know.

To make things more challenging, Republicans attempted to keep our gerrymandered legislative map in an effort to hold onto unjust power. I believe that the people should choose who represents them, not the other way around. We must end partisan gerrymandering so that we may have a functioning democracy that truly works for the people of Wisconsin.

School Funding  

A recent vote at the KUSD annual meeting slashed funding for our schools by nearly $1.2 million. In addition, school board members had their pay reduced along with the requirement to attend meetings in person to be paid. With our schools still recovering from this ongoing pandemic, we should be prioritizing health and safety over punishing our schools.

Observances in October

October has many observances for notable causes. Among those, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and LGBTQ History Month. Please take this month as an opportunity to learn about these crucial topics which impact our community and state.

Kenosha Farmers Market 

As summer comes to an end, October will be the last month for all three Farmers Market:

  • Columbus Park Market
  • Kenosha HarborMarket
  • Kenosha Public Market

Legislator of the Year Award

I had the honor in receiving the Legislator of the Year Award from the Wisconsin Paper Council for 2021. It is a great privilege to be able to assist the paper industry and the men and women who work in this vital industry.


State Bar of Wisconsin Event 

This month I was pleased to attend an event hosted by the State Bar of Wisconsin and the Kenosha County Bar Association. It was great to meet with members in our community who are in the legal profession.

Blue House of Books Ribbon Cutting 

It was great to attend the Ribbon Cutting for the Blue House of Books a few weeks ago and congratulate Samantha on a huge accomplishment. If you haven’t been able to make it there, I encourage you to stop by at 5915 6th Avenue!

Carthage Welcomes Back Community 

In a recent announcement, Carthage College said people from outside the campus are again able to attend Carthage performances once again After a year under COVID-19 restrictions. The theatre will be performing “Betrayal,” which is set to open on Friday, October 1st. Find information about the show and tickets here.

Unemployment Assistance

While wait times and payment processing have significantly improved, I’m aware there are still many issues. It is important Wisconsinites are able to use this critical program when they need it most.

If you or someone you know is struggling to get their unemployment payments, my staff is able to help. Please call my office at 608-266-0455 or email Rep.Ohnstad@legis.wisconsin.gov. My office will be sure to send your claim directly to the Department of Workforce Development.

Updates on COVID-19 in Wisconsin

Most weeks, I get on Channel 14 and discuss the current state of the pandemic in our state. It’s uploaded on YouTube by Kenosha Community Media and also on my Facebook Page.

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjBwpIyzNoTsr00YpDEWtTA

Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/RepTodOhnstad

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. If you would like to subscribe to the Southeast Wisconsin Labor Times Newspaper, call (262)-595-0329 or email marymodder@hotmail.com. 

Events 

Oktoberfest at the Boathouse

  • See details by clicking here

Vintage Shop Hop 2021

  • See details by clicking here

Glow in the Park

  • See details by clicking here

Library Park Historic District Walking Tour 

  • See details by clicking here

Book Signing & Reading with WWII Author Julia Gimbel

  • See details by clicking here

Musical Meetup @ Blue House Books

  • See details by clicking here

Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival

  • See details by clicking here
CONNECT WITH US:
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CONTACT INFO:

Phone: 608-237-9530           

Email: Rep.Ohnstad@legis.wisconsin.gov

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright © 2017 State Representative Tod Ohnstad, 65th Assembly District. All rights reserved.