Legislative Updates

Deregulation of Natural Hair Braiding

Assembly Bill 121 becomes Wisconsin Act 60

I am so excited to announce the passage of Assembly Bill 121, which deregulates natural hair braiding in the state of Wisconsin, bringing us in line with 30 other states who have also deregulated this practice. Natural hair braiding is an art not commonly found in cosmetology curriculums, and there is no sense in requiring braiders to attain a cosmetology license. Deregulating natural hair braiding allows people to practice an art form that has been taught and refined over centuries. This bill passed with bipartisan support and I am so happy to work with my colleagues across the aisle to promote equity and Black success. This is the first bill I was the lead author on to become law, and I am proud to say that this is just the first of many more to come.

Below are pictures of the press conference held on July 26^th, where we celebrated and spread awareness about this momentous piece of legislation. This conference featured speakers such as Representative Samba Baldeh (D-Madison), State Senator LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee), Meagan Forbes from the Institute for Justice, and several local hair braiders that directly benefit from this bill’s passage.

To read my press release click here.

2021-2023 Budget Update

 In last month’s newsletter I informed you all that the budget process was underway and that we were about to vote on the budget passed by the Joint Finance Committee.

The budget proposed by Governor Tony Evers prioritized the health and wellbeing of the communities in Wisconsin. By taking advantage of federal funds offered from President Biden, Governor Evers was determined to invest in accessible healthcare, affordable education, environmental preservation, and meaningful criminal justice reforms. I am disappointed to say however, that the Joint Finance Committee removed important provisions in the budget that would have expanded BadgerCare, invested in public education, and protected our environment. To prevent partisan gridlock, Governor Evers signed the budget into law after using his partial veto to improve this budget for the people of Wisconsin.

While budget season is over, the fight to continue progressing towards a more equitable and successful Wisconsin continues. Although legislators on the other side of the aisle failed to make the crucial investments Wisconsin deserves, I will continue to work to invest in our communities.

Child Tax Credit

Because of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the expanded Child Tax Credit is now bringing direct aid to Wisconsin families. The first payments of this tax credit went out the week of July 15th. Wisconsin families are eligible for $3600 per year for every child under 6, as well as $3000 per year for every child ages 6-17. This is a substantial increase from the $2000 per child ages 0-16 offered in previous years. Columbia University’s Center on Poverty and Social Policy has estimated that this initiative as well as other parts of the American Rescue Plan could cut child poverty in the US in half. I am so proud that President Biden, along with Democratic leaders like our own Congressman Mark Pocan, are work hard to bring much needed relief to our working families this year.

To spread awareness on this, I presented at End Time Ministries International so that members of our communities are able to access this critical aid. Families that do not file taxes or are not registered with the IRS will not receive benefits, so it is important to spread the word about what people are eligible for and how they can receive benefits.  For information on the Child Tax Credit, click here.

Representative Shelia Stubbs (D-Madison), Congressman Mark Pocan (D-Wisconsin), and other community leaders speak to an audience at End Times Ministries International.

COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Delta Variant

The Delta variant of the Covid-19 virus is an especially contagious and rapidly-spreading form of the virus, coined “the fastest and fittest” by the World Health Organization (WHO). In the last few weeks of July, the Delta variant has caused over 80% of new COVID-19 cases in the US. If you are fully vaccinated with Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson, studies have shown that all three provide protection against the Delta variant. While there have been cases of vaccinated individuals still contracting the virus, your symptoms will be much less severe and the chance of fatality or being hospitalized is extremely low. If you are unvaccinated, your risk of contracting COVID-19 is much higher. Please visit the Department of Health Services website for information on the available vaccines and resources on how to schedule an appointment.

COVID-19 Mask Update

On July 28^th the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced that it supports the CDC’s recommendation for increased mask wearing due to the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant. “Wisconsin’s 7-day average for new confirmed and probable cases has been trending upward,” said DHS Deputy Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk. “We are concerned with this trajectory along with the increasing proportion of sequenced SARS-CoV-2 specimens that are the Delta variant”. DHS advises that vaccination is still the best way to protect against COVID-19 and the Delta Variant. To find a vaccination location near you visit www.vaccines.gov or call 211. For more information, click here

Agency Updates

Department of Justice: Clergy and Faith Leader Abuse

Attorney General Josh Kaul has provided an update regarding the statewide investigation into clergy and faith leader abuse led by the Wisconsin DOJ. Victims and survivors of clergy and faith leader abuse are encouraged to report any information to the victims’ services specialists provided by the DOJ either online at www.SupportSurvivors.widoj.gov or by calling 1-877-222-2620. Since opening this inquiry, the DOJ has received over 100 reports of abuse concerning multiple religious organizations. It is so important that victims are provided a safe space free of judgement to report abuses. For more information, click here

Department of Administration: WERA Program Payment of Broadband Bills

On July 7th, Governor Evers announced that the Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance (WERA) Program, which has provided rental assistance to families affected by the pandemic, is now beginning to provide internet coverage to eligible members.

Eligible applicants include Wisconsin residents who meet the following criteria:  

• One or more individuals within the household has qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the COVID-19 pandemic;
• One or more individuals within the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and
• A household income at or below 80 percent of county median income.

Read the full press release here.

77^th Assembly District News

Urban League of Greater Madison

On July 19, the Department of Workforce Development Secretary Amy Pechacek and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Secretary Missy Highes announced new grant funding for Black wealth building and economic empowerment initiatives at the Urban League of Greater Madison. This funding will be used to develop the Molecular Diagnostics Career Academy, a collaboration between the ULGM and Exact Sciences that will recruit, train, and place job seekers into positions at Exact Sciences. At least 75% of participants will be Black, Indigenous, people of color, and other job seekers that are under-represented in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. I am proud to see the DWD working with these corporations to help boost marginalized and underserved communities in specialized fields. For more information, click here.

Community Updates

Rep.Stubbs Meeting with Black Girl Magic Conference

On July 22^nd, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with the Black Girl Magic Conference, a group that promotes and empowers school aged Black girls to become the leaders of our next generation. It was an honor to share my experiences with the future leaders of our community, and to welcome them into our State Capitol. Thank you to the Black Girl Magic Conference, I know that the future is bright in your hands!

Educational Updates

Looking for School Bus Drivers for the 2021-22 School Year

Madison Metropolitan School District is currently looking for 30 new school bus drivers by the start of the fall semester to help transport students to school in the wake of the return to in-person instruction. Like many other industries in the past year, the transportation industry has suffered a massive staff shortage, so MMSD is reaching out to local communities to find help for our students who cannot wait to return to in-person classes. Prior experience is not necessary to apply, and you will only need to be available for a few hours in the morning and afternoon on weekdays. For more information on how to apply, click here.

Madison Promise

With the return of in-person instruction coming closer, MMSD has realized the demand for a remote option for families who have discovered their students flourish in a virtual class setting. As such, the district has developed a remote program for secondary students (grades 6-12) called “Madison Promise” to continue virtual instruction in the 2021-22 school year. Visit this website to learn more about the course offerings in this program and for information on how to apply

Rosh Hashana and the Start of the Fall Semester

Chancellor Rebecca Blank has recently released a message regarding the mistake that was made when scheduling the 2021-22 school year that has caused the first day of classes to fall on the same day as Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year. The Chancellor realizes how this can put strain on Jewish members of the community, and in turn the school has made several accommodations for observant students, ensuring that major events will not be scheduled in conflict with the holiday and that students are immune from penalty for absence from classes on September 8th. Read the full message and list of accommodations here.

UW Researchers Awarded $4 Million by NFL to Study Hamstring Injuries

A team of researchers at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health have been awarded a 4 year, $4 million grant by the National Football League to study the prevention and treatment of hamstring injuries in professional athletes. Hamstring injuries are the most common injuries suffered by professional and collegiate players, with slow recovery and high re-injury rates. UW’s research team plans to use a data based approach to determine risk factors associated with initial and recurrent hamstring injuries. They hope to develop science-based strategies to improve the health and safety of professional and collegiate athletes in the near future. For more information, click here.

92% of Incoming Residence Hall Students Plan on Being Vaccinated

UW-Madison sent out a survey to all incoming residence hall students to which 92.5% responded that they are vaccinated or planning to be vaccinated before the start of the fall semester. Another 3.2% has responded that they plan on getting vaccinated after arriving on campus. Vaccination is the most effective way of preventing Covid-19, and having a highly vaccinated community allows us all to return to normal activities while protecting each other, including those who may not be able to get vaccinated. For more information, click here.

Statewide Partnership Awarded $3 Million to Address Health Disparities in Wisconsin

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and the UW School of Medicine and Public Health will receive a joint $3 million grant to study health inequities in Wisconsin, and recommend how to close the gaps in our state. Wisconsin remains one of the worst places to raise a Black family in this country, and the dramatic disparities in health outcomes play a major role. This is a crucial investment in equity, and I am proud to see collaboration from the finest medical institutions Wisconsin has to offer. For more information click here

Fort Atkinson Expansion

Madison College has recently announced that the construction of Madison College’s new 4,700 square foot metal fabrication and welding addition will finish soon at their Fort Atkinson campus. This expansion will hold 9 welding booths, as well as a computer design classroom for students. With employment in metal fabrication and welding coming in high demand in Wisconsin and the United States, Madison College has made a great move to provide a wide variety of opportunities for their students. For more information on this, click here.

Rep.Stubbs Meeting with Edgewood Nursing Students

On July 29^th, I had the distinct honor to meet with soon-to-be graduates of the Edgewood Nursing program at JP Hair Design barbershop. This barbershop is home to Rebalanced-Life Wellness Association, which is dedicated to ensuring that Black men and boys have the opportunity to live fuller and healthier lives. This program is a great educational resource for graduating nurses who will be treating Black men in our community. By making this community connection, we are helping close the systemic wealth inequities that exist in our state. Special thank you to Aaron Perry for inviting me to speak, and good luck to all the graduating nurses in their future endeavors!

2020-21 Academic Top 25 Team Honor Rolls

The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) recognizes Division I, II, and III, NAIA, and two-year college women’s basketball teams that hold the highest team average GPAs for the entire season. Edgewood College’s female basketball team has made the top 25 list for Division III schools for the second year in a row, and is the only Division III school in Wisconsin to have made the list. Congratulations to our outstanding student athletes for bringing in both in the classroom and on the court! For the full listings, click here.