Representative Lisa Subeck's E-Newsletter


 January 13, 2016

 

Contact Me

 

418 North State Capitol

P.O. Box 8953

Madison, WI 53708

 

PH: (608) 266-7521

TF: (888) 534-0078

FAX: (608) 282-3690

 

rep.subeck@legis.wi.gov

Website


   

 

Things happening in the district & around Madison

 

West Madison Senior Coalition Free Lunches

Thursday, January 14

9:30 am - 2:00 pm

Meadowridge Library

 

Nutritious meals are offered to those 60 and older, the suggested minimum donation is $4.00 but please pay what you can afford. Transportation to the meal is available by donation. Meal and bus reservations or cancellations should be made by noon the preceding day by calling 238-0196.

 


Knitting at the Library

Thursday, January 14

3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Meadowridge Library

5726 Raymond Rd

 

Learn to knit or bring your current project. Supplies provided. Children under 8 must have an adult present.

 


Job Connect with the Worksmart Network

Friday, January 15

12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Alicia Ashman Library

733 N High Point Rd

 

Get help with job search, resumes, & interviewing, and get connected with a full range of workforce and community resources and services, including programs available through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) for adults, dislocated (laid-off) workers and young adults. Sessions are one-on-one with a professional Employment Specialist from the Worksmart Network. Advance registration is required and you must call library staff to schedule a time. Call (608) 824-1780

 


FREE Groove & Glide Ice Skating Party

Friday, January 15

6:00pm to 8:00pm

Elver Park

1250 McKenna Blvd.

 

Join the fun at Madison Parks’ outdoor ice rinks at the Groove and Glide events. Experience the beauty of skating under the lights with fun music and games. Our warming houses and concessions will be open as well and skate rentals available on a first-come, first-serve basis. All ages and experience levels welcome. Grab your friends, a date, or the whole family and come have some fun on the ice. These events are free to attend. Bring your own skates or rent them from our warming shelter. Concessions will be available. Parking and restrooms are available on-site. Event may be cancelled due to inclement weather.

 


Hilldale Winter Farmers Market

December 12, 2015 to April 23, 2016

Saturdays 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Hilldale Shopping Center

702 N. Midvale Blvd.

 


Winter Water

Sunday, January 17

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

UW Arboretum

1207 Seminole Hwy

 

Learn how ponds, wetlands, and springs support wildlife during this time of year.

 


Martin Luther King Jr. Day Capitol Celebration

Monday, January 18

12:00pm – 1:00pm

1st Floor Rotunda

Wisconsin State Capitol

 

The event is free and open to all and will include guest speaker Ms. Aja Brown, Mayor of Compton, California, as well as word and music that illuminate the life and legacy of Dr. King. The event will be aired on Wisconsin Public Television and Wisconsin Public Radio.

 


WonderWorks

Tuesday, January 19

10:30 am - 11:15 am

& 1:30 pm - 2:15 pm

Alicia Ashman Library

733 N High Point Rd

 

Explore science, technology, engineering and math through play (and books!). For ages 3-4. Register for the four-week series by phone at 824-1780 or online beginning December 22.

 


Storytime for the Very Young

Wednesday, January 20

10:30 am - 11:00 am

Meadowridge Library

5726 Raymond Rd

 

Enjoy stories, songs and rhymes. No registration required. (For children ages 0-24 months.)

 


Urban Wildlife: Report on Recent Studies of Urban Wildlife in Madison

Thursday, January 21

9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

UW Arboretum

1207 Seminole Hwy

 

Presenter: David Drake, Associate Professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist, Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology

 


Drop-in Preschool Storytime

Thursday, January 21

9:30 am - 10:15 am

Alicia Ashman Library

733 N High Point Rd

 

A happy blend of stories, fingerplays and songs that help preschool children develop print and phonologic awareness, vocabulary, letter knowledge and narrative skills. Groups welcome. Siblings welcome. No registration required.

 


West Madison Senior Coalition Free Lunches

Thursday, January 21

9:30 am - 2:00 pm

Meadowridge Library

5726 Raymond Rd

 

Nutritious meals are offered to those 60 and older, the suggested minimum donation is $4.00 but please pay what you can afford. Transportation to the meal is available by donation. Meal and bus reservations or cancellations should be made by noon the preceding day by calling 238-0196.

 


Knitting at the Library

Thursday, January 21

3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Meadowridge Library

5726 Raymond Rd

 

Learn to knit or bring your current project. Supplies provided. Children under 8 must have an adult present.

 


Literacy Network SCALE Program

Thursday, January 21

5:45 pm - 8:00 pm

Meadowridge Library

5726 Raymond Rd

 

Literacy Network SCALE Program - Improve Reading, Writing and Computer Skills. Space is limited, call Ezi at 608-244-3911 ext. 66 to register.

 


Visiting the Capitol

Whether you are planning a visit to the state Capitol as part of a large group, small gathering, or just by yourself, our office can assist you in scheduling a free guided tour of the Capitol building during normal business hours.

 

Free tours are offered daily, year round. Tours depart from the ground floor Information Desk Monday through Saturday at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 am and 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 pm; and Sundays at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 pm. A 4:00 pm tour is offered Memorial Day through Labor Day. The sixth floor museum and observation deck are also open during the summer months.

 

 
 

 

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

 

Yesterday the Assembly was on the floor, and with the end of the legislative session quickly approaching, things are moving fast.

 

In this week’s newsletter, you will find highlights from yesterday’s floor session, information regarding President Obama’s executive order to prevent gun violence, and an update on a bill I authored to make it easier for individuals with disabilities to access taxicabs.

 

If you have any questions or need assistance with any matter, please feel free to contact my office. 

 

Sincerely,

Lisa Subeck

State Representative

78th Assembly District

 


Highlights from Yesterday’s Floor Session

Yesterday the Assembly passed four bipartisan bills which are part of the Heroin, Opiate, Prevention, and Education (HOPE) Agenda. HOPE continues work done last session to combat Wisconsin’s heroin epidemic.

 

This package of legislation is focused on the root cause of the heroin epidemic: prescription medication abuse. The legislation strengthens the prescription drug monitoring program, by requiring faster reporting and reporting by law enforcement when a prescription medicine container is found in the vicinity of a crime scene that involved a controlled-substance violation or an opioid-related drug overdose.

 

Additionally, the legislation would give the Department of Health Services (DHS) oversight authority of pain management clinics across the state and would have DHS collect and analyze outcome data of methadone treatment clinics. This will allow public health officials to look at staffing ratios, the number of patients receiving behavioral health services with the medication, and average mileage an individual is traveling for treatment.

 

The HOPE Agenda signifies a significant step in the right direction to combat our statewide heroin epidemic.

 

For more information about bills considered during yesterday’s floor session, please click here.

 

We will be back on the floor on the 19th, though we do not yet know exactly what will be on the agenda. The Governor will also be giving his State of the State address that evening.

 


Assembly Honors the City of Madison for Achieving Platinum Bicycling Award

Yesterday, the Assembly passed a resolution I introduced congratulating the City of Madison on achieving Platinum Status as a Bicycle Friendly Community from the League of American Bicyclists. I was happy to have Alder Mark Clear, Madison’s Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator Arthur Ross, and Assistant Traffic Engineer Scott Langer present to receive the resolution.

 

Achieving Platinum status as a Bicycle Friendly Community shows Madison’s commitment to making Madison the best place to bicycle that it can possibly be. A big thank you goes out to our city leaders, staff, and residents for their tremendous commitment to making Madison a bicycle friendly community for those who commute by bicycle as well as for recreational bicyclists.

 


Obama’s Executive Order on Guns

Last week, President Obama announced he would be taking executive action to reduce gun violence in the United States. President Obama’s executive order helps close the gun show loophole by expanding background checks for private firearm sales and invests $500 million to increase access to mental health services. The executive order also increases staffing to perform background checks and monitor firearm sales.

 

No one should have to fear for their own life or for the lives of their family members whether at home, at work, at school, or out in their community. Expanding background checks and increasing access to mental health services are critical first steps to keeping our families safe from gun violence. While there is still more work to do, especially here in Wisconsin, President Obama’s actions are great first steps toward preventing gun violence and keeping our workplaces, schools, and communities safe.

 

 Click here to visit the White House’s fact sheet with specific details about the executive action.

 


Take Your Legislator to Work Visit

Last week, I had the pleasure of joining a gentleman named Greg at WisPACT, where he works a couple of days each week assisting with office work. WisPACT is an organization that assists people with disabilities in preserving their assets without endangering their eligibility for public benefits or placement on waiting lists. My visit was part of the Board for People with Developmental Disabilities “Take your Legislator to Work Day.”

 

It was a joy to spend time with Greg and to learn about what he does at WisPACT. With the support of the Board for People with Developmental Disabilities and the staff at WisPACT, Greg has been working there for the last few years and is a valued employee making a difference. The staff has been impressed by the work Greg has done to transfer their paper files to electronic documents, which makes their work more efficient. Most importantly, Greg has the opportunity for independence provided by this work experience, while helping others who have disabilities in our community.

 


Update on AB 358/SB 275

I have an exciting update to share regarding AB 358/SB 275, a bill I authored to fix a loophole in state law that prohibits a taxicab from pulling into a disabled parking space to load an individual with a disability, even if it is the only good place for the individual to enter the cab. The bill passed the Senate Committee on Transportation and Veterans Affairs last week, and yesterday was approved by the full Senate. The bill will now need to be passed by the full Assembly, before reaching the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.

 


Take Special Precautions with Pets during Cold Weather

Though you might think that an animal’s furry exterior will keep them warm and snug in extremely cold weather, think again.  Extreme cold weather poses all sorts of threats to animals including both pets and livestock.  And the things humans do to protect themselves, like using antifreeze and salt, add more dangers for animals, says state humane veterinarian Dr. Yvonne Bellay of the Division of Animal Health.

 

 

Dr. Bellay offers these tips on keeping your pet warm and happy:

  • Food—Outdoor pets need more food, of good quality, in cold weather to produce body heat. 

  • Shelter —Outdoor animals need a dry house that’s large enough for them to stand, sit, turn around and lie down comfortably, but not so large that its normal body heat is lost. Line the bottom with dry, nonabsorbent material that won’t get wet, matted, and frozen.  Marsh hay works well; leaves and fabric do not.

  • Water—Make sure your outdoor pets have fresh water daily – ice or snow will not do, because the animal has to expend too much body heat melting them.  Ideally, you can provide an inexpensive heater that sits right in the water bowl to prevent freezing.  If you can’t do that, fill the bowl with fresh, tepid water at least twice a day.

  • Antifreeze—Leaked or spilled antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is a deadly lure to animals with its sweet taste. Clean it up, and if possible, switch to a less dangerous formulation like propylene glycol.

  • Walking—Rub petroleum jelly on your pet’s paws before heading out for a walk.  It will protect them from salt and other de-icers.  When you get back inside, wipe paws, legs and stomach to remove any de-icers or antifreeze that the animal might lick off itself.  Be sure to remove any snow or ice between the paw pads, too, to prevent bleeding.  While you’re outdoors, keep your dog leashed.  Snow and ice can make it difficult for dogs to follow a scent, and they can become lost or run away in panic.  Finally, those sweaters and coats some people put on their dogs are not just cute.  Short-haired dogs really need them outdoors in cold weather.

  • Grooming—Wet, dirty, matted coats cannot insulate against the cold, so be sure your animals are well-groomed.  But never shave a dog’s coat in winter.  After bathing an animal, dry it thoroughly before letting it outdoors.

  • Cars—Cats sometimes crawl under cars and into the engine compartment, seeking shelter and warmth.  Bang on the hood before starting the car on cold days to startle sleeping animals.  And remember, just as cars heat to oven temperature in summer, they can be equally deadly in winter when they turn into freezers.  Don’t leave your pet alone in a vehicle.  It may freeze to death.

  • Sleeping—Even indoor animals needs a warm place to sleep, off the floor and out of drafts.  This is especially true for old or ill animals.

Animals can suffer from hypothermia, frostbite and other cold weather injuries.  Harsh conditions weaken their immune systems and open the door to illness. Calves and swine are especially susceptible to cold.                                                              

For more information, visit datcp.wi.gov or talk to your veterinarian about precautions. 

 


Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Monday, January 18, is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Wisconsin’s 36th annual tribute and ceremony to this great pioneer and leader will take place in the Capitol rotunda at noon on Monday. The event is free and open to all and will include guest speaker Ms. Aja Brown, Mayor of Compton, California, as well as word and music that illuminate the life and legacy of Dr. King. The event will be aired on Wisconsin Public Television and Wisconsin Public Radio. Though details are still being finalized, you can find more information on Wisconsin Public Radio’s website: http://www.wpr.org/, by calling: 1-800-747-7444, or by emailing listener@wpr.org

 


You Ask, I Answer

This week, I am sharing the answer to a question submitted by one of my constituents, as she suggested others might like to know the answer as much as she would. When Wisconsinites pay taxes to the Federal government, some of that money is returned to the state in various forms of aid. Unfortunately, Republicans have recently left a significant amount of our money paid to the federal government on the table, refusing to accept such funds in an effort to make political statements. Read on for more details.

 

Question: Roughly how much do Wisconsinites pay in federal taxes, how much do we receive back from the federal government, and what federal dollars has Wisconsin recently turned down? 

 

Answer:   

According to 2014 estimates from the Fiscal Bureau and the Internal Revenue Service, Wisconsin citizens pay an average of $7,439 in federal taxes. Total federal dollars received back by Wisconsin totaled $9,520,100 million, roughly $1,663 per capita.  

 

The current Wisconsin administration has rejected several grants and funding streams from the federal government since December 2010. One such grant was the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) Grant for $22,978,367; this grant would have increased the use of broadband technology for communities and schools that do not have access to this resource.  The grant was requested by the Department of Administration (DOA) in 2010, was awarded with the approval of the Joint Committee on Finance, and later declined in 2011 under the Walker administration.

 

A federal grant of $810 million for a High-Speed Rail between Milwaukee and Madison was also declined by Governor Walker’s administration after an approved application, preventing the creation of thousands of new jobs while refusing the use of federal funds to increase transportation options.

 

Federal grants surrounding the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) were also ignored and would have included the Health Insurance Exchange Early Innovator Grant for a total of $37.8 million and the Consumer Assistance Grant for $637,114. Both of these grants would have provided the state of Wisconsin with logistic, technology, and information support to help Wisconsinites use the new insurance system. 

 

These examples of Wisconsin passing on federal dollars, some of which is originally Wisconsin taxpayer money, shows just how shortsighted our current Republican administration has been. Republicans have chosen to play political games over improving the quality of life for all Wisconsin residents.

 

Please feel free to email your questions to Rep.Subeck@legis.wisconsin.gov, and we may share the answer in a future e-newsletter.

 


Fun Wisconsin Fact

Old Abe was a celebrated American bald eagle who served as the mascot for the Eighth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He participated in over 30 battles and became a rallying point to Union soldiers. After the war, Old Abe was stuffed and held a prominent spot at the head of the Wisconsin State Assembly chambers, until a fire took him. Now a second stuffed eagle sits in his place.

 

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