Fair Funding for our Schools
Funding for public education in Wisconsin is far below what is needed to fund our neighborhood schools. To make matters worse, the school funding formula does not fairly distribute funds across all school districts. Under the current funding formula, some children do not have access to the best education opportunities simply because of the zip code where they live.

Every child has the right to a high quality education, no matter where they live. That is why I am one of the authors of a “Fair Funding” bill for our public schools. The bill alters Wisconsin’s school funding formula to be fair, sustainable, and transparent. It provides a greater base level of funding for each student, allocates slightly more for students who are eligible for free and reduced lunch, and increases what are called equalization aids. Additionally, the bill creates a path for the state to again fund two-thirds of educational costs, taking more of the burden off our property taxes.

School funding issues are complex and can seem overwhelming. What I think we need to keep in mind is that you used to be able to live anywhere in the state with the confidence that your children would receive a quality education. Unfortunately, Republicans have changed that. Increasingly, we see families selling a home in one neighborhood and moving into another neighborhood in search of better schools. Passing our fair funding bill would strengthen Wisconsin schools and provide every child with the opportunity for a great education
 

Republican Bill Bad for our Neighborhoods
Under legislation proposed by Senate and Assembly Republicans, SB 639, cities like Madison would no longer be able to conduct systematic inspections of rental properties. This would have a chilling effect on neighborhoods on the tipping point where aging housing stock and a patchwork of largely absentee landlords renting their properties to tenants, as property inspection has been crucial to maintaining quality of life in these neighborhoods.

Additionally, while homeowners that do not clean and maintain their walks in winter can be fined, those who own rental property would not be held to the same standards if Republicans have their way. Under their bill, the City of Madison would have to mail notices to landlords of rental properties before charging for ordinances related to maintaining property, including sidewalk snow removal.

The bill allows landlords to charge tenants increased fees for credit checks, background checks, inspection fees, and even for performing repairs to the apartment that should be the landlord’s responsibility anyway. The bill also makes several changes that would impact a tenant’s ability to defend against an unfair eviction action. For example, if a landlord has been accepting a tenant’s rent on the 5th of the month for years despite the lease stipulating it is due on the 1st, the landlord could evict the tenant for not paying on the 1st, and the fact that the tenant has always paid on the 5th would no longer be a defense that could be used in court.

All in all, this legislation would be bad for renters and bad for our neighborhoods. The bill would leave tenants more vulnerable to arbitrary eviction actions and potential discrimination. At the same time, the proposed law would take away critical tools that our city uses to maintain the quality of housing and quality of life in our neighborhoods. At a time when we face a shortage of affordable housing, this legislation would only exacerbate the problem, likely increasing the cost of renting.

SB 639 had a public hearing in Senate this week and is expected to have a public hearing and a vote in the Assembly in January.
 

FCC Nixes Net Neutrality
Earlier this week, Republican appointees to the Federal Communications Commission took an action that threatens to dramatically change the internet. The FCC voted to repeal the net neutrality rules put into place by the Obama administration in 2015.

Basically, “net neutrality” is the idea that internet service providers should treat all data equally. For example, if you have internet service through a provider, then you have the right to expect that the content you wish to access would be treated the same – no fast lanes for some sites, or slow lanes for others. Without net neutrality, providers would have leeway to manipulate the flow of online data by blocking or throttling different websites, social media platforms, and streaming media services.

Some Republican lawmakers argue that repealing net neutrality is fine because the internet ran just fine before the rule was in place. That is disingenuous at best. Prior to the adoption of net neutrality rules, the FCC was frequently at odds with internet service providers who wanted to manipulate the flow of online data and treat websites and social media platforms differently. The net neutrality rules were put into place because they were needed to prevent internet service providers from continually trying to manipulate the internet.

The vote by the FCC now jeopardizes the ability of universities to provide online content to students, and threatens to create a host of problems for entrepreneurs. It also threatens to create a scenario where certain news content is blocked while other news content flows freely.

As it will likely take months before the policy reversal takes effect, the fight for net neutrality is far from over. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is taking the lead on a multi-state lawsuit challenging the FCC’s vote. There could also be Congressional action either by review of the FCC decision or new legislation codifying net neutrality in federal law.

Out and About in the District
While things at the Capitol have slowed down a bit through the end of the year, I have had the opportunity to meet with groups of constituents in the district.

Earlier this month I spoke to a group at Attic Angels about what is happening here at the State Capitol and how they can engage on the issues that matter to them. Last week, I spoke to a UW-Madison PLATO class at Covenant Presbyterian Church. We discussed the $3 billion corporate handout to Foxconn. I shared my concerns with Foxconn and heard their concerns. Also last week, I joined the Wisconsin Women's Network Policy Institute for lunch (pictured right). We talked about my bill to end the inhumane practice of shackling inmates during labor and childbirth. A group of women taking part in the Policy Institute are helping me to spread the word and get the bill passed.

It has been great to visit so many of you over the last few weeks, and I look forward to hearing more from you in the New Year! If you would like me to visit your group, please contact my office at 608-266-7521 or by email at Rep.Subeck@legis.wi.gov.

ACA Open Enrollment Ends Today
Today is the last day of open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act. This year, the Trump Administration cut the enrollment period in half and Republicans also cut funding for Affordable Care Act outreach and advertising efforts.

If you, or someone you know, needs health insurance, visit healthcare.gov (Cuidadodesalud.gov) TODAY to enroll.

2017 Capitol Christmas Tree
This year’s Capitol Christmas Tree, a 40-foot balsam fir harvested in the Town of Emery, was donated by Jim Ryf. The tree’s ornaments will honor the Capitol’s centennial and have been made by school children around the state.

Wisconsin is the nation’s fifth-largest Christmas tree producer, with an annual harvest of more than 600,000 trees valued at more than $16 million. There are more than 850 Christmas tree farms in the state, covering more than 23,600 acres.

Be sure to come and check out the tree and centennial ornaments. Please feel free to stop by my office while you are here to say hello and for a free copy of a Wisconsin Blue Book. We are located in room 418 North.

Don't Let Charity Grinches Steal Your Holiday Goodwill
Many consumers open their hearts and wallets during the holiday season, donating generously to charities. Unfortunately, the season of goodwill opens the market to scammers who use high-pressure pitches to gather funds through fake charities. Two state agencies ask consumers to do their research on charities before making a contribution this holiday season and to be leery of pushy phone- and internet-based requests for payments.

Before donating, check with DATCP about any consumer complaints on file against the organization and check to see if the charity is registered with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI).

DATCP and DFI offer these tips for donors considering a contribution to a charitable organization:

• If contacted by phone, avoid being pressured to make an immediate donation. Don't hesitate to ask the caller to send you information about the organization and its programs.

• Ask a solicitor to explain the purpose of the organization, what services are provided, how much of the donation goes to fund-raising expenses, whether the donation is tax-deductible, and whether you will be sent a receipt.

• Donate to charities that you trust and are well-established.

• Watch out for "look-alike" sites or imposter websites. Scammers will often use names and websites that are similar to those of better-known, reputable organizations. Watch the spelling of the charity's name and web address closely.

• Be wary of unsolicited requests for donations, especially ones received by email or text.

• Criminals know that many people make year-end charitable contributions for tax purposes, so they may take a tax-related angle in pitching their scam.

• Never write out a check or give cash to an individual solicitor. Write out checks to the name of the organization or use a credit card.

For more information or to file a complaint, consumers may contact:

• DATCP on the web at datcp.wi.gov; by phone (Consumer Protection Hotline) at 800-422-7128; by e-mail at datcphotline@wisconsin.gov; or at www.facebook.com/wiconsumer.

• DFI on the web at www.wdfi.org/CharitableOrganizations; by phone at 800-452-3328; or by e-mail at DFISecretary@wisconsin.gov.

Fun Wisconsin Fact
The official state wildlife animal of Wisconsin is the white-tailed deer. While the Badger is widely known as the State’s official animal, the white-tailed deer was made the state ‘wildlife’ animal by the legislature in 1957. White-tailed deer are not only animals of incredible beauty and grace, but they have an incredible amount of power. White-tailed deer can run up to 40 miles per hour, jump 9 foot fences, and swim 13 miles per hour. Wisconsin shares the white-tailed deer with 12 other states as an official symbol.