State of the Tribes

On Tuesday, the legislature hosted the 17th annual State of the Tribes address in the Assembly Chamber. Governor Evers, Lieutenant Governor Barnes, Attorney General Kaul, and four Wisconsin Supreme Court justices were in attendance, as well, to hear from Wisconsin’s tribal leaders. 

Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa President John D. Johnson, Sr. was selected by the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council to deliver this year’s address. Early in his speech, he asked for a moment of silence to remember those who have been lost to COVID-19. As of May 14, 102 American Indian Wisconsinites have died from the virus. American Indians in Wisconsin have the highest COVID-19 mortality rate in the state by race or ethnicity.

Johnson also spoke of his support of Gov. Evers’s proposal to fund a regional medical facility to provide mental health care and addiction treatment. He stressed the importance of Wisconsin’s natural resources, urging state leaders to remember how decisions today impact future generations. Johnson spoke of the importance of The Holocaust Education Act, a bill I authored that requires Wisconsin students learn about the Holocaust and other genocides at least once in middle school and once in high school. Johnson pointed to the genocide perpetrated upon Native Americans as a vital part of that education.

Wisconsin’s eleven sovereign tribal nations are at the center of our state’s past, present, and future. It was an honor to celebrate the cultural heritage of our state’s tribes, recognize the injustices these nations have endured, and renew our commitment to work with Wisconsin’s tribal communities toward our shared goals. It was a great day to solidify government-to-government relations between the State of Wisconsin and the eleven federally recognized tribes.

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Legislative Update: News from the Assembly Floor

After the State of the Tribes concluded, the Assembly met for a floor session, and considered upwards of 30 bills and resolutions.

The Assembly voted on a package of bills to combat elder abuse in our state. This legislation includes aligning criminal penalties for crimes committed against elder with penalties for those committed against other vulnerable groups, and combating financial exploitation of senior citizens and increasing reporting of these crimes, and granting financial institutions the ability to delay transactions when they suspect financial exploitation of an elderly individual. I was pleased to support this legislation.

The Assembly also voted to require the singing or playing of the national anthem at any “sporting event” held in a venue constructed at least in part with public funds. The bill fails to define "sporting event", which means the requirement could apply to every recreational ball game, even in the most casual of terms, played in a municipal park or on other public property. To be clear, this ill-thought bill was nothing more than political messaging in response to professional athletes who have exercised their right to protest racial injustice by kneeling during or not participating in the playing of the national anthem. As I said on the floor when I spoke about this ill-conceived and poorly constructed bill, we cannot – and should not – legislate patriotism.

The Assembly also passed a bill that would prohibit our cities, towns, and counties from accepting grant funding to offset the costs of election administration, limit the ability of individuals involved with non-partisan groups, such as the League of Women Voters, to act as poll workers, and make it harder for individuals to exercise their right to vote. It was clear from the debate on this bill that it, and other proposed changes to election administration, is nothing more than a vehicle to perpetuate baseless claims that the 2020 election was stolen. Republicans continue to waste time passing bills that make it harder to access the ballot, when we should be working to ensure every single eligible voter can exercise their constitutional right to vote.

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Update from the Health Committee

The Assembly Health Committee met this week, and we passed three bills. These bills have not yet been scheduled for consideration by the full Assembly.

I was pleased to support Assembly Bill 116, which improves access to wheelchairs and power mobility devices for recipients of Medical Assistance who reside in a nursing home. The bill specifically addresses access to what is known as Complex Rehabilitation Technology used by individuals with severe disabilities. Currently, it is too difficult for individuals in nursing homes to access these devices due lack of coverage by Medicaid. If enacted, this legislation would ensure individuals with serious disabilities have access to the equipment they need, no matter where they live.

We also unanimously passed Assembly Bill 96, which increases funding for emergency medical services (EMS). This bill would, in particular, help our struggling rural EMS departments to recruit and support our first responders.

Finally, Assembly Bill 95 passed on a party-line vote with all Democrats voting no. In an attempt to address EMS provider shortages, this bill would lower the standard of care by reducing the training requirements for many first responders. It would put safety at risk by eliminating requirements that rural EMS departments stock ambulances with proper and adequate equipment based on the highest level of staff on board. While we must address staffing shortages, we can do so without diminishing the quality of emergency medical care. This is why the Professional Ambulance Association, Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin EMS Association all registered their opposition to this bill.

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COVID-19 Update

As of May 14, over 4.8 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Wisconsin, and more than 2.6 million Wisconsinites have received at least one dose. Over 2.2 million residents have completed the vaccine series. Dane County leads the state in COVID-19 vaccination rate.

Public Health Madison & Dane County has COVID-19 vaccine appointments available. You can sign up here for an available, drive-thru/walk-thru appointment at the Alliant Energy Center if you have not yet been vaccinated. You can even choose which of the three approved vaccines you wish to receive.

The Pfizer vaccine has been approved for 12 through 15 year-olds. Wisconsin began administering doses to this group on Thursday. Vaccinating children is key to raising the level of immunity in the population and bringing down the numbers of hospitalizations and deaths. Pfizer currently has plans to seek emergency approval for children ages 2 through 11 in September.

The CDC announced Thursday that fully vaccinated individuals no longer have to wear masks indoors, except on public transportation (including airports and planes), healthcare facilities, and in prisons and jails. People who have yet to receive the vaccine should still continue to wear masks. Some vaccinated individuals may also choose to continue to wear face coverings.

It is important to note that currently, Dane County’s indoor mask order is still in effect. The order by Public Health Madison and Dane County may be updated soon, but until then, masks are still required in our county.

If you have not done so already, please schedule your vaccination appointment as soon as you are able. The Vaccine Assistance Hotline is available toll-free at 844-684-1064 for assistance with your vaccine-related questions. You can also text your zip code to 438829, or visit vaccine.gov to find a vaccine near you.

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Small Business Grant Program Taking Applications

The third round of the Dane County Small Business Grant Program is now taking applications. Grants of up to $50,000 are available for businesses that were open prior to March 15th, 2020 that have experience losses of 30% or more in 2020 vs 2019. Any small business that has experienced pandemic losses may apply here for a grant.

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A New Sheriff in Town

Last Friday was Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney’s last day on the job. He has served in law enforcement for 41 years, the last 14 as sheriff. I wish Sheriff Mahoney a happy retirement.

As Sherriff Mahoney retired before the end of his current term, Governor Tony Evers appointed Kalvin Barrett as our next Dane County Sheriff. He was sworn into his new position this week. Sheriff Barrett comes to the position with over a decade of experience in law enforcement, including positions with the Dane County Sheriff’s Office and the Sun Prairie Police Department. I look forward to working with Sheriff Barrett.

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Meet our Intern, Jared

Since March, Jared has interned virtually in my office. He is originally from Vernon Hills, IL, a suburb just north of Chicago. This past weekend, Jared graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Madison, where he studied political science and history and participated in the certificate program for public policy. Jared plans to continue to intern for the time being as he looks for full-time employment. Congratulations, Jared, and thanks for your continued hard work.

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Wisconsin Fun Fact

Celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month

The Sharey Zedek Synagogue is located in Hurley, WI. The Hebrew term “Sharey Zedek” roughly translates to “Gates of Charity” in English. This synagogue was home to the Jewish community of northern Wisconsin and the Gogebic Range from 1895 to 1940. In 2005, the Iron Country Historical Society presented a plaque in honor of the years of community for Hurley’s Jewish population that the synagogue helped to foster.

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