Lisa Subeck

State Representative

78th Assembly District

Transportation Network Companies (TNC) Legislation on the Fast Track

Yesterday, legislation was circulated that would take away authority from local governments to regulate TNCs. TNCs are similar to taxi cabs, and drivers drive their own vehicles to transport passengers contracted through smart phone applications such as Uber and Lyft. The bill was introduced today, with just a one-day turnaround, and the authors suggest it will have a vote within just a few weeks.

The bill would allow TNCs to operate under state law and not let local municipalities regulate them in the same way they regulate taxi, limousine, and other transportation services to ensure driver and passenger safety and to meet the unique transportation needs of a local. In the city of Madison, for example, we require taxi companies to serve all areas of the city and to provide 24 hour service. This bill would exempt TNCs from such ordinances, creating unfair competition and an uneven playing field and potentially putting a critical piece of Madison’s transportation infrastructure at risk.

The proposed legislation also has insufficient insurance requirements for the TNCs. Protecting the safety and interests of drivers, passengers, and bystanders is critical. News account from other parts of the country highlight significant concerns about how accidents caused by TNC drivers are handled under their insurance coverage when the drivers are between passengers.

I will keep you updated on this legislation as it moves through the legislature. 

Reminder of April 8 Budget Listening Session

Next Wednesday, I will be hosting a listening session in the 78^th Assembly district to hear your thoughts and concerns about the state budget. Please stop by to share your ideas and concerns.

Where: Alicia Ashman Library, 733 N High Point Road, Madison

Date: April 8

Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Tour of the UW Heath Nutrition Department

Last week I took a tour of the UW Hospital and Clinics’ Nutrition Department to learn more about the work they are doing and the services they are providing to our community. I was able to visit and learn more about their milk lab, Farmers’ Market Cafe, and Carbone Cancer Center. I also had the opportunity to speak with employees to better understand Clinical Nutrition services and how the policies we implement affect them.

April 7 Spring Election

One week from today is the spring election. You can still vote early at the City Clerk’s office from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. until Friday, April 3. The Madison City Clerk's office is located at 210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Room 103.

Click here for a highlights of what will be on the ballot and more election information.

Note: Photo ID is not required to vote in the April 7 election

Obtaining a Wisconsin Identification Card for Voting Purposes

(not needed until after the April 7 election)

Even though voters will not have to show an ID to receive a ballot on April 7, a state-issued photo ID will be required for future elections and is available for free to those who do not have one. Click here for the DMV’s application process for an ID card for voting.

The DMV attempts to process applications in less than seven business days, but completion time may be longer. Therefore, it is critical to plan ahead and not wait until it is almost Election Day. If you have questions regarding this process, please feel free to contact the Wisconsin DMV at (608) 266-1069.

Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week

The week of April 16-20, 2012, is Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin. Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually. Last year, 38 tornadoes in Wisconsin were confirmed by the National Weather Service (NWS). Eight of the tornadoes were rated as strong (and the remaining 30 were rated as weak. The strongest tornado affected the Merrill area in Lincoln County on April 10. One person was killed during a tornado that hit Wausaukee in Marinette County on August 19, 2011. In addition, a tornado hit the south side of La Crosse on May 22 and damaged over 100 homes and businesses. On Thursday, April 19, 2012, a statewide tornado drill is planned.

At 1:00 p.m., the National Weather Service will issue a statewide mock tornado watch and at 1:45 p.m. a statewide mock tornado warning. Many radio and TV stations will participate in the drill. In addition, NOAA weather radios (also known as emergency weather radios) will issue alert messaging. This is an ideal opportunity for schools, businesses and families to practice safe procedures for severe weather.

If actual severe weather occurs anywhere in the state on April 19, the tornado drill will be postponed to Friday, April 20, 2012 with the tornado watch and warnings issued at the same scheduled times. If severe weather occurs on Friday, the drill will be cancelled. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Wisconsin Emergency Management and the National Weather Service encourage your participation in promoting Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week.

Madison Yard Waste Sites Open

Madison property owners can now dispose of your yard waste at 3 sites in the City of Madison. The three sites are: 4601 Sycamore Ave., 1501 W. Badger Road and 402 South Point Road. The Sycamore and Badger sites will also take brush, large items, garbage and recycled electronics.

Waste Sites are open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.

City of Madison’s Streets Division will start collecting brush and yard waste from the curb starting on April 6. For more information from the city, click here. 

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