Lisa Subeck

State Representative

78th Assembly District

Budget Listening Sessions

Last week I hosted my last listening session on the state budget. Thank you to all who came to any of my listening sessions. One thing is crystal clear: residents of the 78^th Assembly District believe this budget is wrong for Wisconsin. If you could not make it to a budget listening session but would like to share your ideas and concerns, you can call my office at 608-266-7521 or e-mail me at Rep.Subeck@legis.wi.gov.

Budget Update

On Wednesday, April 15, the Joint Finance Committee will hold the first of many executive sessions to debate and amend Governor Walker’s proposed budget. My Democratic colleagues on the committee will focus on changes to the budget to restore economic and educational opportunities in our state. They will propose amendments to address the concerns we heard at listening sessions here in Madison and across the state.

Some of the most significant concerns we heard include the saving SeniorCare; preserving our current structure for serving residents with disabilities including IRIS, Family Care, Aging and Disability Resource Centers and long-term care, and avoiding privatization of these critical services; rolling back cuts to our public schools and the UW System; and protecting oversight and conservation efforts at the Department of Natural Resources. Of course, there is far more that must be addressed, but these are some of the things we heard about most.

Many of the larger items in budget will come before the committee in late April or early May, after the new revenue estimates come out. We are hopeful that an increased revenue estimate could, at very least, allow reductions to some of the most harmful budget cuts. Democrats will continue to urge our Republican colleagues to consider all revenue sources and to produce a better budget for Wisconsin.

Today in the Assembly

Today, the State Assembly is in session, and here is a snapshot of some of the bills we are considering.

AB 143 - Regulating Transportation Network Companies

You may remember reading about the TNC bill in previous newsletters. The bill would set very minimal safety and consumer protection regulations for these mega-taxi companies, allowing them to compete on an unfair playing field with traditional taxicab services and undercutting the ability of local government to regulate these transportation providers to meet local needs. I plan to propose some reasonable amendments to the bill – including the elimination of the provision that prohibits local municipalities from setting their own regulations - to ensure that both consumers and drivers are protected. If these large TNCs, which may be most appropriately described as the Wal-Mart of the taxicab industry, are going to operate in our communities, it only makes sense that they be held to the same standards as other transportation providers.

AB 74 - Online Driver’s Ed

This bill builds on our current law by authorizing licensed driver schools to provide driver training instruction online. This may be in place of or in addition to classroom instruction. Behind the wheel instruction would still need to take place in person with a qualified instructor, of course. Driving schools offering this on-line option would still need to be licensed Department of Transportation. This bill allows for multiple platforms for students to access instruction. With many schools eliminating their driver’s education programs because of budget cuts, this bill provides another option for those seeking to get a driver’s license. Click here to read more about the bill in a recent Wisconsin State Journal article. 

AB15 - Prohibiting the Use of Microbeads

This bill would ban the use of microbeads in personal care products. Microbeads are tiny particles of plastic added to some body scrubs, toothpaste and other personal care products that lead to an alarming rate of water pollution. This bill set timelines for phasing out the use of microbeads, protecting our lakes and water supply from the damage they cause. Early research shows that the Great Lakes are teeming with microbeads. For instance, an average of 17,000 tiny pieces of plastic per square kilometer has been found in Lake Michigan, harming our fish and the water we enjoy. Getting microbeads out of these products is critical to protecting our water, our wildlife and our health, both here and nationwide. This bill would prohibit manufacturers from making products with microbeads in 2018 and ban the sale of products containing them in 2019.

Aging and Disabilities Resource Center

Last Friday, I joined several other Dane County legislators for a tour of the Dane County Aging and Disability Resource Center. Our tour focused on the services they provide and how changes in the proposed state budget would impact the work they do.

Dane County’s ADRC provides information about resources and support on all aspects of life related to aging or living with a disability and is a one-stop shop for older adults, people with disabilities, and their families. ADRC staff are unbiased and knowledgeable professionals who listen to client concerns, help clarify options and direct people to the appropriate resources.

The ADRC is also the access point for information about long-term care options and applying for public benefits. Services provided by the ADRC are free and available to all Dane County residents regardless of income or assets.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, you may contact our ADRC by calling 608-240-7400 or Toll-Free at 855-417-6892, you can also stop by the center located at 2865 N. Sherman Avenue, Northside Town Center or visit their website http://www.daneadrc.org.

Summer Interns

My office is now accepting applications for summer interns. If you or someone you know is looking for a summer internship, we still have openings. You can apply on-line by clicking here, or submit a cover letter and resume via e-mail to rep.subeck@legis.wi.gov. It is a great way to gain some experience and learn about the legislative process.   

Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week

This week 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.

At 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, the National Weather Service will issue a statewide mock tornado watch, and. a statewide mock tornado warning at 1:45 p.m. 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 16th, the tornado drill will be postponed until Friday, April 17, with the tornado watch and warnings issued at the same scheduled times. If severe weather occurs on Friday, as well, 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. For more information on tornadoes and severe weather, click here to access the Dane County Emergency Management website.

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