Representative Lisa Subeck's E-Newsletter


 March 15, 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

 


Storytime for the Very Young

Wednesday, March 16

10:30 am – 11:00am

Meadowridge Library

5726 Raymond Rd.

 

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

 


Drop-in Preschool Storytime

Thursday, March 17

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, March 17

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

 


Book Baby

Thursday, March 17

11:00 am – 11:30 am

Alicia Ashman Library

733 N. High Point Rd.

 

Enjoy stories, songs and activities presented by librarian, Jane Kelly. One adult per baby is required. Class length is 15 minutes with time after for play and conversation. For babies ages 0-15 months. No registration required.

 


Knitting at the Library

Thursday, March 17

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, March 17

5:45 pm – 8:00 pm

Meadowridge Library

5726 Raymond. Rd

 

Literacy Network SCALE Program - Improve Reading, Writing and Computer Skills. Call Ezi (608)244-3911 to register. Space is limited.

 


Job Connect with the Worksmart Network

Friday, March 18

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.

 


Winter Farmers’ Market

Saturday, March 12

9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Hilldale Shopping Center

702 N. Midvale Blvd

 

Enjoy the bounty of our local farms, cheeses, meats, baked goods, honey, maple syrup as well as value-added local farm products such as sheep and alpaca wool and knitted pieces, honey skin care products, jams & jellies, pickles, pesto and salsa made from our summer vendors' produce.

 


Adorable: Coding with Sonic Pi

Saturday, March 19

10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Meadowridge Library

5726 Raymond Rd.

 

Do you like music? Do you like to make up and hum your own songs? Are you curious about computer programming? In this interactive workshop we’re going to put those two things together! We’re going to use a cool program called Sonic Pi to learn a bit about programming while also making our own music! The class will be a series of short demonstrations from the instructor followed with time for students to practice and explore the skills demonstrated.

 


Envisioning a New World: Lussier Radio

Saturday, March 19

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Meadowridge Library

5726 Raymond Rd.

 

Kids and Teens think about social issue in a new world, reflecting upon radio. Record spoken word, rapping, beatboxing and storytelling in this dynamic workshop held in a partnership with UW-Madison and WWMV-LP 95.5FM radio.

 


Spring Equinox – Night Walk

Saturday, March 19

6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

UW Arboretum Visitor Center

1207 Seminole Hwy.

 

Join the naturalist for sunset on the first day of spring, halfway between the winter and summer solstices.

 


Awakening Land – Walk

Sunday, March 20

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

UW Arboretum Visitor Center

1207 Seminole Hwy.

 

We will look for buds swelling, the return of birds such as sandhill cranes and turkey vultures, and indications of mole and worm activity in the thawed soil.

 


Preschool Storytime

Monday, March 21

10:30 am – 11:00 am

Meadowridge Library

5726 Raymond Rd.

 

A happy blend of stories, fingerplays and songs that help preschool children develop print and phonologic awareness, vocabulary, letter knowledge and narrative skills. Registration not required.

 


Maker Monday: Lego Robotics

Monday, March 21

2:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Meadowridge Library

5726 Raymond Rd.

 

Build, play, and program our arsenal of LEGO Mindstorms robots.

 


Introduction to Playing Chess

Monday, March 21

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Alicia Ashman Library

733 N. High Point Rd.

 

All ages and skill levels welcome to come and play, learn, and enjoy.

 


West Madison Senior Coalition Free Lunches

Tuesday, March 22

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

 


Storytime for the Very Young

Wednesday, March 23

10:30 am – 11:00am

Meadowridge Library

5726 Raymond Rd.

 

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

 


Tax Assistance

Wednesday, March 23

1:00 pm – 4:00 PM

Alicia Ashman Library

733 N. High Point Rd.

 

By appointment only. Free assistance from AARP volunteers to help you fill out and file your Wisconsin and Federal personal income taxes. Call 824-1780 to reserve a half-hour appointment.

 


West Madison Senior Coalition Free Lunches

Thursday, March 24

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, March 24

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, March 24

5:45 pm – 8:00 pm

Meadowridge Library

5726 Raymond. Rd

 

Literacy Network SCALE Program - Improve Reading, Writing and Computer Skills. Call Ezi (608)244-3911 to register. Space is limited.

 


IRS Free File

Through Free File, all taxpayers who made $62,000 or less in 2015 can visit www.IRS.gov/freefile to prepare and e-file their federal tax returns at no cost.

Free File also helps taxpayers with the new health care requirements. Using Free File, most taxpayers will simply have to check a box to report health care coverage for the entire year.

 

Free File is made possible through a public-private partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance, a non-profit coalition of leading tax software companies. To learn more about the program, visit www.freefilealliance.org or www.IRS.gov/freefile.

 


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,

 

Today, the Senate is in session in what will likely be their final day on the floor. Click here to view the Senate’s full agenda for today.

 

In this week’s newsletter, you will find information regarding the Democrats’ request for an audit of the Department of Corrections, the latest update regarding the Verona Road reconstruction project, and a reminder that early voting begins on Monday.

 

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

 


Addressing Concerns with the Department of Corrections

Last week, I joined some of my Democratic colleagues on a letter to request that the Joint Legislative Audit Committee direct the Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB) to conduct an audit of the Department of Corrections (DOC).

 

Our request comes in light of recent reports of serious concerns with understaffing and forced overtime across our corrections system, concerns about over-capacity prisons, the current FBI investigation into allegations of abuse at the Lincoln Hills youth correctional facility, and the resignation of DOC Secretary Ed Wall amid the controversy.

 

An audit could provide accurate, independent information on issues like security and staffing, training of staff, overtime policies, turnover, safety and care of juvenile inmates, and human resources policies and practices. With the information from an LAB audit, we could make evidence-based decisions about necessary changes within the Department of Corrections. Ultimately, an audit could provide critical information as the new DOC Secretary, the Governor, and the Legislature determine how best to improve management and address ongoing issues.

 


International Women’s Day Celebration

Last week, I addressed a group of high school and college students, members of Zonta Club and other women organizations at the State Capitol during their Day of Action on International Women’s Day. Women attending the event spent the afternoon visiting legislative offices to discuss proposals related to reproductive healthcare, educating young people about dating violence, and the prevention of sex trafficking. The theme for the 2016 International Women’s Day was “#PledgeforParity.”

 

In a 2014 study, the World Economic Forum estimated that global gender parity would be reached in 2095. Their updated estimate in 2015, based on a slowdown in progress toward equity, predicts that the gender gap will not close until the year 2133. The United States ranks just 28th in gender equity among 124 countries ranked by the World Economic Forum on measures of economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment.

 

The problem of gender inequity is not only recognized nationally and internationally, but it also hits home right here in Wisconsin. Women in Wisconsin earn just 78 cents on the dollar relative to their male counterparts; they lack universal paid family leave and sick leave; they make up only 25% of our State Legislature; and they have seen diminished access to reproductive health care since Republicans gained the majority 6 years ago.

 

At the event, I asked participants to join me in taking the Pledge for Parity, and committing to take action every day as leaders in our schools, workplaces, families, organizations, and communities to end gender bias and to accelerate gender parity progress because women cannot afford to wait until 2133 for full equality.

 


Early Voting Starts on Monday, March 21

The Presidential Primary and Spring General Election will be held on April 5, but you do not have to wait until then to cast your ballots. In-person absentee voting for the election begins next Monday, March 21, and continues through Friday, April 1, at the Madison City Clerk’s Office. To learn more about in-person voting, including location and times, please click here.

 

Absentee ballots are also available by mail. Everything you need to know to receive a ballot by mail is available via the Madison City Clerk by clicking here.

 

Remember: You must present an acceptable photo ID card to vote in Wisconsin. Click here to find out if you have the correct identification and to get information on how to obtain a free Wisconsin State ID Card for voting purposes.

 

Click here to see what is on your ballot.

Click here to find more information on the various referendums or to read the “Candidates’ Answers” on the League of Women Voters of Dane County website.

 

Note: If you vote outside of the City of Madison, you will need to contact your local city or village clerk’s office for absentee voting locations and times.

 


2016 Wisconsin Employment First Conference

Are you interested in expanding employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities? Do you want to spend a day with national and Wisconsin experts that will provide training and resources that will expand employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities? The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD) in Partnership with the Wisconsin Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE), People First and the Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin have joined together to create the 2016 Employment First Conference: Celebrating Progress! Monday, April 4th, 2016, Wisconsin Dells.

 

Click here to register online.

 

The conference will be a great learning and networking opportunity for people with disabilities, families, long term care providers (Family Care and IRIS), Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Employment providers, state agency staff (DVR, DHS, DPI), schools, service coordinators, and employers.  CEU and CRC credits will be available!

 

Keynote speaker: Ari Ne’eman: President and co-founder of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, an advocacy organization run by and for autistic adults seeking to increase the representation of autistic people across society. Ari was recently appointed by Secretary of Labor Tom Perez to serve as a member of the Department of Labor’s Advisory Committee on Increasing Competitive Integrated Employment of People with Disabilities. 

 

Click here to view the conference agenda.

 

Click here to view the conference breakout sessions.

 


You Ask, I Answer

“You Ask, I Answer” is a feature of my weekly newsletter where you can get your questions answered. From time to time, a constituent emails or calls with a question that may also be of interest to others. Therefore, I created this feature, allowing constituents to email me questions for consideration in a future newsletter.

 

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

 

This week’s question was submitted by a constituent who wanted to know what happened to the Assembly Democrats’ Economic Opportunity Agenda.

 

Read on for more details.

 

Question: I remember Democrats introducing agenda package of 15 bills in January, 2015, as part of an Economic Opportunity Agenda. What happened to that agenda, and did any of the bills move forward?

 

Answer:

Early in the legislative session, the Assembly Democrats introduced our Economic Opportunity Agenda: 15 Bills for 2015, a package of legislation that would help restore economic opportunities for the hardworking people of Wisconsin. Together, the 15 bills would raise wages, create family supporting jobs, invest in small businesses, and grow Wisconsin’s middle class.

 

As Wisconsin plummeted to 37th in the nation for job growth, median income fell in most of the state, and a record breaking 10,000 plus layoff notices were issued in the state, Republicans still refused to hold public hearings on most of the bills, and not a single one was advanced out of a Republican-controlled committee. Still, Democrats moved to pull the bills from committee, but we were stopped every time by Republicans who refused to even debate the merits of these bills.

 

Sadly, Republican inaction on these and other bills that would restore economic opportunity leave the American dream out of reach for too many Wisconsinites. While Republicans continue to cater to big-money special interests, Democrats remain committed to ensuring that every Wisconsinite who wants a job can find one and that everyone who works hard and plays by the rules has the opportunity to achieve the American dream.

 

Click here to view a full list of the bills included in the Economic Opportunity Agenda: 15 Bills for 2015.

 


Verona Road (US 18/151) Project

Warm weather means orange barrels and construction! Please be alert for construction crews in the area and slowdown in all work zones. Learn more below about the upcoming construction work, lane closures, and traffic impacts related to the Verona Road (US 18/151) Project.

 

Construction update for March 14-18
All lane restrictions and work operations are weather dependent and subject to change.

Access remains open to area businesses and neighborhoods in the project area. Please continue to patronize the area businesses!

 

Westbound and eastbound Beltline, Whitney Way to Seminole Highway

Verona Road and Midvale Boulevard

  • Daily and nightly lane closures to occur on westbound Beltline ramps at Verona Road and at Midvale Boulevard/Nakoma Road intersection for temporary traffic signal work.

    • 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (March 14-18)

    • 6 p.m. – 6 a.m. (March 14-18)

  • Daytime/nighttime single lane closure on southbound Midvale Blvd. between Nakoma Road and the Beltline. No time restrictions; please be alert for construction crews.

Pedestrian accommodations

  • Pedestrians should use temporary walkways and permanent sidewalks.

    • Sidewalk under the Beltline on east side of Verona Road is CLOSED; please use the west sidewalk.

    • Sidewalk from Midvale Blvd./Nakoma Road intersection CLOSED on the east side of Midvale Blvd.; please use the west sidewalk.

Plan Ahead: Two week look-ahead
Week of March 21-25

For more information, contact:
Steven Theisen
Verona Road Project Communications Manager
(608) 884-1230 |
steven.theisen@dot.wi.gov

 

STAY INFORMED: Verona Road Project website | Project Facebook page

 


Tools for Tax Season

As income tax season rolls on, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) has several tools available online to assist taxpayers.

 

Wisconsin E-file.

Wisconsin taxpayers can use Wisconsin e-file to securely and confidentially file their Wisconsin tax returns for free! Our fill-in tax forms do the math to help prevent errors and allow for direct deposit or withdrawal from a taxpayer's bank account.

 

1099-G Lookup.

Taxpayers can now access their 2015 Form 1099-G form on the Wisconsin Department of Revenue secure and confidential 1099-G Lookup. This form provides information about your state tax refund, which you must include as income on your federal tax return if you itemize deductions.

 

Estimated Tax Payments.

Wisconsin law requires that taxpayers pay tax on their income as it becomes available to them. Their employer will generally withhold income tax from their wages. However, if they have taxable non-wage income or other income not subject to withholding, they may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments. Check the department's estimated tax payments inquiry application and use this information to verify the amount of estimated tax payments claimed on their Wisconsin return.

 

Filing Inquiry.

DOR has again made available an online application that lets filers check if they have filed a return.  This tool was introduced last year to give taxpayers a way to be proactive about protecting their refund. Citizens who have not yet submitted their return, but receive notice that their return was submitted should call Customer Service, at (608)266-2772, to let us know of potential fraud.

 

Where's My Refund?

Taxpayers can check on their refund 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by visiting our website, utilizing the WI Revenue mobile app, or calling the automated refund line: 866-WIS-RFND (866-947-7363) or (608) 266-8100.

 

Pay Online.

Taxpayers that owe taxes can make their payment online.

 

Have other questions? DOR's website includes videos and common questions about several topics to assist taxpayers. Taxpayers can also call DOR Income Tax customer service at (608)266-2772 for assistance.

 


Spring Forward, Be Ready Wisconsin

On Sunday, we set our clocks ahead one hour, marking the beginning of Daylight Saving Time. This is also a great time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and to get other emergency safety items ready for spring storm season.

 

Wisconsin Emergency Management urges you to check these items:

  • Smoke alarms save lives. According to the National Fire Protection Association, approximately three out of five fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or homes without working smoke alarms. It is recommended to have a smoke alarm inside each bedroom and install alarms on every level of the home including the basement. Make sure the alarms are tested monthly. All smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.

  • Make sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, about 450 people each year in Wisconsin are taken to hospital emergency rooms for symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. At high levels, carbon monoxide can cause death within minutes. Detectors can be purchased at most hardware stores.

  • Emergency Kits- Daylight Saving Time is a perfect time to put together an emergency kit or restock an existing kit. Check to make sure food and other items are not near or past their expiration dates. You should have supplies such as food and water to last you and your family for at least three days. Other items like a battery powered or crank radio, flashlights and batteries, first aid kit should also be included.

  • Emergency NOAA Weather Radio- Spring brings the threat of tornadoes and severe weather. Make sure you have an emergency weather radio. It’s like having a tornado siren in your home. When it goes off, go to a safe place. Listen, Act, and Live!

Click here for additional safety tips.

 


Meet our Intern, Odoi

I am happy to introduce you to Odoi, the newest intern in our office. Odoi joined us in March and will be with us through the spring semester. Odoi is part of the Future Policy Makers Program, which is an internship program for Dane County high school students who want to gain valuable experience in the legislature while learning about the legislative process and state government.

 

Odoi was born and raised in Madison and currently attends James Madison Memorial High School where he plays varsity soccer. Odoi is ecstatic to be interning at the Capitol. He hopes to attend college in a warmer state and eventually go on to a profession in law.

 


Fun Wisconsin Fact

Wisconsin’s state bird is the American robin. It was voted on by the school children of Wisconsin in 1926 and became official in 1949. Robins are songbirds that are recognized among the first signs of spring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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