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Dear friends and neighbors,

In the coming weeks, the legislature will be updating how we email our newsletters. If you find that you do not receive my weekly email newsletter in the upcoming weeks, please check your junk or spam folders, and mark the email you receive from me as “not junk or spam.” This will ensure you continue to receive my weekly updates.

In this week’s newsletter, you will find the latest redistricting developments, news on three newly proposed bills, a COVID-19 update, and more.

 

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


In This Week's Update:

Redistricting Update


Metastatic Cancer Treatment Access Legislation Introduced


New Legislation to Restore Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Employees


Building Families Act Introduced


COVID-19 Update


Drug Take Back


Wisconsin Fun Fact


What's Happening?


Contact Me:

109 North, State Capitol

P.O. Box 8953

Madison, WI 53708

Phone: (608) 266-7521

Toll-Free: (888) 534-0078

Fax: (608) 282-3690

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Redistricting Update

This week, the People’s Maps Commission released final voting maps for consideration by Governor Evers and the Wisconsin Legislature. Developed after a year-long process and significant public input, the maps released today ensure more competitive districts, respect publicly identified communities of interest and address Voting Rights Act concerns for majority/minority districts in the state.

Over the course of the last year, the nine PMC commissioners, representing Wisconsin’s eight congressional districts, have hosted multiple public hearings as well as public working meetings to ensure Wisconsinites were an integral part of the map drawing process. The core objective of the Commission has been to carry out the overwhelming preference among Wisconsin voters that the redistricting maps be prepared by a nonpartisan committee or commission.

You can view the commission’s report here, and the maps here.

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Metastatic Cancer Treatment Access Legislation Introduced

Last week, Senator Janis Ringhand and I introduced legislation which would ensure metastatic cancer patients have access to the most current and appropriate treatments by exempting metastatic cancer treatments from step-therapy protocols. The bill builds upon the bipartisan 2019 Act 12, which created exceptions to step-therapy protocols, establishing regulations that insurance companies must follow when requiring a patient to try a different treatment than the one prescribed by the patient’s physician and limiting the practice to ensure patient access to the most appropriate care. Further legislation is needed to include metastatic cancer treatments under the law passed in 2019.

To save money, insurers often impose a “fail-first” step therapy requirement before allowing patients to try a new drug or treatment prescribed by their physician. This practice means patients must try cheaper or alternate treatment methods an insurer is willing to pay for the most advanced treatments available. 

Metastatic cancer, sometimes referred to as Stage IV cancer, has initially developed in one organ and subsequently spread to other locations in the bodyOften metastatic cancers have no cure, but access to appropriate treatment can be vital to extending a patient’s life and maintaining their quality of life.

Nine other states, including Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Dakota, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, have passed similar legislation eliminating step therapy protocols for primary treatments for metastatic patients. Sen. Ringhand and I worked in partnership with Susan G. Komen® in the development of this legislation, and introduced it last month during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

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New Legislation to Restore Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Employees

Earlier this week, I joined my Democratic colleagues to introduce Assembly Bill 614, which would restore collective bargaining rights to public employees in Wisconsin.

We have all seen how our communities have relied upon frontline workers as we navigate and get through the COVID-19 crisis. We need to keep pulling together to bounce back, restore our economic wellbeing, and build even stronger communities.

The pandemic has changed the way people think about those who make our communities work. People understand and agree that our state laws must support the same workers who support us, especially during our most challenging times. Our state laws should help essential workers – like those in our public health departments, local governments, public schools, and state hospitals – negotiate their wages, hours, and safety.

Whatever our job, we all simply want the opportunity to provide for ourselves and our families when we put in the work. That’s the central promise of the American Dream.

To make that promise a reality, essential workers should have the freedom to use their voices on the job to protect their collective interests. Collective bargaining rights ensure workers have a voice, which can achieve better results not only for those doing the work but for those they serve in our communities.

Unfortunately, most public employees in Wisconsin do not have collective bargaining rights, and that needs to change. Public employees who have risked their lives during the coronavirus pandemic deserve the freedom to negotiate their wages, hours, and working conditions.


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Building Families Act Introduced

This week, I joined Sen. Kelda Roys and Rep. Jodi Emerson at a press conference to introduce the Building Families Act, which would require insurance plans cover fertility treatment and procedures. I have authored similar bills in past legislative sessions and am pleased to work on getting this legislation passed.

One in eight couples have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy, yet only one in four of those can access the care they need to treat infertility. The American Medical Association, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the World Health Organization recognize infertility as a disease. Yet, infertility care is cost prohibitive for many families. Most patients have to pay out of pocket for fertility treatment, which can amount to well over $10,000, depending on the services received. Nineteen states, including Illinois, have passed fertility insurance coverage laws. Thirteen of those laws include coverage for in-vitro fertilization (IVF), and eleven states have fertility preservation laws for medically induced infertility.

Comprehensive reviews of states with mandated infertility benefits show that the cost of infertility coverage is less than 1% of the total premium cost. The Building Families Act would recognize infertility as a disease, expand access and remove economic barriers to fertility treatment, and require health plans to cover infertility treatment and fertility preservation services. This legislation offers families help and hope as they try to grow their family.

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COVID-19 Update

This week, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced that children 5-11 years old are now eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine following approval of the FDA and CDC. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine requires two doses 21 days apart for full protection, and is the first and only vaccine currently available for this age group.

Parents and guardians of children ages 5-11 can schedule a vaccination using a variety of options, including with their health care provider, at community-based vaccination clinics, local and tribal health departments, or pharmacies. To locate a provider administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11, visit Vaccines.gov. Parents and guardians can learn more by visiting the COVID-19: Resources for Parents and Guardians page or by calling 844-684-1064.

Additionally, Public Health Madison & Dane County’s Face Covering Emergency Order #4, went into effect as of November 5 and continues the previous order requiring face coverings for people ages two and older when in any enclosed space open to the public where other people, except for members of the person’s own household or living unit, are present and while driving or riding in any form of public transportation. This order will expire on November 27, and PHMDC does not currently plan to replace it with further mask requirements.

The CDC has also recommended that people 65 and older and certain populations who are at high risk of COVID-19 who have received the a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine receive a booster shot at least six months after the completion of their vaccine primary series. This decision follows FDA authorization of boosters for these groups.

DHS recommends that the following populations SHOULD receive a booster dose of Pfizer at least 6 months after receiving their second dose of Pfizer in order to further strengthen their immunity:

DHS also recommends that anyone 18 years of age or older who received a one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine receive a booster at least 2 months after receiving their first dose in order to further strengthen their immunity.

For more information, view the DHS news release on COVID-19 booster shots.

 

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Drug Take Back

Attorney General Josh Kaul this week announced that during the October 23 Drug Take Back Day, Wisconsin collected a total of 57,377 pounds of unwanted medications, the largest Drug Take Back collection in the country.

Statewide over 260 law enforcement agencies participated in Drug Take Back Day and disposed drugs were collected from drug disposal boxes at law enforcement agencies across the state. There are 497 permanent drug disposal boxes accessible year-round in Wisconsin at law enforcement agencies, hospitals, pharmacies and health clinics. To find a permanent drug disposal box near you, go to: https://doseofrealitywi.gov.

Drug Take Back Day provides a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposal, while also educating the community about the potential abuse and consequences of improper storage and disposal of these medications.


Unused or expired medicine should never be flushed or poured down the drain. Water reclamation facilities are not designed to remove all of them, and trace amounts of pharmaceuticals are showing up in rivers and lakes.

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Wisconsin Fun Fact

In honor of Veterans Day next week, our fun fact focuses on a remarkable Wisconsin veteran. Mitchell Red Cloud Jr. was born on July 2, 1925 in Hatfield, Wisconsin. A Ho-Chunk Native American, Red Cloud dropped out of high school to enlist in the Marine Corps during World War II. He first served in combat with the Marine Raiders during the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942 before health problems required him to return to the US in 1943 to recover. Red Cloud avoided a medical discharge and served with the 6th Marine Division during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945.

Red Cloud enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1948. After the Korean War began, he was sent to Korea with the 19th Infantry, 24th Infantry Division, which was among the American troops who fought the first battles of the war, being pushed back during the Battle of Taejon and the Battle of Pusan Perimeter. The 19th Infantry also was part of the Eighth United States Army advance into North Korea.

On the night of November 5, 1950, Red Cloud was manning a forward observation post when he spotted an imminent surprise attack by Chinese forces. Red Cloud single-handedly held off the Chinese forces despite being shot eight times, at one point ordering his men to tie him to a tree because he was too weak to stand by himself. His company found him the next morning, surrounded by Chinese casualties. He was credited with alerting his company to the ambush and saving them from being overrun. For these actions, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 1951.

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Things happening in the district & around Madison:

Yoga Core

Tuesday, November 9, 2021
12:00 PM -12:45 PM

Price: Free

Monona Terrace

1 John Nolen Dr, Madison  
Alternate Zoom registration, if preferred


Yoga Core is a great class to help build strength and body awareness. This class incorporates a wide variety of seated, standing, balancing, and mat-based yoga poses focusing on strength, stability, and mobility.  Core-based practices can help enhance balance and stability and prevent falls and injuries as we age. All levels are welcome. Participants will need to be able to get up and down off the floor. Chairs or walls may be used for balance assistance. Friday classes will focus on enhanced core work and include strength and flexibility.​

Alicia Wright has more than 10 years of teaching experience, offering integrative services including yoga, Pilates, strength training, and meditation. Alicia teaches techniques that will allow you to feel mentally focused, physically strong, and emotionally at ease. It is her goal to create a low-pressure atmosphere where students can relax, restore, and find balance.

Ho-Chunk Games 101 -
Native American Storyteller-in-Residence

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Sequoya Library
Meeting Rooms A and B Combined
4340 Tokay Blvd, Madison

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with the Madison Public Library. Join Storyteller-in-Residence Andi Cloud and friends for a fun introduction to two traditional games, the Moccasin Game and Kasu, which the Ho-Chunk participated in with each other and neighboring tribes. The event ends with a hands-on experience playing the Moccasin Game. This in-person program welcomes families and people of all ages. Please register each person in your party to attend. Per order of Public Health Madison & Dane County, masks are required in all indoor spaces for those age 2 and up. This is part of the Ho-Chunk Through Story: The Origin, The Wayz, and The Life residency with Ho-Chunk Nation storyteller and tribal member Andi Cloud. Visit madpl.org/storyteller for more info.

Veterans Day VFW Band Concert & Ceremony
Thursday, November 11, 2021
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Wisconsin State Capitol Rotunda

This 9:30 AM free concert by the Post 1319 VFW Band conducted by Jim Latimer will be followed at 10 AM by the Ceremony "Salute to All Veterans." Sponsored by the Madison Veterans Council and the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. Josie Picard is guest vocalist. COVID protocol applies.

Veteran's Day Drum and Honor Song Event -
Native American Storyteller-in-Residence

Thursday, Nov 11, 2021
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Ho-Chunk Gaming
4002 Evan Acres Rd, Madison
or on Instagram at @Andijcloud

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with the Madison Public Library even though this event is off site. Every year Ho-Chunk Gaming celebrates Veterans Day with a drumming ceremony. This year, the drum group will be performing Ho-Chunk flag and honor songs to honor veterans. The public is welcome to attend in-person at Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison or, in collaboration with our Native American Storyteller-in-Residence program, can view a live stream of the event on Andi Cloud's Instagram. Tune in to @Andijcloud on Instagram at 11 a.m. to view the event remotely. This is part of the Ho-Chunk Through Story: The Origin, The Wayz, and The Life residency with Ho-Chunk Nation storyteller and tribal member Andi Cloud. Visit madpl.org/storyteller for more info.

Veterans Day: Corporal Mitchell Redcloud, Jr. Story -
Native American Storyteller-in-Residence

Thursday, Nov 11,
7:00pm to
8:00pm
ONLINE – Zoom
Sign up here

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with the Madison Public Library. In honor of Veterans Day: Ho-Chunk Nation's Eric Logan will recite the story of Medal of Honor recipient and Ho-Chunk member, Corporal Mitchell Redcloud, Jr., as written by US Army writer, Franklin Fisher. Eric will also talk about the stature and rights of the Ho-Chunk warrior, who is seen as the protector and cornerstone of the Nation.

Part of the Ho-Chunk Through Story: The Origin, The Wayz, and The Life residency with Ho-Chunk Nation storyteller and tribal member Andi Cloud. Visit madpl.org/storyteller for more info.

We Stand on Their Shoulders: A History of Wisconsin Woman and Voting   
Friday, November 12, 2021

11:00 AM to 3 PM
Wisconsin Historical Museum
30 N. Carroll St, Madison

The Wisconsin Historical Museum is open again, and features a new exhibit detailing the history of Wisconsin women and voting, focusing especially on the passage of the 19th Amendment and Wisconsin women who fought for the right to vote and other civil liberties. The anniversary of the 19th Amendment was 2020, but it's not too late to see these archival documents in person. The exhibit is on the fourth floor, and the museum's current hours are Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wisconsin vs. Northwestern
Saturday November 13, 2021
Time: TBD
Camp Randall Stadium
1440 Monroe St, Madison
Price: See Website

Come cheer for the Badgers!

Holiday Fantasy in Lights
Begins: Saturday, November 13, 2021
Olin Park
1156 Olin-Turville Ct., Madison
Daily, from Dusk until Dawn

One of Madison's favorites holiday traditions returns this weekend and runs through January 2nd . Drive through Olin Park to see over 50 LED lit holiday displays. Free and open to the public.

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