Hmong-Lao Veterans Day Proposal Advances

This week, the Assembly Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs held a public hearing and an executive session on my proposal to create a Hmong-Lao Veterans Day.

Assembly Bill 154 recognizes Southeast Asians, Americans, and their allies who served in the Secret War in Laos during the Vietnam War. The bill designates May 14th as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day in Wisconsin and encourages individuals and schools to remember and honor the extraordinary sacrifices of Hmong and Lao veterans that fought with the United States.  May 14^th was chosen because May 14th, 1975 is the last day that officers and their families were airlifted from the covert headquarters in Long Tieng, Laos to the Nam Phong refugee camp in Thailand.  

In addition to designating May 14th as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day, the bill requires the governor to proclaim the observance of Hmong-Lao Veterans Day each year and calls for the flags at the State Capitol to be lowered to half-staff in honor of their sacrifice and service.  It also encourages schools to recall and discuss the accomplishments and sacrifices made by the Hmong Veterans on May 14^th each year.

Committee on Children and Families Holds Act 78 Hearing

This week, I co-Chaired a Joint Act 78 Hearing of the Assembly Committee on Children and Families with our counterpart committee in the Senate. Act 78 Hearings are annual hearing required by law where the Legislature reviews the State's response child abuse and neglect. This hearing is often one of the most difficult to conduct due to the extremely serious crimes being reviewed. It breaks my heart to hear about what some children have had to suffer.

Rest assured that I will continue fighting to improve our response to child abuse as well as improving prevention efforts. No child should live in fear or suffer abuse and neglect.

Committee Updates

Family Law

The Assembly Committee on Family Law held a public hearing. The Committee heard testimony from lawmakers, experts, and members of the public on a bill that would expand the types of judges allowed to officiate weddings, a bill to simplify the process for obtaining marriage licenses, and a bill that would establish training requirements for legal guardians of children.

Mental Health

The Assembly Committee on Mental Health held a public hearing. The Committee heard testimony from lawmakers, experts, and members of the public on two bills creating different grants for suicide prevention. Suicide is all too common in our communities and I am glad to be part of efforts to increase awareness and prevention of this tragedy. 

Corrections

The Assembly Committee on Corrections also held a public hearing on bills that would allow for the correctional facilities to use drones in certain situations and a bill related to the process for emergency detentions for those needing medical attention. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Update

All Wisconsinites age 16 and over are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. However be aware that, some areas of the state may have a higher demand for vaccinations and may have waitlists. Vaccine providers will prioritize anyone previously eligible such as public-facing essential workers and people with medical conditions.

The Marathon County Community Vaccine Clinic at Northcentral Technical College's Center for Business and Industry is still operating from 11 am to 7 pm, Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please use the WI COVID-19 registry.

2019-2020 Blue Books & maps (paper highway maps or laminated maps) are still available in my office! The Wisconsin Blue Book contains information on all things Wisconsin, including census information, state history, official state symbols, and everything about Wisconsin government! Contact me for your free copy today!