As the State Assembly has adjourned until January, I’ve been spending a little more time in La Crosse focusing on meeting with city officials and constituents, visiting local schools, and participating in neighborhood association meetings. I also attended committee meetings for the Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Board and my bill signing by Governor Evers in Madison.
Last week, Governor Tony Evers signed the "Truckers Against Trafficking" bill into law that I co-authored. The bill requires commercial truck drivers to receive educational training on how to recognize and prevent human trafficking while on the road. Human trafficking has been documented in all 72 counties of Wisconsin, and this new law is an important step in curbing this abhorrent practice.
I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving. I’m looking forward to spending time with my loved ones, and I hope that you enjoy the holiday as well.
Please continue reading for articles on the La Crosse Community Thanksgiving Dinner, a recent report on the impact of binge drinking, ways to protect yourself and loved ones from the flu this holiday season, how to nominate a Healthy Living Hero, and food safety tips for Thanksgiving preparations.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions, comments or concerns. You can always contact my office by calling (608) 266-5780 or emailing me at Rep.Billings@legis.wi.gov.
Best Wishes,
Jill Billings State Representative 95th Assembly District
La Crosse Community Thanksgiving Dinner
I’m very proud to be part of a community that continually demonstrates generosity and support towards others. La Crosse’s community values are especially demonstrated in the La Crosse Community Thanksgiving Dinner, which is returning to the La Crosse Center this year for its 38th year, and has provided thousands of area residents with holiday comfort.
The community dinner event is open to anyone, regardless of race, income, need, or social standing, to celebrate the holiday of gratitude and giving with family, friends, and neighbors. This year’s dinner will be held tomorrow on Thanksgiving Day, with doors opening at 10:00 a.m., a non-denominational service at 10:30 a.m., and dinner from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. There will also be musical entertainment, arts, crafts, games for kids, and football games playing on a large screen TV.
If you’d like to get involved in the La Crosse Community Thanksgiving Dinner beyond attending, you can still sign up to volunteer in several different positions, or donate in order to help allow all members of the community to gather together.
Protect Family and Friends This Holiday Season - Get a Flu Shot!
As we head into the holiday season and enjoy gatherings with family and friends, Wisconsin health officials are encouraging everyone to get their flu vaccine to help protect guests and loved ones this Thanksgiving. The elderly, babies, and those with special health conditions require extra protection from the flu, and getting the flu vaccine is an effective and thoughtful way to protect yourself and others.
In Wisconsin, there were six deaths in September due to flu-related complications, and last year 3,500 people were hospitalized, included 600 admitted to the intensive care unit due to flu complications.
The flu shot is safe and effective for those age 6 months and older. You can also take steps to protect yourself and others by washing your hands often, avoiding exposure to people who are sick, and covering your cough or sneeze. Find out where to get a flu shot near you on this website.
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Nominate a Healthy Living Hero
The La Crosse Healthy Living Collaboration is seeking nominations for 2019 Healthy Living Hero awards. This award recognizes those who have made an impact on our community to promote active living, healthy eating, and tobacco free living. Awards will recognize activities in three categories: youth (ages 18 and under), individuals (ages 19 and over), and organizations (whether they are small or large). Nomination applications can be found on wwww.getactivelacrosse.org, and materials must be submitted by Wednesday, December 11, 2019. Winners will be recognized at the January 10, 2020 Healthy Living Collaboration meeting.
Rep. Billings in La Crosse
I had a great discussion about the importance of local food with State Road Elementary School students. Through GROW La Crosse, school gardens are used for hands-on learning and growing.
I also enjoyed meeting with University of Wisconsin-La Crosse students to discuss local and state politics.
