Friends and Neighbors,

As the fall session rolls on, the Capitol has been full of news over the past couple of weeks. The Solidarity Sing Along reached a compromise with the Department of Administration, the legislature has been called into a special session by the Governor, and Senator Jauch announced his retirement. The Audit Bureau also released a troubling report about Wisconsin's child-placing agencies and misuse of government funds.

I've been busy out in the district visiting schools and speaking to constituents. I cannot do my job without hearing the thoughts and concerns of the people I'm in the Capitol representing. That is why I've sent out a district-wide survey to hear your feedback about some of the important issues facing Wisconsin. My office has already received over 1,000 surveys back! Thank you to all who have taken the time to share your ideas with me.

As always, please contact my office if you have any items that you would like included in future issues of the Sargent Voice. 608-266-0960 or Rep.Sargent@legis.wi.gov.
Forward,

Solidarity Sing Along Compromise Reached

             

Free speech scored a big victory this week when an agreement was reached between the Wisconsin Department of Administration and American Civil Liberties Union which will allow protesters to gather at the state Capitol building without getting a permit.

The Solidarity Singers will no longer face arrest for not getting a permit to demonstrate at the State Capitol.
 

I believe this is a fair compromise. While our right to free speech shall never be abridged, this allows the singers voices to be heard while still respecting our State Capitol and those who work in it.

Health Care Opportunities Come to Dane County

Overwhelmed with all the talk of Health Care these days?

With all the changes underway that modify eligibility for insurance coverage under Badger Care and provisions of the Affordable Care Act, many in our community are being affected. However, many people are not aware that they could be eligible to have their health care premiums, through the Affordable Care Act, paid for by a creative local initiative.   

United Way of Dane County and UW Health are working together to ensure Dane County residents are provided quality health care coverage.

The HealthConnect program is open to any Dane County resident whose income falls between 100-133 percent of the federal poverty level, between $11,490 and $31,325 per year.  I applaud the private sector and non-profit sector for stepping up and supporting our community in a way that matches our Dane County values.

To enroll in this program, individuals should the first visit the Health Insurance Marketplace at healthcare.gov or calling by (800) 318-2596 and purchase any silver level coverage plan. Next, they should call United Way 2-1-1 or visit unitedwaydanecounty.org/healthconnect and submit a short application form. The United Way will confirm the enrollment and pay the premiums.

As both a Dane County Board Supervisor and State Representative, I am thrilled at this opportunity for our citizens.  In Dane County alone, approximately 7,300 individuals will qualify for this health insurance.  Providing comprehensive and high quality health care, accessible to the most vulnerable among us, is the right thing to do.

We cannot lose focus on the fact that the decisions made by our government affect people’s everyday lives.  Political talking points often make headlines, but they rarely make a difference in people’s day to day events.  The difference between a person having suitable health insurance, and relying on the emergency room for basic care is life altering.  Cutting edge programs like HealthConnect help to bridge the divide between our government and the community they serve.  This is good for the people in our community and will support them in living the healthiest and most productive life possible. 

Having health insurance provides stability and allows for preventative care which is a major factor towards keeping people out of the hospital, lifting families out of poverty, and keeping costs under control. It also helps to offset the negative consequences of delayed care. 

Having health insurance provides stability and allows for preventative care which is a major factor towards keeping people out of the hospital, lifting families out of poverty, and keeping costs under control. It also helps to offset the negative consequences of delayed care.

 

Governor Walker Calls for a Special Session

Governor Walker announced this week that he is introducing a plan for $100 million extra in property tax relief. After digging deeper into this plan, I have some serious concerns.

Plain and simple, this is press release politics.

$100 million in property tax relief sounds impressive at first glance, but the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau estimates that the plan announced by Gov. Walker and Republican leaders would not even erase the projected property tax hike contained in the current Republican budget. Under this plan, LFB estimates that the average property tax increase on the average home would go from $31 to $11. And using the school equalization aid formula means that any benefit from the Republican plan would not be applied equally and some may see no benefit at all.

This plan is being fast tracked and the Governor has called for a special session of the legislature to pass it through this week. The public deserves to look more closely at this plan to ensure maximum transparency and accountability.

With job numbers lagging, Governor Walker is attempting to change the conversation with this ill-conceived plan.

Musical Chairs of Cronyism 

Announced by Governor Walker as an "administration staff change", Representative Jeff Stone was picked to replace Scott Suder, who has been embroiled in a scandal over a $500,000 grant given in the state budget to United Sportsment. The grant was intended for hunting and fishing training, however it was revealed that this group had no previous experience in these fields.  They had also lied about their tax status, and were closely affiliated with the conservative action committee, Americans for Prosperity.

Suder has now taken a job as a lobbyist with an undisclosed salary.

The fact that the Republicans are engaged in a game of musical chairs indicates they know there are serious problems with the $500,000 grant Republicans directed to political allies under the guise of a hunting education grant and further proves Republicans knew that their budget measure would fleece taxpayers.

The GOP must answer questions about what truly happened with this unethical grant, and who knew about it. A recently revealed letter proves a broad coalition of 18 Republican legislators – and not just Majority Leader Suder – were lobbying to direct that grant to United Sportsmen.

The public deserves open and transparent government. These back room dealings and shady job appointments are unacceptable.

Thank you Senator Jauch

Wisconsin State Senator Bob Jauch of Poplar, Douglas County, has announced that he will not be seeking re-election next year. Jauch was first elected to the state Assembly in 1982 and was elected to the Senate in 1986, serving his district and the people of Wisconsin for 31 years.

We are proud of his accomplishments, including his work investing school aids to lower property taxes and negotiating with then-Gov. Tommy Thompson on new school construction. Jauch is a legislator who believes that elected officials should respect each other and work together. He will be missed.

WISPIRG Encourages Young People to Learn about Health Insurance Options

Young adults who have never been covered by health insurance before can get help signing up for it in the new health insurance marketplace. WISPIRG, the Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group Foundation, is offering expert help in comparing plans and signing up.

WISPIRG is reaching out to college students and 20-somethings to help them understand their options. People on a limited budget often find that locating coverage that makes sense is still tricky without the right information. For example, can they stay on their parents’ plan, is there an available student health plan, does their job offer health insurance, is there financial help available, and how should they compare the marketplace offerings?

 WISPIRG offers an online guide: Wisconsin Health Insurance 101 at www.wispirgstudents.org/healthinsurance101. The organization is also making available internships and volunteer opportunities throughout the year to work on the Health Insurance 101 campaign as well as on other important issues.

To apply for coverage directly, people can go online to Healthcare.gov or call 800-318-2596, TTY: 855-889-4325.
 

Audit Shows lack of Accountability at DCF

A recently released Legislative Audit Bureau report raised questions about nearly $130,000 in payments made to child-placing agencies. It also highlighted $470,000 in federal funds left on the table by the Department of Children and Families.

We must do better to ensure that our state agencies under the control of the Walker Administration are acting as good stewards of taxpayer dollars. I am concerned that between the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s lack of fiscal responsibility and propensity for acting outside of the law earlier this session, and now this audit of the foster care system; our taxpayer dollars are being spent without proper accountability. The Department of Children and Families’ must step up their efforts in providing oversight of the state’s child placement program.

Among the recommendations given by the Audit Bureau:

• Revise administrative rules for agency licensure so that they are consistent with statutes.
• Clarify financial policies and reporting requirements for child-placing agencies.
• Require five child-placing agencies to repay a total of $129,525 in questioned costs.
• Develop policies for the amount of bonus payments that child-placing agencies may provide to their employees using taxpayer dollars.
• Require child-placing agencies to identify and disclose potential conflicts of interest involving board members.

The children using these resources are some of our most vulnerable residents. We need to do all we can help them start their life, as they face challenges many adults will never experience. To see the abuse of this system is, in effect, taking away the safety net that we, as a state, guarantee. These child-placing agencies were clearly not acting responsibly, and in some cases, showing blatant disrespect for the federal and state dollars they had access to. In the future, the department must be sure that the required documentation is provided and reviewed in a timely manner.

My office will be watching closely to make sure that the Department of Children and Families takes this report's recommendations seriously to fix these major issues moving forward.
 

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October 14 , 2013
Issue 19


Contact Me

State Capitol
P.O. Box 8953
Madison, WI 53708

Office: (608) 266-0960

Email:
Rep.Sargent@legis.wi.gov

On the Web: sargent.assembly.wi.gov
 

In the Capitol

 

Cookie Bill

I was proud to sign on as a co-sponsor of this bi-partisan legislation which would allow individuals to sell home baked goods such as cookies and muffins.

This legislation builds on the success of the “Pickle Bill” – legislation passed in 2009 which allows individuals to sell up to $5,000 worth of home canned goods at community events like farmers’ markets. Wisconsin is one of the only states in the upper Midwest that currently does not allow the sale of home baked goods. The legislation would alter the list of saleable items to include non-hazardous baked goods, should the participant meet the necessary food safety labeling and signage requirements. Furthermore it would allow for face-to-face sales of both these canned and baked goods and increase the $5,000 income cap to $10,000.

This bill celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of Wisconsin, and honors our heritage of baking.   The bill passed out of committee last week and will hopefully reach the full Assembly for a vote soon. When that time comes, I will be voting for it.




Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Bill

Last week, Senator Erpenbach and Representative Taylor introduced the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana bill. This bill would amend state law to "authorize an individual to use marijuana for medical purposes as directed by a physician." The proposed legislation would allow for authorized patients to obtain their marijuana from state-licensed distribution centers. Qualified patients would also be permitted under the law to possess up to 12 plants and three ounces of usable marijuana.

I believe in the de-criminalization of marijuana and this bill would be a strong first step towards that.
 


In the Districtt


Monster Mash October 25th

10:30 a.m. Lakeview Branch Library
Hear spooky stories, make creepy crafts and eat ghoulish grub. For the whole family.

City of Madison Recommended Trick-or-Treating Hours

4 to 8p.m. on Thursday, October 31st.

Visit to Mendota Elementary

I had a great time visiting the 1st graders at Mendota Elementary.  They gave me a book of stories and poems that the children had written.  I loved reading these, including this wonderful poem:

Where do people live in our community?

People can live in many places in our community. People can live in Kennedy Heights, the Woodlands, and Vera Court. Some people can live on Heath Ave, Troy Dr., and Elka Lane. People can live in townhouses, apartments, and duplexes. People can live in homes too. Many people may not have homes in our community. They might live in motels or hotels. These are some of the places people can live in our community.


(Rep. Sargent reading the Mendota elementary students book).
 

 

Don't Miss This


I was fortunate to visit a fantastic exhibit at the Wisconsin Historical Society Museum last week. I encourage you all to visit this wonderful display of Native American art work. It's only up through November 2nd, so go now while you still have the chance.

Wisconsin Historical Museum
30 N Carroll St
Madison, WI 53703
608-264-6555

The Museum is open year-round. Museum hours may be extended for special events.
Tuesday—Saturday: 9 am—4 pm
Closed Sunday and Monday

'Explore the messages left by the original artists and storytellers of Wisconsin through masterful watercolors and sparkling glass beadwork. This exhibit showcases Geri Schrab's petroglyph- and pictograph-inspired watercolors, and Karen Ann Hoffman's traditional Iroquois beadwork. Viewed together, their work presents a compelling glimpse of the continuing influence of Native Americans on contemporary Wisconsin art.'

 


Become Informed


HPV Facts:

About 6 million people, including teens, become infected with HPV each year. HPV infection can cause cervical cancer in women and penile cancer in men. HPV can also cause anal cancer, throat cancer and genital warts in both men and women.

Why does my child need HPV vaccine?

This vaccine is for protection from most of the cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is a very common virus that spreads between people when they have sexual contact with another person.
When should my child be vaccinated?

The HPV vaccine is recommended for preteen boys and girls at age 11 or 12 so they are protected before ever being exposed to the virus. If your teen hasn’t gotten the vaccine yet, talk to their doctor about getting it for them as soon as possible.

The HPV vaccine is given in 3 shots. The second shot is given 1 or 2 months after the first shot. Then a third shot is given 6 months after the first shot. Be sure that your child gets all 3 shots for full protection.

What else should I know about HPV vaccine?

There are two HPV vaccines. Girls and young women should get either HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer. One of the HPV vaccines also protects against genital warts and anal cancer in both females and males. Boys should get this HPV vaccine to prevent anal cancer and genital warts. Girls can get this vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, anal cancer and genital warts.

Both HPV vaccines have been studied very carefully. These studies showed no serious safety concerns. Common, mild adverse events reported during these studies include pain in the arm where the shot was given, fever, dizziness and nausea.

Some preteens and teens might faint after getting the HPV vaccine or any shot. Preteens and teens should sit or lie down when they get a shot and stay like that for about 15 minutes after the shot. This can help prevent fainting and any injury that could happen while fainting.

Serious side effects from the HPV vaccine are rare. It is important to tell the doctor or nurse if your child has any severe allergies, including an allergy to latex or yeast. HPV vaccine is not recommended for anyone who is pregnant. HPV vaccination is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine.

How can I get help paying for these vaccines?

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides vaccines for children ages 18 years and younger, who are not insured or under-insured, Medicaid-eligible, American Indian or Alaska Native. You can find out more about the VFC program by going online to CDC and typing VFC in the search box.
 

Job Numbers


Newly released federal figures show Wisconsin lags behind much of the nation when it comes to creating jobs. New jobs numbers were announced last week and showed that over the past year, Wisconsin has dropped to 34th in the nation in private sector job growth.

Prior to Walker's first budget, Wisconsin was in the top half of the country for job gains for five consecutive quarters. It is no coincidence that immediately after Governor Walker signed his first budget into law that Wisconsin spent the next seven consecutive quarters in the bottom half.

Despite this fact, Governor Walker and WMC have been trotting out mis-information (over $2 million in ad buys so far) claiming that Wisconsin's "leading index forecast for economic growth over the next six months jumped to the best in the nation according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.”

The problem is: This simply isn't true.

Last week, a team of economic analysts at the Federal Reserve Bank issued a statement that Governor Walker and WMC were misreading the “coincident indexes” and that their use of the data for ranking purposes is not valid. Yet Walker has continued to ignore the direct criticism by the Federal Reserve Bank economists and continues to peddle false self-serving numbers to cover up for an economy that struggles behind the rest of the nation.

We must roll up our sleeves and start to act with a true focus on job creation rather than these partisan games. I stand ready and willing to work with any Democrat, Republican, or Independent if they are prepared to create economic growth in our state.