Last week, the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, of which I am a member, unanimously approved an audit of the state’s troubled non-emergency medical transportation program. My office and others have constantly received complaints about the program from riders under both Logisticare and Medical Transportation Management Inc. (MTM).

While the committee had initially intended to consider a more narrow study of the program, we acted to expand the review to encompass the entire program after taking hours of testimony from concerned citizens.

This was an important step towards more transparent and open state government. I, along with 53 of my Democratic colleagues have been requesting this audit for months, I am glad that we as a committee took action on this topic that affects so many Wisconsinites.

The folks who rely on the medical transport program are often the most vulnerable among us – some requiring time-sensitive treatments like dialysis – yet they have often been late to appointments or abandoned for hours at appointments without a ride. The changes to the program have led to the state paying more for worse service.

I look forward to seeing the results of the Legislative Audit Bureau's report and I will continue to follow this issue very closely. The individuals who use this program, local transportation providers and the people of Wisconsin deserve a thorough analysis and a way forward on finding solutions to these problems.

Earth Day

This session I, along with my Democratic colleagues, pushed a pro-environment agenda. Including:

• Putting forward responsible mining alternatives that protect our natural resources, drinking water, tourism jobs, public health and local community resources
• Fighting against a bill that would dictate how individual communities regulate frac sand mining
• Supporting clean energy jobs investments that provide clean and reliable energy, reduce dependence on out-of-state fuels and create Wisconsin jobs.
• Called this month for a special session that includes a bill I authored which would create a clean energy jobs task force.
  
  Investing in our environment and our children just makes sense.

Conservation Congress Meeting

My second oldest son, Bailey, joined me last week for the DNR Spring Hearings of the Conservation Congress Meetings. The Wisconsin Conservation Congress is the only statutory body in the state where citizens elect delegates to advise the Natural Resources Board and the Department of Natural Resources on how to responsibly manage Wisconsin's natural resources for present and future generations. The Congress accomplishes this through open, impartial, broad ranged actions.

Great Lakes Tour and Snack Drive

I thoroughly enjoyed touring the facilities at Great Lakes Higher Education. We discussed the growing problem of student debt in America, as well as their best practices to ensure that their borrowers are kept current and on time with their payments. I was also impressed by the recent efforts by Great Lakes to provide healthy snacks to keep the students at Black Hawk Middle School. They cruised by their original goal and wound up collecting 45,000 items!

This kind of community involvement make the 48th Assembly District such a wonderful place and a great place to do business.


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April 28, 2014
Issue 32

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
 

Meta Data Bill Signed Another bill I authored was signed into law by the Governor. Your metadata is now more secure thanks to our hard work and good bipartisan support in both houses. Bringing our privacy laws up to date with our changing technology is imperative. I am proud of the leadership my office has brought to our great state on these important issues.

Quote of the Week

“If any man tells you he loves America, yet hates labor, he is a liar. If any man tells you he trusts America, yet fears labor, he is a fool.”   ― Abraham Lincoln

Workers' Memorial Day

Today is Workers Memorial Day. I proudly stood with Congressman Mark Pocan and countless labor leaders this morning as we honored those who have been injured or lost their lives on the job in Wisconsin. Our workers and their families deserve a government that prioritized the freedoms & protections provided by unions and a collective voice. I pledge to continue to stand by Wisconsin's workers and their families.

Intern Appreciation Lunch

My son Keanan, and staff Aaron joined me in thanking an important part of Team Sargent. My office could not run without the help of an amazing team of interns. I look forward to our intern appreciation lunch each semester. These people are generous of time, spirit and skill to the fabulous 48th Assembly District.

 

Arc Dane County Award

I was honored to be named the ARC Dane County Elected Official of the year. Though in my opinion the real honorees are those we love with developmental disabilities, their families, advocates and the providers. They are all a big part of what makes Dane County so very special.