Forward,

Madison School Board Vote

I was proud to support MTI's efforts to encourage the Madison School Board to negotiate  contracts for the five bargaining units of district employees who are represented by MTI. Citizens in the Madison area have a common interest in supporting our teachers and their efforts to come to the table and negotiate. We know this is in the best interest of all our children. We, in Dane County, have seen 50 years of positive and productive labor relations. This has led to strong schools and strong communities.

Positive employee relations are developed, in part, through the collective bargaining process where employers and employees create the best possible working environment together. Unfortunately, the ability to negotiate in good faith has been eroded since the implementation of Act 10. Guaranteeing teachers have a voice in what goes on in their classrooms is critically important in ensuring every child is learning in the best possible environment.

It’s clear that the Republican agenda is moving us towards full privatization of our public school system. All indications show that this attack is not going away. As a state legislator, I pledge to continue fighting for quality public education and to give our school districts the tools they need to be successful.

Madison Police Department Ride-a-Long

I had an enlightening and educational in-district ride along with the Madison Police Department. We are lucky to live in a community with such wonderful law enforcement officers who focus their efforts on neighborhood involvement and peace keeping. We focused on the Northside of Madison this time, but I am looking forward to scheduling tours with the East Side Precinct as well as the Maple Bluff Police Department soon. Much thanks to Officer Dexheimer, the North Precinct and MPD for helping make this happen.

Fast Food Workers' Strikes Continue

I continue to stand with fast food workers in 150 cities in the US & in over 30 countries across the globe in demanding a living wage. I spoke at a rally at the Taco Bell on East Washington Ave. where workers bravely chose to exercise their right to strike in protest of their unlivable wages.

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Raising the minimum wage would give these workers a ladder to the middle class allow them to leave government assistance programs which are necessary when being paid only $7.25 per hour. In Wisconsin alone, the public cost of low-wage fast food jobs is $166 million.

This is not someone else's problem, it is a testing of our moral compass. The freedom and liberty provided by a living wage and the ability to achieve the American dream is tied to this movement.

Dane County Sheriff's Department Awards

I was thrilled to stop by and wish my congratulations to the Dane County Sheriffs Department on 175 years of public safety for our community! The Alliant Energy Center hosted this wonderful display of service and sacrifice to our community.

The event showed the best that our County has to offer; with displays from the SWAT team, Justice for a Cure, K9 unit, and the local Honor Guard.

Tour of Mendota Mental Health

Last week, I toured the Mendota Mental Health Institute. Too often, mental illness remains a taboo topic in our society. I am proud that such a wonderful facility resides in the 48th Assembly District. The director, Dr. Van Rybroek, and his staff take great care to ensure that the treatment of their patients is comprehensive and prepares them for a life beyond the walls of their current situation. Mendota is a model not only in Wisconsin, but across the nation.

 

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May 27, 2014
Issue 33

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