Friends and Neighbors,
Madison in the summer is a special place. We are fortunate to have such wonderful outdoor places, events, and resources to enjoy. After attending a conference related to environmental legislation last week, I am more committed than ever to create legislation that protects our environment. Preserving our natural world provides the freedom and opportunity for all Wisconsinites to take part in amazing outdoor activities while supporting our tourism industry.
In this issue of the Sargent Voice, I also discuss the need to protect local control, the need to accept the federal Medicaid expansion money, and some family activities in the 48th Assembly District.
As always, if you have any topics you would like to see in a future issue of the Sargent Voice, please email Rep.Sargent@legis.wi.gov or call 608-266-0960.
Forward,
Local Control is Important for our Communities
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In the Wisconsin that I grew up in, the Wisconsin where I chose to raise my children, and the type of state I hope we can restore, we value strong local control that allows for unique government at the level of the people. This principle has been attacked time and time again, and I look forward to rebuilding it, working to be a thoughtful voice in the discussion to restore the balance between local governments and the state government. |
Unfortunately, Governor Walker and the
Republican-controlled legislature have abandoned this concept in
legislation they have passed in several bills taken up in the
last few years including one ending living wage restrictions,
one limiting local governments' authority to regulate
nonmetallic mining (frac sand), one revising regulations on
landlord-tenant issues, and one restricting early voting.
Local governments are frustrated by these new restrictions that
are often slipped into the state budget bill, including a
provision in last year's budget that substantially restricts
local communities' ability to reject the installation of
broadcast towers. Local governments can no longer have a say in
the height or visual appearance of a tower or how close it is to
someone's property.
Governor Walker Limits Freedom to Access Health Care
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Expanded access to health care provides people the freedom to pursue a more prosperous future. Affordable health care is the linchpin toward a better life for so many hardworking Americans in our community. Accepting the federal Medicaid expansion would provide people the security of preventative health care, and take away the fear and stress of bankruptcy due to medical bills from a single illness. |
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There is
currently a health care coverage gap affecting 38,000 citizens
of Wisconsin. These are people who Scott Walker kicked off
BadgerCare, due to his decision to turn down the federal
Medicaid expansion money under the Affordable Care Act, a
decision that leaves these people no way of getting affordable
health care until January 2015. And Walker’s misguided decision
costs the taxpayers of our state a projected $119 million to
cover fewer people.
The good news is that Wisconsin could still accept these funds,
and the federal government would pay the entire bill through
2016, and after that the economic benefits to our state would be
greater than the costs.
We are in the midst of election season, and decisions will be
made for political ends. That being said, Scott Walker must
change course and do what is right for the citizens he is
supposed to represent and what
is right for our great state. Eliminating the current coverage gap would be a victory for all Wisconsinites.
New York Times Editorial Board
Calls for Marijuana Legalization
| In an unprecedented move, The New York Times entire editorial board has published a series of seven editorials endorsing the federal legalization of marijuana. Reversing its long-standing opposition, the board’s pieces deal with the individual issues of state vs. federal control, myths vs. science, health effects, disparity in arrests, and the Colorado experience. |
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They point out that it has been more
than 40 years since Congress passed the current ban on
marijuana, and that since then, it has inflicted great harm on
society just to prohibit a substance far less dangerous than
alcohol.
After much personal research and thoughtful conversations, I
personally came to the conclusion that the most dangerous thing
about marijuana is that it is illegal. I'm glad to see the NYT
editorial board coming to the same conclusion for the same
reasons. I look forward to continuing to be a leader in this
movement and continuing this important conversation.
Thank You, Sierra Club!
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I am proud to have been named an Environmental Champion by the Sierra Club-John Muir Chapter for 2013-2014. The organization recently announced its list of 33 legislators who voted 100% pro-environment in the latest legislative session. The chapter keeps a scorecard on bills related to issues of reducing climate change and protecting land and water resources in Wisconsin. |
Shahla M. Werner, PhD., Sierra Club
chapter director, said "These legislators have shown clear
commitments to maintaining clean air, clean water and the
irreplaceable places that make Wisconsin unique. We are
confident that they will fight to protect Wisconsin’s
environment, for our families and for our future.”
I am pleased to vote for legislation that contributes to a
cleaner environment and a healthier future for Wisconsin.
BILLD/ Bowhay Institute
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I am very
pleased to have been chosen to spend four days
recently as a BILLD Scholar working to improve my
leadership skills and explore issues of the day with
nationally renowned scholars, professional
development experts, and legislative leaders and
colleagues from across the Midwest. |
In partnership with the Midwestern Legislative Conference of the Council of State Governments, the La Follette School of Public Affairs teaches participants about ways to ease the corrections problems many states face, the energy future of the Midwest and its biofuels, the political and cultural characteristics of the Midwest, and ethics and their practical applications in the legislative workplace.
Summer Farmer's Markets
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Capital View
Farmers' Market |
The Northside Farmers
Market continues every Sunday through October 19, 8:30 a.m. til
12:30 p.m. at the Northside Town Center, Sherman and Northport.
Offerings include meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables in season,
eggs, baked goods, honey, yarn, handmade soaps, locally made
crafts, and hot foods.
If you would like to have your
name removed from this email list, please reply to this message with “Unsubscribe” in the subject line.
August 25,
2014
Issue 39
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
Canoe Paddle at Cherokee Marsh
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Conserving, protecting and enjoying
our natural world is an investment in our future. There are many natural wonders in the 48th Assembly District - one of them is the Cherokee Marsh. I was thrilled to be invited by the Friends of Cherokee Marsh for an on the water tour of this amazing park.  |
Troubling Racial Disparities
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Wisconsin Found to Have
Highest Disparities for African American Children According to a national report, Wisconsin has been ranked the worst state in the country when it comes to racial disparities for children. The Annie E. Casey Foundation, a 66-year-old charitable organization concentrating on family issues and well-being, spearheaded the study. "Race for Results: Building a Path to Opportunity for All Children" scored states according to 12 different factors, from educational access to socioeconomic status and home life. Wisconsin scored a 238 on its ability to prepare black children for educational and financial success, the lowest of all states. Research has shown that growing up in chronic poverty contributes directly to stress at a level that can affect children's health, brain development and social and emotional well-being—a response known as 'toxic stress," according to the report. We know that getting high school and college students to succeed starts at a very young age. I believe that we must continue to invest in education and remove barriers that prevent some children from thriving. As your representative, I will continue to make decisions on public policy that protect all our citizens.
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In and Around the District
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Trucks and Treasures |
Quote of the Week
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“I wish I could say that racism and
prejudice were only distant memories. We must dissent from
the indifference. We must dissent from the apathy. We must
dissent from the fear, the hatred and the mistrust…We must
dissent because America can do better, because America has
no choice but to do better.”
-Thurgood Marshall |
Pound the Pavement
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Team Sargent 'Pounds the Pavement' for
a Northside Pool I was proud to bring a team of family and friends to the annual 'Pound the Pavement for a NorthSide Pool' event. This event is put on by The Circle of Friends (CoF), and features a 3 mile walk around the beautiful Warner Park. The CoF was started to ensure the Warner Park Community Recreation Center continues to grow and serve the community. Their first goal is raising public awareness and funds for the Warner Pool. The board members are all volunteers. They have no paid staff. The money raised for the pool goes into the Warner Pool account with the Madison Community Foundation or the Madison Parks Foundation. So far the CoF has raised over $230,000 for the Warner Pool plus a pledge of $25,000 when we break ground. If enough funds are raised, the plan is to build a pool just behind the Warner Park Community Center that would serve the NorthSide as well as the greater Madison area. If you would like more information on how to get involved in this wonderful project, please visit: http://friendsofwarner.com/  |