Friends and Neighbors,
Now that kids are back in school and the summer is winding down, it's time for another issue of The Sargent Voice. I continue to engage with our community to learn what my constituents want from their state government. Meanwhile, I am troubled by the decisions that our Governor continues to make which appear to be more politically motivated than for the benefit of the people of our state.
This issue discusses the ongoing process of insuring Wisconsinites through the Affordable Care Act despite Governor Walker's refusal of the federal Medicaid expansion money. I also give an update on the Voter ID ruling and its effects on what you need at the polling place.
As always, if you have any topics you would like to see discussed in future issues of the Sargent Voice, please contact me at 608-266-0960 or Rep.Sargent@legis.wi.gov.
Voter ID Back in Place for November
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While a lot is still unknown, I
wanted to make sure my constituents had some preliminary
information on what the recent Voter ID ruling means for
the November 4th election. Here's what we know so far.
If you have more specific questions call the Government Accountability Board at 608-266-8005. |
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Accepted Voter ID Forms: To use on the day of the election:
The driver’s license must be issued by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and must be either unexpired, or if expired, must have expired after the date of the most recent general election (Nov. 6, 2012).
The identification card must be issued by DOT and must be either unexpired, or if expired, must have expired after the date of the most recent general election (Nov. 6, 2012).
The card must be issued by a U.S. uniformed service and must be either unexpired, or if expired, must have expired after the date of the most recent general election (Nov. 6, 2012).
The passport must be either unexpired, or if expired, must have expired after the date of the most recent general election (Nov. 6, 2012).
The certificate must have been issued no earlier than two years before the election at which it is presented.
The receipt must be issued by DOT and must be unexpired.
The receipt must be issued by DOT and must be unexpired.
The card must be issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in this state.
The card must be issued by an accredited university or college in Wisconsin and must be unexpired. The card must also contain the date of issuance, the signature of the individual, and an expiration date indicating that the card expires no later than two years after issuance. A card that meets these specifications may be used as identification for voting if the individual establishes that he or she is enrolled as a student at the university or college on the date that the card is presented.
Special Health Care Enrollment Period Granted for 38,000 thanks to Sen. Baldwin
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In response to a request from Senator Tammy Baldwin, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a special enrollment period for 38,000 BadgerCare recipients forced into a coverage gap by Governor Walker’s actions. The special enrollment period will give these Wisconsin residents 60 days to enroll in the Federal health insurance marketplace for 2014. |
Because of Governor Walker’s decision to needlessly force 63,000 people off BadgerCare, as many as 38,000 have fallen into a coverage gap. These Wisconsin residents are ineligible for BadgerCare, and until this action by the Federal Government could not have enrolled in Federal marketplace plans until January 1.
So far Governor Walker has refused to develop any response to
this self-inflicted coverage crisis, despite repeated requests
from Senator Tammy Baldwin and Wisconsin health advocates. In
response to Senator Baldwin’s call for a special enrollment
period, Walker was quoted last Wednesday by the Milwaukee
Journal Sentinel denying there is any problem: “I think this is
something where somebody is looking for a problem that doesn’t
exist.”
Governor Walker is completely wrong on all fronts. The special
enrollment period announced today will give those needlessly
forced off BadgerCare another opportunity to gain health care
coverage.
You may qualify for a subsidized rate for health insurance.
Visit the United Way's website at
https://www.unitedwaydanecounty.org/healthconnect/
Call 211 for more information.
Fast Food Strikes
Continue
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Low-wage workers from around the country continue to join together in solidarity to call for a livable minimum wage. The passion and resolve of these workers are unyielding as strikes, walkouts, and demonstrations are occurring around the country on nearly a weekly basis. Their message is gathering momentum and has become national news. |
Recently, I gathered for a strike action
here in Madison. Speakers reiterated that no one who works hard
in America deserves to be forced into a life of poverty and
struggle, especially when the corporate bosses are pocketing
record profits. I listened to mothers and fathers who walked off
their jobs speak eloquently about their concerns about what
their children would eat tomorrow or where they would sleep next
month because they do not make enough to simply get by, even
though they work 40-plus hours per week.
Shortly after these brave workers shared their stories about why
they were striking, and the difference that they hoped to make
with their actions, a number of them, along with clergy, marched
into East Washington Avenue and shut down traffic. I was chilled
as I watched these emerging activists get arrested for their
simple act of civil disobedience on behalf of the fight for an
economy that works for all of us.
Minimum-wage workers earn less than $300 per week. No matter
where you live, that’s just not enough money to make ends meet.
There are many ways that we in the Legislature could address
this issue. There have been many suggestions made by
politicians, business leaders, and labor advocates. While I am a
co-sponsor of the bill to raise the minimum wage to $10.10, I
proudly stand with those workers who are demanding $15 per hour,
which is closer to a true living wage in the Madison area. The
bottom line is that the debate needs to be about how much we
should raise the minimum wage, not whether we should raise it.
I applaud the workers who are willing to give up a day’s pay,
and risk the possibility of jail time. They are not doing so out
of recklessness, but rather out of desperation with an eye on
their future. As many of us sit at home watching these strike
actions occur on the nightly news, ask yourself: What would you
be willing to do to make sure that your children had food,
clothing and shelter? Odds are you would do almost anything for
them.
I know that fast food workers in America deserve a raise. An
increase in the minimum wage rewards hard work, boosts the
economy, saves taxpayers money, and promotes fairness. We live
in the richest nation on the planet. The fact that a person can
work over 40 hours per week and still have a hard time surviving
is unacceptable. This is an issue that isn’t going away until we
fulfill the promise of a better future for all workers, and I
will be unapologetic in my support for them until that day.
Habitat for Humanity House Tour
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To find out how you can volunteer for Habitat email cmccollum@habitatdane.org |
Bike Federation Ride-a-Long
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Team Sargent had an in-district
field trip of Madison's beautiful bike paths thanks to
the Wisconsin Bike Fed. As we toured the 48th Assembly District via bike, it only solidified my belief in the importance of investing in multifaceted transportation options in our communities. I encourage all my constituents to get out and enjoy our network of bike paths to discover a quick, cheap, and healthy mode of transportation. Did you know that you can get from the Capitol to MATC on bike paths in just over 20 minutes? Pretty impressive! |
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Family Impact Seminar
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This week, I was invited to join the Family Impact Seminar Advisory Committee on the recommendation of current committee members. Past seminars have covered topics such as workforce preparation, economic development, and most recently early childhood brain development. It is a great honor to be named to this prestigious committee. |
The state legislature
benefits greatly from this science-based policy research. Due to
its non-partisan nature, and commitment to pursuing pragmatic
solutions to topics that are pressing to our state, this is a
successful program by all accounts. I attended the recent early
childhood brain development seminar, and I was impressed by the
quality of research which touted the economic benefits of
investing in our families.
If you would like to have your
name removed from this email list, please reply to this message with “Unsubscribe” in the subject line.
September 17,
2014
Issue 40
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 and Around the District
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I joined with friends and neighbors in a fantastic street art project on the Northside. We participated in painting Knutson drive with a colorful art exhibition. This is just one of the reasons that I love our Northside community. Engagement and participation in activities such as this bring us together as a society and solidify bonds among neighbors.
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Quote of the Week
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“We are witnessing a concerted effort to place new
obstacles in front of minorities, low-income families and
young people who seek to exercise their right to vote. A
poll tax by another name would smell as vile.” |
Good News from Great Lakes
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Great Lakes Higher Education, which
resides in the 48th Assembly District, is expanding their
previously one-year College Ready grant into a two-year
grant period to move greater numbers of disadvantaged
students closer to achieving college-ready benchmarks. We
believe an additional year of academic support and
instruction in math and English is critical to closing an
unacceptable college readiness gap for high school students
of color and those from low-income backgrounds. Their new College Ready grants are open to colleges and community-based organizations in Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin that can rise to the challenge of helping more at-risk high school students graduate ready to pass rigorous college-level courses. |
TASC Expands
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Total Administrative Services Corp.
(TASC), a third-party administrator of benefit plans and
payroll services, and a fantastic business in the 48th
Assembly District, has acquired a similar company,
Concepts in Benefits of Bedford, New Hampshire. This kind of business growth is wonderful for the district and for our community. Earlier this year I was able to tour TASC, and was impressed with their commitment to job growth and vision for the future. |
ACA Health Care Enrollment
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Key dates for the Health
Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment is the time when you can apply for a 2015 Marketplace plan, keep your current plan, or pick a new one. Are you ready for the next Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment Period? Here are 4 key dates you should know:
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Addressing Hunger
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Feeding the hungry in our community
must be a priority for everyone. Food insecurity is a real thing - 17% of the children in Dane County suffer from food insecurity and Gov. Walker recently announced that he wants to drug test snap benefit recipients. This renders me speechless - no child should wonder where their next meal will come from or go to bed hungry That's why this week I was excited this week to bring Team Sargent to Second Harvest Food Bank and the River Food Pantry to see how our fabulous service partners are addressing this crucial problem. We worked at the fresh produce section of River Food Pantry during their Tuesday lunchtime grocery service. Over 100 families visited, choosing their own groceries from non perishable items, meat, breads, pastries and produce. Over 40% of those who visit the River are employed yet still struggle to make ends meet. We can and must do better.  |
Internship Opportunities
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I want to thank my fabulous interns
from this summer: Henry Gaylord, Alex Tiger, and Carlton
Henry. The energy and dedication they brought to my
office made our summer productive and exciting. I wish
them well as they move back to their high school
studies. I am thrilled to welcome Alex Derr to my office for the fall semester. My team and I look forward showing him the ropes here at the Capitol.  |
BPDD Tour
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Providing a full spectrum of
supportive employment to our developmentally disabled
family, friends & neighbors has been a priority in Dane
County and I'm glad to have been part of this
conversation with leaders from around the state. I joined my colleagues from Dane County on a tour of businesses around the square that hire people with developmental disabilities. I applaud these businesses for their commitment to our community to these valued members of our society.
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