Last week, we learned the disappointing news that the U.S. Supreme Court refused to look at Wisconsin's appeal of the Voter Suppression law. However, I am pleased that the attorney general has at least recognized that implementing this policy prior to the April 7 election would lead to widespread confusion and potentially disenfranchise a large number of voters, many of whom have already cast absentee ballots.

Voters' rights have been under repeated attack by Republicans for the past four years. This Republican anti-democracy agenda will not create a single job or improve our economy.

Republicans have passed numerous voter suppression laws, including severely limiting early voting and making it harder for seniors in residential facilities to vote.

A federal judge estimated that this Republican voter suppression law could disenfranchise up to 300,000 Wisconsinites.

Even one person who is prevented from exercising their constitutional right to vote is too many, and I will continue to do everything possible to encourage people to vote and make voting accessible to all.

48 Hours Is Not Too Long

Safety in our communities is a fundamental right for every Wisconsin citizen. A bill gaining steam in the legislature would remove the 48-hour waiting period required under current law to purchase a handgun and put that safety in jeopardy. I am strongly opposed to this bill, as the 48-hour waiting period is an essential cooling off period that maintains a more checked and secure system.

Under the 2nd amendment, each individual has the constitutional right to own firearms and to feel protected, but the fact that an individual would be in a situation where he or she needs to own a firearm immediately draws suspicion.

I would like to encourage members of the majority party to institute a 48-hour waiting period for all firearms, not just handguns, to ensure safety.

Listening Session Wrap-Up

I want to thank everyone who attended my budget listening sessions at Lakeview Library and Pinney Library last week. I truly appreciated everyone offering their perspectives on what is important to our community. Listening sessions are important to me as a state legislator. Simply put, I cannot do my job without the input and ideas from the people I represent.

I take great pride in the level of engagement and knowledge in the 48th Assembly District, and everyone who attended brought valuable insights on topics including (in no particular order):

• Cuts to UW-System
• Moving the State Lab of Hygiene to DATCAP
• Moving the Veterinary School to DATCAP
• An ask for increased funding for housing for ex-drug addicts and alcoholics
• Changes to Family Care and the elimination of the IRIS program
• The closing of the ADRC’s
• Adverse environmental impacts from the changes to the Stewardship Fund and DNR
• SeniorCare Cuts
• Cuts to K-12 Education
• Public Television/Radio cuts
• Borrowing money for the transportation fund

I intend to hold these listening sessions at least once every month. I hope to see many more friends and neighbors in April. I will be announcing the dates and locations of the upcoming listening sessions shortly. Please watch Facebook and my legislative website for updates.

Update on Upskirting Legislation
 

People who have committed this heinous act on a repeated basis have either had charges dropped or have been given a minor charge like 'disorderly conduct'; the same charge you would get if you were rowdy at a Badger football game.

The bill flew through the Assembly on a voice vote, but has recently stalled in the Senate. WKOW 27 has been reporting on the bill again, asking the Assembly Committee on Judiciary's chairperson, Sen. Van Wanggaard, what the delay is. While Senator Wanggaard could not say what exactly was slowing the bill down, it is my hope that public pressure will force the Senate to act.

Yesterday, I was on Capitol City Sunday to discuss this bill with Greg Neumann.

Girl Scout Troop in the Capitol

The Girl Scouts of Wisconsin works tirelessly to foster girl's leadership development and well-being. They advance an agenda of healthy living, economic opportunity, global citizenship, and a strong community. I am a proud member of Troop 1912 made up of a bi-partisan group of my colleagues in the Wisconsin Legislature. We had the privilege to take part in our annual investiture after hearing about the power of scouting from an amazing young woman who has benefited from scouting.

Visit with the Carpenters

Covance Visit

Last week, I sat down with employees and executives from Covance whose world headquarters are on the east side of Madison. Covance employs hundreds of people in the 48th Assembly District. These family-sustaining jobs are desperately needed in our community. They indicated to me that they are very committed to community involvement and are getting energized to amp up their philanthropic efforts. That's what I like to hear from businesses!

Elvehjem Read-a-Thon

Opportunities Inc. Tour

(click to enlarge)

Providing those with disabilities the freedom and economic opportunity of a compassionate workplace is valued and needed in our community. Opportunities Inc. has provided comprehensive vocational training and community based employment services, social integration, academic programs, and supportive home care for nearly 50 years. These programs serve individuals with disabilities and other life challenges. I was honored to tour this fabulous work place and met some new friends along the way.

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