I am more committed than ever to making Wisconsin a place of freedom and prosperity.
While we have seen destructive attacks over the past weeks on women's health, election integrity, and education; I know that in the end people want a positive government that supports its people rather than tearing them down.
As a State Representative, I am the voice for the people of the 48th Assembly
District, but I understand that my votes have a long-term affect on our entire
state. In speaking to my constituents, I know that they want women's health care
decisions to be respected. I know that they want a strong civil service system so
our state is supported with the best possible workers. I know that they want their
public
schools to be run locally by those who understand the community best. Hearing these hopes and dreams from my constituent drives me to keep working. Working to return Wisconsin to the state I grew up in, and the state I love.
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.
Forward,
Melissa Sargent
State Representative
48th Assembly District
Attack on Planned
Parenthood is Morally Wrong
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Defunding affordable and accessible healthcare is not the way to move Wisconsin
forward. Wisconsin families should have the freedom to access basic healthcare
services. Planned Parenthood provides cancer screening, breast exams, and birth control to millions of women across our nation. Respect for the family planning process should be honored, and we all benefit from a society the respects women. |
Planned Parenthood helps women, men, and families gain access to quality
healthcare. While Republicans supporting AB 310 have framed the debate on this
issue as a veiled attempt to stop abortions, the truth is the bill will only
increase unintended pregnancies and strip women of their reproductive rights.
I am the face of Planned Parenthood, along with millions of women around our
nation who have been supported by them. Moving forward in Wisconsin should
include expanding the women’s rights and supporting middle class families.
Defunding Planned Parenthood disrespects every woman in Wisconsin.
Long-Term Care Listening Session
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Providing long-term care for people with disabilities and the elderly is
an imperative that our state should take seriously. These programs give these people the freedom to live a good life. Wisconsin's long-term care programs have been a model for the nation. Sadly, under the last state budget, these programs face drastic changes, and their consumers (rightfully so) are nervous. |
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I joined a passionate, educated group of providers, parents and consumers today for a listening session on FamilyCare and IRIS in Madison. I expected more substance from the representatives from the Department of Health Services (DHS) but was impressed with the thoughts and ideas offered by the community.
I implore DHS to listen - and act - in accordance to what they are hearing across the state from the people who know best.
Our friends and neighbors with disabilities deserve to have a government that respects them and address their needs.
There will be another listening session in Madison and I encourage you to attend if these issues are important to you:
October 7, 2015
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Goodman Community Center
Evjue Community Room D
149 Waubesa Street
Madison, WI 53704
BriarPatch Youth Shelter Opening
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Every child deserves a safe place to sleep at night. I was first made aware of the issue of homeless and unaccompanied youth during my time on the Dane County Board. I was fortunate to meet several community leaders who were passionate about finding housing and safety for these children. We have been tireless in our efforts to ensure the voices of these youth are heard and that their needs are met. Our dreams were turned into reality this week, as the BriarPatch Youth Shelter will officially open on October 1st. |
This shelter has eight beds to provide temporary shelter to runaway and homeless youth ages 13-17. This is progress, but there is much more work to do.
Eight beds is not nearly enough for the estimated 300 homeless youth that
need a place to sleep every night in Dane County.
Too often these youth are invisible. Together, we can and must bring them out of
the shadows and into the light of a compassionate society.
Civil Service Changes Coming
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Wisconsin workers are under attack again. For over 100 year Wisconsin’s civil service system has protected our dedicated public employees, and now it’s under attack. During the Act 10 debate Republicans promised that the civil service system would protect public employees, but they have again broken promises made to their friends and neighbors by introducing legislation to effectively remove the heart of the civil service system. |
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If this legislation is enacted, Wisconsin will be open to yet more corruption by the consolidation of power over public employees.
Gov. Walker must pay taxpayers back
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It’s time for Governor Walker to give back your hard-earned tax dollars he used to campaign for president. During his presidential campaign Walker spent thousands of tax-payer dollars on out-of-state travel and security. This past Wednesday the Assembly Democrats introduced a resolution calling for the Governor to reimburse the state for costs relating to his candidacy for president. The people of Wisconsin need a leader, but our Governor has been absent and oblivious to the problems in our state. |
Hard working families expect their tax dollars to be put towards road repair, education, and healthcare in their communities. Governor Walker should refund the people of Wisconsin now.
Urban Education Task Force
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A strong, public education system should be our top priority as a state.
Educating our leaders of tomorrow is essential. This includes not just fully
funding our schools, but also listening to our educators and administrators to
support them. I was thrilled that the Speaker's Task Force on Urban Education visited Gompers Elementary on the NorthSide of Madison in the heart of the 48th Assembly District. While I am not on the task force, I was an invited guest to welcome the representatives to my district and show them all the fabulous things happening in our neighborhood schools. |
I am hopeful that this task force will work in a bi-partisan manner towards
positive changes.
We were shown around the school, saw the unique classroom setups that the school
focuses on, and I even got to see my two youngest sons: Keanan and Trystan.
DMV Unveils New WI Drivers License
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The Wisconsin Department of Transportation's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
will begin issuing new driver licenses (DL) and identification (ID) cards this
fall. These new cards will be the most secure in the United States. An
innovative polycarbonate card and laser-engraved photo are the most prominent
features designed to curb fraud and identity theft. Wisconsin DoT says that this new card is the most secure ID in North America. |
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- Customers will notice these added security features:
- The card feels slightly stiffer and makes a unique sound when dropped on a hard surface.
- A raised signature, date of birth (DOB), expiration date, DL/ID number, U21 until date can easily be felt and hard to copy.
- UV ink highlights intricate Wisconsin artwork on front.
- U21 is prominently displayed in red ink and printed in a vertical format.
- Endorsements for commercial driving, including hazmat certification, are clearly noted.
Two other versions of Wisconsin driver licenses and ID cards are currently in
circulation and valid until it's time to renew. Some cards from the previous
vendor are set to expire in 2020 and those issued between March 2012 and October
2015 are set to expire in 2023.
Implementation of the new cards began in late September with complete
integration throughout Wisconsin expected to be completed by November 1, 2015.
The process for customers is the same. When their DL or ID expires, customers
can visit a DMV Service Center and present necessary documents. Customers will
then receive a receipt which includes an image of the actual card and it is
valid until they receive their new card in the mail. This receipt is valid until
45 days after issuance. Customers can also track the status of their card
online.
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October 1, 2015
Issue 62
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
Quote of the Week
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"Strong women get things done. Be passionate. Be
courageous. Be your best." |
RIP Justice Patrick Crooks
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On Monday, September 21, 2015, Justice N. Patrick Crooks
of the Wisconsin Supreme Court passed away. Justice Crooks devoted many years of
his life as a public servant to the State of Wisconsin, serving nineteen years
as a judge on the Brown County Circuit Court, winning election to the Wisconsin
Supreme Court in 1996 and serving continuously on the Wisconsin Supreme Court
for twenty years since. Peace to Justice Crooks and his family. |
Eagle Scout Ceremony
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I had the high privilege of attending a Eagle Scout
Ceremony that was especially near and dear to me. Please join me in a very special congratulations to Scout Troop 127's newest Eagle Scout, my son Devin. Devin joins the elite ranks of young men who invest in themselves, their community and their futures by earning the Eagle Rank. Devin has earned more than 38 merit badges, is a member of the Order of Arrow, and completed an amazing community service project at Lake View School. Our family and friends are very proud of him - best yet we know there is more to come.
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Job Shadow Day
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Youth voice is imperative in the legislative process. I was honored to have some amazing high school students from Shabazz shadow my work representing the people of Wisconsin in the capitol last week. All of students were great! I had fun, learned and enjoyed their presence. Is there a young person who you know that would like the opportunity to shadow me - please contact Aaron in my office to set it up (608) 266-0960.
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Staff Spotlight
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This month we welcomed a new member to Team Sargent. Alex
is a recent graduate from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a degree in
public administration. He has had many interning experiences in the State
Capitol and is excited to join my staff in representing the people of the 48th
Assembly District.
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Purple Ribbon Walk
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Everyone deserves to be safe in their home and in our
communities. Ending domestic violence requires dedication from every sector of our society. Too many of our friends and neighbors live in daily, silent fear within their own homes. I joined End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin and the Zonta Club of Madison on 9th Annual Purple Ribbon Walk. We walked in silence for the 43 people who were killed in domestic violence homicides across our state in the past year. The power of our collective voice can help to end domestic violence in our state. While we walked in silence today, our message was loud and strong.
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Did you know?
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In 1975, Kathryn Morrison was the first woman elected to the Wisconsin State Senate. She was also a graduate of East High School.  |
Go Green Madison
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Green Madison is an effort to reduce energy consumption and
increase sustainability in the City of Madison. As part of the Georgetown
University Energy Prize, Madison is competing against communities around the
nation to see who can reduce energy consumption the most through the end of
2016. There are many ways to get involved in Green Madison – start by visiting: http://greenmadison.org/get-involved/
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In the districtt
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Congratulations to Lake View School! I was honored to participate in the ribbon cutting ceremony for this glorious mural that celebrates our amazing children, our special community, and our commitment to learning. Much thanks to the amazing collaboration of artist Henry Hawkins (pictured below) and educator Susie Hobart for making a vision become reality.
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