The Sargent Voice

Friends and Neighbors,

The spring is a busy time at the state capitol with session days and the budget process in full swing.

I was proud to give my 'maiden speech' on the Assembly Floor.  I spoke on the need to create more oversight for Governor Walker's failure of a job agency, WEDC.  You can watch my speech by clicking HERE. The Joint Audit Committee, which I sit on, also had a very important hearing regarding the concerning audit of WEDC and the implications for job creation here in Wisconsin.

I also continued my practice of monthly listening sessions throughout the 48th Assembly District.  I cannot do my job effectively without the active input of my constituents.  I want to thank all the people who have come and given me valuable insights on the state budget and other legislation.

I hope you find this e-update informational.  If there is anything you would like to have included in future updates, please don't hesitate to contact my office.  Rep.Sargent@legis.wi.gov or 608-266-0960.

Sincerely,



Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Audit

Last month, the Wisconsin Legislative Audit Bureau came out with a 100 page audit of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).  The report showed a complete lack of transparency and 6 clear violations of state law.

During the Joint Legislative Audit Committee hearing last Wednesday, WEDC CEO Reed Hall told me that he was proud of what they had (or had not) accomplished. The statistics are appalling and I was shocked to hear the lack of concern with which these leaders reported to our committee. 

Click the picture to watch part of  the Wisconsin Eye coverage of Legislative Audit Committee's hearing of WEDC


Since Governor Walker's implementation of WEDC in 2011, Wisconsin has dropped 33 slots in national job creation levels, from 11th in the nation to an embarrassing 44th. Reports done by WEDC largely skew statistics in their favor, claiming an increased of 24,000 jobs, when the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau found only 2,000 (none of which were verified in the manner required by statute). This distortion is incredibly concerning to me. WEDC receives millions in taxpayer dollars and is expected to perform at the same level of ethical behavior  that you or I do. You give your money to the state for the growth and betterment of Wisconsin and we all deserve it to be spend wisely, efficiently, and responsibly.  

WEDC has been given a vast amount of power and oversight on Wisconsin's economic development as it administers grants, loans, bonding authorizations, and tax incentives to, supposedly, encourage investments and job creation within the state. WEDC has done none of this. Instead, they have used their power to spend taxpayer dollars on lavish gifts and perks to their cronies, while hurting average Wisconsinites. Although these numbers and revelations are upsetting, they are not new.

Since its creation, WEDC has operated with little regulation, oversight, or transparency. When establishing the WEDC, Republicans in the legislature refused to place any restrictions to increase transparency or accountability on the department, despite its heavily reliance on taxpayer money. I find this appalling. I demanded WEDC to improve their internal business procedures and pressed upon them the importance of transparency and accountability. These are taxpayer dollars. These are our futures. WEDC does not have the best interests of Wisconsin at heart. The Legislative Audit Bureau's analysis shows us that. I will continue working hard towards an economy focused on family sustaining jobs.

  

 
AB 110 - FoodShare Bill


Last week, the State Assembly passed Assembly Bill 110, which severely limits what can be purchased with food stamps.  It would require an individual or family in the FoodShare program to purchase 2/3 of the FoodShare amount on what the state deems as healthy foods.

 

This bill is flawed for so many reasons, it's hard to know where to start. 

 

First, the bill has unintended consequences due to how it was drafted.  Under the bill, users may not purchase many things that are Wisconsin staples such as cranberries and certain types of cheeses.  This would harm producers state wide. 

 

Secondly, we don't know the fiscal impact of AB110.  The bill requires the state to pay for a system in grocery stores that ensures food stamp recipients aren't buying unapproved food items.  It is completely irresponsible to pass laws with no clue on how to implement them and no idea of the cost. Third, there is no evidence as to how much unhealthy food people are actually eating on the FoodShare program.  In fact, when asked about data to support the need for AB 110, the author admitted there was no data. He admitted that all the evidence he had was

anecdotal. 

 

It is my hope that this bill will never become law.  Despite it passing the Assembly, it still must be passed by the Senate and signed by the Governor. In addition, the federal government would have to approve the implementation of this bill since they subsidize and set many of the terms for the FoodShare program. 

 

As my colleague, Rep. Jocasta Zamarippa noted on the floor, this is nothing but press release politics.  Republicans are trying to get a quick political hit off of the fact that they are cracking down on fraud, when in reality this legislation has no teeth, and no practical process for implementation.  Many low income people do not even have access to a grocery store with the foods acceptable under this bill let alone access to a job that would pull them out of poverty.  This sort of misguided legislation, unfortunately, has been all too common out of the GOP here in Wisconsin.  

 

We must get back to what really matters, that Wisconsin is severely lacking in job creation.  We are 44th in job growth and dead last in short term job growth.  Why are we voting on bills restricting people eating cheese and cranberries, when we should be working on creating employment opportunities. 

 		  


Career Fair


I was proud to participate in Sennett Middle School's Career Fair last Friday and to talk with students about my profession, as well as their hopes for the future. It's awe-inspiring to see such young citizens so excited about their future careers and the future of Wisconsin. The maturity among Sennett Middle School's students was impressive. These students are already looking to better their environments and communities at age 14!

I remember this excitement every time I enter the Capitol building. Working towards more family sustaining jobs, safer communities, and healthier environments not only impacts Wisconsin's current status, but also sets the tone for those who will take our place in the future: our children. If we can work together successfully, it will show the next generation that cooperation can be accomplished and we can send them into a world where they can succeed.

 

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May 13th, 2013
Volume 1, Issue 8




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

 

Freshman Caucus Highlight: Tod Ohnstad

 

  I have the pleasure of working with fellow freshman representative Tod Ohnstad. Representative Ohnstad is originally from Eau Claire but moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin
  and has worked with American Motors Corp in Kenosha since the 1970s. He was soon elected to his union's leadership after colleagues recognized his skill as a leader and team-player. Representative Ohnstad brings his sense of cooperation and compromise to the Wisconsin legislature. Tod lives with his fantastic wife, Kristi and their two dogs, Josie and Bella. 


In the Capitol

 

The Dalai Lama visits Madison

Tomorrow, May 14th, my fellow representatives and I will be treated with a speech from Tibetan's 14th Dalai Lama. He will also be speaking at the Overture Center and the Alliant Energy Center. The Dalai Lama is touring the world as a part of a "Change Your Mind, Change the World" series on how environment, economy, and politics (among others) can create a happier and healthier world.

 

 

Landlord-Tenant Bill

Tomorrow the Assembly will be voting on AB 183, a proposed bill to standardize landlord-tenant relationships across the state. This is a highly contentious issue, because it takes this regulatory power, which is traditionally in the hands of local governments, and brings it to the state. Also, this bill will strip tenants of many of their rights to contest landlord actions. I will not be supporting this bill, as I believe these contracts are best dealt with at the local level.  

 


 


In the District


Barbeque and Baseball

Come check out the Vera Court annual Baseball & BBQ Fundraiser on Thursday, May 30, 5:30 at the Vera Court Neighborhood Center. This year’s event includes not only the BBQ but a raffle with great prizes from local businesses. Tickets are $15 and include the food and the Mallards game that starts at 7:05 p.m.

 

 

Clean Sweep Now Open

Protecting our environment is important when we dispose of household hazardous materials. The safe place to take items such as oil-based paints and related products, pesticides and poisons, products containing organic solvents, rechargeable batteries, ignitables, and aerosols is the Dane County Clean Sweep site at the Dane County Landfill. The landfill is located on U.S. Highway 12 (Beltline east toward Cambridge) across from the Yahara Hills Golf Course. (The former site on Fish Hatchery Road is permanently closed.)

The Clean Sweep building is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. It is closed Sundays, Mondays, and holidays. Stop at the scale house to get a ticket prior to going to the Clean Sweep house. There is a $10 fee for each visit. The facility will also accept disposal of TVs or computer monitors for $10 apiece. For more information, go to http://www.danecountycleansweep.com/default.aspx

 

Home Composting Class at Lakeview Library

If you’re a gardener or landscaper, you may want to prepare by attending one of the Madison composting classes. On Saturday, May 18 at 10 a.m., George Dreckmann, city recycling coordinator, will be teaching a class at Lakeview Library, 2845 N. Sherman Avenue. These always-popular classes cover home compost basics, including an introduction to compostable materials, where to place your compost bin, and how to tend to your compost.