Welcome
to my Legislative E-Update
 A
Welcome from Rep. Todd Novak
Welcome to my
inaugural electronic newsletter! As I begin my role here in the State
Assembly, I plan to use these updates as a way to communicate with my
constituents; giving you a glimpse within the halls of the state capitol and
also periodic updates from within the 51st district.
As your state
representative, it is important for me to hear the voices of my
constituents. Whether it is an idea you have pertaining to legislation, an
opinion you'd like heard on the state budget or perhaps even a question you
have about a state agency, I and my office want to be a resource the people
of southwest Wisconsin. I'd encourage you to contact me by phone
(608.266.7502), email or
online with any
concerns you might have.
Rep.
Novak to Hold Listening Session
A
Discussion on Gov. Walker's Budget Proposal - THIS FRIDAY
Later this
week, I'll be holding my third listening session to discuss Wisconsin's
2015-17 biennial budget. The largest item of fiscal policy the state
legislature considers each session, it's important to hear from constituents
across the district and receive input on the Governor's proposal. I hope to
see you on Friday!
What: State
Budget Listening Session with Representative Todd Novak
When: Friday,
February 20th from 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Where:
Dodgeville City Hall, 100 E. Fountain Street, Dodgeville, WI
Providing Screenings for a Potentially Deadly Disorder
Protecting
our Children from Krabee Leukodystrophy
Last year, the story
of one Dodgeville family's tragic loss of a child gripped our community.
Taken too soon by a rare disease known as Krabbe Leukodystrophy, Bryce
Heckendorf, the son of Kyle and Jenna passed away in November of 2014 at
just 18 months of age.
A terminal disease
that affects the central and peripheral nervous system, most patients
diagnosed with “Krabbe Disease” won’t live to see their second birthday.
However with treatment options available, the need for for early-detection
screenings is clear. In an effort to prevent other families from having
endure a loss like the Heckendorf's, I have introduced legislation that
calls for all newborns to be tested for this deadly disease.
Joined by my
colleague, State Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point), last week we
unveiled legislation in honor of Bryce Heckendorf and all the other families
who have been touched by Krabbe. In addition to potentially saving lives,
this bill has the potential to reduce medical costs by diagnosing a patient
early. I want to personally thank both Kyle and Jenna Heckendorf for joining
me in the capitol to help announce this important initiative.
Introducing legislation to screen newborns for potentially
deadly disease in honor of my constituent, the late Bryce Heckendorf.
What's
Happening in Madison...
With the budget now before the state
legislature and several other initiatives under way, the state capitol is a
busy place this time of year. However, it's always refreshing to visit with
constituents and meet with folks from the district when they visit Madison.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit with
students from Southwest Tech and
Blackhawk Technical College to
discuss their experiences as they prepare to enter the job force. Earlier
this month, Department of Workforce Development Secretary Reggie Newson
proclaimed February "Career
& Technical Education Month" to help underscore the contributions places
like Southwest Tech and Blackhawk make to our communities. It was great to
hear directly from the students and I was encouraged to hear of the great
things they're preparing to do.
Later in the day, I was fortunate enough to
receive a visit from several area librarians as apart of the
Wisconsin Library Association's
Legislative Day. Thanks for visiting!
If you ever find yourself in Madison or your
group plans to visit the State Capitol, I hope that you can stop by my
office, 304 North. It is a beautiful facility full of history. I'd
definitely encourage you to take a tour someday - it's certainly worthwhile!
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|
Visiting with students from Blackhawk Technical College
(left-right: Seth Gravert, Kerbie Church, Kim Rebarchek, Lisa
Skarlupka, Paula Howard and Rep. Novak) |
Visiting with students from
Southwest Tech (left-right: Taylor Alt, Ben Groonwald, Rep. Novak,
April Brandt and Courtney Leigh Wilde) |
| |
 |
| Several area
librarians stopped by yesterday to share their legislative
priorities (left-right: Robin Orlandi - Boscobel Public Library,
Nila Burke - Darlington, Angela Noel - Richland Center-Brewer Public
Library, Rep. Novak, Stef Morrill Wils - Town of Spring Green,
Vickie Stangel - Dodgeville Public Library, Krista Ross - Southwest
WI Library System) |
Sincerely,
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