66th Assembly District Update -  April 10, 2012;  Vol. 34, Edition 76

Governor Walker Signs Caylee's Law

I reported earlier that Assembly Bill 397, a bill I introduced last fall, recently passed in both houses of the Legislature. AB 397, known as Caylee's Law, was signed by Governor Walker yesterday morning at the Department of Justice Crime Lab in Milwaukee. Caylee's Law is now 2011 Wisconsin Act 268. This law specifies penalties for a parent or guardian who fails to report the disappearance or death of a child. Because of Act 268, prosecutors will have the means to pursue justice for children when their deaths are concealed by adults that are supposed to care for them. The signing of Act 268 is the final step in a long journey of hard work and collaboration that began last summer at the request of many of you. Thanks to all of you who advocated for Caylee's Law!

Rep. Kerkman joins Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen (left), and advocates Monica Inclan and Jessica Schreck, as Governor Walker signs Assembly Bill 397 into law

 

Informational Materials Available Free

I'd like to remind all of you now that spring is approaching that my office has a variety of materials to help you plan your spring and summer recreational activities here in Wisconsin. The Summer Recreation Guide, WI Official Travel Guide, Arts and Crafts Fair Directory, and State Highway Map are all great resources to plan some summer fun and see the best of our state. Additionally, if you would like a 2012 Blue Book, featuring comprehensive information about our state government, I still have several available to distribute. All publications are available free of charge. Contact my office and I'd be happy to send some info your way.

Also, did you know that Wisconsin has a mobile app for all your travel planning needs? Travel Wisconsin now offers a free app, at both the App Store, if you have an iPhone®, iPod Touch®, or iPad®, and the Android Market for your Android smart phone. The app provides information on-the-go about attractions, events, dining, and accommodations around the state.

Congrats to Stan Torstenson, KABA Volunteer of the Year!

Last week, I attended the Kenosha Area Business Alliance 2012 Annual Meeting. Congratulations to Stan Torstenson, who was named KABA Volunteer of the Year! Stan has been a valuable member and leader in KABA, serving on the Board of Directors since 1993. He has also been very involved in giving back to the community, having been a founding member of the Genoa City Recreation Program and serving for 24 years on the Randall Consolidated School Board. Again, congratulations, Stan, and thank you for your dedication to our community!

Stan Torstenson receives the KABA Volunteer of the Year Award

Tax Day is Fast Approaching

Just a reminder that tax day is this Monday, April 17th. Make sure your federal and state income taxes are filed by this deadline. There is still time to obtain free assistance with your taxes and to file online. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs have locations across Wisconsin. These programs provide free assistance to low-to-moderate income residents, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. Call 211 anywhere in Wisconsin to find a site nearby.

If you find that you need more time to prepare your tax return, you must file an extension request with the IRS by Monday. Extensions give taxpayers an extra 6 months to file a tax return. Those obtaining an extension from the IRS are automatically granted a state extension as well.

Final E-Update of the Session in Your Inbox

This is the final E-Update of the 2011-2012 Legislative Session that you will receive from me in your inbox. Pursuant to s. 11.33, of Wisconsin Statutes, a Representative who becomes a candidate for office may not use public funds to distribute 50 or more pieces of identical material after the first day for circulation of nomination papers. This means that after April 15, I can no longer send out the E-Update to all of you as it conflicts with the beginning of campaign season. However, I will continue to produce an E-Update that will be posted here on my website. Check regularly for the latest information from my office. I'd like to emphasize that I am still able to serve you as always for the remainder of this session. Don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance with state issues.

 

If you are interested in tracking the progress of legislation introduced this session, please visit http://legis.wisconsin.gov/ and click on the Notification Service link found on the homepage.

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State Capitol - Room 315 North - Post Office Box 8952 - Madison, Wisconsin 53708
(608) 266-2530 - Fax (608) 282-3666 - Toll Free: (888) 534-0066 - Rep.Kerkman@legis.wisconsin.gov
On the Internet: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/assembly/asm66/news