Town Hall Meeting to Address Racine Poverty

How should Racine work to eliminate poverty? The Promise Zone Initiative is a federal grant program designed to address cyclical poverty; “A child’s zip code should never determine her destiny; but today, the community she grows up in impacts her odds of graduating high school, her health outcomes, and her lifetime economic opportunities,” - President Barack Obama.

The Greater Racine Promise Zone Grant focuses on five areas: job creation, increased economic activity, improving educational opportunities, reducing violent crime, and promoting health and access to healthcare. To best represent our community in the application we need to hear from as many diverse voices as possible. If Racine is awarded Promise Zone status, our community will be given priority to receive millions of dollars in federal funding to reduce poverty. Please attend a town hall meeting to discuss the Promise Zone and receive public feedback on Monday, January 25th or email us your thoughts at RacinePromiseZone@goRacine.org.

Representative Mason Welcomes Emma Campion to Staff

I am thrilled to welcome a new Legislative Aide to my staff. Emma Campion is a former intern in the office and will graduate from UW Madison in May with degrees in Political Science and Spanish. A lifelong resident of Racine, she enjoys North Beach (where she worked as a lifeguard), her memories of sledding down Lockwood Hill, and of course, kringle. Recently, Emma accompanied me to the district where we met with community stakeholders to discuss Promise Zone grants and bettering our Racine community. We are delighted to have her on board.

Public Hearing for Gingras Family Bill

Last week I was proud to join my constituents Ralph and Stephanie Gingras who came to the Capitol to testify in support of AB488. The bill would give parents the right to request a disability evaluation after a student's extended absences. I am so impressed by constituents who have the courage and conviction to advocate to improve our community.

As always, please feel free to contact me if you have questions about this or other issues. You may reach me toll-free at (888) 534-0066 or via email at Rep.Mason@legis.wi.gov.