Rep. Radcliffe's Legislative Update

Welcome to the News from the 92nd, my legislative newsletter. So much of what happens in Madison directly affects folks in the 92nd District, and I want to make sure that you can stay informed about what's happening at the Capitol and in our community.

Today I have updates on Voter ID, my technical diploma bill, FamilyCare changes, and this months community events.

It is a privilege to serve as your Representative, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you have.

Sincerely,

Mark Radcliffe
State Representative
92nd Assembly District




At the Capitol


2012 Regular Session Begins Tomorrow

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Technical Diploma Bill Update

My technical diploma bill, which allows students to receive a diploma recognizing their vocational and technical skills, is moving forward through committee. Yesterday, the Assembly Committee on Education had a public hearing where I presented my testimony on the value of a technical diploma, and then earlier today the Senate Committee on Education's passed it unanimously during their executive session.

You can see the bill, as introduced in the regular session, here.

I proposed this legislation after talking to students and businesses alike that feel there is a gap between the skills of the current workforce and the positions that businesses need to fill. While college is an admirable goal, not all kids attend, and it is our responsibility to educate all students so that they will be prepared for the real world, regardless of their post high school plans. My technical diploma legislation will serve as an important link between high school and employment for students across the state.


Cap on Family Care Lifted

Family Care is a Medicaid program that provides support services for adults and seniors with physical and developmental disabilities. It allows these individuals to stay at home and be cared for by family members rather than live in nursing homes. The 2011-2013 biennium budget originally imposed an enrollment cap on this important program, leaving about 9,000 people on a waiting list for services.

After only six months with the current caps, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid have ordered the State of Wisconsin to lift the caps and immediately enroll anyone waiting to join Family Care. According to the Governor, the Dept. of Health Services has found the $80 million necessary to pay for the increased enrollment, and will fully fund it.

Before this change can take place, the Legislature must vote to lift the cap and fund the program. As the 2012 session begins next week, I hope that we will have the opportunity to eliminate the enrollment cap soon. I will keep you updated on this important issue as it moves through the legislative process.


Update: Get Your ID For Voting Online

If you already have a voting ID, but have recently moved or it has expired, you can now order your photo ID for voting purposes online at the Dept. of Motor Vehicles website and receive it in the mail. You only have the option of ordering a new ID online if you already have a photo ID and need to update it. If you are getting a state-issued photo ID for the first time, you still have to visit your local DMV with appropriate documentation of your identity.

This change will make it easier for all individuals to get their state-issued IDs before the Presidential primary this February.

See all of the available online DMV services here.

New Voter ID Website Launched

The Government Accountability Board just launched a new website outlining the most important things to know about the Voter ID law for the upcoming election. The website, Bring it to the Ballot, which you can find at bringit.wisconsin.gov,  explains what IDs you can use to vote and how to get a free state ID card.

Voter ID Law

Since the passage of the Voter ID law, which requires people - even if they're already registered voters - to bring a photo ID to the polls, there has been a lot of confusion about the new rules.

Here are some important changes to remember as you navigate the new voting process:
- Corroboration is no longer an acceptable way to prove where you live. If you are not registered to vote at your current address and your ID does not list your current address, you must provide proof of residence in the form of a utility bill or lease when registering to vote. See a full list of acceptable proof of residence here.
- You will be asked to show a photo ID at the polls at every upcoming election but do not technically have to do so until the 2012 Spring Primary in February.
-  Only certain government-issued IDs will be accepted at the polls. See a full list of IDs here.
- If you do not have any of the IDs listed, you can get a free state identification card at your local DMV. You must tell the DMV that the ID is for voting purposes to receive it free of charge, otherwise the cost is $28.