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 information about the end of regular session and what has happened so far in the special session, local Thanksgiving celebrations, an update on the concealed carry law, winter safety tips and more.

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


Contact My Office

Whenever I'm in the district, I have legislative staffers working in my Madison office that are there to help me help you with your questions and concerns. If you would like to contact them directly, you can call the office line (regular or toll-free) or reach them by email:

Chelsea Domer at chelsea.domer@legis.wi.gov

Dave Groshek at dave.groshek@legis.wi.gov





At the Capitol


Recent Special Session Bills

Several special session bills made it to the Assembly floor this past month. I have included information on the most important bills that passed in the Legislature (and will soon become law).

Special Session Senate Bill 2

This bill, which passed the Assembly on a voice vote with bi-partisan support, expands eligibility for small businesses to access the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) loan guarantee program. It does this by including businesses that have 500 or fewer employees, increasing the maximum amount that can be guaranteed to the lesser from $200,000 to $750,000, and removing some of the more restrictive requirements placed on the small business receiving the loan. The hope is that this opens up lending to more small businesses. Read the bill here.

Special Session Senate Bill 20

This bill is very similar to SS SB 2 but affects agricultural folks. It expands WHEDA's agricultural loan program by decreasing the minimum loan guarantee amount from $30,000 to $2,000 and increasing the maximum amount from $100,000 to $150,000. It also removes specific date limitations on the term of the loan. I supported this legislation because it will allow all agricultural businesses - from those that just need some small support to those looking for a start up loan - to have access to capital. Read the bill here.

Special Session Senate Bill 23

This bill changes the duties of the Dept. of Revenue. Specifically it reduces their access to individuals tax returns or claims - they cannot browse tax returns unless they are assessing that person's taxes. It also says that a person facing an audit is not liable for any tax issues that existed in a past audit. I supported this bill because it will increase accuracy and fairness in our tax system. Read the bill here.

I believe we will be back in session in December where I hope we will pass my vocational high school diploma bill along with other special session bills that will get people back to work.



Speaking on the Assembly floor during session.


The End of the 2011 Regular Session

Regular legislative session is officially over for the 2011 year. It begins again in the first months of 2012. While we could be called back for the special session, any bills that were introduced in the regular session can no longer be taken up this year. This last month, we passed a lot of bills in the regular session that had little to do with job creation. Here are some bills that passed this month:

Senate Bill 95

Senate Bill 95, which passed last week, makes sweeping changes to our public education system. The most troubling aspect of this bill is the change that allows school boards to rely solely on the results of standardized tests when reviewing teachers - without having to develop a comprehensive teacher evaluation plan. It also allows for standardized test scores to be a factor (but not the only reason) in teacher discipline.

While this may seem reasonable, it is based on the assumption that standardized tests are the only method for measuring student's intelligence. This is clearly not true - not all kids are capable of doing well at tests, and many of these students are just as smart as their peers. Because of this change in regulation, school boards will no longer have to truly evaluate the abilities of their teachers, and can instead rely on an imperfect measuring tool that does not accurately reflect students' abilities.

Senate Bill 116

This bill changes the date of the fall primary election from September to August. This was done so that Wisconsin's elections would be compliant with the federal Military and Overseas Voter Act. The primary will now take place on the second Tuesday in August. It also moves the timeline for circulation papers and absentee ballots back a month to accommodate this change in election date.


Statewide Student Information System (SIS) Update

Last week, the Joint Finance Committee adopted a motion to allow for the creation of a statewide student information system (SIS). Under the original proposal, all school districts in the state would have been required to participate in this system. The Tomah School District already has a great, homegrown program their staff developed that did the same thing required under the SIS at no additional cost to the district.

Fortunately, I was able to work with members of the Joint Finance Committee and the Department of Public Instruction so Tomah School District - and any other district in the state that has it’s own homegrown student information system that meets the Dept. of Public Instruction's criteria - would not have to take on unnecessary costs and will be able to keep their SIS in place. This is great news for Tomah and for the teachers and students who work and attend school there.


Update: New Concealed Carry Law

Updated: Last week, the Joint Committee for the Review of Administrative Rules (JCRAR) voted to remove the requirement for 4 hours of firearms safety training. There is still a training requirement, but individuals no longer have to spend at least 4 hours in training. You also now only have to provide basic information about your training session to include: the name of the course, date of completion, and name of instructor and instruction agency.

You can view the motions that created these changes here and here.

2011 Wisconsin Act 35 went into effect on November 1 and the Wisconsin Dept. of Justice is now accepting applications for concealed carry licenses. You can download a copy of the application here. Before you apply for your license, you have to receive the appropriate training as determined by Act 35.

According to the Dept. of Justice, the following forms of proof of training will be accepted:
-  Attending the hunter education program established under s. 29.591 or a similar program established by another state and recognized by the Dept. of Natural Resources.
-  An unrevoked concealed carry license from another state (current or expired).
-  Proof of military, law enforcement, or security firearms training.
-  Dept. of Justice Firearm Safety Course certificate (issued by a DOJ-certified instructor).
-  Firearms safety training certificate from a course taught by a national or state organization that certifies firearms instructors. (Further information regarding this option is available on the Dept. of Justice website).

All applications should be completely filled out, signed in all areas indicated, include a check made out to the Dept. of Justice for $50.00 and include a copy of your proof of training.

Although we now have the right to carry a concealed firearm, there will still be some businesses and locations that prohibit the carry of firearms on their property. It is important to be mindful of these restrictions because violations will result in a citation and fine. Also, it is still a felony for a person to possess a firearm on school grounds.

For more answers about the concealed carry law, click here.


Reminder: Updated Voter ID Rules

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 April.
-  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.


Reminder: Blue Books

We have received many requests for the 2011-2012 Blue Books already, and for those of you that have asked for one: your book is on the way! We do still have Blue Books available if you are interested.

Blue Books are packed with information about the organization and functions of state government and about the people that represent Wisconsinites at the Capitol. Please email me with your address or call my office to request a free copy.

Black River Falls Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Each year at Thanksgiving, folks in Black River Falls provide a Thanksgiving dinner for those who may not be able to have their own or don't have anyone to share the holiday with. The dinner is sponsored by St. Johns Lutheran Church and will take place on Thanksgiving Day from 12:00pm-5:00pm at the National Guard Armory on Hwy 54 West. If you would like to volunteer or support this dinner, you can contact Linda or Karen, the co-coordinators at (715) 284-4657.

Tomah Area Cancer Support Inc. Homemade Pie Sale

The Tomah Area Cancer Support Inc. (TACS), a non-profit, volunteer organization, will have a homemade pie sale on Friday, November 18 starting at 8:30am at the Farmers and Merchants Bank (Downtown Tomah Branch). All proceeds will go to TACS to provide assistance for local cancer survivors and to help fund local cancer research. Get a great pie for Thanksgiving and support a good cause at the same time.

Learn more about TACS mission here.

Tomah Holiday Parade

Kick off the holiday season in Tomah on November 25 at the Tomah Holiday Parade. The event begins at 7:00pm on W. Foster Street and continues down Superior Avenue to W. Holton Street in downtown Tomah. After the parade, the official lighting of the Rotary Holiday Lights will take place in Gillett Park (on the corner of Superior Avenue and E. Holton Street).

Click here for more details.


Military Service Ceremony of Support

Join me on Friday, November 25 at the City of Tomah's Military Service Program to honor those presently serving our country. The event takes place at 12:00pm in Memorial Park (515 N. Superior Ave). I will be there with fellow community leaders to lead a ceremony and hang ornaments in honor of our service members.

In coordination with Operation Homefront, the City of Tomah will be accepting donations such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, and other necessities for military families in need.



If you would like to have an ornament that is personalized with your loved ones name and rank placed on the Military service Garland, call the Chamber of Tomah office at (608) 372-2166.

For more information about the ceremony, click here.


Blood Center of Wisconsin Blood Drive

The Blood Center of Wisconsin is having a blood drive hosted by the Ho-Chunk Gaming Center in Black River Falls on Wednesday, November 30 from 12:00pm-5:00pm. This is a great opportunity to give back during the holiday season. According to the Blood Center of Wisconsin, someone in Wisconsin needs a blood transfusion every three seconds, and by donating blood, you can help save a life.

Walk-ins are welcome, but if you would like to make an appointment you can schedule one online here or call the Blood Center at (877) 232-4376.


Community Member Plays for Oprah

Local singer and guitar player Scott Wilcox (Bear Creek Recording) recently had the opportunity to play a song he wrote on Oprah's Lifeclass Webcast. I am excited to share Scott's national fame with you here. The song begins at minute 57.

Click here for more of Scott's music.


Black River Falls Public Library Presents "The Living Roots of Music"

"The Living Roots of Music" is a historical and musical presentation in which artist Lauren Pelon of Minnesota will trace the story of music and perform music from around the world on a multitude of different instruments. The event showcases the ways that music has affected the lives of people throughout history - from ancient times to today. The show, which will take place this Saturday, Nov. 19 at 1pm at the BRF Public Library, is free and open to the public.

Click here for more information.


Winter Driving

Snow is beginning to fall and winter is around the corner. As our roads become slippery and icy once again, I wanted to pass along a few safety reminders for driving in this weather. These winter tips are from the Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation:

-  Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights before driving.
-  Leave plenty of room for stopping.
-  Don't use your cruise control in wintry conditions, even if the road seems clear.
-  Do not pump anti-lock breaks. "Stomp and steer" instead.
-  Go slow and brake early. It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.

Read more safe driving tips here.

If you are planning to travel long distances this holiday season, be aware of the weather and winter storm warnings. You can see the driving conditions of major roads, traffic delays, and winter travel times here.


Reminder: Deer Hunting Season Safety and Tips

Gun deer hunting season starts with opening day on Saturday, November 19th and runs through Sunday, November 27th. I hope you will go out and enjoy this Wisconsin tradition along with me. Here are some gun safety tips to keep in mind while in the woods.

 -  Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times.
 -  Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
 -  Be sure of the target and what is in front of it and beyond it. Know the identifying features of the game you hunt. Make sure you have an adequate backstop - don't shoot at a flat, hard surface or water.
 -  Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.
 -  Check your barrel and ammunition. Make sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions, and carry only the proper ammunition for your firearm.
 -  Unload firearms when not in use. Leave actions open; carry firearms in cases and unloaded to and from the shooting area.
 -  Point a firearm only at something you intend to shoot.
 -  Don't run, jump, or climb with a loaded firearm. Unload a firearm before you climb a fence or tree, or jump a ditch. Pull a firearm toward you by the butt, not the muzzle.
 -  Store firearms and ammunition separately and safely. Store each in secured locations beyond the reach of children and careless adults.
 -  Avoid alcoholic beverages before and during shooting. Also avoid mind - or behavior - altering medicines or drugs.

Click here for more information about this year's deer hunting regulations.

 

My son Vance and I last year with his first buck ever.