Rep. Radcliffe's Legislative Update

Welcome to 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.

February is a great month to get out and enjoy the outdoors, especially with the relatively mild winter we're having. I included many of the awesome outdoor events happening this month. I also have information on some of the legislation that the Assembly voted on during session.

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



Assembly Back in Session

Assembly Bill 176

AB 176 changes the conditions for folks to procure a commercial fishing license by eliminating the minimum harvest requirement. If this bill is signed into law, commercial fishers will no longer have to catch a certain amount of fish to receive their license. AB 176 is a bipartisan bill that passed unanimously on a voice vote.

Assembly Bill 334

AB 334 allows individuals who accidentally hit a bear or a turkey with their car to bag the animal and obtain a free tag for it. Currently, Wisconsinites are only authorized to do this if they accidentally hit a deer. This bill would simply extend that right to bears and wild turkey. AB 334 also passed the Assembly unanimously on a voice vote.

Assembly Bill 426

AB 426, the Mining Bill, was introduced to streamline the mine permitting process, making it easier for companies to start mining in Wisconsin. While the current process allows for mining to take place, some feel it is too complex of a process and discourages mining.

While this bill does streamline the licensing process, it also eliminates important environmental regulations, does away with local control, and may interfere with tribal law. Because of these serious flaws, I was not able to support the bill. However, it did pass the Assembly on strictly partisan lines.


February: African American History Month

February is African American History Month, a month dedicated to creating awareness of the history of African Americans. It has been celebrated since 1976 and every US President since then has officially recognized February as African American History Month. This years theme is "Black Women in American Culture and History" in honor of their labor, leadership, and intellect which have enriched the nation. (Each year the theme is chose by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.)

         


Update: Legislation Introduced to Lift Cap on Family Care

Legislation has been introduced in the Assembly to follow the federal government's order to lift Wisconsin's cap on Family Care. I will keep you updated on the progress of this bill as it moves through the legislative process.

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.


Reminder: 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.