November 12, 2015 |
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
After weeks of backroom deal making, Senate Republicans called
for an Extraordinary Session to dismantle the Government
Accountability Board and change campaign finance laws to allow
more special interest money in campaigns. These bills were
passed by the Republican majority in the Senate and will be
brought before the Assembly on Monday, November 16th. This
week's e-update highlights the American Red Cross Holiday for
Heroes program, changes to the Government Accountability Board
and campaign finance laws, the weekly
radio address, recent news coverage across the state,
Wisconsin
DNR updates, and a new business of the week.
I hope you find the information in this e-update helpful, and
don't forget to get out and enjoy all of the fun upcoming events
in western Wisconsin!
Sincerely,
![](http://legis.wisconsin.gov/eupdates/sen32/Photos/JSsignature.jpg)
Jennifer K. Shilling
State Senator | 32nd District
![](http://legis.wisconsin.gov/eupdates/sen32/Photos/Websiteicon.jpg)
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Holiday Mail for
Heroes |
Being apart from friends and family over the holidays is never
easy. The American Red Cross “Holiday Mail for Heroes” program
is the perfect opportunity for individuals to send thanks and
season’s greetings to Wisconsin veterans and service members
deployed across the world. Continuing a bipartisan tradition,
Senator Jennifer Shilling has joined legislative colleagues to
support this program and write notes of support to Wisconsin
military families.
“We should always take time to remember and honor our service
members and veterans for their years of dedication and
sacrifice,” said Senator Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). “This
is a great opportunity for local families to support Wisconsin
service members who are away from home this holiday season.”
![](http://legis.wisconsin.gov/eupdates/sen32/Photos/holidaymailforheroes.jpg)
The Red Cross created this program to encourage neighbor to
neighbor outreach during the holiday season. It is not necessary
to know anyone in the military to participate. The Red Cross has
also provided these guidelines for sending cards to service
members:
• Use generic salutations such as "Dear Service Member." Cards
addressed to specific individuals cannot be delivered through
this program.
• Ensure that all cards are signed.
• Only cards are being accepted. Do not send letters.
• Do not include email or home addresses on the cards, as the
program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.
• Do not include inserts of any kind, including photos, as these
items will be removed during the reviewing process.
• Please refrain from choosing cards with glitter or using loose
glitter as it can aggravate health issues of ill and injured
warriors.
• If you are mailing a large quantity of cards, please bundle
them and place them in large mailing envelopes or flat rate
postal shipping boxes. Each card does not need its own envelope,
as envelopes will be removed from all cards before distribution.
Also please note that the "Holiday Mail for Heroes" program is
for the delivery of holiday cards only. Those wishing to donate
items such as phone cards or military comfort kits should go to
the Help Our Troops section of the Red Cross online catalogue.
Cards can be dropped off at the Red Cross office located at 2927
Losey Blvd. South, La Crosse, WI 54601. For more information
individuals can visit www.redcross.org/support and click on the
“Get Involved” link.
|
Layoffs mount as
GOP attacks government accountability |
Wisconsin
residents will have less access to information about who is
influencing campaigns under a new bill being rushed through by
legislative Republicans. After weeks of backroom deals designed
to limit public input, Senate Republicans announced sweeping
changes to dismantle the Government Accountability Board,
increase corporate campaign influence and enable secret
coordination between politicians and outside special interest
groups.
![](http://legis.wisconsin.gov/eupdates/sen32/Photos/secrecy_1.png)
Wisconsin is experiencing one of the worst strings of mass
layoffs in recent years, yet legislative Republicans continue to
undermine government accountability. In their misguided effort
to increase political corruption and cover-up special interest
campaign influence, Republicans have taken their eye off the
ball. We should be doing everything in our power to help
Wisconsin’s hardworking families rather than catering to Gov.
Walker’s special interest allies.
Over 10,000 Wisconsin workers have been affected by mass layoffs
and business closings this year compared to 6,186 workers in all
of 2014. The spike in layoffs and business closings follows
months of inaction on job creation legislation while Gov. Walker
pursued his presidential ambitions and legislative Republicans
crafted backroom deals to undermine government accountability.
Right now, we have a Governor and a legislative majority who
don’t seem to comprehend what’s happening across our state.
Families are struggling with high student loan debt, rising
childcare costs and retirement insecurity. Democrats have put
forward numerous proposals to address these issues and
strengthen the middle class, but the majority party continues to
stonewall these commonsense measures. It’s time we focus on what
really matters to Wisconsin families and end the divisive
attacks on clean, open and honest government.
|
Shilling, Billings
call for rail safety improvements |
Rail safety improvements are needed to
prevent train derailments and protect local communities from
potentially catastrophic accidents. Rep. Jill Billings and I have been working for months on legislation
to improve rail safety and bolster emergency response services.
In the wake of recent train derailments, we are taking measures
to reiterate our call for action and have urged the
Transportation Committee chairs to immediately hold hearings to
examine rail safety issues.
We recognize that the freight rail industry is an important part
of Wisconsin’s economy. In La Crosse, rail infrastructure has
been a part of the city’s history and identity since its
earliest days. Yet, the recent increase in rail traffic has led
to heightened safety concerns in our community and across the
state. Wisconsin residents rightfully want to know what measures
are being taken by state and federal regulators and industry
stakeholders to ensure meaningful oversight and emergency
response readiness.
Since 2013, there are have been over 30 crashes and derailments
across the country involving crude oil or ethanol. In addition
to the derailments in Alma and Watertown, the region has been
affected by recent accidents in Slinger, WI, Galena, IL, and,
just this week, a coal train derailment outside of Des Moines,
Iowa.
Rather than waiting for the next accident to happen, we need to
be proactive in our efforts to improve Wisconsin’s rail network
and prevent train derailments. By strengthening rail safety
measures and encouraging greater collaboration, we can help
protect local communities and improve the reliability of our
transportation infrastructure.
|
Weekly
Democratic radio address:
"Keeping
Wisconsin Roads Safe" |
![](http://legis.wisconsin.gov/eupdates/sen32/Photos/senringhand.jpg)
Senator Janis Ringhand offered the Democratic radio address. In
her radio message, Sen. Ringhand applauded Democratic
legislators for approving immediate infrastructure investments
while urging leaders to work toward a long-term transportation
funding solution.
"It is disappointing that my Senate Republican colleagues
voted against this crucial funding for our roads. They seem
content to kick the can the down the road while our roads and
bridges literally crumble around us." - Sen. Ringhand
The audio file of the address can be found here:
http://media2.legis.wisconsin.gov/multimedia/Sen16/sen15ringhandradio11.5.15.mp3
|
Happenings in
the Capitol |
Left Photo: I had a great time with
Marina and Sashi talking about the open enrollment period for
the Affordable Care Act. I was excited to learn that Scenic
Bluffs Health Center is planning to expand their services in
western Wisconsin.
Right Photo: I enjoyed meeting with
Catherine and Jack for the American Heart Association day in the
Capitol. We talked about legislation that would encourage hands-only
CPR training in schools.
|
News Across the
State |
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Editorial: Wisconsin Republicans
embrace secrecy
Once again with this Legislature, the
leaderships' infatuation with secrecy has prevailed. In the wee
hours of Saturday morning, Republican state senators backtracked
from their earlier flirtations with common sense and ran into
the arms of their worst instincts. -Read
Full Article
The Cap Times: Friday night fight: Wisconsin Senate set to work
late on campaign finance, GAB bills
The Wisconsin Senate is set to take up a
pair of bills that would alter the state's election oversight
and campaign finance rules — but first, senators are meeting in
partisan caucuses for an undetermined amount of time. -Read
Full Article
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Editorial: Don't let your legislators
cut off your ability to know
The same gang that in July tried to cut off
access to public records showing how legislators operate now
wants to cut off the public's ability to know who is paying for
their campaigns. The purpose of this new secrecy measure is just
as nefarious as the July attempt to gut the state's open records
law — and deserves the same outrage and condemnation from the
public. -Read
Full Article
League of Women Voters of Wisconsin: The process is not
transparent, but the motives are
Who are the Wisconsin citizens who asked
for more big money in our elections? Who called for a law giving
politicians immunity to the John Doe investigations that can
still target other people? Who wants partisan political
appointees running our elections, and why would anyone want to
do away with open government? I have not heard a public outcry
for these proposals, yet they seem to be what is occupying our
state legislature. -Read
Full Article
Wisconsin State Journal: State-by-state integrity probe gives
Wisconsin a 'D' grade
Wisconsin earns a 'D' grade, along with
many other states, in a newly released investigation of
transparency and accountability safeguards in state government.
And state lawmakers' recent attempt to gut open records laws --
as well as their recent votes to dismantle an ethics board and
rewrite campaign finance law -- have transparency advocates
worried for the future, according to an article accompanying the
investigation results and published by the nonpartisan Center
for Public Integrity. -Read
Full Article
Wisconsin Public Radio: Senate approves campaign finance
changes, elimination of elections board
Senate Republicans approved a campaign
finance bill Friday night that, in a reversal of course, a
provision allowing people to not list their employer when making
political donations. The Senate also voted to dismantle
Wisconsin's Government Accountability Board - the state
elections agency that's drawn the ire of many Republicans for
its role in investigations into Gov. Scott Walker's campaign
activity. -Read
Full Article
Wisconsin State Journal: Senate passes amended campaign finance
bill at midnight, GAB bill at 2:30 a.m.
Two bills altering Wisconsin’s political
landscape passed the Republican-controlled state Senate in a
late-night Friday into early-morning Saturday session all but
assuring they will head to Gov. Scott Walker’s desk by the end
of the month. -Read
Full Article
Common Cause in Wisconsin: Shrouding Wisconsin in secrecy in the
dark of night - campaign finance deform and GAB destruction
"Advances" in State Senate
The late evening of Friday, November 6th,
and the early morning of Saturday, November 7th, 2015 are two
days that will live in infamy in Wisconsin. Forever. On that
day, the Wisconsin State Senate finally convened in
"extraordinary session" after the sun went down, to consider and
vote on two measures that, if enacted into law, will quite
literally shroud the State Capitol's denizens even more from
public view by expanding the ability of secret special interest
money to influence the outcome of elections, shape public
policy-making in the Capitol, and enhance the opportunities for
political corruption to occur without detection. -Read
Full Article
Eau Claire Leader Telegram: Judge criticizes proposed changes to
GAB - Bill opens politics to corruption, he says
After serving on Wisconsin’s nonpartisan
elections board for 6˝ years, retired judge Thomas Barland of
Eau Claire was succinct and direct in summing up his
disappointment with the state Senate’s vote early Saturday
morning to abolish the panel.
“It’s a great step backwards,” Barland said Monday. -Read
Full Article
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Bi-Weekly Office
Hours |
![](http://legis.wisconsin.gov/eupdates/sen32/Photos/11.19.15_officehours.jpg)
As the Senate wraps up the fall legislative floor session, my
district representative Taylor Goodine will hold several local
office hours between November 3rd and January 5th. These office
hours offer local residents an opportunity to meet with my
staff, share their thoughts on state issues and request
assistance with state agencies.
These listening sessions are open to the public and no RSVP is
required. If individuals would like more information, they can
contact my office toll-free at 1-800-385-3385 or email
Sen.Shilling@legis.wi.gov. |
Get covered, visit
healthcare.gov |
Open enrollment for health
coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has now begun. As
of Nov. 1st, Wisconsin residents and families can apply for a
2016 health plan, renew their current plan, or pick a new plan
through the ACA's Health Insurance Marketplace.
Over 183,000 Wisconsin residents received private coverage
through the ACA marketplace in 2015 and approximately 90 percent
of all enrollees qualified for premium subsidies. In an effort
to increase enrollment and expand access to affordable health
care, I am encouraging
local residents who are uninsured or in need of affordable
coverage to visit healthcare.gov and learn more about health
coverage options.
|
Local Business
of the Week! |
I always enjoy visiting locally owned businesses throughout the
32nd Senate District and will be highlighting a different local
business in each e-update. This week's featured business is
McCaffrey's Coffee!
Owners Connie and Tim Sprester opened
McCaffrey’s Coffee on
November 4, 2010 near the UW-La Crosse campus. The Irish themed
coffee shop offers six varieties of brewed coffee as well as
espresso drinks, such as lattes, specialty flavored lattes, and
frappes. Along with their specialty coffees, they also offer tea
drinks, homemade baked goods, hot and cold sandwiches, and soup!
If you’re looking for a gift, you can purchase souvenir coffee
mugs, t-shirts, drawstring bags, gift cards and coffee beans.
Connie and Tim are active members in the community and
participate in Irishfest, the Shamrock Club and the St.
Patrick’s Day parade.
Thank you for bringing a little piece of Ireland to the Coulee
Region! Congratulations on your
5th Anniversary, and cheers to
many more!
|
Tourism in
Wisconsin |
![](http://legis.wisconsin.gov/eupdates/sen32/Photos/rotarylights.jpg)
It's never to early to start planning winter trips, especially
if you enjoy dazzling holiday lights.
Discover Wisconsin has created a list of the top seven
cities in Wisconsin with the best holiday light shows. It is no
surprise that the La Crosse
Rotary Lights were
number one on the list!
The Rotary Lights will be kicking off
their 21st year on Friday, November 21st.
It is free to participate, however food donations are encouraged
and welcomed.
|
Action in the
District |
![](http://legis.wisconsin.gov/eupdates/sen32/Photos/watercrestcafe.jpg) ![](http://legis.wisconsin.gov/eupdates/sen32/Photos/armisticedaystorm.jpg)
Top Left Photo: I had a great time
meeting with folks in Gays Mills. There was a lively discussion
about what's happening in the area as well as across the state
over coffee and pie. A big thank you to Kay at
Watercrest
Cafe for being an excellent hostess!
Top Right Photo:
Ferryville had a commemoration ceremony honoring the 75th
Anniversary of the 1940 Armistice Day Storm. I had the pleasure
to meet Jim Bosanny who was 15 at the time and was hunting with
his dad when the storm hit.
Bottom Left Photo: Thank you to the "Lean In" Team
from 3M
for the opportunity to discuss developing leadership skills and
the challenges and opportunities to blend a rewarding
professional career and a fulfilling personal life. It is a
juggling act we can all identify with! Diverse leadership in the
workplace is critical and essential in 2015.
Bottom Right Photo: La Crosse
Freedom Honor Flight hosted the 5th Annual Veterans Day
Breakfast at UW-La Crosse. It was a great opportunity for UWL
student athletes to serve breakfast and say thank you to our
local veterans. The North Woods International School 4th and 5th
grade students sang and shared their appreciation to the
veterans as well. Colonel Patrick Clements, USAF, delivered the
keynote and reflected on valor.
![](http://legis.wisconsin.gov/eupdates/sen32/Photos/3mwomensleadership.jpg) ![](http://legis.wisconsin.gov/eupdates/sen32/Photos/veteransday2015.jpg)
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Wisconsin DNR
Updates |
New deer
registration rules in effect for the 2015 season
With the launch of the GameReg system and electronic
registration, hunters now have until 5 p.m. the day after
harvest to register a deer. This rule applies for all deer
hunting seasons. "Previously, hunters could register their deer
by 5 p.m. the day after the close of the nine-day season,
regardless of the date of harvest," said Matt O'Brien, Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources administrative warden. "The new
registration deadline is a bit of a change for 2015, so hunters
should make sure they are up to speed before the nine-day gun
deer hunt." -Read
Full Article
Youth deer hunt
and disabled hunt provide excellent opportunities for new and
old hunters to experience the outdoors
This year's youth hunt gave hunters ages 10-15 an opportunity to
get a hands-on introduction to hunting with help from
experienced adult hunters. One hunter in particular from
Medford, Wis., Collin Rausch, and his father, Brandon Rausch,
used the youth hunt to create lasting memories. -Read
Full Article
DNR's Office of
the Great Lakes invites entries for 8th Annual Photo Contest
Photos from all seasons are needed and will be accepted in the
following categories: natural features and wildlife; cultural
and historic features; and people enjoying Wisconsin's Great
Lakes. Submissions for a new category, lake stewardship
activities, will include a photo and a 180 word description of
the restoration or protection project. -Read
Full Article
|
Recently
Introduced Legislation |
If you are interested in legislation that
is being introduced, the
Wisconsin
Legislative website posts bills as they are being introduced
in the Senate and Assembly. Check it out and stay informed!
![](http://legis.wisconsin.gov/eupdates/sen32/Photos/legishomepagelogo.PNG)
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Calendar
of Events |
I apologize if any
upcoming events in the area were left off. If you would like me
to include an event in future e-updates, please email me the
date, location and a website with details. |
Senator Jennifer Shilling
P.O. Box 7882 - Madison, WI 53707
phone: 608.266.5490
email:
sen.shilling@legis.wi.gov
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