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, 

Jennifer K. Shilling
State Senator | 32nd District

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.”

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.

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"

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 6½ 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

Bi-Weekly Office Hours

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

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

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.

Wisconsin DNR Updates

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!  

 

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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