December 18, 2014

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It has been a busy week in the State Capitol with the release of new audits, legislative committee assignments, and the upcoming start of the 2015-16 floor session.

With the holiday season upon us, I wanted to share one last e-newsletter update with you before the end of the year. This update highlights some of the recent problems with access to Wisconsin's unemployment assistance, new opposition to so-called "Right to Work" legislation by local businesses and some timely consumer alerts and holiday shopping tips.

I hope you find this information helpful, and don't forget to get out and enjoy all of the fun upcoming holiday events in western Wisconsin!

Sincerely,

Jennifer K. Shilling
State Senator | 32nd District

Democratic Radio Address: Time to pick up the phone

This morning I delivered the Democratic Weekly Radio Address and talked about the recent state audit which found that 1.7 million phone calls to Wisconsin's unemployment assistance hotline were blocked over the past fiscal year. You can listen to my radio message here or read a transcript below:

Just a few days ago, a shocking new audit revealed that Wisconsin taxpayers who were trying to access temporary unemployment assistance had their phone calls blocked by Governor Walker’s administration. In fact, 1.7 million phone calls were blocked in the past fiscal year alone.

These workers and families looking for assistance at a time of desperate need were put on hold, hung-up on, and ignored. Many were forced to wait weeks and even months for assistance, and amid the frustration of having their calls blocked, some families were faced with the tough choice of whether to pay their rent for the month or risk eviction to put food on the table. While we don’t know how many hundreds or thousands of workers were unjustly denied assistance as a result of these blocked calls, it is clear that Wisconsin families deserve better.

For years, Democrats have urged Governor Walker and the Republican majority to improve access to temporary unemployment assistance and worker training programs. But just like the thousands of Wisconsin families who tried getting help from Gov. Walker’s administration, our calls were ignored.

As we look ahead to what our top priorities should be in the coming months, we need to find ways to better serve Wisconsin workers, families and communities. It is unacceptable that 1.7 million phone calls from hard-working residents fell on deaf ears and I want to make sure that never happens again.

By investing in quality services, improving methods of communication and turning our economy around, we can build a better Wisconsin and move our state forward.

Business coalition: "Right to Work is WRONG for Wisconsin"

This week, a newly formed coalition of 300+ private businesses announced that they oppose so-called "Right to Work" legislation because it is WRONG for Wisconsin. In launching the Wisconsin Contractors Coalition, these businesses highlighted the need to focus legislative efforts on improving access to worker training and strengthening the economy through job creation.

With more businesses joining the movement against this misguided legislation every day, I hope that we can re-focus our efforts on the important issues at hand and find commonsense solutions to move Wisconsin forward.

You can learn more about why businesses and working families are opposed to so-called "Right to Work" legislation by visiting: http://www.wisconsincontractorcoalition.com/right-to-work/.

Wisconsin DATCP consumer updates

News from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection:

DATCP publishes third edition Local Food Marketing Guide

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has updated the Wisconsin Local Food Marketing Guide. New entries in this third edition include information about business development, using social media for marketing, business contracts, updated regulations and more.  - Read More Here

Ho, Ho, Hold Onto Your Receipts and Other Return Tips

It seems strange to think about gift returns before you’ve even finished your holiday shopping, but the time to consider the return process is BEFORE the presents are home and wrapped. If a gift recipient needs to return or exchange an item, the steps you take now will help make the process that much simpler. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection advises consumers to familiarize themselves with the return policies for the items they purchase and to keep their purchase documentation organized throughout the holiday season. - Read More Here

Watch for Gift Card "Gotchas"

Available everywhere and prized for their convenience, gift cards are a big hit for shoppers and gift recipients alike. In fact, the National Retail Federation expects that the average shopper will spend more than $172 this year on plastic or digital gift cards. If gift cards are on your shopping list this holiday season, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection suggests that you follow some simple tips to ensure that both you and the gift recipients receive the full value of the present. - Read More Here
 

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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