February 4, 2016

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

With only a few session days left on the calendar, Senate Democrats are working hard to encourage common sense proposals that will move our state forward. Whether it's student loan re-financing, protecting our state's seniors or investing in long term transportation solutions, I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get our state back on track.

This e-update highlights a recent proposal to modernize Wisconsin’s Family Medical Leave law, an upcoming student loan debt discussion, the weekly Democratic radio address, spring election voting updates, the local business of the week and more!

I hope you find this information 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

Democrats push Family Medical Leave Act protections

While family dynamics have changed significantly since the 1950's, many workplace policies haven't kept pace. In order to update worker protections and increase workplace flexibility, Sen. Janis Ringhand (D-Evansville), along with me and 34 of our Democratic colleagues, are pushing a bill to modernize Wisconsin’s Family Medical Leave law. The proposal, Senate Bill 385 (SB 385), has received broad public support but faces an uphill battle in the Republican-controlled legislature.

Families in Wisconsin are working harder than ever, but our laws simply haven’t kept pace with changes in the modern workplace. Whether it’s a worker trying to care for an ailing relative or a parent needing to stay home with a sick child, we need to look at commonsense reforms that address modern workplace challenges. By reforming outdated policies and expanding workplace flexibilities, we can strengthen our middle class and enable businesses to be more competitive.

SB 385 expands coverage for workers who take leave to care for a grandparent, grandchild or sibling and creates new protections for relatives of active duty service members. Additionally, the proposed legislation creates new options for private sector employees to voluntarily purchase coverage through a Family Medical Leave Insurance program.

We know that access to sick leave helps prevent the spread of contagious diseases and improve workplace productivity. All businesses, from Fortune 500 companies down to local mom and pop stores, benefit from a safe and healthy workplace. With simple, commonsense updates to Wisconsin’s Family Medical Leave law, we can create new opportunities for families and increase our ability to compete in a 21st century global economy.

A recent public hearing on SB 385 attracted broad public support, however, many Republicans remain opposed to the plan. Republican leaders have indicated they intend to adjourn the 2016 legislative session in February or March, leaving only a short window to advance legislative proposals.

Local legislators to hold
campus discussion on student loan debt

The growing student loan debt crisis is one of the biggest barriers to the success of Wisconsin families and local businesses. Democrats have been advocating for student loan relief for years and continue to put forward common sense solutions like the Higher Ed Lower Debt bill that would allow individuals to refinance their student loans at lower interest rates like you can with a home or car loan.

With over 800,000 Wisconsin residents struggling as a result of the student loan debt crisis, it is important to have open discussions with students and families as we continue to look for ways to make higher education more affordable. I will hold a listening session on the UW-La Crosse campus with my colleagues Representative Jill Billings (D-La Crosse) and Representative Steve Doyle (D-Onalaska) to discuss potential solutions.

WHAT: Student loan debt discussion
WHERE: Hall of Nations - Centennial Hall, UW-La Crosse Campus
WHEN: Monday, February 8th from 3:00-5:00pm

Republican school cuts buck national trend, student loan debt crisis worsens as budget cuts impact higher education

While the majority of states across the nation are recovering from the economic recession and boosting investments in higher education, a new study shows that Wisconsin continues to head in the wrong direction. According to the Illinois State University's annual Grapevine Report, Wisconsin is one of only nine states to cut funding for higher education in the 2015-16 budget year.

Local schools are struggling and nearly a million Wisconsin families are being burdened by $19 billion student loan debt. It’s no secret that the historic Republican budget cuts to technical colleges and UW schools are taking our state in the wrong direction. Rather than continuing to cut funding for local schools and prevent economic growth, we need to restore our investments in education and grow our middle class.

Democrats have put forward numerous proposals to restore recent budget cuts to Wisconsin’s universities, technical colleges and worker training programs. Additionally, Democrats are leading the charge on student loan debt relief with commonsense legislation to give families the option of refinancing their student loans at lower interest rates. A similar effort recently launched in Minnesota is expected to lower student loan payments for an average borrower by approximately $200 a month.

Simply allowing individuals to refinance their student loans at lower interest rates could save families thousands of dollars a year. This is a commonsense measure that will boost our economy and make it a little easier for families to work their way into the middle class. The Higher Ed, Lower Debt Bill is a top priority for Democrats and I will continue working to pass this bill and get it to the Governor’s desk before time runs out this session.

Democrats launched the www.wistudentloanrelief.com website last year in order to spur action on student loan debt solutions. Student and families can visit this site to learn more about the Higher Ed, Lower Debt Bill, share their personal experiences with student loan debt and sign a petition supporting student loan debt relief.

Viroqua named one of the 'most charming' places to visit in Wisconsin

The following article was featured in the Vernon Broadcaster:

Good news about Viroqua continues to spread throughout worldwide social media -- on Wednesday, Jan. 27, the city was featured as one of Wisconsin's "most charming" communities by Orbitz.

Orbitz, a travel website, has regular viewership of 600,000. Viroqua was included as a top destination in the online column, "These are Wisconsin's most charming small towns to visit." The column was written by Heather Kenny and published on Wednesday, Jan. 27.

In its entirety, Kenny's piece on Viroqua said:

Tiny Viroqua is a great base for exploring the Driftless Area, which is not a wasteland of slackers but a region untouched by glaciers, which resulted in some pretty dramatic geological features, including caves, underground streams and prehistoric rock formations (experience them in Kickapoo Valley Reserve and Sidie Hollow County Park). The town itself is renowned for stores and restaurants focusing on fresh and local foods, including the farm-to-table Driftless Café and the European-style Viroqua Public Market, where you can find an independent bookstore, antiques and crafts, and a cooperative art gallery. And don’t miss the Farmer’s Market at the Vernon County Fairgrounds: The county boasts the highest concentration of organic farms in the nation, so you’re sure to find some pretty impressive produce here. Other solid options include wine-tasting at Vernon Vineyards and Branches Winery, renting bikes or snowshoes at Bluedog Cycles, and taking advantage of top-notch fly-fishing (check in at the Driftless Angler for lessons and supplies).

You can read the full article here.

Register to Vote!

Polls open for spring primary elections from 7:00am to 8:00pm on February 16, 2016.

Are you registered to vote? Do you have the proper Voter I.D. to cast your ballot? With spring elections just around the corner, now is the time to make sure that you are prepared to make your civic voice heard. You can find all the relevant information and documents to register for voting on the GAB website, or call Wisconsin’s toll-free Voter Help Line at 1-866-VOTE-WIS.

If you would like to know more about the new Voter I.D. law specifically, you can find additional information here.

Weekly Democratic Radio Address:

"Dems propose bill to strengthen workplace flexibility"

Senator Janis Ringhand (Evansville) recently offered the Democratic radio address. In her radio message, Sen. Ringhand highlighted legislation she introduced with her Democratic colleagues to increase workplace flexibility.

"Only 11% of workers in America have access to paid Family and Medical Leave through their employer. Senate Bill 385 would help workers in every part of Wisconsin do what's best for their families and keep their jobs in the event of a medical emergency." - Sen. Janis Ringhand

The audio file of last week’s address can be found here: http://media2.legis.wisconsin.gov/multimedia/Sen16/ringhand1.28.16.mp3

Local Business of the Week!

I always enjoy visiting locally owned businesses and nonprofits throughout the 32nd Senate District and will be highlighting a different local organization in each e-update. This week I am featuring the Westby House Bed and Breakfast Inn!

Owners Mike and Marie Cimino have been running the inn since 1998, but the location has a long and rich history dating all the way back to the house's construction in 1886. Complete with three separate buildings that offer nine guests rooms, each with their own unique style and atmosphere, there is something for every kind of vacationer to enjoy while staying at this Wisconsin bed and breakfast. In addition to exceptional accommodations and close proximity to numerous local attractions, Westby House Inn also offers delicious dining for guests, and all the amenities you would hope for in a home away from home!

So whether you stay in The Westby Room, The Atrium Room, or The Westby Guest House, make sure to book your stay at the Westby House Bed and Breakfast Inn for a cozy getaway this winter. Thank you Marie and Mike for providing our community with this lovely B&B!
 

News Across the State

Channel 3000: Lawmakers scrap local veterans service bill after outcry

State lawmakers are scrapping a bill that could have changed how some veterans get local services after an outcry from advocates. - Read Full Article

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Is Wisconsin lagging nation in support for higher ed?

Nationally, state support for higher education went up an average 4.1% for this fiscal year, according to the Grapevine report released last week. Wisconsin was among nine states that cut funding between fiscal 2015 and 2016 of the 48 states with finalized budgets. -Read Full Article

Wisconsin Public Radio: Supporters Turn Out At Hearing For Expanded Family And Medical Leave

A bill expanding Wisconsin's Family and Medical Leave Act brought lots of supporters to a public hearing at the state Capitol on Tuesday, but business groups have largely come out against it. -Read Full Article
 

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Lawmakers told of importance of early childhood education

Testifying before the Legislature's Task Force on Urban Education on Tuesday, Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Darienne Driver stressed the importance of early childhood education, calling it crucial for children's academic development, job prospects and outcomes in life. -Read Full Article

Wisconsin State Journal: Rural broadband advocates: state's efforts 'insignificant'

Gov. Scott Walker’s effort to bridge rural broadband disparities falls well short of a solution for most subscribers outside of urban areas, according to Internet service providers and industry experts. -Read Full Article  

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Editorial: Senate should slow down on water utility bill

One of the bills being rushed through the Legislature in this late winter session would make it slightly easier for private companies to own and operate municipal water systems in Wisconsin. Critics are sounding the alarm that this would open the door to lower water quality in the state and create situations similar to Flint, Michigan's municipal water disaster. -Read Full Article

WXOW: Wisconsin Representative Jill Billings Supporting Rail Safety Legislation

Billings has introduced that legislation with republican lawmaker Jerry Petrowski. She says it's modeled after legislation passed in Minnesota in 2014. Billings says we want people on the Wisconsin side of the river as safe as those on the Minnesota side. -Read Full Article

Madison.com: State's low-key educational effort on new voter ID requirement irks critics

The state’s low-profile effort to educate voters about Wisconsin’s new voter ID requirement has critics fearing some voters will be caught off-guard when they head to the polls. -Read Full Article

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Union membership in Wisconsin plummets in wake of GOP measures

Union membership in Wisconsin collapsed in 2015, falling well below the national average for the first time and thinning the ranks of the labor movement by tens of thousands of workers in one of its former bastions. -Read Full Article

La Crosse Tribune: State should protect victims of violence

In case you missed it, The La Crosse Tribune editorial board highlighted a bipartisan bill I co-authored to improve safety for survivors of stalking, domestic abuse and sex trafficking.

The "Safe At Home Bill" would allow victims of certain crimes to participate in an address confidentiality program to help safeguard their identity and provide an increased layer of protection from abusers. 34 states have already enacted similar protections and I'm hopeful that we will soon add Wisconsin to the list of states that offer enhanced safety options for at-risk families.

Action from the District

Right Photo: I always enjoy being back on the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse campus to offer a legislative update on issues affecting higher education! We had a great discussion about how to refinance student debt, shared governance, and other legislative issues making their way through the Legislature. Thank you for the invitation from student and faculty at UW-L student association!

Left Photo: Guess who was the recipient of the La Crosse Chapter Restaurateur of the Year? Matt Boschka co-owner of Dublin Square Irish Pub & Eatery, Burger Fusion Company and Valley High Golf Club. The Chapter represents La Crosse, Monroe, Jackson, Trempealeu and Vernon Counties. I was also happy to join my friends from La Crosse's 4 Sisters Wine and Tapas Lounge for an evening of fun and celebration. Maybe someday I could become a "5th Sister"! Thank you to those in the food service industry for your work and service in our communities. As a former waitress, I appreciate it!

Wisconsin DNR updates

News from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources:

Lower water clarity, higher harvest caps pose challenges and opportunities for sturgeon spearers
When the 2016 sturgeon spearing season opens on the Lake Winnebago system Feb. 13, spearers won't have an easy time pursuing their quarry. - Read Full Article

Coyotes become more active in late winter and early spring
Coyotes become more active in late winter as they become more territorial during the breeding season and give birth to pups. - Read Full Article

131,402 permits issued for 2016 spring turkey hunt

The 2016 spring turkey permit drawing has ended, and 131,402 successful applicants will receive spring wild turkey permits. A total of 240,768 permits have been made available for the spring 2016 turkey season. - Read Full Article

Sara Kehrli and Benjamin Herzfeldt receive National Wild Turkey Federation awards

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist Sara Kehrli and warden Benjamin Herzfeldt were named the National Wild Turkey Federation's 2015 wildlife manager and conservation officer of the year at the Wisconsin State Chapter convention on Jan. 30 in Wisconsin Dells. - Read Full Article

Find out how you can join the DNR and Go Wild in Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine's February issue

Wisconsin Natural Resources' cover story, "DNR is helping you Go Wild in Wisconsin" highlights the agency's new portal and licensing system to make it easier and more cost effective to get outdoors. - Read Full Article

Prune trees in winter to help prevent oak wilt

Now is a good time for tree pruning, while temperatures remain cold, according to Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources tree health experts. - Read Full Article

DNR Bureau of Wildlife Management welcomes two new employees

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Wildlife Management welcomes two new employees within the big game section as they serve in key statewide roles. - Read Full Article

Lake Poygan Sportsmen's Club donates $90,000 for habitat restoration

The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board has accepted a $90,000 donation from the Lake Poygan Sportsmen's Club to construct a breakwall at the mouth of the Wolf River where it enters Lake Poygan. - Read Full Article

Proposed Badger Coulee Transmission Line Soil Borings within Segment 6 may result in the incidental take of rare moth and butterfly

The Badger Coulee Transmission Line soil borings within Segment 6 of the project may result in the "incidental taking" of a rare moth and butterfly under an authorization the Department of Natural Resources proposes to issue for the 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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