LARSON REPORT

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

May 6, 2011

CONTACT ME

Please feel free to contact me with any concerns or opinions you might have.

Office Phone: (608) 266-7505
Toll-free Phone: (800) 361-5487

Email: Sen.Larson@legis.wisconsin.gov

Mailing Address:

State Capitol
P.O. Box 7882
Madison, WI 53707

COMMUNITY EVENTS
 

Supporting our neighbors and being involved in our community is of the utmost importance. Some community events that might be of interest to you and your family are listed below.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
May 7 at 8:30 a.m.
Join our neighbors at this year's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. There is no registration fee and no fundraising minimum to participate. For more information on fundraising and how to get involved, visit the Making Strides event Web site by CLICKING HERE.

Discovery World (MAP)
500 N. Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 765-9966

Native Plant Sale

May 7 from 9 a.m. to noon
Support South Milwaukee Middle School’s Environmental Club by purchasing native
perennials and garden vegetable plants. This is also a great place to shop for Mother’s Day gifts. Prices start as low as $1 for 2.5”pots. For more details or to pre-order plants, please CLICK HERE.

South Milwaukee Middle School (MAP)

1001 15th Avenue

South Milwaukee, WI 53172

(414) 766-5890

Tree Care for Homeowners Seminar
May 7 from 10:00 a.m. until noon
Trees add value and beauty to any property. Learn from the pros about tree selection, planting techniques, proper maintenance and care. Cost is $15. For more information or to register, please CLICK HERE.

Outpost Natural Foods (MAP)

100 E. Capitol Drive

Milwaukee, WI 53207

(414) 272-5462, ext. 105

MIAD 2011 Senior Exhibition
May 7 through May 14 from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Celebrate the innovative senior thesis works of more than 130 artists and designers representing the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design's 11 Bachelor of Fine Arts majors at the state's largest annual show. This exhibition will be on display through May 14. CLICK HERE for additional information.

Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MAP)
273 E. Erie Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 291-8070



 

Dear Friend,

Please read on to learn more about significant changes that were made to our local transit system in the Joint Finance Committee this week. We also take time to honor Wisconsin's law enforcement officials.

As usual, please feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns or opinions you may have about our community or our state.

Sincerely,

Chris Larson
State Senator, District 7

Transportation across the state took another big hit when the Republican majority on the Joint Finance Committee voted to eliminate Regional Transit Authorities (RTA) and cut all funding for bicycle and pedestrian pathways. This is on top of the massive cuts local communities are already taking to their transportation funds as a result of provisions in Governor Walker's budget.

These cuts will have dire economic consequences for our community as many of our neighbors rely on public transportation to get to and from work, while others have given up driving in favor of utilizing public transportation options as a result of sky-rocketing gas prices.

These recent changes show the misplaced priorities of Governor Walker and his rubber stamp legislators. They have decided to spend our transportation funds on building new roads, while turning their back on the existing transportation infrastructure and needs in our neighborhoods.

Our community has come to rely on and value public transportation. We previously expressed the importance of public transportation in our community by supporting an advisory referendum to increase funds for parks, transit, and emergency medical services (EMS) through a 1 percent sales tax and $67 million in property tax relief. Unfortunately, as governor and during his tenure as Milwaukee County Executive, Scott Walker has chosen to ignore the will and needs of our community.

I will continue to fight to maintain our transportation options as the Legislature and people across Wisconsin continue debating the 2011-2013 Biennial Budget.

To Watch the JFC Public Hearing online at WisconsinEye, please CLICK HERE.

More information about these important non-fiscal items can be found in the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau's summary of the governor's 2011-2013 Biennial Budget. To view this document, please CLICK HERE. To view other budget-related documents, CLICK HERE to visit the Legislative Fiscal Bureau's Web site.

You can also track the status of the budget by using the free bill tracker database notification service available on the Wisconsin State Legislature’s Web site homepage at www.legis.wisconsin.gov.

Republicans Raid Water Fund

Joint Finance Committee Republicans voted Thursday to raid Wisconsin's Clean Water Fund. This fund provides low interest loans to local governments for sewage and water projects to ensure their communities have a water supply that is safe and healthy.

 Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) has used this program to keep our property taxes low while investing in safe, clean water. The changes will likely lead to a property tax increase in the Milwaukee area. Such action directly contradicts past promises from the governor and Republican legislators.
 

You can also track the status of this issue by using the free bill tracker database notification service available on the Wisconsin State Legislature’s Web site homepage at www.legis.wisconsin.gov.

Our Creative Economy in Jeopardy

Thursday Republican majority members in the Joint Finance Committee voted with Governor Walker to cut funding from our creative economy. The Wisconsin Arts Board will face a funding cut of nearly 70 percent and will lose six of their 10 staff positions.

The arts play an important role in the Milwaukee area by creating jobs, supporting our economy and providing our communities with entertainment and culture options. It is a travesty that Governor Walker decided to prioritize corporate tax breaks, creating deep cuts to important programs our neighbors believe should be protected, including the Wisconsin Arts Board.

You can also track the status of this issue by using the free bill tracker database notification service available on the Wisconsin State Legislature’s Web site homepage at www.legis.wisconsin.gov.

Remembering Those Who Serve and Protect

Law enforcement officials gathered at the Capitol this week to attend a public hearing on Senate Bill 18 as well as the 2011 Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony.

This Wednesday the Senate Committee on Housing and Insurance held a public hearing on Senate Bill 18. This bipartisan legislation would require municipalities to continue to pay health insurance premiums for the surviving spouses and children of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. The obligation would be covered until the surviving spouse remarries or turns 65, and when a dependent child turns 18 (unless the child is a student, up to age 27). Similar legislation related to fire fighters passed last session.

Several amendments were proposed at the hearing and are expected to be adopted at a future date by the committee including that the state cover the costs rather than local municipalities, and expanding the bill to include state law enforcement and DNR officials. This is the least we can do to provide support for the surviving family members of individuals that sacrificed their lives on for our state.

Wisconsin's law enforcement officials were also recognized today at the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony on the steps of our State Capitol Building. This annual event recognizes the service and sacrifice of our law enforcement officials to the state of Wisconsin, including those who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

Thank you to all of our law enforcement officials that work hard each and every day to improve our communities and keep our neighbors safe.

Photo: Officers participating in the 2011 Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony

May is Stroke Awareness Month

May is Stroke Awareness Month. Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 3 cause of death in the United States, after heart disease and cancer. Additionally, about 795,000 Americans each year suffer a new or recurrent stroke. That means, on average, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds.

Stroke can affect anyone at anytime. Warning signs include: Numbness or weakness of the face, arms or legs especially on one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, trouble seeing in one or both eyes, trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, and severe headache with no known cause.

An easy way to remember the signs of stroke, and what to do, is by the acronym "F.A.S.T." If you think you or someone else is having a stroke, follow the National Stroke Association's F.A.S.T. test:

(F)ACE. Ask the person to smile. Check to see if one side of the face droops.
(A)RMS. Ask the person to raise both arms. See if one arm drifts downward.
(S)PEECH. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Check to see if words are slurred and if the sentence is repeated correctly.
(T)IME. If a person shows any of these symptoms, time is essential.

Remember, stroke is a medical emergency. If you think you or someone you're with is having a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately.

For more information about stroke, please visit the American Stroke Association's Web site at www.strokeassociation.org. You can also learn more about how to lower your risk for stroke by by CLICKING HERE.

Happy Mother's Day!

This Sunday is Mother's Day. I encourage you to take advantage of some of the Mother's Day events in our community this weekend to celebrate and thank the mothers in your life. Many of our neighborhood restaurants will also be offering brunch, lunch and dinner specials this Sunday in honor of Mother's Day. Please feel free to contact area restaurants for details.

Mom's Morning Out

Saturday, May 7 from 9 a.m. to noon
Drop-off your child(ren) at St. Lucas School on Saturday for crafts, a puppet show and lots of fun, while you enjoying a morning out. Feel free to stay for lunch when you return to pick up your child(ren) at noon. For additional information, please call (414) 483-9122 or visit the Bay View Neighborhood Association's Web site by CLICKING HERE.

St. Lucas School (MAP)

648 E. Dover Street

Milwaukee, WI 53207

Mother's Day Brunch at Milwaukee Public Museum

Sunday, May 8 at 10:15am, 11:30am or 12:45pm

Enjoy a butterfly-themed brunch this Mother’s Day at the Milwaukee Public Museum. In addition to an exceptional array of items prepared by Zilli’s Catering, brunch will include butterfly crafts and live butterfly releases in the Puelicher Butterfly Vivarium. Reservations can be made until Friday, May 6 by calling (414) 278-2728. Please CLICK HERE for more information and pricing.

Milwaukee Public Museum (MAP)
800 W. Wells Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Celebrate Mother’s Day At The Zoo

Sunday, May 8 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
All moms receive free admission at the Milwaukee County Zoo this Sunday in honor of Mother's Day. Remember to stop by the Primates of the World exhibit to learn more about the story behind orangutan Mahal and his surrogate mother MJ. For additional information, please CLICK HERE or call (414) 256-5412.

Milwaukee County Zoo (MAP)

10001 West Blue Mound Road

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226

Photo: With mom

Our community offers a wide variety of summer activities for families, children and adults alike. Below are just a few activities that you can take part in this summer.

Family Zumba at Astor Street Dance Studio

Astor Street Dance Studio will be offering family Zumba classes this summer. Zumba is a fusion of Latin and International music and dance that combines to create an exciting work-out through body sculpting movements and easy-to-follow dance steps. No experience required. For more information, please call (414) 208-9021.

YMCA Summer Camp

Your local YMCA offers a plethora of summer opportunities for kids. YMCA has plenty of options to fit your needs, whether your child is looking for a daytime or sleep-away adventure that lasts a week, a month or all summer long. At YMCA, campers can experience horseback riding, canoeing, sailing, hiking, rock climbing, athletics and much more. The YMCA has two camps located in the Milwaukee area and does have a scholarship program for children who would like to attend, but may be unable to afford the costs. Feel free to attend one of their upcoming open houses or schedule a personal tour for you and your child.

For more information about Camp Minikani, please CLICK HERE. If you would like additional information about Camp Matawa CLICK HERE. You can also visit the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee's Web site by CLICKING HERE to find the YMCA in your neighborhood.

Coffee Recap

Thank you to everyone that attended the coffees this week in St. Francis and Oak Creek. Our neighbors stopped by Fixx Coffee House on Tuesday and Classic Lanes Bowling Alley on Thursday to share their perspectives on community and state issues.

The thoughtful comments and questions are greatly appreciated. Hearing your perspective on issues that will have a significant impact on our community is crucial as we continue working together through this legislative session and biennial budget.

Photo: Coffee with neighbors at Fixx Coffee House in St. Francis