Giving thanks and giving back

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, its time to think about family, community, and yes, turkey. Unfortunately, not every family can afford to enjoy a full Thanksgiving meal. I am grateful for many things in my life and I believe it is important to give back to those who need a helping hand. That’s why I partnered with PKSD Law Firm, Feeding America of Eastern Wisconsin, A-LEGO, Pastors United, JB Foundation, and Milwaukee Health Services to provide 500 full Thanksgiving meals to families in need.

We value coming together as one community, and as neighbors it is important to help each other out. It is my hope that we remember and help those less fortunate than us this holiday season.

Corruption bills headed to Walker

On Monday, the Republican-led State Assembly voted to approve measures that endanger the integrity of our elections. The pair of bills, known as AB387 and AB388, would dismantle government oversight and funnel more money into our elections.

At a time when Wisconsinites already think there is too much money in politics, Republicans opted to open the floodgates

As if the wholesale buyout of elections was not enough, Republicans voted to eliminate the Government Accountability Board, a non-partisan election watchdog that received near unanimous and bipartisan support just a few years ago. It seems the Republican way is to ignore the rules and then change them if things do not go their way.

Walker playing president, illegally rejects Syrian refugees

Governor Walker recently overstepped his bounds and pronounced that he would not allow Syrian refugees to resettle in Wisconsin. It looks like he didn't get the memo that he wasn't elected president. In fact, Walker simply does not have the authority to restrict the movement of lawful persons residing within the United States. Trying to capitalize on people's misplaced fear is just plain wrong.

In moments of terror, our strength comes from our ability to stand by our values. America is a beacon of freedom and a nation of immigrants. It would be wrong to close our doors on those who are seeking to escape unspeakable horror. It is important to remember that refugees are victims as well and it is wrong to equate them with terrorists.

United States Representative Steve Russell, a veteran and Republican from Oklahoma, stood up for freedom on the House floor this Wednesday. He stated the following: "While I have focused my comments on actions we should take to eliminate ISIS, one action we should not take is to become like them. America is a lamp that lights the horizon of civilized and free mankind. The Statue of Liberty cannot have a stiff arm. Her arm must continue to keep the torch burning brightly.” I call on all of us to follow Representative Russell’s lead and protect American values and aid those in need.

Did WEDC illegally hand out $21 million to companies?

State attorneys and members of the legislatures nonpartisan budget office believe the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation may have allocated large sums of unapproved tax credits by elected officials. This is unaccountability at its worst and taxpayers are on the hook for these handouts.

This is not the first time WEDC has come under fire and I suspect it certainly will not be the last. In May, an audit found that WEDC failed to follow state law and failed to verify crucial components of company grants and contracts.

Community Events:

 Quote of the Week:

 "Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists."  - President Franklin D. Roosevelt

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