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Official Government
Communication
Week of July 16th - July 21st
Dear
Friend,
There is a lot
happening at the State Capitol and it is my hope that this email will
help you stay in touch with your government. As your Senator, I truly
believe in public service. If there is anything my office can do to
assist you, please feel free to contact us.
Here to
serve,
Sen. Lena
Taylor
4th
District
National
Night Out Planning
 Planning for National Night Out on August
7th continues! From now until National Night Out a group of volunteers
will meet every Monday from 1-3pm at Villard Library. We will have food
vendors, kickball, community resources, a kids
corner, fire trucks, classic cars, and more! If you have any questions
about National Night Out, please call my office at 608-266-5810. The
event itself will take place from 4pm-9pm on August 7th in Lincoln Park.
Project
Return Meeting
 I met with the Executive Director of
Project RETURN, an interfaith ministry in Milwaukee that helps returning
citizens make a smooth transition home from prison. Project RETURN offers
several programs such as re-entry employment assistance, a fatherhood
initiative, and various support groups. We discussed re-doing the
Restoration Act, a bill I authored in 2009 that would return voting
rights to ex-felons no longer incarcerated and on probation or parole. We
also discussed the Credible Messenger Model I recently saw firsthand at
the New Beginnings Youth Development Center in Washington D.C. and the
community-based visits my office put together for youth at Golden Hills a
few years ago. In addition, I told Project RETURN about the mentor
program at the Wisconsin Secure Program Facility in Boscobel as well as
about the simulated re-entry training being done with incarcerated
individuals there. They were happy to hear I have already spoken with the
DOC about bringing the program to Milwaukee and they were willing help by
serving as a trainer for families, prison ministries, and other re-entry
organizations.
District
7 MPD Event
 I enjoyed canvassing around Wahl Park with
members of M.A.SH. and officer Kirk (along with
other MPD officers) to talk to constituents about their concerns when it
comes to better connecting with District 7 of MPD. We also talked about
the event in Wahl Park MPD put on later that day, and National Night Out
on August 7th. I even got to enjoy some vanilla-chocolate swirl ice cream
from the MPD ice cream truck before I left!
Urban Ag
Conference
 I spent the second
half of the week at the Urban Agriculture Academy in Ames, Iowa. I am
always looking to learn as much as possible about urban agriculture that
can benefit Milwaukee. We discussed a variety of challenges and
opportunities in everything from environmental impact to current and
future legislation to the role GMOs can play in Urban Ag. I especially
loved the chance to see presentations from young people about what kind
of agriculture is happening in their states. The discussion about the
federal Farm Bill was amazing! We asked so many questions and went so
long that they had to stop us so the next presenter could go 30 minutes
late! I was so happy to share Wisconsin’s work with industrial hemp,
LOVE&FAITH, and make connections to Wisconsin’s urban agriculture
forward.
Five
Points Gardening Day
 If I'm not still stuck in an airport in Iowa,
I'm looking forward to attending the 5Points Neighborhood Association's
Gardening Day tomorrow morning. I love the chance to roll up my sleeves
to do a little urban agriculture myself! Gardens area great way to get community members involved in
an activity with proven mental and physical health benefits. They are
also a great way to promote environmental sustainability and efficiency.
Community gardens offer a place where people can help their city and
connect with others who have similar interests. They are always looking
for more volunteers. If you would like to help out, visit their Facebook
page.
LOVE
& FAITH Progress
 I met with the
Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), which is a federal
organization that has volunteer initiatives. Presently they run the
foster grandparent program that serves our juvenile corrections facility
and other organizations throughout the state. We discussed making it
possible for people to volunteer from Milwaukee but serve at Lincoln
Hills, which is not in their area. They informed me they would look into
it, but may not be able to get the volunteers a stipend because a federal
rule requires the service to be in the volunteer’s area. My response was
“but they would serve kids from the area and DOC has an issue with a lack
of community connectedness!” They said we may not be able to get things
changed! As a result, I called US Senators Tammy Baldwin’s and Ron
Johnson’s office to seek a federal solution. We also discussed how LOVE
& FAITH fits with CNCS’s work, and Milwaukee organizations that the
CNCS could better coordinate their volunteer initiatives with.
Another meeting, this one with Rob Cherry of Employ Milwaukee, was one of
the most encouraging I’ve had in a long time on workforce development.
Mr. Cherry understands the possibilities that forestry provides, and made
a list of partners waiting to meet the needs of the Wisconsin Arborist
Association. After meeting with Mr. Cherry, I had a brief conversation
with the Director of Milwaukee County Parks, Guy Smith, to get the ball
rolling on how Milwaukee County Parks could partner with MATC create
urban orchards in Oak and McGovern Parks. He was very receptive and we
have scheduled a follow-up meeting!
Intern
Spotlight: Yilun Ma by Danny Farber
 Yilun Ma is a policy
intern in Senator Taylor's Madison office, Though originally from
Beijing, China, Yilun is currently a rising
junior at UW Madison set to graduation in May of 2020 with a degree in
political science. As someone who cares deeply about social issues, her
interest in this field comes from a desire to create solutions for these
problems through legislation. Her belief in public service is also why
she wanted to work for Senator Taylor as she could further pursue these
passions.
Working in
Senator Taylor's office had given Yilun the
opportunity to learn more about the social issues that she has studies in
class. Reading proposals from different Wisconsin organizations and
conducting research on different bills have been some of her favorite
parts of this job since it allows her to learn about different issues in
the community. Outside of the office, Yilun
stays involved with the Chinese Students and Scholars Association, a students organization at UW.
After graduation, Yilun hopes to use the
writing skills she's gained from her studies and working with Senator
Taylor to attend law school.
Community Action
Alerts
Free
Friday Night Concerts
I encourage you all to take advantage of the
free Friday night concert series hosted by Arts @ Large. All concerts
will be located at the corner of 3rd and Walker Streets in the Walker’s
Point neighborhood of Milwaukee.
Below are the dates and performers of each show:
- July
20 Abraxis – Santana Tribute Band
- July
27 Pangea – World Music
- Aug
3 Mitch Shiner – Latin Vibes
- Aug
10 Tritonics – Rock Steady Reggae
- Aug
17 LaChazz – Latin Jazz
- Aug
24 Sindoola – African Dance Music
- Sept
7 Listening Party – Bluegrass/Americana
- Sept
14 Command Performance – Big Band
For more information check out Art @ Large's website. Enjoy!
Rhythm
& Blooms Free Summer Concerts
Don't miss out on another free summer concert
series hosted by the Havenwood Economic
Development Corps!
When: Every Thursday from 6:00 pm to 8:30
pm (July 26th, August 2nd)
Where: Green Tree Community Garden- 6767
N. 60th St, Milwaukee.
Visit their Eventbrite
for an updated list of performers.
South
Howell Avenue Reconstruction Project
Please see the
briefing below from the Wisconsin Department of Public Works on
reconstruction on South Howell Avenue in Milwaukee.
The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works
(DPW) announces that a reconstruction project on South Howell Avenue from
West Grange to Layton Avenues will begin on Monday, July 16, 2018 with
preliminary work on the avenue crossovers. This is a State of Wisconsin
Department on Transportation project, managed in conjunction with DPW,
and is expected to last into December 2018, weather permitting.
IMPORTANT: Access to General Mitchell
International Airport (GMIA) from S. Howell Ave. will be maintained
during this project.
However GMIA travelers, customers, employees,
and vendors should be aware of traffic pattern changes and possible
delays accessing the airport during the project. The traveling public may
wish the use South 13th Street between W. Layton and W. Grange as an
alternative route to the airport.
What to expect during construction:
- Two-way
traffic on S. Howell Ave. will continue during construction.
- On
Thursday, July 19 the east side of S. Howell Avenue will be closed.
- One
lane in each direction will be open on the west side of the street.
- The
intersection of S. Howell/ East & West Layton will also be
reconstructed; traffic lane closures on Layton will occur as well.
Bus Routes: #55 and the Green Line will remain
in operation on their regular routes. Route #80 will detour to/from the
Airport Spur via W. Grange Ave. to S. 6th St. Passengers should watch for
possible additional and/or relocated bus stops, and other possible
delays, and plan accordingly.
Parking: There will be no on-street parking on
S. Howell during construction.
Pedestrian access: Short-term disruptions will
occur as sidewalks are being removed and rebuilt. Temporary
accommodations will be provided as needed.
For more information on this project go to the
DPW website.
Work Continues Along
Milwaukee's Valley Bridge
Please see the briefing below from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation on continuing work on
Milwaukee's Valley Bridge
On the evening of Wednesday, May 30, the
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT)
will begin the next phase of the Valley Bridge overlay project in the city
of Milwaukee. This phase will shift southbound I-43 traffic allowing for
the 11th Street / Wisconsin Avenue on-ramp to I-43 south to reopen.
As the project advances, access to certain
system ramps will continue to become available. Please note that these
closures are weather dependent and subject to change.
Current long-term ramp closures:
- I-794 West to I-43
South
(Until
Late June)
- I-43 North to I-94
West (Until
Late June)
- I-43 North to 10th
Street and Michigan Avenue Off-Ramp
(Until
Late June)
- I-94 East to I-43
South
(Until Late July)
- Mineral
Street/National Avenue On-Ramp to I-43 North
(Until
Late August)
The primary detour route for navigating
interchange access continues to be the I-794 Hoan
Bridge. For more information on closures and detour routes, visit 511
Wisconsin or visit their website.
The Salvation Army To Celebrate
Christmas In July
Please see the briefing below from the
Wisconsin Salvation Army on their
Christmas In July donation drive in Milwaukee County.
MILWAUKEE COUNTY - The Salvation Army is bringing Christmas in July
to Milwaukee County. Christmas in July, which will be held from July 23
to July 28, is a week dedicated to community awareness and fundraising.
During that week, residents of Milwaukee County will see The Salvation
Army’s iconic red kettles out at the following locations throughout the
city:
- Pick 'N Save, 250 W Holt Milwaukee, WI 53207
- Pick 'N Save, 3701 S 27th Milwaukee, WI. 53221
- Pick 'N Save, 7201 S 76th Street Franklin, WI 53132
- Pick 'N Save, 7780 S Lovers Lane Rd Franklin, WI 53132
- Pick 'N Save, 4279 S 76th Street Greenfield, WI 53220
- Pick 'N Save, 2320 W Ryan Rd Oak Creek, WI 53154
- Pick 'N Save, 8770 S Howell Avenue Oak Creek, WI 53154
- Pick 'N Save, 2625 S 108th West Allis, WI 53227
“The Red Kettle Campaign during Christmas has historically been the The Salvation Army's primary fundraiser, with
proceeds going directly to help families and individuals in need
throughout the entire year, not just at Christmas,” said Major Steve
Merritt, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army of Wisconsin &
Upper Michigan. “With the increase in financial requests made to The
Salvation Army and need for community care year round, Christmas in July
will help provide financial assistance for more families right now.”
Christmas in July will also include one major fundraising event. In
partnership with The Milwaukee Brewers, The Salvation Army will have bell
ringers and kettles outside Miller Park prior to the Brewers vs.
Nationals game on Wednesday, July 25.
If you would like to volunteer to ring bells this July, please
visit RegisterToRing.com
and enter your city or zip code to find a kettle closest to you.
If you would like to donate to the Christmas in July campaign,
visit salar.my/christmasinjuly or text keyword ChristmasInJuly to 41444.
More volunteer opportunities:
Shifts are now open for Christmas Family Feast, the Prison Toy Program
and Toy Shop. If you are interested, please apply online at: salar.my/SAMKEVols
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