Talking Forestry with UW-Steven's Point

Monday Sen. Taylor spoke with representatives from UW-Steven’s Point College of Natural Resources to discuss innovative ways that the college and community could collaborate to provide additional educational opportunities for students and residents, alike. Whether looking at breaking down silos across industries or discussing the unique programs that exist across the region, Sen. Taylor was excited to talk about ways to collaborate.

One such example is Urban Forestry. UW-Steven’s Point offers environmental programs that teach students skills in forestry and agriculture. Sen. Taylor discussed bringing the educators in those programs to Milwaukee to teach at existing urban orchards, schools, and tech colleges. This collaboration could mean producing more skilled workers to meet the demand of industry, an ability to create on-the-job training prospects, and create pathways to employment. 

Meeting with Senator Testin to Discuss Hemp Legislation

Sen. Taylor met with Sen. Patrick Testin and representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) responsible for administering the new industrial hemp pilot program on Tuesday. The meeting focused on updates regarding the program’s implementation and concerns raised by those interested in being hemp farmers. Specifically, some Wisconsin farmers that have enrolled in the industrial hemp pilot program have indicated there operations are negatively impacted by hemp products, such as CBD oil that is imported from other states and not required to register with the new program. Sen. Taylor asked about the possibility of making these imports register with our hemp program or the ability to identify them differently.

Other areas of discussion centered around the creation of a “testing industry” to support the budding hemp industry, as well as other uses for hemp such a making water filters that could be used to help fight the lead crisis in Milwaukee. 

St. Joe's Community Listening Session

This week, Senator Taylor attended a community listening session hosted by Ascension Wisconsin regarding St. Joseph’s Hospital.  Community members were asked to provide input on what they felt was needed and how to create a sustainable health care campus.  Sen. Taylor was encouraged at the level of engagement and ideas from area residents.  Since the news of proposed cuts in services or possible closing of St. Joseph’s earlier this year, the hospital’s leadership has responded to the concerns by looking to expand additional services.  On the table for discussion are the need to address some of the “social determinants” of health care to include employment, housing, long-term care and education. Sen. Taylor is committed to ensuring that the hospital’s location remain a viable heath care partner for the Milwaukee community.  

Juvenile Corrections Reform Listening Session

 
The Wisconsin Department of Corrections held a listening session at North Division High School to garner the community’s feedback on what they would like to see included in the new design of juvenile correctional facilities around the state. Sen. Taylor attended the session and engaged residents regarding the perceived and real impact of the reform efforts.
With the pending closing of Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake facilities, area residents need a voice and a role in reshaping juvenile corrections. After an overview of the legislation known as Act 185, participants broke out into smaller groups to discuss the implementation of the Act. As a member of the Act 185 Juvenile Corrections Study Committee, Sen. Taylor requested that after having the initial sessions held in Green Bay, Waukesha, and Eau Claire, it was certainly necessary to include Milwaukee in these input sessions.

Stuart Elementary School Visit

This week Senator Taylor visited Stuart Elementary School to talk to 1^st graders about the importance of reading and healthy eating. How does one do both at the same time? By reading Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table of course! The book features Milwaukee’s own, Will Allen, a community leader and urban farming advocate whose work Senator Taylor admires. After reading, Senator Taylor snacked on fruits and vegetables with the students that she brought to the school.  As the Senator continues to look at social determinants of health outcomes, she is committed to helping students get an early start on making good food choices and healthier eating habits.

Milwaukee Food Council Meeting

 
Thursday, Sen. Taylor attended The Milwaukee Food Council meeting. The group, which was started in 2007, is concerned about our food system and meets on a regular basis to develop intentional, positive strategies for a healthy, affordable, equitable food system that nourishes our community and respects the environment.

Of particular interest to Sen. Taylor are the discussions around access to healthy, affordable food, local food production, public health and other policy initiatives. Sen. Taylor updated the group on the work she has been doing on Urban Agriculture and her Love & Faith initiative to address many of the areas focused on by the council.

Intern Spotlight: Ashley Higgins

As students have returned to school, Senator Taylor is also welcoming a new class of interns into both her Madison and Milwaukee office. There are eight new interns! We would like to introduce you to Ashley, a casework intern. Ashley is a junior studying political science at UW-Madison. Hailing from the Milwaukee suburb of Brown Deer, Ashley specifically wanted to intern for Senator Taylor. The ability to learn about issues that hit close to home and gain experience in constituent relations appealed to her. Aside from spending nearly every day at the Capitol, Ashley is also a Chancellor’s and Powers Knapp scholar as well as being an active member of IMPACT, a Christian based organization for primarily minority students. 

While she still has time to decide on what to do after graduation, she says she is leaving her options open; debating between law school, graduate school, or possibly even the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps. Whatever Ashley decides, we are so glad she has joined us this semester. Her friendly smile is a welcome addition during the chaotic happenings here at the Capitol. 

Community Action Alerts

Health Matters Event

Community Care Inc., will be hosting to Community Health Matters Event from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, September 22, at its Vliet Street Day Center located at 3220 W. Vliet Street.

The event is free and open to the public and will include: flu shots, blood pressure checks, blood glucose checks for diabetes, Memory screenings, depression screenings, chair fitness screenings, educational presentations and meet and greets with Community Care doctors as well as other local health and wellness providers including Dee’s Medical Services LLC, SDS Senior Program, Survey of Health Wisconsin (SHOW), Victory Garden Initiative, a mobile food pantry, and more.

For More Information Click Here

Race and Trauma: A Community Gathering

Join the conversation about the impact of historical and generational trauma on the people in our community. And, get to see one of Milwaukee's most recent revitalization projects, the new Fiserv Forum! Speakers and special guests are still being confirmed. This FREE event is a kickoff to a two-day conference called Healing Trauma, Healthy Communities. Both events are hosted by SWIM (Scaling Wellness in Milwaukee), a multi-disciplinary group dedicated to inspiring collaboration to help Milwaukee heal.

For More Information Click Here

Weekly Events

Weekend Wellness Walk 
Saturday, September 22nd, 10:00-11:00 p.m.
500 N. Harbor Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53202

For More Information Click Here

Walker's Point 5th Street Fest 
Saturday, September 22nd, 12:00-10:00 p.m.
630 South 5th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204

For More Information Click Here

Westown Farmers' Market
Wednesday, September 26th, 10:00 a.m.
Zeidler Union Square, 301 W. Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53203

For More Information Click Here

Jackson Park Farmers' Market 
Thursday, September 27th, 3:30-7:00 p.m.
3500 W. Forest Home Ave, WI 53215

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Nature Photos With A Naturalist 
Friday, September 28th, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Friends of Lakeshore State Park, 500 N. Harbor Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53202

For More Information Click Here