Farm Bill in The Cross Hairs

Sen. Taylor participated in a Monday conference call regarding the U.S. Farm Bill which expires this Sunday. The bill is passed or renewed every 5 years and touches everything under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s control. The $867 billion dollar bill, however, is stuck in committee because members of Congress can’t agree on a range of issues to include whether to add stricter work requirements in order for people to be eligible for food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Sen. Taylor is concerned how the proposals being considered in the 2018 Farm Bill will impact urban communities, children and youth receiving free and reduced lunch, and also the request from the National Women In Agriculture Association’s (NWIAA) program for minority women in agriculture groups to provide agriculture education and opportunities to underrepresented/socially disadvantaged youth. Sen. Taylor will be calling on members of Congress to voice her support for resources to be set-aside to support the NWIAA program and closely monitoring the impact of the bill on Wisconsin residents.

Workforce Development and Employment Pathways

 On Tuesday, Sen. Taylor met with Sec. Allen from the Department of Workforce Development. As a part of her Love & Faith Initiative, they discussed Urban Agriculture and employment pathways to proposals including the field of Aquaponics, Composting, High School Forestry Classes, and Pre-Apprenticeship programs to prepare qualified applicants for registered apprenticeships currently offered in certain fields.

Child Placement and Support Study Committee

The Legislative Study Committee on Child Placement and Support met on Tuesday to continue reviewing existing law and presentations on issues impacting children and families in this area. As Vice-chair of the committee, Sen. Taylor and members heard from a variety of speakers. Presentations covered topics for review from professors of Public Affairs and Social Work from the UW-Institute for Research and Poverty, representatives from Protecting Military Families in Wisconsin, and Involved Fathers of Wisconsin. Some of the areas touched by the presentations included the Birth Costs Recovery Program, domestic abuse information for Guardians Ad Litems and more. It was a productive meeting and Sen. Taylor left feeling confident that some of the important conversations we’ve needed to have for a long time, are finally taking place.

136 Years of Service

On Wednesday, Sen. Taylor provided welcome remarks to faith-community members from Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Canada and India who are in Milwaukee to attend the 136th Annual Conference of the 4th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Hosted by St. Mark’s AME Church, which is Wisconsin’s first African American church and dates back to 1870, the group is in town through Saturday.

Welcome Aboard Supervisor Ortiz-Velez!

It was great to meet this week with recently elected Milwaukee County Board Supervisor Sylvia Ortiz-Velez, of the 12th District. We had a great discussion about our mutual interests in increasing employment and job training opportunities for Milwaukee residents, as well as exploring new employment pathways. Our talks ranged from K-12 soft skills training, to re-entry work with returning residents, to the role that the HEMP industry could play in creating new opportunities in the county. I look forward to working with Sup. Ortiz-Velez and welcome her new role.

Bridges of Milwaukee Rehab and Care Center Visit

On Thursday, Sen. Taylor had the opportunity to visit one of the many long-term care facilities in her district.  While touring the facility, she had a chance to meet with residents and listen to their concerns about healthcare and state government, as well as provide them updates on the work being done to improve both care and safety for seniors in the state.  She also met many of the hardworking caretakers and staff that care for the residents at the facility. Each month, Sen. Taylor or a member of her staff visits a nursing home or long-term care facility to stay connected to seniors and residents, who otherwise are unable to attend community town halls or meetings. 

Dental Therapist in The House?

Senator Taylor met with representatives from the Pew Charitable Trust Funds on Thursday to discuss a bill to bring Dental Therapists to Wisconsin.  The Pew Charitable Trust Funds is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that seeks to help improve communities by providing recommendations on public policy and civic life.  One of their recent efforts calls for the establishment of a Dentistry position that could provide services like general checkups and cleanings for a lower price.  The mid-level care providers are called Dental Therapists and could provide services to countless individuals who might otherwise go without dental care.  The Dental Campaign has been an ongoing effort by Pew Charitable Trust and Senator Taylor was grateful for the chance to sit down and learn more about their efforts, she looks forward to working with her colleagues in the legislature and discussing the topic in the future. 

The Role of Genetics in Health Care

On Friday, Sen. Taylor had a really interesting meeting with Dr. Dessie Levy to discuss her work on an upcoming health study that will take place in Milwaukee.  The study will be centered on genetics and specifically how they play a role in our health.  There’s no denying the fact that we inherit a whole series of things from our parents, their parents and theirs before that, but there’s a lot that remains unknown when it comes to the specific science of how that process works.  With the help of interested participants from the Milwaukee Community, Dr. Levy and her team from the National Institutes of Health hope to find some answers to the many questions surrounding ancestry, genetics and health.

Community Homecoming 

This week, Sen. Taylor and Rep. Crowley provided a citation for the life and service of Mr. Carl Gee. Known for his countless efforts to expand opportunities in education, employment and entrepreneurship, Mr. Gee was the Chief Executive of the Opportunities Industrialization Center of Greater Milwaukee (OIC-GM), working with the organization for 35 years before he retired in 2004. His career was spent working to address issues of poverty, job training, AODA treatment, corrections, teen pregnancy, and left an indelible mark on both the City of Milwaukee and Wisconsin.

Local Retirement 

Sen. Taylor was pleased to attend the community retirement tribute for Mr. Phil Neuenfeldt, President of the AFL-CIO.  Throughout his long and remarkable career, Mr. Neuenfeldt has been a passionate champion of fair wages, safe work environments, defending the Family and Medical Leave Act, teaching labor education in the schools, and so much more.  He has always pushed legislators and business to do what was right for Wisconsin workers. He worked hard to form alliances and build diverse coalitions to protect the rights of workers.  Although it is a retirement well deserved, his strong voice will be missed in the labor movement.

Intern Spotlight: Emily Pahnke 

This week’s intern spotlight is on one of Senator Taylor’s communications interns, Emily. Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Emily is a senior studying Communications Sciences and Disorders with a certificate in Gender Women’s Studies. When the opportunity to intern for Senator Taylor arose, Emily couldn’t pass up the chance to be a part of such important issues, knowing that the Senator’s agenda aligned with many of her own beliefs. Aside from this, she has wanted to gain experience within politics, especially with today’s political climate towards women, as well as gaining a better understanding of Wisconsin politics. When Emily isn’t at the capitol she’s involved in Delta Delta Delta sorority, as well as the public relations manager for IGNITE, a club that empowers women to run and be involved in politics.

With graduation right around the corner, Emily is searching for jobs with an interest in public relations or communications. As for if she will stick around Madison, she is open to move anywhere; preferably somewhere with less snow and more sun. Regardless of where Emily decides to go after graduation, we are happy she is here to lend a helping hand!

Community Action Alerts

STEAM College for Kids and Teens

College for Kids and Teens are offering students the opportunity to attend Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math-focused programming during the school year. Classes will be a hands-on, project-based learning experience that will give you a taste of the College for Kids and Teens. 

Register Here

Contact (414)-227-3360 for More Information

Second Annual Prostate Health Educational Symposium

This Saturday, September 29th at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, 3456 North 38th Street, Medical College of Wisconsin's Cancer Center will host the 2nd Annual Prostate Health Educational Symposium.

All are welcome to this free event that includes a great breakfast from Soul2Soul Catering, on air talent from Jammin' 98.3, raffle prizes from the Milwaukee Bucks, giveaways and free prostate cancer screening (PSA blood testing). 

Register Here

Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling

Beginning November 1st, The Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling will host a series of training programs. 

All participants will learn about the effects of problem gambling on the individual, family, and community and use the information to help those who fall into their own professional scope of practice. 

Contact (920)-437-8888 for More Information

Register Here

Enrollment Fair for High School and Middle School

It is time for Milwaukee Public Schools families to select a middle school and high school for the 2019-20 school year. With more than 20 high schools and a diverse array of programming in Milwaukee Public Schools, the district would like to make this important decision as easy as possible for students.

This event gives families the chance to ask questions, meet school staff, learn about programs and transportation, and find the best fit for student needs such as bilingual programs, art, music, college prep, career pathways, special education and more.

For More Information Click Here

Weekly Events

 Sturgeon Fest 2018
Saturday, September 29th, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
500 N. Harbor Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53202

For More Information Click Here

2018 Milwaukee National College Fair
Sunday, September 30th, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Wisconsin Center
400 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203

For More Information Click Here

Urban Wildlife: Poetry In Your Backyard
Tuesday, October 2nd, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Atkinson Library
1960 W. Atkinson Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53209

For More Information Click Here

Westown Farmers' Market 
Wednesday, October 3rd, 10:00 a.m.
Zeidler Union Square
301 W. Michigan St., Milwaukee, WI 53203

For More Information Click Here

HBCU College Fair 

Saturday, October 6th, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Harold Vincent High School

7501 N. Granville Road, Milwaukee, WI 53224

~For More Information Contact Senator Taylor's Madison Office~