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Official Government
Communication
Dear Friend,
Welcome to my email
newsletter. 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
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Senate
coming to an end, many bills left untouched
 Republican speaker of the Assembly, Robin Vos, pledged that
the Assembly will be done for the remainder of the legislative session even
though there are two more months of session left on our calendar. Now, the
State Senate has about 200 bills left to consider and the untold story of
what’s not even on our radar is the saddest of all. Here are just two of the
bills that mean a lot to me that Republicans will not be taking up. The
first, Higher Ed, Lower Debt would allow people to refinance their student
loans to get the lowest possible interest rate, just like people do with
their homes. The second bill, Milwaukee Summer Reading Project, would provide
over $1 million to the Milwaukee Summer Reading Project, which helps
struggling kids improve their reading during the summer so they don’t fall
behind their classmates at the beginning of the school year. Republicans have
showed us time and time again where their priorities stand and these
priorities are far from helping our youth.
Republican-controlled
Senate focusing on the wrong problems
 Instead of solving the real problems
affecting Wisconsin’s families, Republicans are putting their efforts
elsewhere. The bills they are choosing to focus on include the Republican
College “Affordability” package, Dementia and Alzheimer’s bills, Photo ID’s
on FoodShare Cards, High-capacity well deregulation, and requiring the WIAA
to be subject to public records law. While I respect the motivations behind
some of these bills, such as the Dementia and Alzheimer’s bill, do we really
need to spend $3.6 million dollars on research while we are cutting millions
from education? This lack of compassion and misplaced priorities pains me.
Unlike the Republicans, I will fight until the end for what is best for our
families.
Walker’s
voter ID law denies 90 year old veteran the right to vote
 During last week’s primary election, a 90 year old veteran
of World War II was turned away from the polls for bringing his veteran’s ID
card, not a state issued ID. While the veteran’s ID card does show his photo,
it is not considered acceptable voting ID under our state’s law which went
into effect in 2014. It is absolutely outrageous to me that a proud patriot
who has served our country would be denied the right to vote for lacking a
state issued ID card. The Senate will be voting next month on legislation
that allows voters to use veteran’s ID cards as identification. The number of
people who have been denied their right to vote because of Wisconsin’s voter
ID laws is truly embarrassing, and I am going to push to ensure that
everyone—including our veterans—can exercise their right to vote.
Protecting
our babies in the community
 Seven months ago, the Trauma Response
Team was created and it has already helped nearly 40 families in our
community. The Trauma Response Team pairs our Milwaukee police officers with
county mental health professionals and offers assistance and referrals for counseling
to those who choose to take advantage of these valuable services. The team
helps children who have witnessed shootings, car crashes, or other traumatic
events and would like to utilize these resources. Since the creation of the
Trauma Response Team, they have had contact with more than 100 families and
about one-third of these families have taken full advantage of the program.
Only 10% of the people who were offered assistance have declined any
involvement. Witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event can have a lifelong
ramifications, so it is very important that we take care of the mental state
of our youth. The Trauma Response Team is doing exactly that.
Senator
Harris Dodd announces she will not seek reelection
 I am honored to have served with my Soror, Senator Harris
Dodd. Our legislative journey together and life journey as individuals have
been so similar that I truly feel the awesome chapter she has embarked on in
her life. As a Soror, fellow sister and mother, and Senate colleague, I
understand and respect her choice not to seek reelection. I thank her for her
sacrifice and commitment and I am truly excited for her as she begins this
next chapter in her life. I wish Senator Harris Dodd all the best as she
moves on to enjoy love and family.
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Community Events:
Maple Fest: See how maple syrup is made and taste free
samples on two Saturdays in March. Sweet fun for the whole family! More
information here.
50th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade: 100+ unit parade with marching bands, pipe an drum corps
and local personalities. Saturday March 12th at 12:00pm. Further information here.
Cheep Cheep Easter Celebration: Free family fun event featuring the Easter bunny and
costumed bunnies as well as baby chicks and guinea pigs for petting. March
19, 20 and 26th from 11am-3pm. Details here.
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