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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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Mental
Health Awareness Month
 Did you know that one in five American
adults will experience a mental health issue? Every day, millions of
Americans are faced with the realities of living with a mental health
condition. Far too often, they suffer in silence. Throughout the month,
we are dedicated to raising awareness for mental health, improving our overall
well-being, and reducing the harmful, negative stigmas associated with mental
illness.
The
statistics behind mental illness are eye-opening. 26 percent of homeless
adults staying in a shelter live with a serious mental illness and 24 percent
of prisoners nationwide have a “recent history of a mental health condition.”
Homeless shelters and prisons are two of the most high profile places that
lack adequate resources to assist the mentally ill.
The media is
full of inaccurate portrayals of individuals dealing with mental illness or
addictive disorders, creating misconceptions that hurt those who are
struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. They limit the
scope of what truly constitutes “mental health” and foster an atmosphere in
which it may feel shameful or unacceptable to seek help. We should be
fighting to ensure that individuals have access to the care and help that
they need rather than reinforcing this destructive stigma.
Mental
illness goes undiagnosed for an average of ten years. When properly treated,
those with mental illness experience a significant reduction of symptoms and
an improved quality of life. We have a responsibility to ourselves and our
community to not only look out for our own health and well-being, but also
provide easily accessible resources for those in need of mental health
services. Through community-based initiatives designed to aid our friends,
family, colleagues, and neighbors, we can reduce the damaging stigmas
surrounding mental health.
May is mental
health awareness month. We need your help with awareness. Please, join us in
breaking down the stigma and spreading the word.
Transgender
teacher suicide emails reveal she was bullied
 While
the public debates about which bathrooms transgender folks should use, a
larger issue goes ignored; the mental health challenges faced by the
transgender community. This week, the Milwaukee Public Schools released the
emails of Karis Ross, a transgender teacher who committed suicide in 2014.
The emails reveal she identified herself as subject of bullying by her
coworkers. “I feel that I am being subtly bullied and it’s taking a toll on
my health,” she wrote just days before committing suicide. This month is
Mental Health Awareness Month. Please, help me spread the word that 90% of
people who commit suicide have an underlying mental illness and that suicide
is the 10th leading cause of illness in America. While I can’t speak to the
mental health of Ms. Ross, I will say that bullying can and does exacerbate
the problem. Rather than being part of the problem, I’m asking you today to
be part of the solution and please help educate others this month about the
importance of inclusion and the dangers of bullying.
More
tragedy in the city
 A nine-year-old girl is in critical
condition this weekend after becoming victim to gun violence in her
neighborhood. Two groups armed with shotguns and pistols were engaged in a
“shootout” on Meinecke Ave. early Thursday evening. The girl was inside a nearby
home and was struck in the face by a bullet that pierced the wall. Police
recovered more than forty shell casings. Chief Flynn said that just last
week, one of his officers walked the neighborhood and spoke with this young
girl's family about their concerns. Flynn said the officer jumped rope with
the girl, whose only concern was whether police can keep her safe. I am
grateful for the efforts of the Milwaukee Police Department, but devastated
that we could not prevent this incident. This young girl is turning 10 on May
17th, and I pray that she has a fast recovery.
MPS
Educator named “Music Teacher of the Year”
 Two Milwaukee Public Schools music educators will be honored
by the Civic Music Association of Milwaukee for their excellence in music
education. Benjamin Zabor is the director of band and orchestra at MPS’ Rufus
King International High School, my alma mater. Zabor was selected to receive
the 2016 Music Teacher of the Year Award by the Civic Music
Association of Milwaukee. Jessica Marks is a music and chorus teacher at the
Academy of Accelerated Learning and is being recognized for Excellence in
General Music Instruction. Mr. Zabor and Ms. Marks will be honored at Civic
Music’s annual Music Educator Awards Ceremony on Sunday, May 15, 2016. The event
will take place at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts.
Congratulations Mr. Zabor and Ms. Marks on your well-deserved honor, and
thank you for all that you do for our kids!
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Community Events:
Manufacturing Recruitment Event! Wide variety of
direct hire positions with several companies for experienced workers, as well
as recruitment for pre-employment trainings that lead to full-time positions
for successful graduates. May 19, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. 633 South
Hawley Road, Milwaukee. Call 414-342-9787 to register, click here
to see the full flyer.
Express Yourself Milwaukee: Illuminate 2016: Proof that art changes lives, strengthens families and
builds communities! May 12 6:30-9:00 p.m. free and open to the public. More
info here.
Art in the City: Plein Air MKE: Outdoor painting competition featuring up to 75 plein air
artists creating art along the Milwaukee Museum Mile. May 7-14, 8"00
a.m.-5:00 p.m. Click here
for further details.
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