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 NAMI Day at the Capitol Yesterday, I attended the NAMI Action on the Square Day: A Mental Health Advocacy Day. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) works to advocate for mental illness awareness by educating the public, and supporting programs and materials financially. In Wisconsin, NAMI works to improve the quality of life of those affected by mental illness and to promote recovery. The day was filled with networking, brunch, a rally and provided a space for people to meet with the Senator and other legislators. When talking about mental health, what comes to my mind is the trauma our children experience before and within the juvenile corrections systems. I believe these kids have gone through enough trauma prior to being in the corrections systems; we must focus on trauma informed care for the facilities and the officers working within them. We must focus on healing people, not harming them. The Advocacy Day focused on the future steps for people to take to become more aware of mental health. Education, resources and training are the next steps for supporting those affected by mental illness. Wear green for awareness! Horrible Healthcare Plan Passed Yesterday, the U.S. House Republicans decided money was more important than human lives. Now, 24 million more Americans could be without health insurance over these next few years. The Republicans have had their eyes on repealing the Affordable Care Act before Trump was in office. This Act gave 20 million Americans affordable health care, literally saving the lives of constituents who couldn’t afford another health care plan. This new “American Health Care Act” not only would cut federal funding for Planned Parenthood, it would alter Medicaid, the health care program that helps so many low-income individuals and families. Republicans took their stand on human lives; when it comes to money, it will always be a priority above our wellbeing. What we can do now is fight back by calling your representatives. Call Sen. Ron Johnson: (202) 224-5323 Call Sen. Tammy Baldwin: (202) 224-5653 Make your voice heard! Death in Milwaukee County Jail Yesterday the body of the man who died in the House of Corrections was identified. The cause of death has not been determined yet, though.  No matter the cause of death, we need better treatment for our inmates in these facilities. Sheriff Clarke is refusing to pay attention to the conditions men and women are forced into when in a correction facility. When will the death and neglect end? We need to pay more attention to the well-being of the human beings in corrections facilities. They deserve a healthy life just as much as you and me. MPS Budget Cuts & Low Literacy Rates A recent report indicates that due to Trump’s budget cuts, MPS will have a large budget cut of about $21 million.  We need to start prioritizing education, especially K-12 in our area. Education is the great equalizer that opens the door of opportunity for all our children. We must invest more in education, not less.	Events & Opportunities  "Evaluating the Branches of Government"- A presentation by LaKeshia Myers, Ed. D & Amanda Seppanen, M.Ed. as a part of the Community Lecture Series.  Tuesday, May 16th, 2017 East Library Community Room, 2320 N Cramer St. Milwaukee, WI 53211 6:00pm-7:30pm Free & Open to public Under the Dome Updates - Sign up for a weekly update about activities happening at the State Capitol. Get updates on your Democratic officials, committees, and issues that are important to you. Find more info here. *** Page for a Day Program – do you know a young person interested in a unique opportunity to learn more about the state government process? Check out the Page for a Day Program! More information can be found here. Stay in touch:      Email: Sen.Taylor@legis.wi.gov     Milwaukee:  414-342-7176     Madison:     608-266-5810
	Quote of the Week: "In the wealthiest nation on Earth, no one should go broke just because they get sick.  In the United States of America, health care is not a privilege for the fortunate few -- it is a right" -Former President Barack Obama, Sept. 26, 2013 remarks on the ACA This is an official government communication from Sen. Lena C. Taylor. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, click here to send me an email to unsubscribe.