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Official Government
Communication
Week of Dec. 17th - Dec. 23rd
Dear
Friend,
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
GOP
Tax Plan Passes, Raises Taxes on Americans by Decade's End
 On
Wednesday, the GOP-controlled Congress passed a tax plan that will
benefit the wealthy on the backs of the working class. The tax plan
provides 83 percent of the tax benefits to the top one percent of income
earners. Heirs will no longer have to pay tax on inheritances up to $22
million, with a doubling of the estate tax threshold. In addition, the
GOP bill cuts the top corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent,
which is the largest single reduction in our nation’s history. While
corporations and the wealthy benefit, the middle and working class will
bear the costs. More than half of all Americans will actually pay more in
taxes under the GOP plan by the end of the decade. Despite increasing
taxes on the majority of Americans, the bill still adds $1.5 trillion to
our nation’s debt. In addition, the Congressional Budget Office projects
that up to 13 million fewer Americans will be insured due to a repeal of
the individual mandate, which is an important component of the Affordable
Care Act (ACA).
Last week, I shared the
benefits of the ACA, which included expanded patient protections,
cost-sharing for health insurance, decreased long-run health costs due to
more accessible preventative care, and a workforce that is more mobile,
healthy, and productive. This legislation will only expand the economic
inequality that is seen today by making the middle and class pay more so
that the wealthy can pay less.
Christmas
Family Feast
 If
you or someone you know is looking for a family meal this holiday season,
make sure to check out the 28th Annual Christmas Family Feast,
hosted by the Salvation Army and other community partners. The Christmas
Family Feast serves over 8,000 residents annually, and features a
traditional Christmas meal including ham, turkey, and other food items
free of charge. In addition to the meal, partners at the Feast are
providing complementary gift packages for the holiday season. Individuals
are encouraged to come for food and fellowship.
Details for the Feast are
found here:
Where: Wisconsin Center District, 400
W. Wisconsin Avenue
When: Christmas Day, 11:00am to
2:30pm
Children’s
Health Insurance on the Line as Congress Fails to Act
 In the GOP’s mad dash to pass a $1.5
trillion tax cut, which gives 83 percent of the tax benefit to the top
one percent of income earners, Congress failed to re-authorize funding
for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). CHIP currently
provides health insurance to nine million children born into low-income
families nationwide, including 171,000 children in Wisconsin. Federal
funding expired at the end of September this year, meaning Congress had nearly
three months to act so that states can continue to run their insurance
programs next year. On Monday, Alabama announced it would freeze
enrollment for applications received on or after January 1, 2018, and
that it will end coverage for enrollees starting in February 2018. As
many as 4.9 million children in 16 states will lose CHIP coverage by the
end of January if the GOP-controlled Congress continues its failure to
act. Wisconsin’s CHIP program is funded through April 2018, but the State
has expressed concerns over its CHIP budget if federal funding is not
reauthorized.
Taylor
Sends Letter Opposing DHS Medicaid Waiver
 This
Wednesday, I sent a letter to the Department of Health Services asking
the Department to join 31 other states to expand Medicaid coverage in
their latest request to the federal government. The Department’s request
would extend its 2014 waiver, which reduced the eligibility threshold to
qualify for BadgerCare/Medicaid services from
200 percent of the federal poverty level to 100 percent of federal
poverty. Under that 2014 waiver, a single adult cannot make more than
$12,060 a year to qualify and a family of four are ineligible if they
make more than $24,600. The reduced income threshold cost 92,000
Wisconsinites access to BadgerCare Plus
coverage, and created undue hardship for Wisconsinites who are just
scraping by. In my letter, I asked the Department to revise its waiver
request to expand Medicaid to cover those earning 138 percent of federal
poverty. Under this expansion, a family of four would be eligible if they
make under $33,948. This will provide immediate relief for those who are
on the cusp of poverty, and it will actually reduce state spending by
making us eligible for federal funds reserved for Medicaid expansion. Expanding
coverage to more people at less cost to state taxpayers is a simple
decision, and I hope the Department agrees.
Taylor
Celebrates with GED/HSED Graduates
 This
Tuesday, I had the honor to speak at the Citywide GED/HSED graduation
ceremony, hosted at the Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). I am
proud of these graduates, who overcame whatever barriers and stigmas they
may have faced, and accomplished a milestone that sets their path
forward. I know for me, education has been the equalizer. I could not be
a state senator without my education. I told the graduates of my own
story of how a poor girl from Milwaukee – where finishing high school was
far from guaranteed – was able to go on to finish college and earn a law
degree. I was touched as each graduate received their GED. While not the
traditional path, a GED opens the door to college, and potential higher
earnings down the line. Beyond that, it shows dedication toward
self-improvement.
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