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, so if there's anything my office can do to assist you, please feel free to contact us.
In Service,
Senator Lena Taylor
Wisconsin's 4th Senate District
DCF Secretary
Senator Taylor recently met with Emilie Amundson, Secretary Appointee of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The two connected to discuss Amundson’s appointment and priorities of the Senator regarding the department. The meeting was a good opportunity to discuss the groundwork needed for a productive relationship working relationship and to ensure that the needs of residents are met. Whether Headstart, child support, foster care, food, education, securing and maintaining meaningful jobs and more, DCF plays a critical role in the lives for parents and their children. It was good to meet Governor Evers appointee and Senator Taylor looks forward to weighing in on this nominee.
DNR Secretary
Preston Cole has been chosen to be the new Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary by Governor Tony Evers. As a former forester serving for the Department of Conservation in Missouri, Cole brings a fresh perspective to the role of DNR. Cole’s appointment has been praised by leaders across both political aisles. For over 20 years, Cole has worked for the city of Milwaukee in a variety of positions — City Forester, Environmental Services Superintendent and his current position as Director of Operations for the Department of Public Works (DPW). Raised on a farm, Cole is also the chairman of the Wisconsin Natural Resource Board. He has a vast amount of experience and seems a good steward of our state’s natural resources.
DWD Apprenticeship Program
Senator Taylor was excited this week to see one of her LOVE and FAITH Initiatives become a reality: The Wisconsin Apprenticeship Advisory Council, who advises the Department of Workforce Development (DWD)-Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards (BAS) on matters involving the Wisconsin Apprenticeship System, certified three pre-apprenticeship programs during their quarterly meeting Tuesday.
The three new programs include:
Northcott Neighborhood House & Love and Faith Urban Arborist Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Community Relations-Social Development Commission
ChefStart Culinary Arts Pre-Apprenticeship
Social Development Inc. Hands-On Construction Pre-Apprenticeship
The three programs provide training to prepare participants to enter a registered apprenticeship with a Milwaukee area employer. More details on each program are listed below.
"I’m grateful for the collaboration that’s been done to secure an additional pipeline to employment for Milwaukee residents," said Wisconsin State Senator Lena Taylor (4th District, Milwaukee – D). "This program is an important component of the work we’ve done to create additional opportunities for our community."
Certified pre-apprenticeship programs are developed to assist participants in gaining the skills and education needed before starting a registered apprenticeship. The Wisconsin Apprenticeship Advisory Council approves all certified pre-apprenticeship programs to ensure that the program meets the needs of employers using registered apprenticeship to train employees.
"Registered apprenticeships are a win-win for Wisconsin's workers and employers," said Secretary-designee Caleb Frostman. "When a company invests in registered apprenticeship, not only apprentices earning while they learn, the company is also creating a return on its investment."
DWD's RA program, which was created in 1911 and has served as a national model for generations, annually provides value-added training for as many as 12,000 apprentices and 2,500 employers across the state in over 200 occupations.
Black History Week 1
So far, this has been an amazing kickoff to Black History Month. The month started with a press conference attended by Governor Tony Evers and Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes. They spoke about the caucus’ plans for the month, as well as had an enlightening discussion about issues important to Black families in Wisconsin. Unfortunately, Senator Taylor was unable to attend the event due to a conference. Senator Taylor will be attending weekly activities hosted in both Madison and Milwaukee, designed to raise awareness about both the contributions, concerns and issues relative to the Black community. The events are free and open to the public. To learn more about upcoming events, please contact my office at 608-266-5810.
This week's focus, led by Representatives Jason Fields (D-Milwaukee) and Kalan Haywood (D-Milwaukee), was economic development and opportunities, including a Black Business and Non-Profit Day.
Intern Spotlight
UW-Madison senior Kalina Bathke is currently interning for Senator Lena Taylor after becoming inspired by Senator Taylor’s tenacity as a female in a conservative-leaning state. Kalina is majoring in Community and Nonprofit Leadership with a certificate in Global Health and Public Policy. In her free time, she loves to cook and work on her calligraphy. Kalina secured a grassroots internship for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network from Spring of 2017 throughout the Fall of 2018. She has always had a strong interest in health, and this is what shaped her decision to work for Senator Taylor, a strong advocate for health care and a go-getter.
Community Action Alerts
Black History Month
February marks African American history month, a time to reflect on the significant contributions African Americans have made to the United States and to recognize the challenges they still face today.
The Family Intervention program or FIP, goal is to remove significant barriers that prevent African American and Latino individuals and families from seeking traditional counseling services. This intensive, home-based, family focused case management program provides support services to families struggling with the impact of substance abuse and domestic violence.
The FIP program, free for men and women 18 years and older, is a beneficial opportunity for those seeking support. The program will provide intensive home-based case management, home-based alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) counseling and education that emphasizes relapse prevention, outpatient substance abuse support groups and advocacy for services, employment referrals, bus tickets for transportation, and other measures for supporting those struggling with substance abuse.
Remember in this cold month of February to stay aware of your surroundings and be cautious when walking and driving. The Milwaukee Communications Center reported that the melting snow reveals potholes, which can be dangerous. We encourage you to report potholes to prevent potential injury through the Milwaukee Mobile app or online under “Pothole Patch Requests.” You can also call the Unified Call Center at (414)286-CITY (2489).
