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
2008 Commission on Reducing Racial Disparities in the Wisconsin Justice System
This week, Senator Taylor met with a juvenile justice advocate to discuss the gains made and work that remains since the 2008 Commission on Reducing Racial Disparities in the Wisconsin Justice System report was issued. The recommendations in the report included adequate screening for mental health needs; cultural competency training and education support offered to law enforcement, school resource officers, human services personnel, mental health services providers, educators and others in the justice system; school districts were encouraged to examine their local data on the effects of “zero tolerance” and other discipline policies on youth of color; schools were encouraged to use school resource officers for prevention as well as intervention with students; a statewide process or entity created to monitor and track progress in resolving issues relating to racial disparity, and so much more. It was good to look at what we’ve accomplished in the 10 years since the report, but more importantly to measure the outcomes, and review the existing state of racial disparities in the state.
Pizza, Popcorn, and Professionals Program
On Monday, Senator Taylor was excited to attend the Pizza, Popcorn, and Professionals Program: Career in Politics event at the Milwaukee’s Public Library. She joined Milwaukee Alderwoman Milele Coggs in talking to area youth about what led them to politics, what a day in their shoes looks like, and what best prepared them for their jobs. It was an inspiring to see how many young people in the community were interested in politics and wanted to get some insight into how to make Milwaukee a better place. Senator Taylor applauds this really thoughtful initiative of the library that is offered throughout Milwaukee County to encourage youth to think about career planning by helping them to gain exposure to a variety of professions.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Event
Senator Taylor took part in an “Informed Constituents” event hosted by the Milwaukee chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community on Wednesday. After talking about the importance of next week’s election and the role her office plays in state government, Senator Taylor took questions as a part of a panel that include Milwaukee County Supervisor Moore, Common Council President Hamilton, and Congresswoman Gwen Moore. Senator Taylor was pleased to meet the Ahmadiyya leaders, who took the time to plan such an important event and looks forward to a continued dialogue with the group.
Code-R Meeting with Greater New Birth Church
In support of the Wisconsin Blood Center’s Code-R Program, on Thursday Senator Taylor met with representatives from the Blood Center and faith leaders from Greater New Birth Church. The CodeR (Churches for Organ Donation, Education, and Registration) program was started in March of this year by the BloodCenter in collaboration with local churches to begin raise awareness about the importance of blood and organ donation. The meeting was both informative and productive, with a number of community voices brought to the table to learn about this important issue.
Linking All Women Luncheon
Senator Taylor is attending the Linking All Women Luncheon this week. This luncheon is an opportunity for women leaders and advocates around the Milwaukee community to gather and network as well as discuss the November elections and the importance of voting.
Youth Civic Event
On Saturday, Senator Taylor will be helping at a Youth Leadership Event hosted by Leaders Igniting Transformation (LIT). LIT is a student led advocacy group from North Division High School. Student members of LIT work with other young activist around Milwaukee to empower students to make positive changes at their schools and in the community. At the event, co-organized by students, Senator Taylor will discuss the importance of voting, what the students can expect on Election Day, and answer questions from the group.
Wisconsin Black Historical Society Museum 30th Anniversary Gala
This weekend Senator Taylor is attending the Wisconsin Black Historical Society Museum’s 30th Anniversary Gala. The organization’s mission is to document and preserve the historical heritage of people of African descent in Wisconsin. The Museum exhibits, collects and disseminates materials depicting this heritage. Serving as a resource center for all people interested in Wisconsin’s rich African American heritage, the Museum’s purpose is to encourage and promote family community and cultural activities.
Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting
This week, Senator Taylor attempted to attend the community observance at the Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid for those attacked at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. The Milwaukee and surrounding communities came together in such large numbers that the building had exceeded capacity before Senator Taylor could make it inside. As we remember the eleven lives that were taken in that shooting, others wounded and the lives of two African-Americans lost in a grocery store shooting in a Louisville, Kentucky suburb, we are reminded what hate can do when it festers and is induced. However, the impact of love, respect, and acceptance will always overshadow hate. The outpouring of support for the families and survivors of these incidents displayed around the country was a powerful testament to that fact.
Community Action Alerts
Heating Moratorium
Utility customers currently disconnected need to contact their local utility to make arrangements for service re-connection prior to the start of the winter heating moratorium.
During the moratorium, from November 1 to April 15, utilities are prohibited from disconnecting customers who are behind on their bills.
While Wisconsin law prohibits utilities from disconnecting the heat-providing service of residential customers during the winter heating moratorium period, consumers currently disconnected must make arrangements to pay outstanding bills in order to restore service. Consumers without utility service are encouraged to contact their utility to establish a payment plan and arrange for re-connection prior to the onset of cold winter temperatures.
We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) reminds customers to check their eligibility for some energy assistance. Applications for energy assistance are now being accepted the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP).
Contact Information for large utilities in Wisconsin is listed below:
We Energies 1-800-842-4565
Alliant Energy 1-800-255-4268
Madison Gas & Electric 1-800-245-1125
Superior Water, Light & Power 1-800-227-7957
Xcel Energy 1-800-895-4999
Re-Entry Simulation
On November 6, 2018 the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) and Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) is hosting a fun exercise demonstrating some of the barriers inmates face when returning to the community from jail or prison.
All criminal justice community partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement, prison staff, court officials, victim services, justice department employees, social workers, DOC staff, FBOP staff, and community resource members are encouraged to attend.
Interested individuals may sign up for one of two sessions, either 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Location: 2821 N. Vel Phillips Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53212.
For more information contact Mary Lee, Dept. of Corrections Client Services Assistant at MaryA.Lee@wi.gov or call (608)-375-5656 to sign up.
Quote of The Week “The consequences of anyone sitting out this election are profound, the character of our country is on the ballot"-President Barack Obama.
