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
Meeting w/Sup. Posley and Dr. Cotton
On Monday, Senator Taylor met with MPS Sup. Posley and Chief School Administrative Officer, Dr. Cotton. The meeting is a part of regularly scheduled monthly meetings that the Senator has with the district. These meetings will address ongoing opportunities and concerns, with the hope of establishing proactive strategies. Everything from the Truancy Abatement and burglary suppression program to urban agriculture was on the table for discussion. Sen. Taylor is committed to being a resource to the district and encourages constituents to contact her office with ideas or concerns relative to MPS.
UW System Meeting
Senator Taylor’s office attended a panel discussion on Tuesday, on the Wisconsin 2019-21 Biennial Budget implications for higher education. It was encouraging to learn that some items in the proposed budget could reduce worker shortages and retain graduates in the state. The budget also proposes a continued tuition freeze, a 2% salary increase for faculty and staff to help with retention. The Senator also had a chance to have a follow-up meeting to discuss internships, programming and collaborative opportunities with a representative from the university.
Meeting w/DOT Sec.
Earlier in the week, Senator Taylor met with the Secretary-Designee of the Department of Tourism, Sara Meaney. It was an opportunity for the Senator to understand the vison and direction of the department under Meaney’s leadership. The meeting highlights included the tourism budget, initiatives, and tourism grants awarded to organizations within the 4th senate district. Senator Taylor also discussed the creation of a tour or markers to highlight the Underground Railroad’s path through Wisconsin, as well as African-American Museums and tourists attractions.
Meeting w/State Treasurer
Senator Taylor met with State Treasurer, Sarah Godlewski, to discuss how the office can have a more active role assisting constituents. Godlewski provided examples of the diverse ways in which the office could be engaged, to include financial literacy programs. Additionally, Senator Taylor learned more about Godlewski’s role with the Common School Fund and its impact on public education. With many of the duties legislatively removed from the treasurer’s office over the years, it was great to learn that more than 15 specific duties remain in place. Governor Evers has talked about increasing the office’s budget and responsibilities, and since the voters of Wisconsin have affirmed their support of the office, Senator Taylor looks forward to the Treasurer’s engagement in the district.
Judiciary and Public Safety Exec.
On Tuesday, Senator Taylor attended the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety Executive Session. The session addressed two of the bills Senator Taylor is currently working on, SB 39 and SB 46. SB 39 addresses the expungement of records of certain crimes. Currently, a person’s criminal record may be expunged if the maximum term of imprisonment is six years or less, the person committed the crime before they were 25 years old, they are a first tie offender, and the crime is not a violent felony. During the executive session, the committee recommended the adoption of an amendment to the bill. SB 39 aims to remove the condition that the person committee the crime before the age of 25 and makes certain traffic crimes ineligible for expungement. SB 46 creates a $5,000 surcharge to be imposed on anyone who is convicted of patronizing or soliciting prostitutes, pandering, or keeping a place of prostitution.
Career Fair
This week the Senator attended a career fair at Messmer Saint Rose School to talk to students about her work in Wisconsin. She talked to over 200 fifth and sixth graders about being a legislator and handed out blue books to ensure every kid had the opportunity to become civically engaged. Encouraging youth to have conversations about civics creates a positive school climate that supports students feeling socially, emotionally and physically safe at school. Additionally, teaching youth about the policy process leads to closing the civic achievement gap across race, ethnicity, income and parental educational attainment.
Community Action Alerts
The Well Wisconsin Program is offering a free health screening event at the Wisconsin State Capitol on Friday, May 3rd from 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM for employees (and spouses) who are enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program. The event will be held in the North Hearing Room (NHR) 2nd Floor North. You can register here:
Fine for Littering:
What: With the snow finally melting, we see what’s been buried all winter along our streets, in parking lots and on our lawns – trash! Unfortunately, littering happens all year long, resulting in unsightly and unsanitary consequences in our neighborhoods. Alderman Russell W. Stamper sponsored legislation to increase the fine for all littering to $500(including all forfeitures, penalties, fees and assessments levied by the Municipal Court). The stiffer $500 fine goes into effect on Monday, April 1 throughout the city.
When: Monday, April 1 - 10:00 a.m. press conference Excellent opportunity for interviews, video and still photography
Where: North 9th Street and West North Avenue – north side of the street
Who: Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II Joe Wilson, Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful Alderwoman Chantia Lewis Captain Kristin Riestra, District #6, Milwaukee Police Department Judge Derek Mosley, City of Milwaukee Municipal Court
Other News:
Traffic, Transit and Parking to Change this Saturday, April 6
The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works (DPW) announces traffic, transit and parking changes for the Milwaukee Marathon this Saturday, April 6, 2019. The 26.2 mile Milwaukee Marathon begins and ends at Fiserv Forum and will wind through Milwaukee visiting many neighborhoods.
Rolling street closures along the route start on April 6 at 6 a.m. and will stay in effect until 2:30 p.m. There are four areas along the race course that will be closed affecting the 15th District:
W. Vliet St. from W. Highland Bl. to N. 40th St.
N. 40th St. from W. Vliet St. to W. Lisbon Ave.
W. Lisbon Ave. from N. 40th St. to N. Sherman Bl.
N. Sherman Bl. from W. Lisbon Av. to W. Townsend St.
Traffic: The staging area around Fiserv Forum for this event will be closed to through traffic from 7:00 a.m. on Friday, April 5 through 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 6. Streets along the course will experience rolling closures Saturday, April 6 from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Please pay attention to posted road closure signs.
North/south vehicle traffic will be very limited during this race. DPW suggests making use of the I-43 freeway or WIS 175 (Stadium Freeway).
Residents, churches, restaurants and other businesses, and all other organizations with driveways on the route should be aware that access during the races will be limited – make your travel/parking plans accordingly.
Parking: Be especially aware of temporary parking restrictions along the routes. “NO PARKING – TOW AWAY ZONE” signs will be posted with information as to when parking will be restricted. There will be different hours of parking restrictions depending on where a street is on the marathon route. Vehicles must be moved off the route to ensure the safety of all participants. All vehicles parked on the route will be ticketed and towed. If your vehicle is towed, please call (414) 286-2700 for more information.
Transit: Numerous MCTS bus routes will be impacted by these closures. Riders should expect delays and detours across the system. Details about detours are posted at RideMCTS.com.
The Hop, presented by Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, will commence service later than usual. Hours of operation will be from 11 a.m. to midnight. More information about the Hop can be found at thehopmke.com.
The Well Wisconsin Program is offering a free health screening event at the Wisconsin State Capitol on Friday, May 3rd from 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM for employees (and spouses) who are enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program. The event will be held in the North Hearing Room (NHR) 2nd Floor North. You can register at wellwisconsin.staywell.com
