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'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
Madison Office: (608)-266-5810
Milwaukee Office: (414)-342-7176
"Dontre Day"
On April 30, 2014, Dontre Hamilton was shot 14 times and killed by a Milwaukee police officer. Dontre, who suffered from schizophrenia, had fallen asleep in a park. After a Starbucks employee called the police to complain, and after being awoken by the police, Dontre was killed shortly thereafter. As a part of an effort to honor Dontre’s memory, his family and Coalition for Justice host Dontre Day. Intended to help raise awareness about mental health and give back to the community, the Hamilton’s have held the event for the past five years. This year, Senator Taylor’s office, along with other community members, gathered at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society to commemorate Dontre Day. The celebration featured food, raffle prizes, and offered help for mental and physical wellness.
Rufus King International Middle School Career Fair
Rufus King International Middle School is part of Milwaukee Public Schools and educates students in grades 6-12. The school aims to train their students to be able to participate and succeed in the IB Diploma Program at the high school level. In accordance with the school’s emphasis on teaching students how to be “global citizens”, the school hosted a career day for students to engage with professionals in career fields of interest to them. Senator Taylor’s office attended this event, excited to encourage kids to achieve their dreams.
Panel: Corrections, Sentencing and Alternatives to Sentencing
Senator Taylor participated in a panel on corrections, sentencing, and alternatives to sentencing. The event took place at Green Bay Avenue School, and it was the second panel discussion in a four part series on understanding Milwaukee’s criminal justice system. The 2010 census showed that Wisconsin had the highest percentage of incarcerated black men in the nation. In 2013, a UW-Milwaukee study found that from 1990-2012, Milwaukee imprisoned 26,222 black men from the county which is more than half of all African American men in their thirties and early forties. The panel aimed to understand these disparities. There are options for treatment alternatives and diversion programs that District Attorneys or judges are able to utilize that are safe alternative to jail or prison confinement and that can help reduce the cost of incarceration.
Doctor's Lobby Day
The Wisconsin Medical Society and its partners gathered at the Capitol in order to participate in Doctor Day. In 2018, the day drew more than 500 physicians and medical students to the capitol, and the Wisconsin Medical Society was eager to see the same, if not improved, turnout in 2019. The day is a lobbying event for physicians and medical students to meet with their legislators and staff members in order to have input on important healthcare issues. Senator Taylor’s staff met with a number of physicians and medical students to hear firsthand about how policy decisions made by legislators impact the communities they serve.
JCP Construction 10 year Anniversary Event
Senator Taylor’s office attended the 10 year anniversary of JCP construction, a local Milwaukee based construction company. The company was started in 2008 by brothers James, Jalin, and Clifton Phelps. Originally, the company focused on family home renovations but has since evolved into a commercial and large residential construction company. JCP Construction most recently worked on the Bucks Arena project and Bader Philanthropies new Milwaukee headquarters. The company is committed to employing a diverse workforce which reflects the community they both grew up in and serve.
Empower Me Foster Walk
Senator Taylor planned to participate in the Empower Me Foster Walk, on Saturday, May 4th. However, due to being under the weather, she will miss this important event that helps to raise awareness about foster care and the adoption resource center. Currently, there are more than 7,000 youths in the Wisconsin foster care system. More than 200 youths age out of the system every year, meeting uncertainties and struggles without any support. The funds raised from the walk will provide support to current and former foster youth participating in extracurricular activities such as summer camps, after school programs, sports, arts, and tutoring.
Games with Community Leaders
Senator Taylor wants to thank the Milwaukee Public Library for hosting “Games with Community Leaders.” The Library is an anchor institution that helps build healthy families and vibrant neighborhoods. In keeping with their mission of helping others to read, learn, and connect, the Games with Community Leaders provides an opportunity for residents to meet and spend a bit of time with local leaders. Great conversations and relationships are shared during a board games and other fun activities. The event gives children, teens, and parents a time to interact with each other, as well as community leaders, in a welcoming and lighthearted environment.
Upcoming Events
Connecting Water & Art in the Garden Homes Neighborhood
