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
Juvenile Corrections Grant Committee Meeting
Senator Taylor met with her colleagues from the Juvenile Corrections Grant Committee, established under Act 185 and tasked with handling the recommendations for new Juvenile Youth Facilities to replace Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake Youth Facilities. At the most recent meeting, Committee members reviewed applications submitted by counties from around the state. In those grant applications, counties apply for grants to cover 100% of the design and construction costs for a Secure Residential Care Center for Children and Youth. When it comes to deciding which counties to give that money too, there are lots of factors to consider, including things like proximity to families, areas where the population of juveniles the facility would serve is higher, and many more. Senator Taylor was thankful for the chance to continue advocating for Milwaukee’s youth, and hopes that the Committee’s work will be taken seriously as the Joint Finance Committee considers the next steps.
For more information on the Committee you can visit the Department of Corrections Website.
Hemp History Week
In 1908 Wisconsin’s first hemp farms were organized, one six acre area in Mendota and another three acre plot in Waupon. They might have not known it at the time, but those farmers were at the start of one of our state’s largest industries, an industry that has recently seen a resurgence, despite the many road blocks it has faced. As a way of recognizing the importance of hemp, as well as the deep history the plant has in our state, Senator Taylor celebrated Wisconsin’s first Hemp History Week. During the week several events focused on hemp took place, both in Madison at the State Capitol, and in Milwaukee, where Senator Taylor spoke alongside professionals from the industry about the importance of urban agriculture and the potential for everyone to find success in it. It was an exciting week and the Senator was thrilled to see so many people come out in support of her recent Hemp Legislation, and the industry as a whole.
Committee on Family Law Public Hearing
The Assembly Committee on Family Law held a public hearing in Madison to discuss several pieces of legislation, all of which came from Senator Taylor’s Study Committee on Child Placement and Support. As the Vice Chair of that Committee, Senator Taylor made a point to come to the Capitol and testify on the bills at hand. Those bills, which you can read more about on the Legislature’s website, all handle the often complicated discussions surrounding child placement laws and custody. Senator Taylor is happy to be part of that conversation, and hopes that for the sake of Wisconsin’s young people especially, we can move towards a brighter tomorrow, today.
Governor's Service Awards
The Governor’s Service Award Event recognized thirteen outstanding honorees for their service to Wisconsin citizens and communities in need. Senator Taylor was proud to hear that one of her constituents, Adrienne Strelchek, would be recognized as the AmeriCorps Alumni of the Year, for her work with people facing homelessness and runaway youth. Since 2007, Adrienne has supported young people reach a healthy and safe adulthood despite housing insecurities they faced. While working at Pathfinders in Milwaukee, Adrienne started a youth clothing “store” called Pfitt, where young people could access adequate clothing, and build trusting relationships with Youth Outreach Specialists. It’s people like Adrienne that inspire Senator Taylor every day, and she couldn’t be more grateful for the work they do. Congrats Adrienne!
Senate Session Votes
As her exceptionally busy week continued, Senator Taylor made her way to the Capitol for a floor vote on several bills alongside her colleagues in the Senate. Senator Taylor voted against SB 239, known as the Small Cell Bill. The bill, which would remove local control over the construction of 5G cell towers, poses some issues for Senator Taylor, the main one being the continuous erosion of local control. The City of Milwaukee has been expressing concerns alongside Senator Taylor for some time, such as operational challenges that favor large companies over local leaders and the communities they represent. Unfortunately, the bill received enough support from other legislators to pass, but Senator Taylor still intends to fight for local control wherever she can. Additionally, Senator Taylor voted against several bills aimed at reducing women’s healthcare by obstructing their access to abortions, and promulgating false information about the operation. Senator Taylor has always believed that a person is entitled to make their own decisions when it comes to their body, and there’s nothing that will stop her from fighting for that right.
Officer Charles Irvine Jr. Memorial
Last summer, while serving the Milwaukee Community, Officer Charles Irvine Jr. gave the ultimate sacrifice. It’s been a year since Officer Irvine Jr. was tragically lost in the line of duty, but for Milwaukee, he will live on in spirit forever. Senator Taylor was honored to add her voice to all those commemorating his legacy at a Press Conference during which a plaque was erected in his honor, on the 76th Street Bridge over West Silver Spring Drive. During his time serving as member of the Milwaukee Police Department, Officer Irvine Jr., known as Chuckie, was known for his exceptional work in community policing, which included mentoring a young boy whose brother had been killed. Its people like Chuckie who continue to heal our city, and Senator Taylor will always remember the many sacrifices he made in the pursuit of building a better Milwaukee for us all.
Community Action Alerts
Water Meter Replacement Program
The Milwaukee Water Works is replacing residential water meters in Milwaukee, Greenfield, Hales Corners, St. Francis, and West Milwaukee during the next several years
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin requires utilities to make sure meters are working properly and producing accurate readings for billing. We are currently replacing meters for residential and small business customers as their working life and battery power run out.
The replacement affects single family homes and dwellings of four and fewer units, and small businesses in Milwaukee, Greenfield, Hales Corners, St. Francis, and West Milwaukee. These communities are retail customers of the utility and for whom we provide water, system maintenance, and billing.
Scam Artists: Be Aware of Impostors Posing as Utility Employees
Per the City of Milwaukee: We frequently hear from customers who say men and women posing as water utility employees have asked to check on a water meter, have offered a rebate, or have said they need to check on something in the house. But Milwaukee Water Works service calls are arranged and scheduled in advance. There may be a cold-call without an appointment for a meter exchange, but then the utility employee would arrive in a City of Milwaukee marked vehicle and present identification before asking to enter a building or home.
Milwaukee Water Works employees always show an identification card with their photo when approaching a customer for business.
You Are Not Required to Purchase Water or Sewer Line Insurance
A company named Service Line Warranties of America (SLWA) is mailing a series of letters to property owners in our area demanding a response within 30 days as it tries to sell "water service line insurance." The City of Milwaukee does not require or endorse this type of product.
Here are the first letter and followup letter, and the brochure SLWA mailed in August 2018. SLWA mailed the second of a three-part mailing in November 2018 and plans another in February 2019 selling insurance for sewer laterals.
The water service line connects the water main in the street to your property. A sewer lateral pipe connects the large collector sewer in the street to your property. The section of the water service line and the section of the sewer lateral connected at your property belong to the property owner. Repair and maintenance of both are the responsibility of the property owner.
