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
National Disability Voter Registration Week
Senator Taylor joined local advocates and community leaders for Milwaukee’s National Disability Voter Registration Week press event. At the event speakers emphasized the importance of promoting voter registration for those with disabilities. Highlighted were the different avenues for voters of all abilities to cast their ballot, including a demonstration of a new voting machine built to provide easier access for individuals with a disability, as well as assistance with voter registration. One’s right and ability to vote is fundamental to our Democracy, and Senator Taylor was proud to partake in the latest conversation on how that access can be expanded. For more information on polling places, voter registration, or other voter info, click here.
Atlanta Food Forests Meeting
Last Monday, Senator Taylor met with the City of Milwaukee Health Department to discuss an exciting new development in the field of urban agriculture that’s been making the news around the country; Food Forests. This highly successful idea consists of a green space with fruit bearing trees, shrubs, and other plants, as well as walking trails, community gardens, and a restored forest area. There are over 70 food forests nationwide, the biggest belonging to the city of Atlanta. It was their local legislation that enabled the construction of a seven acre food forest where it is free for all citizens to pick fruit and vegetables. In urban centers such as Milwaukee the accessibility of fresh food is often understated and a project like this could improve ecological restoration and sustainability education, as well as public health.
Committee on Insurance Public Hearing
On Tuesday, the Committee on Insurance, Financial Services, Government Oversight and Courts held a public hearing to address a series of proposed bills. One piece of legislation that Senator Taylor supports, Senate Bill 63, relates to the service of certain pleadings and other papers by e-mail, was a focus of discussion. The aim of this bill is to facilitate smoother communication between the court and the defendant, speeding up the judicial process. Another bill Senator Taylor stands with, Senate Bill 155, would allow agencies serving homeless individuals to benefit from participation in the Volunteer Health Care Provider program. This bill encourages non-profit groups and volunteer health care providers to help those in need regardless of their financial capabilities, and is a great step towards aiding Wisconsin’s community facing homelessness. For more information on the Committee’s proceedings, and upcoming events, visit: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2019/committees/senate/1960
Talking Trauma with Ramel Smith
Senator Taylor’s interview on the Ramel Smith Show addressed the myriad of mental health issues facing our nation and the efforts being made to combat them. Millions of Americans suffer from trauma, and, as a result, its effect on society is unignorably deep. Whether it is teaching students of all ages the harm in leaving mental illnesses unaddressed or providing police departments with additional training to account for people suffering from trauma, it is refreshing to see proposed solutions to problems that have historically received little to no attention. People often express frustration, for example, with our prison system, but one cannot have a fair discussion about prison overpopulation or recidivism without addressing the mental health side of the story. Reform throughout society is what needs to happen if we want to see less suicides, less overdoses, and less returns to prison. It is clear that not addressing the mental health side of these problems has harmed more than helped. If you or someone you know are dealing with trauma please contact the Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990), which will connect you with a trained professional from the nearest crisis counseling center.
Purple Door Ice Cream's New Flavor Winner
Purple Door, the Walker’s Point creamery, offered a special, new flavor last Wednesday – Bango Helado con Chamoy. This delicious flavor was concocted by students from Bay View High School participating in its culinary arts program. Launched in 2016, the Milwaukee Public Schools culinary arts program is based on the ProStart curriculum started by the National Restaurant Association. Both programs offer real-world experience to high school students interested in the growing culinary arts and food service industries. These are programs are extremely practical, helping students gain precious experience before jumping from school to the job force. They give students the opportunity to test out the water in fields not typically emphasized in a high school curriculum. Senator Taylor is proud to support the MPS culinary arts program. To learn more about it please click here.
Intern Spotlight
Owen Bacskai is one of our wonderful summer interns helping our office serve you in the fullest capacity. He is currently a student going into his Junior year at the University of Wisconsin – Madison studying Political Science and Communication Arts with an emphasis on rhetoric. Owen’s drive to serve and push legislation forward has been refreshing along with his ability to deal with constituent concerns.
“It’s very satisfying seeing passion-driven people coming together and making things happen. And something that I have especially enjoyed is learning about the legislative process and seeing how a bill becomes law.”
Owen is currently working on anti-shackling legislation to stop the practice of restricting pregnant and post-partum woman in prison, a piece of work he is particularly proud of.
Outside of his work in the legislature Owen enjoys playing music, reading, re-watching Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and eating Babcock orange custard chocolate chip ice cream.
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 follow-up 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.
