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
Senate Floor Session
On Tuesday, the State Senate held a floor session comprised of several nominations, bills and resolutions. The bills voted on ranged on everything from election costs reimbursements to outlawing sexual contact with an animal. Senator Taylor co-authored and co-sponsored a number of bills. Of particular note, were SB 158 which creates a new presumption of paternity and the use of DNA and SB 188 that brings Wisconsin Hemp laws in line with elements of the 2018 Federal Farm bill. To learn more about the bills voted on in session go to http://insession.legis.wisconsin.gov/senate
Gun Violence Awareness Event
On Thursday, Senator attended a Gun Violence event at the Milwaukee Asian Market. Titled “the Spiritual Toll of Gun Violence”, the program is part of a series of meetings hosted by Amazing Faiths Dinner Dialogues. The group seeks to transform the world around them through a home cooked and moderated dialogue with people of man faiths, no faith, or somewhere in between. The Senator discussed her work on the Red Flag bill that she and her colleague, Rep. Melissa Sargent (D- Madison) introduced last week. The Red Flag Law would allow individuals or the police to petition the court to temporarily confiscate a weapon of an individual who may pose a threat to themselves or others. Currently over 15 states have enacted similar laws. A number of measures were discussed, as well, to include Universal Background Checks for firearm purchases.
Children's Hospital Vaping Awareness Conference
Over the past several months, health issues tied to vaping have become increasing nationwide. Wisconsin has been both critical in identifying the problem and reporting cases of impacted patients. The Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin was the first to discover that it was not pneumonia but a lung disease related to smoking e-cigarettes. Senator Taylor’s office was present at a meeting, with Wisconsin US Senator Tammy Baldwin and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin regarding the situation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports about 1300 cases, across 49 states. Early this year, Senator Taylor co-authored SB 73 and co-sponsored Assembly Bill 65 in order to restrict minors ability to buy vaping products. These bipartisan bills’ goal is to reduce the severe impact vaping is having on the health Wisconsin youth.
Survivor's Journey to Peace
As a part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, on Saturday, Senator Taylor gave a keynote at an event hosted by Survivor’s Journey to Peace. Survivor's Journey to Peace (SJTP) is a community targeted non-profit organization whose primary focus is providing all-inclusive services to the betterment of the society through its compact empowerment functionality to victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence. The mission of the organization is to create a healthy community that is free of violence, unified of peace and justice for the safety and well-being of every individual. The organizers hope to bring the community and interested stakeholders together to inspire and uplift those effected by domestic violence. If you or someone you know needs help regarding domestic abuse, click here or here.
HBCU College Fair
On Saturday, Senator Taylor and Rep. LaKeshia Myers will be hosting the Wisconsin Historically Black College and University (HBCU) & Tribal College Fair. Students came out to meet representatives from HBCU’s from across the country. Students who brought transcripts, were able to be considered for onsite admission. The college fair also provided important information on the FAFSA, scholarships, and pre-college programs for students. In addition, students and parents attended workshops on the NCAA Clearinghouse process, the HBCU Experience Discussion, and writing your personal statement for admission.
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.
The Deconstruction Ordinance that went into effect at the beginning of 2018 has been updated. Until March 1st 2020 the enforcement of the ordinance to deconstruct one-to-four unit structures will be stayed. The purpose of this ordinance was to reduce waste produced from demolitions and decrease landfill fees for taxpayers.
