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
Executive Residence Meeting
Senator Taylor had the pleasure of continuing her ongoing conversation regarding criminal justice reform with Governor Evers and other state executives this Tuesday. The group discussed types of legislative changes that would have the most beneficial and immediate impact on the state’s correctional system. Most recently, Senator Taylor lead the charge to restore voting rights for former felons with her Unlock the Vote legislation (SB 477), as well as to combat employment discrimination through the Ban the Box efforts (SB 421). The Senator is looking forward to future dialogues, as well as to turning those conversations into action.
Child Victim's Act Interview
The Child Victims Act (SB 381) remains one of Senator Taylor’s legislative priorities, so she was thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with Haley BeMiller of the Green Bay Press Gazette on Tuesday about the bill. This legislation would remove the statute of limitations for sexual assault that occurs during childhood, because, as Senator Taylor stated, “there should be no expiration date on justice.” Taylor first introduced the bill in late August, and it is currently awaiting a public hearing before the Senate Committee on Insurance, Financial Services, Government Oversight and Courts. The Senator is a firm believer that, although there are a number of reasons victims find it difficult to come forward about past assaults, our laws should never be one of them. She will continue to advocate for the rights of victims, and was glad to discuss these efforts with a member of the press.
State Lead Conference
Lead contamination continues to be a startling and pressing issue for the people of Milwaukee, and the response from some city officials has been alarmingly inappropriate. Senator Taylor supports the community stakeholders that spoke about the dire need for action at a press conference held at Milwaukee’s City Hall on Friday afternoon. There is absolutely no level of lead consumption that is healthy. Studies have shown that prevalence of lead in Milwaukee is 4 times higher than in Flint, Michigan. However, although the widespread occurrence of this toxin puts scores of people in serious danger (especially children and low-income families), the City of Milwaukee has cut its funding for lead abatement programs in half over the past decade. Senator Taylor has been fighting to resolve this terrible issue for years, most recently by throwing her support behind a series of bills aimed at promoting lead testing in educational facilities and offering solutions for remedying the presence of lead. Taylor supports the call for accountability on this crucial issue.
Linking All Women
A brunch with Linking All Women kicks off Senator Taylor’s weekend. The event will feature speakers from all walks of life, on hand to discuss a variety of topics. Everything from health and wellness, education, community, spirituality and culture will be on the table for the women and girls, in attendance. Linking All Women is a news and media organization that inspires women from across the generations through storytelling. The event is intended to provide a day of intergenerational unity discussion and engagement.
Mildred Harpole
This weekend marks the funeral and celebration of life for a vital and legendary Milwaukeean. Mildred Harpole, a trailblazing activist for fair housing, access to quality education, and a shining example for community engagement and activism, passed away on October 24th at the age of 84. From her time as a Marquette University student to her various roles in public service, Harpole’s extensive work saw her influence a wide array of crucial issues in Milwaukee, from integration in the public school system to equal housing and the empowerment of African American women. As the first African-American to earn a law degree in the city of Milwaukee, this trailblazer help found more than 50 programs and organizations. Although Milwaukee mourns the passing of this powerhouse activist, there may be no better way to preserve her legacy that to continue to push the moral arc of the community towards, justice, equality, and harmony. Funeral services will be held at 12:30p.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at the St. Francis of Assisi Church.
Community Action Alerts
Health Insurance Open Enrollment
November 1st through December 15th health insurance coverage selection for the year of 2020 will be available at Healthcare.gov during the open enrollment period. Health Insurance is an important service that unfortunately can be confusing to navigate. Fortunately Wisconsin’s Department of Health and Services has launched a campaign in an effort to make sure all Wisconsinites are covered. The campaign has pooled together resources to help make understanding different health care options available to you easier.
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.
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.
“A day of peace and sharing can lead to greater understanding and cooperation among political parties, faith groups, and people of different races and economic class.” - John Conyers
