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
Black Males in Education Roundtable
Senator Taylor started the week by attending the 8th Annual International Colloquium on Black Males in Education. The event was sponsored in part by the Wisconsin’s Equity & Inclusion Laboratory of the UW-Madison. Throughout the week, the colloquium hosted different workshops, panels and roundtable discussions on educational disparities faced by black men. Serving as a space to exchange ideas and perspectives concerning the global dynamics of Black males in the educational pipeline, participants were encouraged to share ideas and innovative practices in different disciplinary fields (e.g., history, sociology, and STEM)to positively impact the educational trajectories of Black males.
Senate Floor Session
Tuesday, Senator Taylor participated in the Senate Floor Session. A variety of bills and executive appointments were considered and voted upon. Perhaps most controversial was the appointment of Brad Pfaff, whom had already been serving for eleven months, as the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection Secretary. Governor Evers appointed Brad Pfaff nearly a year ago, and during Session all nineteen Republican Senators refused to confirm his appointment. Democrats supported Pfaff for his extensive background and resume of advocacy for Wisconsin farmers. This comes at a crucial time when rates of suicides have increased and the economic wellbeing of Wisconsin farmers is threatened. This was the first time in 30 years that a Governor’s appointment was not confirmed in the state.
Special Senate Session
Governor Evers called for a Special Senate Session to address gun violence on Thursday. Taylor was the co-author of one of the bills scheduled to be taken up in the session commonly known as the red flag law. In addition, a bill that would have expanded background checks was also set to be considered. Sadly, Senate Republicans gaveled in the session and closed it out in less than 30 seconds, never allowing debate or discussion of the bills. When more than 80% of the people support universal background checks and common sense measures like red flag laws, it is reprehensible that Republicans won’t even allow these bills to get to the floor for a vote.
Milwaukee Charter School of Excellence
Senator Taylor went to speak with the ninth grade students of Milwaukee Charter School of Excellence on Friday. She spoke of the importance of leadership and becoming a positive example for their peers. Taylor used her life experiences to show young Milwaukee students what’s possible when they put in the work and follow their dreams. As a part of the discussion, the Senator left each student with a blue book in hopes that they will gain a better understanding of Wisconsin’s government and how the legislature works.
Big, Beautiful & Blessed Fashion Show
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WDVA Woman Veteran of the Year
On Friday the Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs announced the Women Veteran of 2019 as Gundel Metz's. “Metz, a Madison resident, served on active duty in the Army for two decades (1975-1995), receiving numerous decorations, certificates, and accolades for her military service. Upon Metz’s retirement from the Army, she shifted toward a career in serving veterans in her community.” Senator Taylor and her staff are sending her a warm congratulations and thanks for all of her service.
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.
