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
Thanksgiving Dinners & Health Screenings
Senator Taylor and her team celebrated Milwaukee Health Service’s 8th annual Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway at Milwaukee’s Heritage Health Center. The event is hosted each year in order to give holiday food to assist community members. Free health screenings were also provided, to make sure that everyone is healthy and ready for the holiday season. Senator Taylor enjoyed meeting those who came, helping distribute food and promoting good health.
Senator Taylor’s Madison office will be closed Monday, November 25, through Friday, November 29, but don’t let that stop you from leaving us a message if there’s anything our office can assist you with. Happy Thanksgiving!
Equity and Inclusion Press Conference
Senator Taylor attended a press conference announcing the creation of the Office of Equity and Inclusion. Alongside Governor Evers, Representative Sheila Stubbs, and community leaders, Senator Taylor spoke to the importance of the new office, as well as the accompanying advisory committee. The executive order calls specifically for the addition of 5 employees to the Office of Equity and Inclusion, while simultaneously tasking other departments with the creation of new procedures and plans to promote diversity and reach out to a wider variety of candidates when it comes to filling department positions. Senator Taylor is thrilled to see concrete action being taken to make Wisconsin’s state government, a government for all Wisconsinites. For updates on job openings follow Senator Taylor on Facebook or Twitter.
Dear Black Voter: Your Voice, Your Vote, Your Count!
Teaming up with Rep. David Crowley, Sen. Taylor took part in an event hosted by Milwaukee Urban League of Young Professionals (MULYP) to highlight the importance of the upcoming 2020 census. The census is a snapshot of America that determines how congressional seats are apportioned, how state and federal dollars are distributed, where businesses choose to ship products and where they build new stores. Additionally, Senator Taylor discussed her current legislation goals with the MULYP members and community leaders, gathered input from the group on how we can all pitch in to bring growth and opportunity to Milwaukee, and listened to the concerns of the group.
Health and Healing Strategies
Racial trauma refers to the events of danger related to real or perceived experience of racial discrimination, threats of harm and injury. It’s an extremely important topic, but unfortunately, isn’t discussed nearly as often as it should be. In order to promote the conversation on racial trauma, Senator Taylor took part in a panel at Milwaukee’s Black Holocaust Museum to discuss this important issue. Senator Taylor’s comments addressed corrections reform, in particular the issues facing our juvenile facilities. This was an open discussion made to foster community and combat the social stigma of mental health while also finding a healing process.. If you’d like to know more about strategies to deal with trauma, visit https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319824.php#1 or contact our office.
DCF Listening Session
In order to learn more about the new administration and how they can best meet the needs of our constituency, Senator Taylor’s team attended the last listening session of the year by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The DCF hosted this open event together feedback on the Division of Milwaukee Child Protective Services' (DMCPS) case management services. DMCPS contracts are up for renewal. DMCPS has contracts with external organizations to carry out some of its child welfare functions, in particular case management service. Saint A’s and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Community Services are examples of some of these current organizations. If you or someone you know is looking for more information on DCF, DMCPS, or any affiliated organization, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.
Growing Opportunities Act Signed Into Law
The Growing Opportunities Act which Senator Taylor authored and introduced back in March alongside Senator Patrick Testin, will be signed by Governor Evers and enacted on Tuesday. Senator Taylor authored this bill in order to improve regulations in Wisconsin regarding hemp of many forms. Earlier in November the bill passed through both the Assembly and Senate with no opposition votes, now Senator Taylor is thrilled to see it entering its final stages. Industrial Hemp once played a crucial role in Wisconsin’s economy before being outlawed in 1937. Now, with the crop being legal again, Senator Taylor hopes to see Wisconsinites find their roots and embrace hemp cultivation and entrepreneurship as we did during the early years of our state’s history.
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.
