LARSON REPORT
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
May 24, 2012
CONTACT ME
Please feel free to contact me with any concerns or opinions you might
have.
Office Phone: (608) 266-7505
Toll-free Phone: (800) 361-5487
Email:
Mailing Address:
State Capitol
P.O. Box 7882
Madison, WI 53707
Web Site:
COMMUNITY
EVENTS
Supporting our
neighbors and being involved in our community is of the utmost
importance. Some community events that might be of interest to you and
your family are listed below.
Impossibly Common
Date: Now through Fri., June 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Milwaukee
Description:
Six students from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design have curated
an exhibit that pairs museum artifacts with artistic interpretations.
Part history lesson and part contemporary art exhibition, Impossibly
Common challenges the potential of art and objects. Working in varied
media, each artist has examined the relationship between the traditional
museum and art world context. The Milwaukee County Historical Society is
open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is $8 for
adults. Children under 12 are free.
CLICK HERE or call (414) 273-8288 for more information.
Milwaukee County (MAP)
Historical Society
910 N. Old World Third Street
Milwaukee, WI 53203
Cosmic Colors
Date: Now through Mon., July 30
Location: Milwaukee
Description:
Come take an
adventure along the spectrum through the world of color and beyond.
Discover why the sky is blue, why Mars is red, and the reason why many
things are the color that they are. Tour the interior of a plant leaf,
voyage through a human eye, then step into the invisible universe as you
investigate x-rays by taking on a monstrous black hole. Explore the
world of infrared in a roaring fire, and even discover what may have
been the actual color of a dinosaur.
CLICK HERE or call (414) 27-2702 for more information or to purchase
tickets.
Milwaukee Public Museum (MAP)
800 W. Wells Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Great Lakers:
Selections from the Great Lakes Marine Collection of the Milwaukee
Public Library
Date: Now through Mon., August 6
Location: Milwaukee
Description:
Stop by this exhibition, which features hand-selected pieces from the
collections of the Milwaukee Public Library, including paintings,
prints, photos, and ephemera from Great Lakes boats of the 19th and 20th
centuries. Works by such artists as Edmund Lewandowski, Robert von
Neumann, and Fritz Gerlach are displayed alongside photos and effects
from Great Lakers like the W.E. Fitzgerald, Edmund Fitzgerald,
Christopher Columbus, and Meteor, among others. This event is presented
by the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society. Tickets are $5 for adults
and $3 for seniors. Children and Milwaukee School of Engineering
students are admitted free of charge. The museum is open Monday through
Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from Noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday
from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
CLICK HERE for more information.
Grohmann Museum (MAP)
1000 N. Broadway Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
The Wisconsin Bike Challenge
Date: Now through Fri., August 31
Location: Anywhere
Description: The Wisconsin Bike Challenge is a free event that provides a fun and simple opportunity to promote wellness, team-building, and bicycling within your workplace. By participating in the Wisconsin Bike Challenge, you and your colleagues will easily and conveniently track your bicycle miles and trips for both transportation and recreation using the challenge Web site. Thanks to recent improvements, logging your miles will now take less than 30 seconds. There will also be incentives provided to encourage you and your co-workers to bike more. Every month, the National Bike Challenge partners will conduct a prize drawing. The more you bike, the greater your chances of winning. CLICK HERE for more information, to register, or to learn how to log miles.
The Weebles Coast-to-Coast Exhibit
Date: Now through Sun., September 16
Location: Milwaukee
Description: Children ages 4-10 will love this interactive
exhibit that takes visitors on a pretend road trip across the country
alongside everyone's favorite wobbling Weeble characters.
CLICK HERE or call (414) 390-5437 for more information.
Betty Brinn Children's Museum (MAP)
929 E. Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Milwaukee Trolley Loop
Date: Wed., May 30 through Sun., September 30
Location: Milwaukee
Description: All aboard the Milwaukee Trolley Loop. This ride
offers Milwaukeeans and visitors alike a connection to attractions and
summer activities throughout West Town, East Town, the Historic Third
Ward, Jazz in the Park, farm markets, and more. Two trolleys will
service the route to offer 20-minute headways at designated stops. One
complete loop is 40 minutes. Service will run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fare is $1 per person, round trip.
CLICK HERE or call (414) 562-RIDE for more information.
Bay View Gallery
Night
Date: Fri., June 1 at 5 p.m. through Sat., June 2 at 2 a.m.
Location: Bay View
Description: Spend a whole evening celebrating the Bay View community, and local Milwaukee art and music. There will be over 15 local businesses, 50 artists and 15 bands participating in the exciting event. CLICK HERE for more information, including a list of those participating.
South Shore Park Watch's Annual Bay View Plant Sale
Date: Sat.,
June 2 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Location: Bay View
Description:
Stop by to stock up on plants for the summer season at this annual
neighborhood event.
CLICK HERE for more information.
South Shore Park (MAP)
2900 South Shore Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53207
Laura's Smile Mile
Date: Sat., June 2, from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: Milwaukee
Description: Come participate in Laura's Smile Mile Run/Walk.
Proceeds will be donated to educate and advocate about ovarian cancer.
The Giggle Gallop, for children 8-years-old and younger, will take place
after the 5K Run/Walk. Prizes will be given to the top three male and
top three female finishers overall. The post- race party will include
refreshments, live entertainment, free door prizes, and an awards
ceremony held at Veterans Park. Registration for individuals is $25.
CLICK HERE for more information or to register.
Veterans Park (MAP)
1010 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Bay View Neighborhood Association's Plant Sale
Date: Sat., June 2 from Noon to 3 p.m.
Location: Bay View
Description:
Take advantage of neighborhood specials on annuals and perennials by
coming to the Bay View Neighborhood Association's annual plant sale. The
inexpensive plant sale will take place at the Humboldt Park Pavilion
from Noon until 3 p.m. Special thanks goes out to Lowe's for delivering
the beautiful plants for free.
CLICK HERE for more information.
Humboldt Park Pavilion (MAP)
3000 S. Howell Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53207
Spring on Brady
Date: Sat., June 2 from Noon to 4 p.m.
Location: Milwaukee
Description:
Fifteen merchants will be hosting live artists from painting and
sketching, to pottery and even puppy artistry. Begin your Art Walk at
The Nomad World Pub where you will pick up your punch card and even get
your picture taken in the live photo booth. From there, follow your map
to visit all of the live artists. Do not forget to take advantage of all
of the additional activities and specials at the shops up and down
Brady. Once your punch card is completed, drop it back off for a chance
to win prizes from our art-themed raffle. This event will also feature a
school supplies drive benefiting the Boys and Girls Club.
CLICK HERE for more information.
South Shore Park Watch's Spring Planting Day
Date: Sat., June 9 from 9 a.m. to Noon
Location: Bay View
Description: Help the South Shore Park Watch beautify our local South Shore Park by planting native wildflowers and grasses in the bluff restoration area. Meet at the trailhead near the playground. No tools or experience are necessary.
CLICK HERE for more information.
South Shore Park (MAP)
2900 South Shore Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53207
Dear Friend,
In honor of Memorial Day and National Police and EMS Week, this week's newsletter will focus on issues related to veterans and public safety.
As usual, please feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns or opinions you may have about our community or our state.
Sincerely,
Chris Larson
State Senator, District 7
Remembering Our Fallen Soldiers
Memorial Day is fast-approaching. Join
in honoring the brave men and women that fought for our country and died
to preserve our nation's freedom. There will be Memorial Day events
going on all through out Wisconsin this weekend. Below are just some of
the events that will be occurring in the Milwaukee area:
Milwaukee
Monday, May 28 at 2 p.m.
Attend Milwaukee's 126th annual Memorial Day Parade. The parade will feature a large number of groups including color guards, bands, marching units, vehicles, and VIP dignitaries. It will start at 4th Street and Wells Street proceeding east to the War Memorial Center.
Click here for more information.
Cudahy
Monday, May 28 at 11 a.m.
Cudahy will hold its annual Memorial Day ceremony at the War Memorial located at E. Layton Avenue and S. Lake Drive. Stop by to take part in remembering those who fought for us.
Oak Creek
Monday, May 28 at 9 a.m.
Join me in honoring our nation's veterans at this annual neighborhood event. The City of Oak Creek will hold this remembrance at Forest Hill Memorial Park located at 3301 E. Forest Hill Avenue.
South Milwaukee
Monday, May 28 at 10 a.m.
Join me and our neighbors in South Milwaukee at this annual event hosted by the South Milwaukee Veterans Council, Inc., a corporation of the five chartered Veteran Units in South Milwaukee: The American Legion, American Veterans, Catholic War Veterans, Polish Legion of American Veterans, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The event will begin with a parade originating at the corner of Manitoba and 13th Avenues and conclude with a ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Park on 10th Avenue.
St. Francis
Monday, May 28 at 8:30 a.m.
Wake-up early to stop by the St.
Francis War Memorial located at 4320 S. Nicholson Avenue for the city's
annual memorial day event.
Honoring Our Police and EMS
Like
Memorial Day, National Police Week and National Emergency Medical
Services Week also fall at the end of May. So, in addition to
remembering our soldiers, we should also take time to honor our police
and EMS professionals who also work hard to keep us safe here at home.
Members of law enforcement and EMS professionals play a vital role in safeguarding the rights, freedoms, safety, and health of our citizens. Therefore, it is important that we understand and appreciate the responsibilities, hazards, and sacrifices these brave men and women make each and every day on our behalf.
Remember to take a moment to thank your local law enforcement and EMS officials for all that they do to increase public safety in our community.
Legislation Initiatives for Our Veterans
While many policies related to how we
treat and revere our veterans are addressed at the federal level, the
Wisconsin State Legislature worked hard this session to protect and
improve the opportunities of our local heroes. Below are just some of the bills
we supported in order to stand up for our veterans living in Wisconsin:
Jobs for Unemployed, Disabled Veterans
I was honored to support a bill, Senate Bill 369, to encourage employers to hire our disabled veterans through tax credits. The aim of these tax credits is to not only inspire employers to hire disabled veterans, but also incentivize long-term employment. This is the least we can do for those who sacrificed to protect our freedoms. This legislation passed unanimously in both houses and was signed into law by the governor as 2011 Wisconsin Act 212 on April 4, 2012.
Click here to view a copy of 2011 Wisconsin Act 212.
Allowing the Use of Veterans Cards When Voting
Recently, a Dane County Circuit Court
Judge issued a temporary injunction on Wisconsin's new law requiring
voters to show a photo ID. As you may know, the challenged law, which is
one of the strictest in the country, would require Wisconsin voters to
show photo identification when deciding to exercise this right. One form
of identification that remains notably absent from the list of
acceptable forms of photo identification are veteran ID cards. Democrats
attempted to correct this issue during the debate on this bill by
authoring an amendment that would allow veterans ID cards to be used by
voters as proof of identification. Unfortunately, this amendment was
rejected without consideration.
I heard from some of our neighbors after the primary election in
February who were upset that even though they fought hard to protect our
democratic right to vote, they were not allowed to use a veterans ID
card as proof of identification for voting purposes. In order to correct
this injustice, I co-sponsored Senate Bill 553, legislation that would
have added veterans cards to the list of acceptable forms of
identification that can be presented when voting. Veteran Affairs Cards
are issued by the Veterans Health Administration of the United States
Department of Veterans Affairs. These cards contain both a name and
photo of the individual. While this bill did not pass before the
Legislature concluded its 2011-2012 session, I will continue doing what
I can to encourage the passage of similar legislation when the next
legislative session begins in January of 2013.
Click here to view a copy of Assembly Bill 7.
Click here to view a copy of Senate Bill 553.
Limiting Fees Applied to Our Veterans
This session I supported the passage of Senate Bill 338, legislation to allow the Department of Veterans Affairs and other service agencies to work together and establish a program to grant fee waivers to qualified veterans and service members applying for professional or occupational licenses.
Veterans leaving the service have a multitude of choices when determining where to locate their families and possibly their new businesses. This legislation will help promote Wisconsin as a veteran-friendly state to live, and encourage veterans to plant their family and business roots in here. This is also another way to honor our current Wisconsin veterans. Senate Bill 338 passed the Senate unanimously and the Assembly with a vote of 93-1. It was then signed into law by the governor as 2011 Wisconsin Act 209 on April 4, 2012.
Click here to view a copy of 2011 Wisconsin Act 209.
Improving Public Safety
Our
police and EMS professionals play a vital role in keeping our community safe. This
legislative session I worked hard to further legislation aimed at the
safety for those serving to protect us as well as our neighbors across
Wisconsin. Below are just some of the legislative initiatives I supported
to increase public safety:
Strengthening Our Drunk Driving Laws
This session I authored Senate Bill 320, legislation to strengthen our state’s drunk driving laws through increased use of ignition interlock devices. In the past, the solution has simply been to temporarily take away the driver’s licenses of convicted drunk drivers. However, DOT estimates for 2010 show that of the more than 32,000 people convicted of driving drunk in Wisconsin, nearly 32% were repeat offenders.
Ignition interlock devices force offenders to change their behavior by separating drinking from driving as individuals with this device installed will be prevented from starting their vehicle if their blood alcohol content is above .02. Despite receiving bipartisan support in the Legislature, this legislation was not scheduled for a floor vote before session ended in March. I will continue working to make our roads safer by introducing revised legislation next session.
Click here to view a copy of Senate Bill 320.
Saving Money by Decreasing False Reporting
This session I was happy to support Assembly Bill 149, legislation to increase the financial penalty for those who knowingly report an emergency that does not exist. Under this bill, a person who intentionally calls 911 to file a false report for a first offense will be fined between $100 and $600, imprisoned not more than 90 days, or both. Assembly Bill 149 passed the Senate and Assembly unanimously and was signed into law by the governor on April 9, 2012, as 2011 Wisconsin Act 275.
This legislation will help to ensure that our highly valued police, firefighters, and EMS professionals are available to respond to legitimate emergencies. Additionally, Governor Walker's budget left our local governments strapped for cash after massive cuts to areas including education, public transit, and shared revenue. This legislation will help to safeguard our precious local funds by guaranteeing that they are reserved for real emergencies and not discarded on imaginary ones.
Click here to view a copy of 2011 Wisconsin Act 275.
Taking Care of Those Left Behind
In the Senate Committee on Insurance and Housing, of which I am a member, we took up Senate Bill 18, legislation that would require the state or local municipalities to continue to pay health insurance premiums for the surviving spouses and children of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. The obligation would be covered until the surviving spouse remarries or turns 65, and when a dependent child turns 18 (unless the child is a student, then up to age 27). Similar legislation related to fire fighters passed in the 2009-2010 Legislative Session. This is the least we can do to provide support for the surviving family members of individuals that sacrificed their lives for our safety.
Unfortunately, while this bill passed the Senate Committee on Insurance and Housing and the full Senate unanimously in May 2011, it did not progress through the Assembly before the legislative session ended in April 2012. However, I look forward to supporting this bill again if it is reintroduced when the 2012-2013 Legislative Session begins in January.
Click here to view a copy of Senate Bill 18.
Ask Chris
I often have neighbors contact me looking for my perspective on various local and state issues. I very much appreciate our neighbors' questions and want to dedicate a portion of my newsletter to common questions that I hear to maintain an open dialogue. Please continue reading for this week's question.
Q: I am a returning veteran looking to start my own business. Are there any resources out there to help me?
A: A great, new resource for veterans interested in entrepreneurship is the VETransfer program. Launched in March 2011, Veteran Entrepreneurial Transfer, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit business accelerator founded by veterans and entrepreneurs to provide resources and support to other veterans to teach them how to be successful in starting their own business.
The services offered by VETransfer include advising in the areas of:
-
Executive Management
-
Marketing and Sales
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Operations and Project Management
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Finance and Accounting
-
Legal
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Information Technology
Each company that applies is reviewed based on their business idea or the current state of their business. In addition, their level of knowledge and understanding of running a business will be reviewed through an interview with VETransfer's executive team.
Accepted veterans will be part of a training program with the goal of launching their own business and graduating from the accelerator. Each graduated company will continue to receive mentoring and coaching from VETransfer to ensure that their company stays on course to succeed.
Click here or call (414) 502-8387 for more information or to apply for the VETransfer program.
Did You Know...
Raising
the Flag on Iwo Jima is a historic photograph taken on February 23,
1945, by Joe Rosenthal. It depicts five U.S. Marines and a U.S. Navy
corpsman raising the flag of the United States on Mount Suribachi during
the World War II Battle of Iwo Jima. But did you know that one of the
six soldiers pictured in the famous image is from Wisconsin? John
Bradley of Antigo.
Picture: John Bradley is the second person from the right whose whole body is in view.
Resources for Wisconsin's Veterans
To help assist our veterans after returning from combat, federal, state, county, and local governments offer a number of resources ranging from health care assistance, locating jobs, finding housing, and crisis support. If you or someone you know is a veteran and would like to take advantage of some of these opportunities, please continue reading for a listing of some of the programs available in Wisconsin.
Employment Assistance – Local
Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVERs)
LVERs provide assistance to veterans in need of employment. They work to
identify training and employment opportunities and advocate on behalf of
veterans to ensure they receive the opportunities and services for
which they are entitled and eligible. Program information is
provided below:
Milwaukee Job Center, South East (MAP)
2701 S. Chase Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53207
Greg Williams
Phone: (414) 389-6293
Email:
greg.williams@dwd.wisconsin.gov
Juan Torres
Phone: (414) 389-6654
Email:
juan.torres@dwd.wisconsin.gov
Click here for more information.
Health Care and Mental Health Services – Milwaukee VA Medical Center
In an effort to improve veterans’ health, The Milwaukee VA Medical
Center offers a variety of services for veterans in need. Services are
offered for mental health care, rehabilitation services, primary care,
women’s health, palliative care, social work, and more. Program
information is provided below:
5000 West National Avenue (MAP)
Milwaukee, WI 53295-1000
Phone: (414) 384-2000
The Milwaukee VA Medical Center also provides programs for veterans
living with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
PTSD Domiciliary Intensive/Inpatient
Catherine DeYoung (414) 384-2000, ext. 41986
PTSD Clinical Team Outpatient
Karen J. Berte, Ph.D. (414) 384-2000, ext. 41669
Click here for more information.
Center for Veterans Issues – Programs and Resources for a Variety of
Services
The Center for Veterans Issues works to help veterans with issues that
can often affect their lives at one time or another. Their programs and
services help veterans address issues such as substance abuse,
disability, financial management and literacy, family troubles, poverty,
housing, and more.
Click here for more information, including a list of locations.
Crisis Support
Sometimes, veterans are in need of support during a time of crisis.
Whether you are a veteran dealing with anxiety, sleeplessness,
depression, or anger, the Veterans Crisis Line hotline responders can
offer support. Feel free to call, text, or even chat online.
Phone: 1-800-273-8255
Text: 838255
Click here for more information.
Jobs Numbers are Out
Despite desperate political posturing, the real jobs numbers are out and show Wisconsin continues to lag behind the nation in job creation. According to the Department of Workforce Development, Wisconsin lost a total of 6,200 private sector jobs during the month of April. The numbers don't lie. Clearly, current policies put in place by the Governor and Republican legislators are not working.
Click here to view Wisconsin's numbers for April 2012.
Remember to Vote on Tuesday, June 5
Wisconsin's
Summer Elections are fast-approaching. Remember the polls are open on
Tuesday, June 5 from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m., and Wisconsin residents may
register on Election Day at their polling location. You will not need to
present a valid photo ID since that requirement has been temporarily
suspended until the court rules on its constitutionality.
Click here for additional information on registration and voting
procedures in Wisconsin.
A study done by George Mason University examining voter turnout, ranked
Wisconsin among the top five states with the highest voter turnout. It
is important that we continue this proud tradition and participate in
the electoral process.
May is Stroke Awareness Month
May
is stroke awareness month. A stroke is a disease that affects the
arteries leading to and within the brain. According to the American
Stroke Association, stroke is the number four killer in the U.S. and a
leading cause of disability. Stroke does not discriminate as it affects
people of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds. On average, a stroke
happens about once every 40 seconds in the United States.
The most important factor in minimizing the effects of a stroke is time. The longer someone suffering a stroke takes to get treatment, the more damage their brain endures. To help treat a stroke, a patient can be given a clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). This drug may reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke. However, this medication can only be administered within three hours of stroke symptom onset. Therefore, it is important to know the symptoms and how to test for a stroke. Remember that a stroke is a medical emergency, so if you think you or someone is having a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately. Also, be sure to keep track of the time the symptoms started so that physicians can determine if tPA can be administered.
Everyone should know the warning signs of a stroke to better help
themselves, their friends, or their family should they experience a
stroke. Warning signs include:
-
Sudden numbness or weakness in the arms, legs, or face especially on one side of the body
-
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding
-
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
-
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
-
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Another easy way to remember the signs of
stroke, and what to do, is by the acronym “F.A.S.T.” If you think you or
someone else is having a stroke, follow the National Stroke
Association’s F.A.S.T. test:
(F)ACE. Ask the person to smile to see if one side of the face droops.
(A)RMS. Ask the person to raise both arms. See if one arm drifts
downward.
(S)PEECH. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Check to see if
words are slurred and if the sentence is repeated correctly.
(T)IME. If a person shows any of these symptoms, time is essential.
There are some easy things that you can do to reduce your risk of
stroke. For example, the leading risk factor of stroke is high blood
pressure, therefore it is important to get regular medical check-ups
that includes a blood pressure test. Reducing sodium in your diet and
committing to regular physical activity can also help reduce your chance
of having a stroke.
Community Farmer's Markets
Support
our local economy this summer by frequenting one of Wisconsin's many
farmer's markets. According to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture,
Trade, and Consumer Protection, there are many benefits to buying local
for producers and consumers alike, including:
-
Strengthens Our Local Economy – Buying locally increases employment, attracts businesses to the area and ensures more money stays within our own community.
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Supports Family Farms – The number of family farms in Wisconsin are decreasing. We need to keep these local farmers in business so that we preserve Wisconsin's rural landscape and farming tradition.
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Fresher Food – Local food is fresher than food shipped from other states and countries. Additionally, locally grown foods tend to contain fewer pesticides.
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Decreases Farm to Table Distance – On average food travels 1,500 miles to reach a consumer’s plate. Decreasing food miles lessens the impact on the environment and our dependence on oil.
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Enhances Connection Between Producer and Consumer – Buying locally provides consumers the opportunity to connect with businesses and learn more about their growing and management practices.
Wisconsin is home to plenty of farmer's markets that can be found all across the state. We are fortunate to have many of them located right here in our community. Please see the list below to find a farmer's market near you:
Howell Avenue Farmers Market
Date: July through October
Time: Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to Noon
Location: US Bank at 4015 S. Howell Avenue in Milwaukee
East Town Market
Date: June 2 through October 6
Time: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Cathedral Square Park located at Kilbourn and N. Jefferson in Milwaukee
Click here or call (414) 271-1416 for more information.
East Side Green Market
Date: June 16 through October 13
Time: Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Beans & Barley parking lot
located at 1901 East North Avenue in Milwaukee
Click here or call
(414) 272-5823 for more information.
South Shore Farmers Market
Date: June 16 through October 13 (except July 14)
Time: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to Noon
Location: 2900 South Shore Drive in Milwaukee
Click here or for more information.
Cudahy Farmers Market
Date: May to November
Time: Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location Info: Municipal Parking Lot at 4700 S. Packard Avenue in Cudahy
South Milwaukee Downtown Market
Date: May 24 through October 11
Time: Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Milwaukee & 11th Avenue in
South Milwaukee
Click here or call (414) 704-6622 for more information.
Riverwest Garden Market
Date: June 17 through October 29
Time: Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Garden Park located at the
corner of Locust and Bremen Streets in Milwaukee
Click here or call
(414) 367-9389 for more information.
IDs for Voting Temporarily on Hold
The
Dane County Circuit Court issued an injunction against 2011 Wisconsin
Act 23, a newly implemented law
requiring voters to show a valid ID for voting purposes. As a
result, this law will temporarily be suspended and voters will not be
required to show and ID when voting for the time being, including in the
upcoming April elections. This ruling, however, is subject to change based on
pending challenges to Judge Flanagan’s ruling in the Wisconsin Court of
Appeals.
It was stated in the ruling that 2011 Wisconsin Act 23 carried a severe
risk of disenfranchising voters and was suspended based on the vital
public interest at stake in allowing full participation in elections. A
determination on the constitutionality of the bill has yet to be made.
As this ruling is not final, I will be careful to keep you updated on
any changes regarding implementation of 2011 Wisconsin Act 23.
Neighborhood Survey Available
I created a survey asking about various issues that are
important to our community and our state. The input of neighbors is
greatly appreciated.
Click here to download and print a copy of this survey, which you can
return to my office via mail, email, or fax upon completion.
Click here to save a stamp and take the survey online.
I look forward to hearing your views on these important issues!