LARSON REPORT
NEWSLETTER
February 9, 2017
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:
Sen.Larson@legis.wi.gov
Mailing Address:
State Capitol
P.O. Box 7882
Madison, WI 53707
Website:
Find Me on Facebook and Twitter:
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.
City Forestry to
offer Workshop on Tree Pruning Techniques
Date: February 11 from 10 a.m. to 1p.m.
Location: Oak Creek
Description:
Workshop will consist of classroom instruction followed by in-field
demonstration (no hands-on participation). Course will focus on pruning
assessment and techniques for homeowners.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Oak Creek Park Division
(MAP)
800 W Puetz Rd
Oak Creek, WI 53154
Woman Up!
Date: Saturday, February 11, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Milwaukee
Description:
The Shepherd Express is dedicated to empowering women of all
generations to achieve both personal and professional goals. Join them
for their 4th Annual Woman Up! presented by Aurora Health Care for a day
that celebrates YOU! Mingle with over 250 vendors, sample delicious
foods and drinks from a variety of Milwaukee's finest restaurants,
chocolatiers and wineries, watch expert presentations in Health and
Wellness, DIY, Finance, Fitness and more! Enjoy a fashion show hosted by
Milwaukee Fashion Week that will feature local designers, models and
stylists..
CLICK HERE for more information.
Wisconsin State Fair Park Expo Center
(MAP)
640 S 84th St
Milwaukee, WI 53214
Knightwind Ensemble
Winter Concert: The Big Apple
Date: Sunday, February 12, 3 p.m.
Location: South Milwaukee
Description: The Knightwind Ensemble has been performing for
Milwaukee (WI) audiences for over six decades. Beginning in 1956 as a
youth activity sponsored by the Milwaukee Elks Lodge No. 46, the group
has evolved into Milwaukee's premier adult wind band. Presenting
substantive and challenging programs, the Knightwind Ensemble
continually strives to bring high quality concert experiences to its
audiences.
CLICK HERE for more information.
South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center
(MAP)
901 15th Avenue
South Milwaukee, WI 53172
Stars Under African
Skies (III)
Date: February 15, from 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Location: Milwaukee
Description: Take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily
life to appreciate the stars! The second of a series of talks showing
the beauty of the night sky from different parts of Africa, a continent
that spans from 30 N to 30 S.
For more information, contact Jean Creighton, UWM Planetarium:
414-229-496. Sponsored by the UWM Planetarium, Union Sociocultural
Programming, the Department of Africology and the Black Cultural Center.
CLICK HERE for more information.
UW-Milwaukee Manfred Olson Planetarium
(MAP)
1900 E Kenwood Blvd
Milwaukee, WI 53211
20th anniversary of the Festival of Films in French
Date: Friday, Feb. 17 to Sunday, Feb. 26
Location: Milwaukee
Description: To mark the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the
Festival of Films in French, the UWM French program is proud to be
screening a special selection of 20 films. Journeys through time and
space comprise the central theme of this year's festival, obeying the
Baudelairian injunction of Germaine Dulac's impressionist silent film
L'invitation au voyage.
CLICK HERE for more information.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Union Theatre
(MAP)
2200 East Kenwood Blvd.
Milwaukee, WI 53211
Family Workshop
Date: February 18 from 4 p.m. to 5pm
Location: Milwaukee
Description:
Recommended for family members and children ages 4+
We're taking it back to the cool days of of Rock 'n Roll for a 50's
style dance party! Learn the Stroll and how to Twist the night away!
$20 per family (up to 6 family members)
CLICK HERE for more information.
Danceworks, Inc.
1661 N. Water Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
School Day Off Workshops
Date: February 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Milwaukee
Description:
Get creative, and make a day off of school an imaginative experience!
Appropriate for children ages 5-10, Danceworks' School Day Off.
CLICK HERE for more information.
Danceworks, Inc.
(MAP)
1661 N. Water Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Adventures in African American History at Bay View
Date: February 20, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Bay View
Description:
Learn about Black History while creating a piece of keepsake art. Bring
something you want to incorporate into your collage or use materials
provided. Enjoy prizes and snacks, too! Children ages 7-18 and their
families are welcome. Presented by Blk-Art, History & Culture.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Milwaukee Public Library Bay View Branch
(MAP)
2566 S Kinnickinnic Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53207
15th annual Local Farmer Open House
Date: Saturday March 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Milwaukee
Description: Know your farmer. Know your food. This event is your
once-a-year opportunity to talk with local farmers, hear about their
growing practices, and learn about their Community Supported Agriculture
(CSA) subscription options. Sign up to get local deliveries of boxes of
farm-fresh healthful produce and more. Explore the benefits of
convenient Workplace CSA deliveries. Buy lunch, visit the resource
table, or take a workshop. CLICK HERE fore more information.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Urban Ecology Center at Riverside Park
(MAP)
1500 E Park Pl, Milwaukee, WI 53211
Dear Wisconsin Neighbor,
Many of you have contacting me looking for ways to get more involved in advocating for our shared values. I am inspired to see so many of my family, friends, and neighbors finding opportunities to organize and mobilize. This has extended beyond the initial marches nationally and globally. In fact, just this week I had the opportunity to speak with and listen to people from all across Wisconsin who came to the Capitol to share their water quality concerns. I was also able to provide tips on successful advocacy.
If you are one of those interested in amplifying your voice and making a larger impact, I have included some of my top ten advocacy tips below. Additionally, here in Wisconsin we are entering the state budget process. The budget is a document that should reflect our Wisconsin values, which means it's critical for our neighbors like you to voice your opinions and concerns.
In Service,
Chris Larson
State Senator, District 7
On Saturday, January 21, women, men, and children locally, nationally, and across the globe organized in support of equality and fairness. The marches held in countless communities symbolized the widespread dissatisfaction the illegitimate and dangerous direction of President Donald Trump and his GOP allies.
In
Madison, an estimated 75,000 to 100,000 people came together. In
Washington D.C. the New York Times reports 470,000 people
attended the Women's March on Washington -- three times more than those
who came to attend Trump's inauguration. This was a clear reminder that
many of our neighbors do not support Trump's dangerous and hateful
rhetoric that has only ballooned since he took office.
As National Public Radio (NPR) stated in a recent article, "President Trump's first two weeks in office have been a sprint, not the start of a marathon." This has so far included a firestorm of blatant lies (see: alternative facts) as well as dangerous and irresponsible policies pushed by the new president. From directing Homeland Security to withhold federal funds from sanctuary cities to signing an executive order banning travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries, these actions left little time for public scrutiny.
This is not how government should
operate. It is important to ensure that you, your neighbors, and those
across the United States have a voice at all levels of government, and
we must work together to make sure that happens.
What's Next?
As others have importantly
stated, we must continue the momentum seen on January 21. We must
continue to challenge and hold accountable our elected officials.
The malignant actions of President
Trump have continued to carry toxic rhetoric into our communities. It is
during these dark times in our history that it is especially important
to advocate for what we believe in and hold those responsible
accountable. With every new scheme by the Trump administration, our
future opportunities are less, making it even more vital to stand up now
and make our voices heard.
Over the last couple of weeks, I've heard from many of you eagerly
looking for ways to advocate, organize, and get involved. I am inspired
by the many neighbors in our community and across Wisconsin who are
finding themselves motivated and determined to stand side-by-side with
those targeted for alienation.
If we continue to be diligent
and work together, we will ensure the voice of the majority, who hold
our shared values, are heard. This can seem like an overwhelming
task to some. You may be wondering, "does my voice matter?" or
"how can I be an effective advocate?." Your voice does matter, and
there are simple tips you can keep in mind to get your message to your
elected officials in a clear, concise, and effective way.
Here are my
Top Ten Tips for Successful Advocacy:
1.) Know your local, state, and federal elected officials.
If you are not sure who they are, you can look them up,
here. Also, remember that these individuals were elected to
represent you -- your views are important to them.
2.) Be polite, patient, and
persistent. Change takes time, and often longer than we'd like. Even
in the face of frustration, good old Wisconsin persistent patience can
get things done.
3.) Pick a contact method, provide adequate information.
You can get in touch with your representatives in a variety of different
ways, such as phone, email, letter, and visiting their office. Remember
to always provide your name, address, and phone number when contacting
your representative.
4.) Have your message prepared. When contacting your
legislator, you may find it helpful to write down your main points in
order to get them across clearly. If you are providing facts to back up
your position, be sure to use a reputable source and have that
information included in your communication or on hand if asked about it.
Also, if there is a specific bill you are contacting your legislator
about, be sure to have the bill number.
5.) Put a face to the policy -- tell your story! If you are
personally affected by a policy change or proposal, let them know how it
has impacted your life. Legislators will often use stories as a way to
understand and share the real-life impact a particular issue will have
on their community when discussing it with their colleagues.
6.) Have a goal and an ask. Have a goal in mind and share
it with your elected official. This helps your representative know
exactly what you want to achieve. Likewise, always ask for a
response or specific action step.
7.) Build a positive relationship with your elected officials and
their staff. Reach out to them not only to voice your concerns, but
also to show support for their views and actions. Also, on many
occasions, your representative may be in the community attending
meetings or be in committee hearings. This means you may talk to or meet
with staff. Keep in mind that legislative staff help your representative
to stay up-to-date on the many important issues that arise, making them
an integral part of your advocacy.
8.) Stay informed. Be engaged. Know when legislation you
care about is getting a public hearing and attend it if you can.
Similarly, if your elected officials have newsletters or are on social
media, be sure to follow them/sign up. This will keep you updated on
their positions on issues as well as what they are working on.
9.) Connect with others. Find or form groups with
individuals who have similar interests and views. This will help you
share information and have a larger impact. Also, Wisconsin has no
shortage of nonprofit advocacy groups working hard every day to fight
for our shared values. Part of this work involves organizing people in
our communities and connecting them to their legislators on specific
issues. Reach out to local organizations and ask them how to get
involved!
10.) Pass it on. Share what you know with others to spread awareness. Talk to those beyond your immediate circle to build broader public support. If change is going to happen, you must get your neighbors to know what's at stake.
When people are able to work collectively, they are more likely to combat injustices that are present in their communities. By standing up for justice and dignity, there is hope for the future of the United States -- further empowered by the support that has been seen across the world.
Opportunities for
Advocacy
While there are many
important issues currently being talked about on the federal level,
there are also vital advocacy opportunities closer to home.
For
instance, on Wednesday, February 8, Governor Walker gave his budget
address. What we saw from the governor was a feeble attempt at a
political deathbed conversion. Walker begged for applause during his
address, but legislators, like Wisconsinites, are not fooled by a state
budget that continues the same pattern of false promises, cherry-picked
math, and irresponsible priorities. Walker and legislative Republicans
have started another budget that favors wealthy campaign donors over our
children.
Every two years, the state budget sets how state government will be
spending our hard-earned money, and impacts many facets of our lives.
Every time you turn the faucet on, drive down the street, or make a
purchase, you are interacting with the state budget. This means that
during the next few months there will be a need for organized,
effective advocacy on a variety of issues that directly impact each and
every one of us.
The state's budget committee, the Joint Committee on Finance will hold
agency briefings during the next couple of months. Then, in mid-to-late
March, the committee will typically hold public hearings throughout the
state. This is a great opportunity for community members to voice
their concerns about specific budget provisions. As we continue to
learn more about the governor's proposal and ways to have your voice
heard, I will keep you updated on Facebook and via the newsletter.
About those
Education Headlines you are Seeing...
At first glance, it is clear that after years of intentional
underfunding Walker's budget does little to close the gaps he has
created in things like education. In fact, since Walker took office, the
K-12 education funding gap has steadily increased. Adjusting for
inflation, the governor's reluctant education funding presented in
this budget still doesn't return our K-12 education funding to 2010-2011
levels.
Our dedicated teachers have struggled and sacrificed to offer our children educational opportunities under Walker's anti-education agenda, and our neighbors, students, and teachers are still waiting for him to close the values gap he created. If we truly want our children to thrive and grow, we must return to our traditional Wisconsin commitment to fully investing in education.
Voicing our
Budget Priorities
Many of our neighbors took
the opportunity on Wednesday, before, during, and after the governor's
budget address, to advocate for some of our shared Wisconsin values.
For instance, freshwater advocates organized a Citizens' Water Lobby Day and supporters of Planned Parenthood lined the halls of the Capitol in support of reproductive freedom and access to health care.
At Citizens' Water Lobby Day, I had the opportunity to greet those involved, talk with group participants, and assist with the "mini boot camp" that was held to help folks become effective advocates on issues important to safeguarding our lands and waters.
During the Planned Parenthood "Pink Out the Capitol" advocates visited legislative offices in support of LRB 1506, which reinstates funding for Planned Parenthood and other health centers providing comprehensive family planning services and women's health services. Reductions in funding by the governor and legislative Republicans in recent years contributed to the closure of five rural health centers that provided life-saving health services to Wisconsin women. This well-attended event served as a strong reminder that Wisconsin women need access to vital, life-saving reproductive health care.
Standing for our
American and Wisconsin Values
I'm inspired by the engagement seen by my fellow neighbors. My
Democratic colleagues and I have also been working hard to fight back
against the hateful and discriminatory rhetoric being pushed by
President Trump, Governor Walker, Speaker Ryan, and their followers.
Just
last week, I spoke at Milwaukee City Hall along with Representative
Brostoff and leaders in the Muslim community to push back against the
opportunistic and dangerous rhetoric by President Trump, his
administration, and a sickening number of his fellow Republicans.
Because of this rhetoric, our Arab and Muslim neighbors and those
perceived as Muslims, have increasingly become the target of acts of
violence and hate-speech. In fact, the FBI reported a 67% increase in
assaults against Muslims in the United States in 2015.
Here at home, we can stand up against the attempts by Trump and his
followers to dehumanize our neighbors by standing arm-in-arm with them.
Trump and his allies may seek to divide us against each other, one group
of neighbors at a time. We will avoid those dark ends of where this
could lead by avoiding these dark beginnings. That's why Representative
Brostoff and I held an event to denounce Islamophobia and hate and
introduced the Anti-Hate Joint Resolution.
This event was streamed on Facebook, you can watch the video, here.
Specifically, here's what the Anti-Hate Joint Resolution (LRB 1143)
does four commonsense things:
1) Condemns Islamophobia and all hateful speech and violent action directed at Muslims, those perceived to be Muslims, immigrants, and people of color.
2) Categorically rejects political tactics that use fear to manipulate voters or to gain power or influence.
3) Commits to pursuing a
policy agenda that affirms civil and human rights and ensures that those targeted on the basis of race, religion, or immigration status can turn to their government without fear of recrimination.
4) Reaffirms the value of a pluralistic society, the beauty of a culture composed of multiple cultures, and the inalienable right of every person to live and practice his or her faith without fear.
Over a hundred of our neighbors joined us at the announcement. Additionally, over 500 people from across the state have already signed the petition in support of the resolution. The petition is being spread online at www.ResistHateWI.com. Despite this strong support, no Republican legislators chose to sign on as co-sponsors of the legislation, ignoring this critical opportunity to stand up against hate and Islamophobia.
The actions -- and inactions -- by Trump and Wisconsin Republicans make our country weaker, not stronger. I will continue to stand against hatred and am hoping you will join me.
If you haven't already, you can sign onto the Anti-Hate Joint Resolution petition, here.
Championing
Reproductive Freedom
In addition to the
Anti-Hate Joint Resolution, my colleagues and I introduced the Abortion
is Health Care Resolution.
One
in three women will terminate a pregnancy at some point in her
reproductive years. As one of the safest medical procedures,
complications occur less than 1% of the time. Despite the safety of the
procedure, it remains inaccessible to millions of women across our
country. In fact, over the last three decades, there has been a 40%
reduction in available health centers.
Abortion should be made affordable and accessible for all women,
regardless of state or county or zip code. Legislators must recognize
that abortion is an essential aspect of ensuring a woman's overall
health: physically, psychologically, and socioeconomically.
This Joint Resolution, would affirm that the Legislature is committed
to ensuring that:
- Abortion is recognized as an
essential component of women's health care
- Abortion care is made
affordable and accessible throughout Wisconsin and integrated into
the health care safety net
- State, city, and county health
departments promote policies and take steps to increase access to
abortion care
- Both public and private health
insurance covers abortion care
- Facilities providing abortion
care or health care professionals providing abortion care are not
subjected to regulations more burdensome than those imposed on
facilities or health care professionals that provide medically
comparable procedures
- All qualified health care
professionals are able to provide abortion care
- Health care professionals providing abortion care are able to follow best medical practices developed and supported by scientific evidence
Each
week, the Larson Report strives to provide up-to-date, in-depth
information to its readers. Between editions, a lot happens in Madison
and in our Wisconsin communities. I want to make sure you know the most
pressing issues facing our neighborhoods across the state. Below are
some of the top stories from the past couple of weeks:
- Victory for
our Democracy!
On January 27, a federal court ruled that new Assembly maps be redrawn by Nov. 1. This decision restores some of Wisconsin's tradition of free and fair elections and aligns with the American value that voters should choose their politicians; politicians shouldn't choose their voters.
Attempts to suppress the public's voice by politically gerrymandering districts in order to weaken the voting power of targeted groups is a betrayal of our fundamental freedoms and values.
For these reasons, the federal court ordered new maps must be drawn by the Legislature using a transparent, open process that allows for public scrutiny. Further, this decision should serve as a clear indication to Walker and legislative Republicans that it is time we move forward with an unbiased system of redistricting to ensure the voices of all our neighbors can be heard. Read more about the federal decision, here.
- Future of
our Children Threatened
This week we faced more disappointing news that threatens the future of each of our children: the decision to put a billionaire donor with no public school experience in charge of our neighborhood schools. Despite all the U.S. Senate Democrats being joined by some Republicans, the 50 to 50 tie vote rejecting this dangerously unqualified appointment was broken by Vice President Pence, resulting in the Trump Senate Republicans prevailing and confirmed Betsy DeVos as the U.S. Education Secretary.
In Wisconsin, we have had a front row seat to the devastating consequences of DeVos-style slash and burn policies that favor handing over our scarce public tax dollars to for-profit, unaccountable private schools.
Last week, I called on Senator Ron Johnson to oppose the nomination of Betsy DeVos. Rejecting a bipartisan opportunity, Senator Johnson chose to side with his campaign contributors, the DeVos family, and ignored the will of the people by voting to sacrifice the education of our children.
I am extremely disappointed in the confirmation of Betsy DeVos as the Education Secretary today; yet, I am prepared for the long fight to defend our children's right to a quality education. Read more about the federal decision, here.
- Families
Still Denied Comprehensive Access to CBD medicine
Three years ago, the Legislature passed "Lydia's Law," which sought to allow families with seizure disorders to access nonpsychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) oil with a prescription from a Wisconsin provider.
However, since the bipartisan passage of this bill, I have heard that crippling barriers still exist in trying to access CBD oil for these children. The truth of the matter is that Lydia's law was ineffective. Families have continued to suffer, and the majority party has continued to delay access to this critical treatment option.
The Senate took up Senate Bill 10 this week, which made small changes to Lydia's Law. However, the bill does not go far enough to actually address the barriers in obtaining CBD medicine for suffering kids.
For these reasons, I introduced a substitute amendment to create a process for CBD to be manufactured in Wisconsin. Unfortunately, the Republican-led Senate rejected this substitute amendment. Click here to read an article regarding the Senate activity on this bill.
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