I
hope you are staying warm and get chance to enjoy the holidays with friends and
family. Before the break, I anted to provide a quick update from the capitol.
In
the last two Larson Report newsletters, I shared some of the legislative
priorities that I will be working on during the remainder of the legislative
session. So far we covered quality education and clean water & air for our kids.
This week, we focus on safe and secure communities.
Our families have a right to live in neighborhoods that provide the basic safety
and security that fosters prosperity. However, there are a wide range of issues
that are putting our neighborhoods at risk that we need to address. Firearm
violence is the third-leading cause of death for Wisconsin children. Opioid and
heroin addiction is a crisis taking too many lives and destroying the future of
many families. Lastly, our state's drunk driving culture leaves Wisconsin
families picking up the pieces after preventable fatalities, injuries, and
property loss.
We’ve been working with experts and fellow legislators on each of these issues
and I’m eager to tell you more.
Want to help? Be sure to check out the 'Take Action' section of this week's
Report. We need your support to make sure common sense legislation gets passed
without further delay.
Lastly, there are a ton of great holiday events happening in our community. We
have a long list of things to do in the community over the next few weeks. Hope
to see you at some of them!
In
Service,
Firearms
Each and every one of
us has a right to live in a safe and secure community. According to the
nonprofit organization Kids Forward, a child in our state is killed with a gun
about every two weeks. Over 400 kids in Wisconsin had been killed with guns in
the 15 year period prior to the release of the report last year. To put this
into perspective, guns are the third-leading cause of injury or death for
Wisconsin children.
These preventable
injuries and death unacceptable.
No one law has, or ever will, prevent all firearm violence. However, we are a
nation of laws and there are simple, common sense fixes we can make that will
save lives and make our communities safer.
Perhaps the
most-supported gun violence prevention proposal is enacting universal background
checks. In Wisconsin, federally licensed dealers are required to conduct
background checks on all firearm sales, but private sellers are not. Eight out
of 10 Wisconsin residents, including gun owners, support a law requiring
background checks for all handgun purchases.
Police organizations
and law enforcement leaders across the nation support closing the background
check loophole. This is with good reason as states with universal background
checks on all handgun sales have 48% fewer police officers killed with handguns.
With growing online
accessibility to guns, dangerous felons, domestic abusers, and other potentially
violent people who are already legally banned from buying guns can do so --
easily -- online because these are conducted as unlicensed, so-called 'private
sales.' A recent study showed that 22% of people in America, who had obtained a
gun within the last two years, did not undergo a background check.
A report by Mayors
Against Illegal Guns shows that one in 30 buyers on Armslist.com has a criminal
record that prohibits gun ownership. Closing this loophole will save lives and
prevent guns from getting into the wrong hands. This bill ensures that, with
limited exceptions, all firearm sales are done through a federally licensed
dealer and thus are subject to the background check process.
Senate Bill 34 was
introduced on February 9, 2017, and was referred to the Senate Committee on
Judiciary and Public Safety. A public hearing has not yet been held on the bill.
Safe Storage for Gun Safety Package
No child should die
or be critically injured due to guns. Nationally, when children are
unintentionally killed by guns it is self inflicted about 1/3 of the time, with
another 1/3 being shot by other children, and 1/6 being shot by older teenagers.
The remaining children are unintentionally shot by parents. Most of these kids
are boys and most family shooters are brothers. Along with asking parents of a
child's friend if guns are in the house and if they are safely stored, there are
things that we can do to promote safe gun storage.
For instance, I have
signed on as a co-sponsor to a package of bills introduced by my colleague, Rep.
Lisa Subeck. These bills will help keep our kids safer by encouraging gun
storage safety.
The following bills
are included in the Safe Storage for Gun Safety Package:
Assembly Bill 428 -- which would require the reporting of lost or stolen
firearms within 24 hours of discovering they are lost or stolen. This
legislation enables law enforcement to trace guns more effectively and makes
the successful prosecution of users of stolen guns more likely.
Assembly Bill 429 -- requires a secure, lockable container or trigger
lock for a firearm being sold or transferred to be provided to the
individual receiving the firearm by the seller.
Assembly Bill 430 -- requires
a person to store any firearm he or she possesses in a securely locked box
or container or other secure locked location or with a trigger lock engaged
if the person resides with a person who is prohibited from possessing a
firearm under state law
Assembly Bill 431 -- requires a gun owner to store firearms in a locked
container or have a locking device engaged if there is a child living or
present in the home.
Keeping Guns Away from Dangerous Criminals
According to the
Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort (WAVE), research shows the clearest predictor of
future violence is past violence. One study found that people who lawfully
bought handguns, even though they previously had been convicted of two or more
violent misdemeanors, were 15 times as likely as handgun purchasers with no
criminal history to later be arrested for murder, rape, robbery or aggravated
assault.
A bipartisan proposal
(LRB-1042) in the State Legislature would move us closer towards keeping guns
out of the hands of dangerous criminals.
LRB-1042would strengthen our current laws by doing the following:
Creating Stronger
Laws for Habitual Criminals -- The bill would prohibit an individual from
possessing a firearm if they have been convicted of a misdemeanor on three
separate occasions within five years.
Cracking Down on
Straw Purchasers -- Straw purchasing is when someone knowingly purchases a
firearm with the intent to transfer it to someone who could not pass a
background check. This bill prohibits an individual from purchasing a
firearm with the intent to transfer it to a person who is prohibited from
possessing a firearm. Standalone legislation to address straw purchasing has
also been introduced as Senate Bill 17.
Prohibiting
'Human Holsters' -- prohibits an individual from furnishing or possessing a
firearm for a person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Affirmative
Defense -- creates an affirmative defense against the straw purchasing and
human holster criminal penalties if the defendant has ever filed a petition
for a domestic abuse or child abuse injunction against the person who the
defendant purchased or held the gun for. This provision strives to protect
victims of coercion and abuse.
State Form --
When purchasing a firearm, an individual must fill out state and federal
notification forms. This bill adds a question to the state form about straw
purchasers as an added accountability measure.
Opioids
Too
many of our loved ones are falling victim to opioid abuse while others are
losing their battle with opioid and heroin addiction. We have a moral obligation
to do more to fight this deadly crisis.
Wisconsin needs to invest in resources that support recovery over incarceration;
not only in major cities but also in our smaller communities. Senate Democrats
offered a crucial budget amendment that would call on Wisconsin's Attorney
General, Brad Schimel, to take action in a lawsuit against opioid manufacturers
who have over-marketed opioids and helped create this deadly public health
crisis.
This would allow Wisconsin to join other states already taking this legal
action. Under the amendment, use of all funds recovered by the lawsuit would be
directed to county and municipal health departments for addiction prevention,
recovery services, and intervention services.
Faced with the choice of saving lives, legislative Republicans chose profits and
politics over people by rejecting this amendment.
In
addition to this budget amendment, I have proposed legislation that would tax
opioid manufacturers and/or wholesale distributors $0.01 per milligram on opioid prescription medications. The revenue from this manufacture tax would go
directly to funding grants to county and municipal health departments for
education, recovery, and intervention services.
Instead of taking these common sense approach, the Republican Attorney General
has opted to sign onto a do-nothing letter pleading with insurers to review
their coverage and payment policies for opioid prescriptions.
Finding alternatives and reducing the amount of opioids prescribed is a
life-or-death, nonpartisan issue.
The
current Republican plan fails to make our families, friends, and communities
safer and healthier.
Drunk Driving
Prevention Act
On Christmas Eve 1998, I woke up to find my good friend, and
classmate, Jennie, had been killed by a drunk driver the night before.
It was a devastating blow to each of us who knew her. It was a
preventable tragedy and something that shaped each of us going
forward. Unfortunately, stories like Jennie’s are far too common. In
2016 alone, there were 193 deaths related to drunk driving.
With
1 in 4 adults admitting to driving while intoxicated, Wisconsin
continues to be the worst in the nation with the highest rate of drunk
driving. More alarmingly, first-time OWI offenders are estimated to
have driven under the influence at least 80 times before their initialconviction. It is irresponsible and unacceptable to continue to ignore
preventable
deaths and injuries due to drunk driving.
So, Democratic colleaguesand
I introduced legislation to shut the door on the drunk
driving culture in our state. The Drunk Driving Prevention Act’s
purpose is to increase the accountability of offenders in order to
change the culture and of drinking and driving in Wisconsin through
the use of ignition interlock devices (IIDs).
When
passed into law, a convicted drunk driver would required to install an Ignition
Interlock Device on any vehicle they drive for one year. If a person is not 100%
sober when they try to start the vehicle, it will not start.
These devices help separate drinking from driving, and are proven effective in
stopping drunk driving.
The use of ignition interlock
devices (IIDs) has shown to be successful in
changing offenders’ behavior. According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), ignition interlock devices reduce drunk driving recidivism by
67% when they are installed on vehicles of offenders. These devices separate
drinking from driving, and are proven effective in stopping drunk driving.
Though the use of IIDs was expanded in the past for
first-time offenders to include drivers with high blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
of .15 or higher, we can go further to ensure safe driving on Wisconsin
roadways. This law will ensure that anyone who is convicted of an OWI must
install an IID, no matter what their BAC level.
For more information on this legislation or to sign on in support of it, please
visit:
SafeRoadsWI.com
Take Action!
Each and every one of us has a right to live in a safe and secure community. Our
neighbors have voiced their strong concerns against drunk driving and have
called on legislators
to move forward with a solution. For these reasons, I have reintroduced the
“Drunk Driving Prevention Act.”
Each week, the Larson Report strives to provide up-to-date, in-depth information to you. Between editions, a lot happens in Madison and 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.
Net Neutrality
On December
14, 2017 the Republican controlled Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
approved plans to gut net neutrality protections established in 2015 under
President Obama. Without these important protections companies like AT&T,
Verizon, and Spectrum will be allowed to
slow down their content, force additional fees, or even block political
opinions they disagree with.
This decision goes against our shared values and denies the very principals
of which the internet was founded upon, a forum in which people may
communicate freely on.
Celebrate the Winter
Solstice Candlelight Walk
Urban Ecology Center - Riverside Park
1500 E. Park Place, Milwaukee, WI 53211
Dec 16, 2017 at 04:30 pm - 09:15 pm (Sat)
Candlelight Walk and Candlelight Walk for Kids are yearly traditions honoring
the longest night of the year. Take a guided stroll down the luminary-lit paths
of the Milwaukee Centennial Rotary Arboretum and enjoy stops along the way for
readings of seasonal poetry and prose. Back at the Center, warm yourself by the
fire as you enjoy music, snacks and hot cider. The Candlelight Walk for Kids
features earlier start times, kid-friendly readings and stories, shorter routes
for littler legs, crafts, games and, of course, hot chocolate and snacks back at
the Center!
Adults $5 (Nonmembers $7) Children $3 (Nonmembers $5)
Grandparent Holiday Brunch
InterContinental Milwaukee
139 E. Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Dec 17, 2017 at 11:00 am (Sun)
VIP Brunch and performance(adult)….$100 per ticket
VIP Brunch and performance(child)….$75 per ticket
Brunch and performance(adult)….$60 per ticket
Brunch and performance(child)….$40 per ticket
Brunch only(adult)….$45 per ticket
Brunch only(child 12 and under)….$25 per ticket
Gather the grandparents, parents and children to enjoy a festive holiday brunch
at the InterContinental Hotel, followed by a performance of A CHARLIE BROWN
CHRISTMAS at 1:00 p.m. across the street at the Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr
Theater. Along with a delicious brunch, your family will enjoy a special visit
from some of our cast, fun activities for the kids and more!
Brunch With Santa at Harbor House
Harbor House
550 N. Harbor Dr. Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Dec 17, 2017 at 10:00 am (Sun)
Each year, we host Santa for a family fun brunch at Harbor House. Enjoy
spectacular views, seafood, and a chance to meet Kris Kringle. This event always
sells out really fast, so make sure to call and make your reservations today at
(414) 395-4900.
$44.95 per adult (13 and over), $19.95 (12 and under), children 3 and under eat
free.
Christmas Carol + Dinner Experience
Mason Street Grill
425 East Mason Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Dec 16, 2017 at 05:00 pm - 09:00 pm (Sat)
$125/person, Preferred Orchestra Seating
(excluding tax + gratuity)
Reserve your spot for a wonderful winter’s evening. Ticket includes dinner from
a three course pre-fixe menu, a ticket to see A Christmas Carol presented by The
Milwaukee Repertory Theater, and transportation to and from the show.
5pm: Three-course pre-fixe menu
7pm: Last shuttle leaves for The Pabst
7:30pm: Showtime
Holiday Lights Walking Tour
Cathedral Square Park
825 N Jefferson St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
6:00 PM | Friday Dec 15, 2017
Join a walking tour of Downtown Milwaukee and view the magnificent lights, while
making-merry with your own elf.
Enjoy the spectacle of Cathedral Square, the thrilling window displays, the
brilliance of Pere Marquette Park and bask in the glow of the impressive city
tree. While you stroll the streets, you will play Christmas Trivia and hear
about the history of our wonderful city. This 1.25 mile walk through the
holiday-trimmed streets of Downtown Milwaukee will delight Christmas-lovers of
all ages.
At mid-point in the tour we will take a short break at Red Arrow Park to warm up
and, if you choose, purchase a hot drink.
http://www.gothicmilwaukee.com/holiday-lights-tour
Price: $10
Snow Day!
Discovery World
500 North Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
10:00 AM | Saturday Dec 16, 2017
Join us in celebrating the science of snow with cool activities, labs, and
games!. Take a break from the stress of shopping and preparing for the holidays
by spending the day with family exploring Snow Day at Discovery World!
• Learn about Snowflake Science using molecular models to understand how
snowflakes take their unique shape.
• Experience the amazing Kenosha LEGO Users Group display.
• Take your photo with Santa.
• Visit the Miller Coors THIRST Lab for a Crazy for Cocoa lab.
• Create holiday-themed projects in the Kohl’s Design It! Lab. (Kohl’s Design
It! Lab Quick Shops are first come, first served.)
• Have a Virtual Reality snow ball fight in our very own Virtual Explorer
exhibit
• Make your own snowflake and add it to a massive snow storm collaboration
sponsored by Metroparent Magazine.
Santa at the Lighthouse
Dec 17, 2017 at 01:00 pm - 04:00 pm (Sun)
North Point Lighthouse
2650 N. Wahl Avenue, Milwaukee, WI
Join us for a lighthouse holiday tradition! Jolly Saint Nick will fill the
lighthouse with holiday cheer and smiles for children and families. Bring your
cameras and start the festive season with fun and joy.
• Take your picture with Santa
• See the decorated lighthouse
• Climb the tall, 74-foot tower
$8 for adults
$5 for adults age 65+ with ID
$5 for children age 5-11
Free for children age 4 and under
Neighborhood Night
Dec 21, 2017 at 05:00 pm - 08:00 pm (Thu)
Betty Brinn Children's Museum
929 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Neighborhood Night is presented by the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, with
additional support provided by the Schoenleber Foundation, US Bank and the
Zilber Family Foundation, and media sponsor FOX6. The Museum will celebrate the
Muskego Way, Amani and Metcalfe Park neighborhoods in October, November and
December with special entertainment and resource booths hosted by community
agencies and organizations. Visit www.bbcmkids.org/calendar for additional
information.
Festivus For The Rest Of Us!
Dec 23, 2017 at 05:00 pm (Sat)
Red Lion Pub
1850 North Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
It will be the best Holiday Party to bring you right into Christmas Eve!
Special features on Milwaukee Brewing Company taps and bottles, along with free
sampling, begins at 5:30PM.
Our FREE Holiday Dinner Buffet will be served around 7:00PM.
Just in time to cheer on Green Bay as they take on Minnesota, with kick off at
7:30PM.
8:00PM-Close
It's A Wonderful Life: LIVE!
Dec 22, 2017 at 07:30 pm (Fri) Dec 23, 2017 at 02:00 pm (Sat) Dec 23, 2017 at
07:30 pm (Sat)
Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
929 N Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Almost everyone knows the story of the classic holiday favorite IT’S A WONDERFUL
LIFE. It is the uplifting and bittersweet tale of George Bailey’s close call
with death on Christmas Eve, of how important and special he is to all those
around him – and what this world would have missed had he not been born. It’s a
story about the people of Bedford Falls, about neighbors, friends and family,
and about the difference one person makes in so many others’ lives.
This 1940’s “live broadcast” of Frank Capra’s beloved film takes us back to the
Golden Age of Radio. The WVL studio’s “On Air” sign lights up and the
heartwarming holiday classic comes to life through the bygone radio formula of a
few hardworking actors, live sound effects – and a listener’s imagination. This
stage version reminds audiences of everything we love about the movie. This
unique approach transports us back in time and refreshes dialogue most viewers
already know by heart.
MILWAUKEE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Dec 16, 2017. Noon-5pm.
Denim Park
1551 N Water St - Milwaukee, WI 53202
Milwaukee Christmas Market is a magical experience that brings cheer and love to
the holidays with an Old-World feel. Milwaukee Christmas Market is all about
bringing communities together and helping families create great memories and
traditions that can be passed down for generations to come. Just like the old
days! MCM's unique shopping experience, great German food and beverages, as well
as diverse holiday entertainment is definitely making the Milwaukee area a
preferred and popular destination!
Admission is free!
Please do not hesitate to contact me regarding any state or community issues important to you!
Sen. Chris Larson State Capitol, Room 20 PO Box 7882 Madison, WI 53707Toll-Free (800) 361-5487or (608) 266-7505 Sen.Larson@legis.wi.gov| |
