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LARSON REPORT |
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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER |
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August 19, 2011 |
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CONTACT ME
Mailing Address:
State Capitol
Web Site: SenatorChrisLarson.com
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.
Irish Fest
Milwaukee Art
Museum After Dark: Backyard BBQ
Mexican Fiesta
Eat Local Resource
Fair August 27th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Urban Ecology Center (MAP)
1500 E. Park Place
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Dear Friend,
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Governor Calls for Bipartisanship, but is He Serious? |
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Since first being elected to office, I
have been committed to working in a bipartisan way with Republicans. I
continue that commitment and, for the sake of Wisconsin's future, I do
hope that the we can reverse the divisive rhetoric and policies that
have prevented us from moving forward together. Two newly-elected senators will be officially sworn in this weekend in their home towns. Sen. Jen Schilling (D-La Crosse) and Sen. Jessica King (D-Oshkosh) were elected on Tuesday, August 9, doubling the number of recalled officials in Wisconsin overnight. Their recent victory narrows the partisan majority to a razor thin margin, prompting Governor Walker to call on members on both sides of the aisle to work together in the spirit of bipartisanship.
Previously Governor Walker said before a Congressional Panel that bipartisanship is not a good thing. Furthermore, his only efforts to work in a bipartisan manner with my Democratic colleagues and I turned out to be a ruse during his attack on worker's rights this past February and March.
However, following the election of
Sen. King and Sen. Schilling,
Governor Walker signaled he may reverse course. It is my hope that these
are not hollow words. Wisconsin desperately needs the leadership of a
governor who can unite us and move Wisconsin forward for all.
Historically our governors have worked to bring about compromise and
collaboration, forging innovation and success for our badger state. Now,
more than ever, we need to return to those days in order to pull
ourselves out of the economic slump we are mired in.
Genuine
Wisconsin Bipartisanship
The extraordinary events that
transpired over the last eight months, concluding with the success of
Democrats in the recent recall elections, sends an undeniable message
that balance, integrity and responsiveness are demanded of our elected
officials, none more so than our governor.
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Bill to Aid Displaced Workers Introduced |
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Earlier in the month, Republicans placed partisan ideology above the interests of Wisconsin 's displaced workers by voting to increase the burden on these neighbors by forcing them to arbitrarily wait one week before obtaining unemployment compensation. As a result, tens of thousands of Wisconsinites who were knocked down by the economic crisis will not receive the help they need, when they need it the most.
The legislation proposed by my colleagues and I would delete the one-week waiting period, allowing displaced workers to receive unemployment compensation immediately after losing their job so they can continue to pay their mortgage and feed their family. This legislation is crucial to our community as 8.4% of our neighbors, family and friends in Milwaukee County are currently unemployed. Should this legislation pass, Wisconsin’s displaced workers would be able to receive much-needed support during these tough economic times helping them to get back on their feet.
CLICK HERE to view a copy of this recently-introduced bill.
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Walker Administration Declines Funds to Fight Drug and Alcohol Abuse |
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This week I signed a
letter to Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary Dennis Smith
expressing our disappointment for Governor Walker's administration
declining to pursue several federal health grants this year. These
grants would have helped fight drug and alcohol abuse and expanded
health care access across Wisconsin. Additionally, the letter urges
Secretary Smith to support future prevention and health care grants that
will expand our health care safety net and decrease dependence on drugs
and alcohol statewide.
To view a copy of this letter, please CLICK HERE.
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Neighborhood Meeting on Protecting Your Voting Rights Sunday, August 21 at 7 p.m. |
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Governor Walker and his rubberstamp legislators recently implemented one of the most restrictive ID requirements in the country for individuals looking to exercise their voting rights. Attend this neighborhood meeting to get facts and questions answered about this egregious law. Do not hesitate to contact me for more information about this upcoming event.
4048 N. Bartlett Avenue
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Community Meeting on the Proposed Hoan Bridge Bike Lane Tuesday, August 23 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. |
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I am hosting a neighborhood meeting on
the Hoan Bridge reconstruction project with Reps. Richards and Sinicki,
members of the Milwaukee County Board and Milwaukee Common Council, and
state transportation officials. This meeting is devoted to talking about
a possible Hoan Bridge bicycle and pedestrian lane.
The Wisconsin Department of
Transportation (DOT) is currently studying the feasibility of creating a
bicycle and pedestrian lane on the Hoan Bridge. DOT expects to complete
its study sometime this fall, so now is the time to learn more about
DOT's study and make your voice heard about adding a bike and pedestrian
lane to the Hoan Bridge.
Beulah Brinton Cafeteria Room (MAP) |
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Summer Activities in Our Community |
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Our community offers a wide variety of summer activities for families, children and adults. Below is just one of many activities that you can take part in this summer.
Last Chance at the Pool
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