LARSON REPORT
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
October 27, 2011
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
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.
Compost Your Leaves with Kompost Kids
Happening Now
Fall is in the air and the leaves are starting to drop. Kompost Kids,
comprised of all volunteers, would like to take your leaf piles off your
hands and use them in their composting endeavors. Acquiring leaves
allows Kompost Kids to continue accepting composting donations all year
round as they cover fruit and vegetable donations without freezing.
Donations in paper bags are preferred, but leaves will be accepted in
any fashion. Kompost Kids is located behind Sweet Water Organics. Place
donations in the "Brown Source Here" bin located down the gravel path on
the corner of Ward and Lincoln Avenues. If you do not have a vehicle, Kompost Kids may be willing to pick up your bagged donation. For more
information about Kompost Kids, please
CLICK HERE. You can also
CLICK HERE for composting guidelines.
Lombardi
Now through November 20
The legendary coach comes home to Wisconsin in this post-Broadway
regional premiere production. Although football’s Super Bowl trophy is
named for him, few know the real story of Lombardi or his inspirations,
his passions and his ability to drive people to achieve more than they
ever thought possible. Exploring his relationship with his wife, Marie,
and three of his legendary players Paul Hornung, Jim Taylor and Dave
Robinson, this family-friendly tribute takes you into the life and times
of one of Wisconsin and America’s most inspirational personalities.
CLICK HERE for more
information.
Milwaukee Repertory Theater (MAP)
108 E. Wells Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414)224-9490
Open House at the
Depot
October 29 from 10 a.m. to Noon
Visit Cudahy’s old railroad depot and learn about the immigrant families
that built our neighborhoods. Also feel free to browse through the
buildings and look at the displays. A Historical Society Member and
Docent will always be on hand to answer any questions you may have. For
more information, please
CLICK HERE.
Cudahy Historical Society Depot (MAP)
4647 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue
Cudahy, WI 53110
Grant Park Fall Weed-Outs
October 29
Help preserve the natural areas and wildlife habitats in our parks by joining the Friends of Grant Park in removing various invasive species. Volunteers will work together to weed-out buckthorn and invasive honeysuckle. Feel free to bring eye protection or pruning shears if you have either. To participate, meet at the Area 1 parking lot (by the tennis courts) in Grant Park. Fall 2011 weed-out dates and times are listed below:
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October 22 from 9 a.m. to Noon
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October 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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October 29 from 9 a.m. to Noon
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October 29 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Please RSVP to Don Lawson at (414) 764-0612 so that he can secure sufficient supplies.
Grant Park (MAP)
100 E. Hawthorne
Avenue
South Milwaukee, WI 53172
Oak Creek
Salvation Army Fall Rummage and Bake Sale
November 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Browse and buy from a variety of individual vendors selling clothing,
books, electronics, crafts, baked goods and more. Lunch items will also
be available for purchase.
Oak Creek Salvation Army (MAP)
8853 S. Howell Avenue
Oak Creek, WI
53154
Dear Friend,
Legislation that prioritizes polluters over people and a bill that keeps Wisconsin's youth uninformed about reproductive health are moving forward in the Legislature. Continue reading for more information.
Sincerely,
Chris Larson
State Senator, District 7
Republicans Prioritize Polluters Over People
The
Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Environment, of which I am a
member, held a public hearing this past Wednesday on legislation that
will prioritize polluters over people by undoing important environmental
protections that keep our air clean and our water safe for drinking and
recreation.
Over 200 citizens came to testify that maintaining Wisconsin's strong commitment to stewardship is vital to our state's economic well-being and health. The success of many of our state's businesses, including those in agriculture and tourism, heavily rely on the vitality of our natural resources. Protecting our water supply and air quality are also important to safeguard the health of our families. Without adequate protections, our families will be left vulnerable to illnesses caused by harmful contaminants.
If passed, Special Session Senate Bill 24 would have a detrimental impact on communities across Wisconsin. Below is a list of some of the most egregious offenses found in this legislation that threaten our natural resources and families:
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Ties the hands of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) by not allowing follow-up requests for information from permit applicants
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Encourages DNR permit applicants to submit incomplete or false information since DNR is restricted
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Gives DNR the authority to issue permits without a public hearing and also eliminates most newspaper pubic notices
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Undermines the recent Lake Beulah Supreme Court decision on groundwater protections by giving automatic approval of high capacity wells despite possible concerns, including over-pumping and competing users
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Removes air quality protections, such as requiring industries to model their expected air quality impact to ensure the health of neighbors is not adversely impacted by pollutants they produce
Wisconsin has a long tradition of protecting our natural resources, as they are not just a part of our landscape, but a part of who we are as stewards of this great state. We should be working to pass legislation that protects the health of our families, communities and businesses rather than undoing that which safeguards Wisconsin's precious lands and valuable natural resources for today and tomorrow.
To view a copy of Special Session
Senate Bill 24, please
CLICK HERE.
Divisive Youth Disinformation Bill Moves Forward
Republicans in the Senate Education
Committee rushed to overturn the Healthy Youth Act, ignoring public
input and refusing to compromise. This new legislative proposal seeks to
deny Wisconsin's young adults vital education information regarding
contraceptives and sexually transmitted disease prevention.
My democratic colleagues and I introduced amendments to improve Senate
Bill 237. These amendments would have maintained the definition of
“medically accurate” found in current law, allowed medical professionals
to speak to our children about the facts of reproductive health and
their bodies, and require school districts to keep parents informed on
the program chosen whether it is abstinence-only, comprehensive sex
education or no program at all. Unfortunately all of these amendments
were rejected.
Statistics show that comprehensive sex education is valued by the vast majority of Wisconsinites. According to the Wisconsin Alliance for Women's Health, approximately 87% of Wisconsin voters support requiring comprehensive sex education instruction that includes information about both abstinence and contraception.
Statistics also show that comprehensive sex education programs, like the Healthy Youth Act, has made a positive impact on our community. According to the Milwaukee Health Department, Milwaukee's teen birth rate dropped from 52 per 1,000 teens in 2006 to 35.68 per 1,000 in 2010.
The Legislature should be focusing on ensuring that all Wisconsinites, including our young adults, have equal and adequate access to vital information on health care issues, including sexual health, rather than keeping them in the dark.
To view a copy of this legislation, please CLICK HERE.
Increasing Legislative Transparency
I
am supporting legislation that will increase
transparency in the Legislature by making open record retention laws
applicable to legislators. Currently staff at state agencies are not
allowed to dispose of any form of records, including emails, without the
consent of the Public Records Board. State agencies are also obligated
to keep their records on file for a specified amount of time. This
process does not currently apply to legislators, who are instead
required to present records if a reasonable request for information is
submitted, but are exempt by the board from the requirement to retain
records for any disclosed amount of time.
This bill would remove the exclusion of legislators from the record
management and preservation program set forth by the Public Records
Board. By making legislators’ records and correspondence subject to the
retention program, this bill will help to increase the access that the
public has to legislators’ communications. This legislation will also
make it possible for legislators’ records to be transferred to an
optical disk or electronic format. Once these records are transferred to
an authorized format they have the same force for evidentiary functions
as the original records.
This legislation is a move in the right direction towards ensuring that the doors to government remain open to our neighbors. I will continue to support this and other legislation aimed at creating a more transparent and accountable government.
To view a copy of this bill, please
CLICK HERE.
Recognizing October as Farm to School Month
This
week I co-sponsored a resolution recognizing October as Farm to School
Month. Farm to School programs connect our neighborhood schools to local
farms by using locally-grown foods to feed our school’s youth with
nutritious food. Research has shown that children in Farm to School
programs eat 20% more fruits and vegetables than children in
non-participating schools. Teaching children about healthy eating
habits, agriculture, and nutrition encourages them to make smarter food
choices, which in-turn decreases the their likelihood of experiencing
childhood obesity.
Additionally, Farm to School programs save taxpayers money by making our
schools more economically efficient. Increased participation in the
program results in fewer fluctuation in local farm prices and reduces
funds being spent on costly processed foods. Wisconsin farmers also
benefit as they are provided access to new markets, increasing economic
development in our communities.
To view a copy of this resolution, please CLICK HERE.
Mock Election Shows Long Lines to Vote
The Madison City Clerk’s Office held a simulation earlier this month to determine exactly how much extra time voters will need to spend in line at the polls when once the new voter restrictions are fully implemented in 2012. Such restrictions include:
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Mandatory presentation of a specified photo ID
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Signing a poll book
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Meeting the extended residency requirement
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Prohibiting the use of corroboration as proof of residence
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Shortening the time frame for absentee voting at the City Clerk's office
The mock election found that with two election officials at the poll book table to check IDs (the traditional polling place set-up), the wait to vote was significantly longer than traditional voting. Things that were found to shorten lines for voters included:
-
Adding a third election official to check IDs at the poll book table
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Splitting the poll books into A-L and M-Z.
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Prompting voters to pull out their ID cards while in line for the poll book
I encourage those involved in conducting elections to hold mock elections similar to the one in Madison to work out any kinks and decrease wait times prior to these new restrictions taking effect. This will help clerks feel more comfortable with their expanded responsibilities and limit confusion for voters on Election Day.
Protecting Our Water Quality
The
Great Lakes Caucus met earlier this week to discuss issues of importance
to communities like ours that border the great lakes. Some of the issues
that were discussed included restoring the Kinnickinnic River, invasive
species, and reducing mercury contamination. For more information about
the Great Lakes, please
CLICK HERE to visit the Wisconsin DNR's Web site.
I also had the opportunity to tour the
Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD), which provides water
reclamation and flood management services for about 1.1 million
customers in 28 communities in the Greater Milwaukee Area. I appreciate
being able to learn more about our local MMSD and their efforts to
preserve our environment and protect our drinking water.
CLICK HERE for additional information about MMSD.
DOT Releases Hoan Bridge Study
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT)
released their feasibility study on including a bike and pedestrian lane as part of
the Hoan Bridge reconstruction project just a few hours ago. The study
includes different construction plans and cost estimates, which can be
viewed by
CLICKING HERE.
The DOT will be holding a public hearing on these proposals on Monday, November 14 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the DOT downtown office building located at 1001 West St. Paul Avenue in Milwaukee.
I look forward to learning more about these various bike lane options and hearing what neighbors have to say. In choosing a final project proposal, it is important to keep in mind what the best fit is for the scope and cost of the project, and also what option will ensure safe travel for everybody.
Reminder: Sign Petition to Bike the Hoan
Join thousands of our neighbors in
supporting the creation of a bike lane on the Hoan Bridge by signing the
Petition to Bike the Hoan. Help us reach our goal of obtaining 1,000
additional signatures by November 1.
You can also feel free to encourage your family, friends and neighbors to show their support by circulating the link for the online petition throughout your community.
The proposed project would be the last major piece to complete a trail network, which runs from Downtown Chicago through Milwaukee and up to Sheboygan. Growing support from the business community illustrates that this final link is an economic tool that could assist our local and state economy.
CLICK HERE to sign the Petition to Bike the Hoan.
Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or thoughts you have on the Hoan Bridge project, including the proposed bicycle and pedestrian lane.
Celebrate Halloween in Our Community
Halloween
is fast approaching. This holiday guarantees a fun time for children and
adults alike as they dress up in costumes and trick-or-treat around the
neighborhood. This year, Halloween falls on a Monday, so most
trick-or-treating will take place over the 29th or 30th of October. I am
including some trick- or-treat safety tips to ensure that you and your
family remain safe as you take part in the Halloween festivities:
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Only trick-or-treat in familiar neighborhoods
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Carry a flashlight after dark
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Travel in groups
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Watch for cars when crossing the street, particularly after dark
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Do not eat any candy without inspecting it for loose wrappings
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Respect others and their property
I am also including a list of Halloween
events taking place in our community that I hope you will be
able to attend and enjoy on this festive day:
Neighborhood Trick-or-Treat
-
Bay View Nighttime Trick-or-Treat
Night on Saturday, October 29 from
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. -
Uncas Park Neighborhood Halloween Trick-or- Treat on Saturday, October 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
-
Cudahy Trick-or-Treat on Sunday, October 30 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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South Milwaukee Trick-or-Treat on Sunday, October 30 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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St. Francis Trick-or-Treat on Sunday, October 30 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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Oak Creek Trick-or-Treat on Sunday, October 30 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Operation Pumpkin MKE 2011
Saturday, October 22 through Tuesday, November 1
Drive or walk by St. Paul Avenue to view hundreds of lit up Jack O'Lanterns featuring interesting carving creations made by your fellow neighbors. CLICK HERE for additional event information.
Milwaukee Ballet’s Dracula
Thursday, October 27 through Sunday, October 30
Attend this Halloween’s most thrilling
adventure as Dracula returns to Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Ballet
Company’s talent is highlighted in this monstrous production combining
this well-known story with dark and towering scenery, period costumes,
dramatic lighting effects and a chilling score performed live by the
Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra.
CLICK HERE for showtime and ticket
information.
Marcus Center for the Performing Arts (MAP)
929 N. Water Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 273-7206
Dia de los Muertos Parade
Friday, October 28 at 4 p.m.
Join the Walker's Point Center of the Arts (WPCA) for their second
annual Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, parade held in
conjunction with their annual Dia de los Muertos art exhibit. The parade
will travel from the United Community Center (UCC) to the WPCA, and
continue back to the UCC for a performance by Ballet Folklorico Hermanos
De Avila.
CLICK HERE for more information about this event.
United Community Center (MAP)
1028 S. 9th Street
Milwaukee, WI WI 53204
(414) 384-3100
Riverside Theater Haunted History
Tours
Friday, October 28 at 7 p.m.
Experience spine-tingling reports of spectral activity at the Riverside
Theater this Halloween. Those choosing to participate in this paranormal
party will enjoy a haunted history tour led by Caper Company’s Haunt
Spots investigators, one free tap beer or soda, free pizza, tarot
readings by the Tarot Sisters, giveaways and more. Tickets are $25.
Costumes are welcome but not required. To buy tickets or get more
information, please
CLICK HERE.
Riverside Theater (MAP)
116 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53203
(414) 286-3663
Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe
Friday, October 28 through Saturday, November 5
Watch this World's Stage Theatre Company production of an intimate tale
of Poe's downward spiral into madness. In this original production,
Edgar Allan Poe stands alone in the flickering darkness of his mind,
trying desperately to convince himself - and the audience - that he is
not mad. The spell he weaves brings together four highly theatrical
adaptations of "The Raven," "The Fall of the House of Usher," "The Pit
and the Pendulum," and "The Tell-Tale Heart." Tickets are $16, or $12
for students, and available online or at the door before the night's
performance (cash or check only). For more information or to purchase
tickets for the show, please
CLICK HERE.
Marian Center for Non-Profits (MAP)
3211 S. Lake Drive
St. Francis, WI 53235
Ghouls & Spirits Adult
Trick-or-Treat
Saturday, October 29 at 5:30 p.m.
Explore a city's worth of ghost stories through the Third Ward, along
Brady Street and down Wisconsin Avenue on this three-hour seasonal bus
tour. Enjoy appetizers and wine while exploring a historic B&B in the
haunted Concordia neighborhood, dine on chicken mole and jambalaya in a
haunted bordello while sipping your choice of pumpkin punch or seasonal
craft beer, and delve into dessert and more at a local brewery. Plus,
hear from a local paranormal society's lead investigator as they share
their investigation experiences with you. Food, drinks, guided fun and
round-trip transportation are included with each $70 ticket. Everyone
must be at least 21 to participate.
CLICK HERE to book a tour or call (800)979-3370.
See You in the Neighborhood
I created a new survey that I will be
distributing to neighbors asking them about various issues that are
important to them, our community and our state. I have started
distributing the survey door-to-door throughout our community and will
continue doing so for about the next month. To return the survey, simply
fold it, tape it, and put a stamp on it.
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. I will also be putting an electronic copy of this survey on my Web site within the next week.
I look forward to hearing your views on these important issues. Hope to see you in the neighborhood soon!
Know Your Voting Rights
Scott Walker and Republican
legislators recently enacted some of the most restrictive ID
requirements for voters in the country. While they have been working to silence Wisconsin's voters, I have been
working hard to keep Wisconsin's voters informed of their rights. I have
created a simple handout answering some of the most frequently asked
questions surrounding Wisconsin's new voter restrictions.
To view this handout please CLICK HERE or visit my Web site, SenatorChrisLarson.com. You can also CLICK HERE to view the same PDF in Spanish.