|
|
|
|
Wanggaard Bill to Help Children With Seizures Gets Hearing
Last week, I was proud to testify in favor of Senate Bill 221, which I authored to help families living with the challenges of having a loved one with a seizure disorder.
About a year and a half ago, the Wisconsin Legislature passed “Lydia’s Law” allowing families with seizure disorders to access non-psychoactive Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil with a prescription from a Wisconsin provider. Many families claim that this oil has brought relief for children with debilitating seizure disorders when other treatment options have failed. Unfortunately, less than one month later, on Mother’s Day, Lydia Schaeffer passed away. Her death shattered all who knew her.
In the year and a half since Lydia's death, we have discovered that despite its best intentions, the 2013 Legislature has had little impact on the availability of CBD Oil in Wisconsin. Because of the regulatory hurdles involved with CBD Oil, the lack of a current clinical trial in Wisconsin for CBD, and, frankly, a lot of misinformation about CBD Oil, those that need this potentially life-changing medicine are still unable to obtain it. In fact, at least one family we are aware of had to uproot their family and move to Colorado to be able to access this medicine.
During the hearing, parents testified about the reality they face and the difficult choices they have to make for their children. That reality often includes trying multiple treatments, some of which have life threatening side effects, and having to put their children through invasive surgeries. For these parents, CBD Oil is a potential life saver that could bring their child relief, but this option is still out of reach.
To help these families, I authored Senate Bill 221 which would simply allow a person to possess CBD Oil without a psychoactive effect, without fearing prosecution from local authorities. I hope we are able to move this bill through the legislative process quickly to bring relief to families struggling with seizure disorders and potentially save lives.
|
|
Union Grove Awarded Grant for Veteran Services
I was proud to present a check to the Town of Dover with the Department of Veterans Affairs recently to help support veterans and the community. I was pleased to work with Secretary Scocos and the Village Board to set aside the $53,943 grant in the last budget specifically for EMS and fire suppression services to the Union Grove Veterans Home campus. I'm glad we could help ensure these services continue for our veterans and the community.
|
|
Christmas at the Capitol
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Capitol! The lighting ceremony for the 2015 Capitol Christmas tree took place on Friday, December 2, kicking off the Christmas season at the Capitol. This year's tree is a 40-foot balsam fir donated by Brad and Elizabeth Kowieski of Rhinelander, Wisconsin. The tree is decorated with hand-crafted ornaments created by students from around the state in this year's theme, Wisconsin Sports.
Christmas is in the air in my office as well, and I am proud to feature a Christmas tree decorated with beaded candy cane ornaments (pictured above) from second graders at Giese Elementary School in Racine. These ornaments warm my heart and add Christmas cheer to the office.
If you are in Madison this holiday season, I encourage you to stop by to say "hi" and enjoy the festive decor!
|
|
Milaeger's Featured at Executive Residence
Each year, the Wisconsin Governor's Mansion is elegantly decorated for the Christmas season. This year, Milaeger's of Racine and Sturtevant was selected to decorate the Dining Room and the Ladies' Lounge. Milaeger's decorations are beautiful as you can see from the stunning tree pictured above which is featured in the Dining Room with the theme "Botanical Beauty."
The Executive Residence offers free tours to the public during the following 2015 Holiday Open Houses:
-Thursday, December 3: Noon – 2:00 p.m.
-Friday, December 4: Noon – 2:00 p.m.
-Saturday, December 5: 9:00 a.m. – Noon
-Wednesday, December 9: Noon – 2:00 p.m.
-Thursday, December 10: Noon – 2:00 p.m.
-Saturday, December 12: 9:00 a.m. – Noon
Non-perishable food items and warm weather items will be happily accepted at the residence before and after the tours and will be donated to those in need. For more information, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
