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CBD Bill Moves Forward
In 2013, the legislature passed "Lydia's Law" to help children with seizure disorders gain access to a potentially life saving treatment called CBD Oil. Unfortunately, even after the bill was signed into law, unforeseen red tape and regulatory hurdles kept CBD Oil unavailable to those that need it most.
After hearing from parents and patients from around the state, I am proud to continue to fight for these families by authoring Senate Bill 10. This bill removes roadblocks by stating a person is able to possess CBD Oil as long as they have a written certification from a Wisconsin-licensed doctor stating the oil is for treatment of a medical condition. This week, Senate Bill 10 moved one step closer to becoming law with a public hearing and executive session in the Senate Committee of Judiciary and Public Safety, which I chair.
During the public hearing, we heard from patients suffering from several serious diseases asking for the opportunity to be able to try CBD Oil. A good portion of the testimony was from mothers of children who have hundreds of seizures every month and are forced to stand by as their children suffer brain damage and worse. These families have tried an exhausting amount of surgeries and medications, some of which have life-threatening side effects. Unfortunately, they are not able to try the one option that has limited side effects, and many believe have the ability to greatly reduced seizures or even cure their child. Senate Bill 10 gives these parents, and patients of all ages, the gift of hope by allowing them another option in their struggle against these debilitating diseases.
I am pleased to report that after the public hearing, Senate Bill 10 passed the Judiciary Committee on a 4-0 vote. It is scheduled for a vote in the full Senate next week, and should pass the Assembly next month. I am hopeful the bill will be signed into law this spring. If you would like to learn more about the bill, you can click on the picture above, or follow this link to watch the public hearing.
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Racine County Youth in Governance Accepting Nominations
Do you know a high school student who would like to get a chance to directly participate in local government? Now is the time to nominate them for the Racine County Youth in Governance program!
This is a great program that brings a youth voice to community issues while developing confident, independent and motivated youth leaders. Students in the program have the opportunity to serve one of several committees. They are also assigned a mentor and receive orientation, training and tour of county buildings and departments.
In order to be eligible, candidates must be a high school freshman, sophomore or junior, must have a GPA of 2.5 or greater, must be a Racine County resident and must be able to attend the committee meetings (usually occurring once or twice a month).
In order to be considered, candidates must be nominated for the program using this nomination form. Nomination forms are due by February 10, 2017. All students who are nominated will receive a letter indicating they have been nominated, and will then have an opportunity to submit an application. For more information click here, or contact Racine County UW-Extension at (262) 767-2929.
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Capitol Celebrates 100 Years
 The Wisconsin State Capitol kicked off its 100th Year Anniversary this week with a ceremony in the rotunda. I am very proud that the Burlington High School Orchestra was chosen to perform during the celebration. The students did a beautiful job, and it was wonderful to see their talent showcased during this special event. Way to go, Burlington!
The kickoff ceremony was just the beginning of the Capitol Centennial Celebration and festivities will be going on throughout the coming months. The celebration will include an online virtual tour, Wisconsin Historical Society Exhibit in the rotunda, centennial flower garden and a special edition of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra's Concert of the Square series.
If you have never visited our beautiful state capitol, now is the perfect time. Free tours are given daily and last about an hour. If you are planning a trip, be sure to call my office at (608) 266-1832 and let us know you'll be visiting! If you can't make it here in person, you can enjoy an online virtual tour, or photo tour that includes information about each historic space.
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