|
|
|
|
Photo ID Bill Saves Tax Dollars and Protects Integrity
 A large part of the Wisconsin state budget comes from hardworking Wisconsin taxpayers, and part of my job as a legislator is ensuring state funds are used responsibly. Families across our state have to carefully watch their budgets and spend their dollars wisely, and the state budget should be no different. Some of you may have recently read in the news that Milwaukee County is considering issuing its own photo IDs to residents. The County claims this would help those who say they cannot get an ID, such as illegal immigrants or homeless residents. However, having a county or city issue its own ID brings up a host of problems for Wisconsin including creating confusion and wasting taxpayer dollars. This is why I authored Senate Bill 533, which would prohibit a county or town from issuing a photo ID. The first problem with having a Milwaukee County ID is that creating separate photo IDs would create confusion. If Racine County has it's own ID, Milwaukee County has a different ID, and Kenosha County has its own version, this would undoubtedly create confusion and could degrade the integrity of our state ID. We have one state ID for a reason. You don't see multiple social security cards, because these are important documents that hold real value. Having multiple photo identification cards issued by multiple government entities in Wisconsin would not only create confusion for law enforcement officers and government agencies, but could open the door to misuse and fraud. For example, many have already voiced their concern that multiple IDs, like those being proposed, could lead to confusion at the polls and possible voter fraud. A second problem with the Milwaukee ID is how they would establish someone's identity. I haven't seen a single document that describes what residents would need to show in order to receive a Milwaukee County ID. This should worry all of the valid ID holders in Wisconsin. There are rules and regulations that are in place to ensure an individual can prove who they are before the state will issue them an ID. If an individual cannot sufficiently prove their identity to the state, how could they prove their identity to another unit of government? The fact is they can't, and having an ID that is issued from watered-down standards will only create confusion. A third problem with the bill is that it is redundant and a waste of taxpayer dollars. The origin of this bill comes form a simple premise - anyone who can prove their identity is eligible for a FREE photo identification card from the state. Multiple courts at the state and federal level have established that to be the case. So, anyone who can sufficiently prove their identity can already get a free photo ID from the state. Spending tax dollars on creating and distributing a new, unnecessary ID is wasteful and disrespectful to the hardworking taxpayers in our state. The bottom line is that having counties and towns issue separate IDs affects all of us. It creates confusion, is unnecessary, wastes valuable state funds and degrades the integrity of the official state ID that is already free to all eligible Wisconsinites. We have one ID in our state for a reason, and Senate Bill 533 ensures that the integrity of our system is upheld. I am pleased to report that Senate Bill 533 Passed the Assembly State Affairs and Government Operations Committee on Wednesday, February 10, and passed the Senate Committee on Elections and Local Government on Wednesday, February 3. I am hopeful the bill will clear the full Senate and Assembly in the coming weeks, to ensure this gets done this legislative session.
|
|
Memorial Blood Drive
 Last month, April Weatherston, wife of Representative Tom Weatherston, went home to be with our Lord after a short battle with multiple myeloma. April was a bright light who lit up the lives of those around her. As part of her treatment, April received many blood transfusions, and on February 20, Racine County will hold a blood drive in her honor.
The blood drive will be held from 9 am to 2 pm at the county's Ives Grove Office Complex located at 14200 Washington Ave. (Highway 20) in Yorkville. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can sign up ahead of time at bcw.edu/weatherston or by calling 877-232-4376. Donors should enter the north side of the building and are asked to bring photo identification showing their birthday.
I encourage anyone who is interested and able to attend this important event, and give someone the precious gift of blood. April was a person everyone enjoyed being around, and she is greatly missed. It is only fitting that we honor her, and her entire family, by helping make the lives of others brighter.
|
|
In the Capitol
I was so happy to meet the Wilks family on Tuesday, January 9. Vance Wilks was honored in the Assembly by Rep.Weatherston, Rep. Kerkman and myself as a Hometown Hero. Vance started "Vance's Toy Voyage," a toy drive for the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. The program is inspired by Vance's personal story, and now he is helping others. You can read more about Vance's awesome contributions in this great story from the Journal Times. Fine job, Vance!
|
|
Tuesday, February 9, I was honored to meet with the Kenosha Delegation when they came up to the Capitol in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Kenosha Chamber. This is truly a great group of people, and I enjoyed being able to help celebrate this milestone. Thank you for stopping by, and Congratulations on 100 years, Kenosha Chamber!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
