Taking Action on Lead

Lead exposure poses a significant health risk.  It can damage virtually every organ system.  In children, too much lead in the body can cause lifelong problems with growth and development, impacting functions such as behavior, hearing and learning. In adults, lead poisoning can damage the brain and nervous system, stomach and kidneys.  It can also cause high blood pressure and other health problems.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) data from 2016 showed that five percent of children tested were diagnosed with elevated blood lead levels, higher than the 4.9% reported in Flint, Michigan.  Lead exposure can come from paint, pipes, dust and soil.  This isn't just a problem in urban areas, either; Grant, Dodge and Marquette Counties have some of the highest rates of lead exposure in the state. Since 1996, over 200,000 Wisconsin children have been identified as having dangerous amounts of lead in their bodies.

Something's got to be done.  Recently, Governor Tony Evers visited Kenosha, where he issued an Executive Order establishing a "lead czar", a position within the DHS, to coordinate efforts to reduce lead in drinking water. Legislation from last session will aid homeowners in the replacement of lead pipes in the homes.  Finally, three bills currently pending in the legislature that I have co-sponsored will further attempt to address the problem. The first would expand a forgivable loan program for the replacement of lead service lines. The second creates a non-refundable income tax credit to permanently eliminate a lead hazard in a home.  Finally, the third requires applicants for child care center licenses to test drinking water in their facilities for lead.

These are important steps toward protecting the future health of our children. The state DHS estimates that if blood lead poisoning were eliminated, taxpayers would save $7 billion in future costs, including medical care, special education, crime and juvenile delinquency. This is a public health crisis that is also a drain on taxpayers. I am happy to play a role in eliminating lead from our drinking water for current Wisconsinites and generations to come.

Sen. Wirch at Lead Czar Press Conference with Governor Evers, Lt. Gov. Barnes, Rep. Ohnstad and many others

Let Me Know Your Thoughts; Take My Legislative Survey

As a State Senator, it is important to me to hear from you on important issues facing our community and state. Direct feedback from you help me better do my job as a legislator.  If you have a second and haven't yet done so, I'd greatly appreciate if you'd take the time to visit my website and complete my 2019 legislative survey.  Make your opinions known.  Thank you. 

 Honoring America's Workers on Labor Day

Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September.  It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country.  

The first Labor Day was observed on Sept. 5, 1882, in Boston, by the Central Labor Union of New York, the nation's first integrated major trade union. It became a federal holiday in 1894, when, following the deaths of 13 workers at that hands of the U.S. military and U.S. Marshals during the Pullman Railroad Strike, President Grover Cleveland made reconciling with the labor movement a top priority.  Legislation making Labor Day a national holiday was passed by Congress and signed into law six days after the end of the strike.

The September date, originally chosen by the CLU of New York, was selected rather than the more widespread International Workers' Day, or May Day, on May 1 because Cleveland was concerned that observance of the latter would stir up negative emotions linked to the Haymarket Affair, in which eight police officers and an unknown number of civilians were killed in strikes and riots in support of the eight hour work day.  International Workers' Day had originally been designated as May 1 to commemorate that incident.  

All U.S. states, including the District of Columbia, and the territories have made Labor Day a statutory holiday.  

The first proposal for the holiday established a form of celebration for the day: a street parade to exhibit to the public the strength and spirit of the workers, followed by a festival for the workers and their families. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, and more emphasis was placed on the economic and civil significance of the holiday. In modern times, the holiday is generally regarded as a day of rest and parties, including barbecues, picnics and fireworks displays.  Labor Day represents the symbolic end of summer and traditionally marks the beginning of the NFL and college football seasons.

This year, Labor Day falls on Sept. 2. We are fortunate to have some of the most robust Labor Day celebrations and commemorations in the state right in our own backyard in Kenosha and Racine.  Click here for more information on these celebrations and others taking place around the state.