As autumn cools us down while the fall legislative period heats up, I truly appreciate the conversations, activities and sights as I continue traveling throughout the beautiful 1st Senate District. From Jacksonport to Kimberly, Hilbert to Two Rivers, De Pere to Kewaunee, and so much more, I always look forward to meeting with my constituents at community meetings, listening sessions, events, and parades
These opportunities are invaluable to me; being out in our communities lets me hear directly from you. Your input is vital for me to represent our area as effectively as possible.
It is truly an honor for me to be your voice in the Wisconsin State Senate. Always feel free to contact me with any issues or concerns you may have.
Stay in Touch!
Sen. Jacque's Workforce Growth Agenda Clears Senate
I hear often from employers who are desperate for skilled workers throughout the experience spectrum. To help fill these gaps and assist workers as they advance in their careers toward family-supporting jobs in Wisconsin, the State Senate last week passed my Workforce Growth Agenda to enhance apprenticeship learning and streamline professional licensing.
Tools of the Trade Expanding youth apprenticeship opportunities is one of my highest priories in the State Senate. Apprenticeships have been successful in helping meet the growing demand for these family-supporting jobs, but the financial challenges can be daunting. That's why I introduced legislation to expand the "Tools of the Trade" program. Eligible Wisconsin Technical College students can receive up to $1,500 to pay expenses associated with their training, including tools, clothing, equipment, and supplies. The Reciprocal Credentials for Workforce Growth Act This measure establishes reciprocal licensing in Wisconsin to attract skilled workers who are already credentialed in another state. Expanding reciprocity will allow citizens to become licensed faster when moving to, or back to, or needing to find work in Wisconsin.
Helping Local Election Officials
My bipartisan legislation providing relief to communities for the costs of holding special elections, and protections for those hard-working people who make our elections run smoothly, also passed the State Senate last week.
Election Worker Protection Act
This measure protects the identity of election workers and makes it a Class I felony to intentionally cause bodily harm to an election official acting in that person’s official capacity. It also provides whistleblower protection to an election official’s employment if the official lawfully reports what he or she believes are election irregularities. Extending these protections to our public-minded friends and neighbors striving to perform their civic duty is not a partisan issue. Working at the polls should be as safe as it is rewarding to participate in the elections process.
Local Government Special Election Cost Relief Act
Under current law, unexpected special elections occur with little warning, and they can have substantial fiscal impacts on local governments that already have limited budgets. This bill reimburses towns and municipalities for the costs of holding special elections called by the Governor to fill vacancies for various state offices. Costs covered by the bill include rental payments for polling places, wages paid to election officials working at the polls, and printing and postage costs for absentee ballots and envelopes.
Patient Privacy Protection Act Heads to Assembly
Hospitals would be required to protect women by obtaining their explicit written consent before medical students could perform pelvic exams on female patients who are unconscious or under anesthesia, according to bipartisan legislation unanimously passed last week by the State Senate. My Patient Privacy Protection Act helps ensure compassionate practice and respect for the experiences and voice of the patient.
Senate Passes Bill to Stop Cybercriminals
Wisconsin law enforcement officials would have more tools to target cybercrimes under bipartisan legislation I authored passed by the State Senate, which adopts updated federal legal definitions of certain investigative techniques to account for modern social media communications.
I first became aware of the need for this legislation after discussions with the the Wisconsin District Attorneys’ Association, the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ), and local law enforcement. Investigators and prosecutors are struggling with enforceability and applicability of warrants that, under current state law, allow devices called ‘pen registers’ to trace phone lines, but not social media activity. With the growing vulnerability of cyber networks to criminal activity, we must close this gap in the law and remove a major hurdle for successful investigations.
In the News
I recently re-introduced legislation to close loopholes in Wisconsin’s “sex crimes” statutes by making it a felony to steal or share sexually explicit images from someone’s phone or other digital devices or manipulate pictures to create pornographic content to extort or embarrass people.
Welcome Luxemburg-Casco!
We know that kids are back to school when the classes again start coming in to tour our beautiful State Capitol. Visiting with students is one of my favorite parts of this job, and the groups I met recently from Luxemburg-Casco asked some great questions about what it's like to serve in the Legislature.
Community Organizations Spotlight:
Sunshine Resources of DoorCounty
I had a great visit with the folks at Sunshine Resources in Door County recently. This group offers services - such as employment, transportation, and on site activities - that help those with physical and cognitive challenges live full and rewarding lives. These are amazing individuals doing great things that represent the best of our communities. Earlier this year, the Senate passed my legislation allowing the set up of tax-exempt savings accounts to help cover the cost of services that help individuals with disabilities, including education, housing, transportation, employment training and support, and assistive technologies.
Two Rivers Senior Center
I had a great time last month at the Two Rivers Senior Center and around the city joining the phenomenal volunteers for their senior meal delivery/nutrition program. Great to run into so many friendly and familiar faces along the way!
