Dear Friends,

Even with the session wrapped up for the year, lots is happening within our office and in our community! Between resources, events, and the new legislation I’ve supported, I hope this newsletter gives you what you need to know to stay updated and informed. If you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.
Yours in solidarity,
Representative LaKeshia Myers

Office Spotlight: District 12’s Hometown Hero, Homer Blow! 

Earlier this month, our office had the pleasure of honoring long-time superhero/nationally acclaimed DJ Homer Blow with the Assembly’s Hometown Hero Award! While many of us know and love Homer for his birthday party, he gives back year-round to families and children within our community. Homer’s selflessness has helped many children be what they are: kids.

Legislative Action: November is Black Catholic History Month 

Earlier this month, Rep. Myers introduced SJR 85, which proclaims November as Black Catholic History Month. This resolution honors the contributions and significance of the Black Catholic community, highlighting the community’s continued activism against racial inequality. To read the resolution, click here.

Legislative Action: Rep. Myers Speaks on AB 289

During the Assembly Session on November 9, Rep. Myers spoke out on the floor in defense of AB 298, relating to polling place closures. Rep. Myers referenced the inexcusable slashing of polling places without proper notice during the Spring 2020 elections — which saw polling places drop from 180 to 5 in Milwaukee. Rep. Myers & fellow Milwaukee Reps who referenced this injustice made an impact as the bill was passed 95-2. To read the bill, click here.

Legislative Action: Rep. Myers Joins Conditions of Confinement Package 

Earlier this month, Senator Taylor & Representative Myers introduced LRB 5017, relating to a constitutional amendment to ban slavery in Wisconsin. This bill is part of the larger Conditions of Confinement Package, which was spearheaded by Reps Madison & Clancy and designed to address substandard conditions in our state prisons. Wisconsin is part of a small handful of states whose constitutions allow for involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime. To read the Conditions of Confinement package in full, click here.

Legislative Action: Rep. Myers Joins Forward on Climate Package 

Today, a coalition of Legislative Democrats introduced the Forward on Climate bill package. The package is based on the feedback from the Governor’s Climate Task Force, and Rep. Myers is proud to lead on two bills in the package. First, LRB 0152 relates to the energy efficiency grant program for school districts, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. Second, LRB-0134 establishes the Focus on Energy program’s inclusion of programs promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy measures for low-income households. To read the package’s bill examiner, click here.

Legislative Action: Rep. Myers Co-Sponsors AB 631

To mitigate the impacts of period poverty — the phenomenon of women having difficulties purchasing menstrual products due to high taxes and prices — Rep. Myers co-sponsored AB 631. The bill will provide funds for schools and state and local buildings to have menstrual products. To read the bill in full, click here.

To read the Alliance for Period Supplies’ most recent report on Wisconsin’s period poverty statistics, click here.

Rep. Myers’ Desk: No, You Can’t Divorce Race From America

Late last month, Rep. Myers & the Assembly Committee on Education held a hearing for AB 554 – which attempts to replace “minority” with “disadvantaged” within the Minority Teacher Loan Program. However, this ignores the racist history of this nation and the racial disparities among teachers and students in the state. 94% of licensed teachers are white, while a third of all public school students are of color. Imbalances in representation hurt students’ performances as having just one Black teacher raises a Black student’s likelihood of graduating and attending college. To read the article in full, click here.

Rep. Myers’ Desk: A Feat for All Saints: Honoring Black Saints of the Catholic Church

November 1 was All Saint’s Day, a holiday dedicated to honoring saints of the Church — both those recognized and not. Within the Church, there are 937 saints of African descent, yet no Black American has been canonized. In her article, Rep. Myers spotlights the Holy Six Black American Catholics that are under consideration for canonization, pictured above. To learn about these divine individuals, click here.

Office Adventures: Zoo Interchange Ribbon Cutting 

Our office had the pleasure of attending the Zoo Interchange Ribbon Cutting event earlier this month. The project has gone on for years but finished an astounding $200 million under budget. The project contributes to safe and efficient travel within Milwaukee!

Office Events: Upcoming District Office Hours 

Please join Representative Myers at our upcoming District Office Hours, which will be held today, November 30 at Ninety-Fifth Street School from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. This is a great opportunity to meet with Representative Myers and directly have your voice heard, as well as learn about helpful state and local resources. For more information, please contact our office.

Opportunity: Medicare Resources from the Milwaukee Aging & Disability Services

The Milwaukee Aging & Disability Services office is offering resources to help elders with Medicare. One-on-one Medicare Counseling can be booked by calling 414-289-6436. A session this Friday, December 1 from 9:00 AM-2:00 PM will be held at the Marcia Coggs Center. For additional help and resources regarding Medicare, contact the office’s Elder Benefits Specialists at the number above or [email protected]

Resource: Take The Free Type-2 Risk Test for Diabetes 

Nearly 1 in 2 Americans has diabetes or prediabetes, and not nearly enough get tested for either. November is American Diabetes Month, and we’re grateful to the American Diabetes Association for sharing their free risk test. To take the test, click here.

Also, call 1-800-DIABETES to speak with someone live.

Opportunity: HBCU College Tour 2024 

Sign up for the HBCU College Tour! This tour will be an amazing opportunity for prospective students to tour HBCUs and find the best place for them. To sign your child up, please feel free to contact our office and we will provide you with the application form. Or, contact 504-814-0664 or [email protected]

Opportunity: Audition to Join Kids from Wisconsin’s 56th Season! 

Audition to join the talented Kids from Wisconsin performance group for their 56th Season! Kids from Wisconsin is a performance arts group based out of the Tommy G. Thompson Youth Center in Milwaukee, with performers ranging from 15 (by 5/23/24) to 20 (not turning 21 before 8/17/24) years old. Audition in-person in Milwaukee on March 3, 2024, or submit a video. For more information, click here.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain tour and performance experience for students wanting to go into performing arts!

Opportunity: Links Launchpad Webinar 

The Links will be hosting a Blast Off to Success Webinar for high school students this Saturday, December 2 at noon EST/ 11 AM central. The event will help inspire and empower students for academic and professional success, with accomplished presenters.

Attend the webinar on Facebook Live or scan the QR code above!

City of Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival 

This holiday season, be sure to enjoy the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival! Highlights for viewing include the new Ornament Trail,  Cathedral Square Park, Pere Marquette Park, Zeilder Union Square, and Wisconsin Avenue. The festival will run from Thursday, November 16 through Monday, January 1, 2024.
For more information, click here.