The 2017 State Capitol Christmas Tree is up.  The centennial tree is a 40-foot Balsam fir donated by Jim Ryf of Emery, Wisconsin.  The Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association provided harvesting and transportation.  Public and private schools throughout Wisconsin donated the handmade ornaments that adorn the tree, which is illuminated by two thousand multicolored LED lights. It's beautiful!

 

On Tuesday I participated in a panel discussion with Attorney General Schimel, Teri Jendusa Nicolai, an assault survivor and State Chair of Marsy's Law for Wisconsin, and Keanira Damron-Stine, a childhood abuse survivor and Marsy's Law supporter.

Marsy’s Law is a constitutional amendment which will more closely align the constitutional rights of victims in Wisconsin with their offenders. For a long time, Wisconsin has been recognized as a leader in victims’ rights. Unfortunately, since we first adopted our constitutional amendment in 1993, Wisconsin has fallen nationally.
 
I have authored Senate Joint Resolution 53, to elevate the rights of victims so that in the eyes of the law, the rights of a victim are more comparable to those rights of a defendant. A victim should have a voice in in the judicial process, and the right to be treated fairly, and with dignity and respect. A criminal should not be able to harass a victim throughout the legal process. This legislation will help prevent criminals from revictimizing their victims. 
 
Marsy’s Law has the support of every major law enforcement agency in the state, along with Attorney General Schmiel, and most district attorneys. Marsy's Law successfully passed the Legislature this fall and will need to pass another session of the Legislature before heading to voters.  That could be as soon as April 2019.

I was honored to present a Legislative Citation to Dan Johnson of Danny's Meats and Catering.  Dan is opening a new event center at the former Roundabout Bar and Steakhouse.  Dan is a standup guy and valuable member of our community.  He co-hosts the annual Rendering Thanks Thanksgiving feast where more than 3000 people from all walks of life have come together for a free meal, exciting entertainment and overall sense of strong community partnership.  Keep up the great work Dan!


On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of speaking with the Cub Scouts from Troop 296 regarding citizenship in the community.  Fine group of scouts!


On Friday, December 1st, I attended the celebratory contract signing for Foxconn.  Pictured with Dr. Louis Woo, Special Assistant to Foxconn CEO Terry Gou; Dave Degroot, Mount Pleasant Village President and Representative Peter Barca.


Last Friday I also had the opportunity to attend a presentation at Giese Elementary in Racine.  The fourth grade class presented their research projects to guests and Mrs. Jensen's fifth grade class (pictured above).  Good job students!


Representative Tom Weatherston and I spoke at the Kiwanis Club of Greater Racine meeting on Wednesday, December 6th.  Happy we were able to provide an update on Foxconn and the most recent state budget and enjoy a delicious meal with members.


On Thursday I was honored to speak at the Pearl Harbor Day remembrance at the Veterans Home in Union Grove.  I met many fine people, including George Norton.  George served in the Army Air Corps and is a 97 year old survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack.  He is a recipient of the Navy Cross for his service during World War II.  George was joined at the event by his sons, Lorne and Gary.