We see it every day, countless times. People texting, tweeting, emailing on their phone while driving. Data-distracted driving is dangerous and it has to stop.
 
That’s the idea behind my new bill broadening and toughening Wisconsin’s “texting while driving ban.” In just the last five years, the number of people with smartphones has more than doubled. People are using their phones for far more than texting, too. Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook, and countless other apps are being used and distracting drivers.
 
The statistics are alarming. Last year, there were over 25,000 distracted driving accidents, resulting in over 11,000 injuries. Distracted driving deaths have increased 68% in just the last two years. A person taking their eyes off the road on the freeway can travel over 102 feet in one second. A person with a .08 BAC has a faster reaction time than someone using their phone.
 
My bill prohibits entering, accessing or transmitting data while driving and increases the minimum penalty from $20 to $100 for a simple offense. The bill also allows someone to be charged with negligent operation of a vehicle if a death results from their data-distracted driving.
 
I am hopeful that this bill will become law by the end of the year. Until then, you can do your part by putting your phone down and drive.
 
You can watch our press conference: Click here.  To read the press release: Click here.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), at 4.2% the city of Racine's unemployment rate set a new all-time low for the city.  The city of Kenosha had an impressive 1.3 percent decline for the month, ending at 3.6 percent unemployment rate.  To read the full DWD report: Click here.

The Milwaukee Brewers and Major League Baseball have teamed up with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund to show their appreciation for the men and women of Wisconsin who serve as law enforcement officers, corrections officers, public safety officers and first responders.

The Milwaukee Brewers and the Memorial Fund invite you, your friends, family and the general public to join them for the annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Night on Friday, August 11, 2017 at 7:10pm as the Milwaukee Brewers battle the Cincinnati Reds.

More information can be found: Click here.

Game tickets must be purchased separately from the Milwaukee Brewers.  Click here to purchase tickets to the game.  Please RSVP to glen.jones.wlea@gmail.com by August 1, 2017 to attend the Appreciation Night.