Dear friend,
From performing my responsibilities to hosting a foster care roundtable, I have been busy serving you.
Conducting Oversight
As Members of Congress, it is our responsibility to conduct oversight of the executive branch. Congressman Mark Pocan and I visited the Dodge County Jail, the only facility housing ICE detainees in the state. During my first visit, I was unable to speak with ICE detainees, but I made it my mission to speak with Ramon Morales Reyes, who was wrongfully arrested and detained, the next time.
On my second visit, I was able to speak with him and see how he is doing. He said he was receiving good treatment but is concerned about his family and the false allegations being made against him. I was thrilled to learn that he was released on bond. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues to leave their press release pushing false allegations against Ramon on their website. I am calling for them to remove it and recant their statement.
Honoring the Life of Milwaukee’s Own Six Triple Eight Hero
I had the tremendous honor to speak at Mrs. Roberston’s homegoing, where she was laid to rest. We celebrated her life and service to our country. I am grateful she made Milwaukee her home for years. I recently introduced a bipartisan bill to rename the existing Women’s Well Clinic at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee as the Anna Mae Robertson VA Well Women Clinic. This designation would carry Mrs. Robertson’s story and legacy for generations to come.
Memorial Day
On Memorial Day, I attend a wreath laying ceremony at the Wood National Cemetery in Milwaukee. It was a meaningful time to recognize those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.
Foster Care Roundtable
I held a foster care roundtable to discuss local leaders, former foster youth and foster parents on the impact of the Family First Prevention Services Act.
The Family First Prevention Services Act focuses on keeping families together and making critical interventions with substance use treatment, mental health care and parenting programs. I got to see how policy created in D.C. can impact foster youth in Wisconsin. These conversations will help inform me on how we can improve the foster care system to better serve children and families.
Domestic Violence Day of Action
I joined my colleagues in holding a Day of Action to highlight the need to shore up the services domestic survivors and their children need. We also spoke out against their reckless firings, including losing experts with decades of experience in preventing domestic violence. We also discussed the harms of domestic violence organizations losing opportunities to access federal grants. It was already difficult to meet the need of survivors, but the Administration’s actions are causing more agony. We will continue advocating for domestic violence survivors.
I also joined a roundtable with advocates and other Members of Congress to discuss the role Congress can play in supporting survivors.
Big Bonanza for Billionaires
Republicans held a meeting for the big bonanza for billionaires in the middle of the night. I guess they thought no one would pay attention.
They thought wrong! I was there all night and morning, along with many other Democrats to testify against their cruel cuts to health care and nutrition assistance. I asked a moral question: Do you believe that children should go hungry or die from treatable diseases? Watch here.
National Puerto Rico Day Festival
I had a great time at the Puerto Rico festival in Milwaukee! It was a beautiful celebration with food, music, and dance!
Strengthening Social Security
I recently re-introduced my legislation to strengthen Social Security. As this Administration works to weaken Social Security, now is the perfect time to help this earned benefit better serve beneficiaries. My legislation would enhance Social Security, ensuring it better benefits those who often lack economic security as they age: our oldest seniors who often outlive their nest eggs, parents who leave the workforce to care full-time for their children, and low-wage workers who often heavily rely on Social Security to retire. My bill would also restore the student benefit for children of disabled, deceased or retired workers. Read my opinion piece with Nancy Altman, President of Social Security Works on why this legislation is so important, here.
Our Office is Here to Help
As always, my office is here to help. If you are a resident of WI-04 and need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my district office 414-297-1140.
Your friend,
Gwen
