Putting Workers First
22.5 percent of our residents in Milwaukee live below the poverty level. That’s why for years, I worked to get on the Ways and Means Committee. I introduced the Worker Relief and Credit Reform (WRCR) Act to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to reach more workers while recognizing the unpaid work of caregivers and students. This legislation puts our workers first and will ensure that fewer Americans will have to experience the stress and struggles of poverty.
At my press conference, caregivers and students shared their stories and Independence First was our gracious host. I am so grateful for their support and for attendance from advocates from the Economic Security Project, Local 212 Fast Fund, MICAH, and Fred Royal of Milwaukee's NAACP!
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Recognizing Sister Edna
I was honored to present Sister Edna with the AARP Purpose Prize Award. This award recognizes people who strive to make a difference in the world. Sister Edna embodies this to a t! She established the first-ever dementia-focused intergenerational daycare center in Milwaukee. This collaborative center brings children, seniors, and their caregivers together in a way that brings joy and creates friendships while providing quality care.
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Celebrating the Hmong New Year
Milwaukee is home to a thriving Hmong community that’s the fourth largest in the country. The Hmong New Year Celebration in Milwaukee was a beautiful event that brought together tens of thousands of people from across the state. I enjoyed the opportunity to recognize the past, their rich culture while looking to the future. |
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The Importance of Community Engagement
The Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition offers training to help Muslim women build a foundation of leadership and self-advocacy skills to propel them through life. I was privileged to attend their annual dinner where we discussed the need for every individual to be engaged in the community.
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Restoring Critical Parts of the Voting Rights Act
In 2013, the Shelby County v. Holder ruling gutted the Voting Rights Act and helped initiate voter suppression efforts, including voter ID laws and the purging of voter rolls. I fought against Scott Walker’s voter ID law tooth and nail, but his efforts unfortunately prevailed. Since then, his voting ID law has suppressed tens of thousands of votes in 2016 alone.
Our democracy is strongest when everyone has an equal opportunity to be engaged. That’s why I supported H.R. 4, which will restore critical parts of the Voting Rights Act.
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To see what else I've been up to, check out my "November in Photos" Facebook album.
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