Dear Friends, Our great state finds itself at the top of another best of list in a very important category. The federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality ranks Wisconsin as the best in the Midwest and fourth in the nation for Health Care Access and Patient Safety. The study also ranks Wisconsin as first in the nation in health care quality. Speaking of health care, Wisconsin is one of the leading states in the nation for health care coverage. Ninety-five percent of people in our state are covered. That puts us in the top ten in the entire nation! Good luck to the mighty Milwaukee Brewers as they battle the Colorado Rockies in the playoffs! After their thrilling win in extra innings yesterday, they play game two later today at 3:15 pm. Go Brewers! As always, if you have any concerns or ideas on how to improve our great state, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at 608-266-5830 or by email at Sen.Darling@legis.wi.gov . On, Wisconsin!  Alberta

School Report Cards Available

While many of the state's school districts are performing well, there are some upsetting trends developing statewide. The achievement gap between white and black students in Milwaukee and Madison is getting worse. In the last budget, we delivered the largest  real dollar investment in our schools ever. We need to see results and put the needs of kids ahead of adults. It's time for bureaucrats to support real evidence-based reforms. We can't afford to lose another generation of talented kids to failing schools. I was glad to see the Racine Journal Times support protecting children from failing schools. I refuse to give up on these kids. I will continue to look for ways to make sure every child in Wisconsin has access to a quality education. Having accountability is important!

Poverty Rate in Wisconsin Drops

In the video above, Wisconsin's Chief Economist John Koskinen explains how income is up and poverty is down in our state.

Help Available for Victims of Severe Weather

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be in Wisconsin next week to assess damage from the recent floods and storms If you have storm or flood damage, please call 2-1-1 as soon as possible. Resources are listed below that are available to help people affected by our recent severe weather. State agencies offering assistance: Grants to assist with short-term and emergency housing needs are disbursed through a local agent. For more information call (608) 267-5200. Emergency Assistance payments to eligible low-income parents who have at least one child in the house and are facing an emergency due to natural disaster, to learn more about the program, including eligibility and where to apply, visit here. Funding for assisting eligible, low to moderate income homeowners for housing rehabilitation, business assistance, and repair local infrastructure - (608) 266-7531  Farmers should contact their local FSA Office to report damaged crops. FSA will also direct farmers to 211 and or the Local/County Emergency Management (EM) Office to report losses not tracked by the FSA. Visit USDA.org for local FSA office information. Dealing with flooding Cleaning up storm debris Assistance in determining if food can be salvaged - (608) 224-4665 or food complaint emergency response line (608) 224-4714. Complaints of transient home improvement workers and scams can be reported to Contact the Bureau of Consumer Protection at (800) 422-7128 or datcphotline@wisconsin.gov Motorists are advised to check 511wi.gov before traveling Assistance for filing insurance claims can call Office of the Commissioner of Insurance at (800) 236-8517 or ocicomplaints@wisconsin.gov.   To make a request for volunteer assistance, call 2-1-1 and they will confidentially share your information with volunteers that may become available in your area.  Those with additional needs or outstanding questions should call 2-1-1 and they will be directed to the appropriate resource.

2010-2018 Wisconsin's Amazing Turnaround

More Great News!

Wisconsin ranks number one in the Midwest for Health Care Access and Patient Safety. Wisconsin's unemployment rate remained at 3% or below for seven consecutive months. Over the last three months, Wisconsin added more manufacturing jobs than any other state. Business Insider ranked Wisconsin's economy as the 10th best in the nation. Fifty of Wisconsin's 72 counties met or broke their all-time low unemployment rates in May. CNBC ranks Wisconsin as the 17th best state in the nation for business. All 12 of the state's metro areas and all our 32 largest cities have seen a year-over-year drop in unemployment.  The number of people employed in Wisconsin is at an all-time high of 3,090,200, and the unemployment rate is at all-time low at 2.8% for May. Construction wages in Wisconsin are up 7.5% from 2016-2017.

Fall Color Report

Wisconsin in fall is simply breathtaking. Click on the photo above for the fall color report and plan you Wisconsin getaway!

Around the 8th...

Columbia St. Mary's 3D Mammography Coach Tuesday, October 9th @ Thiensville Village Market Thursday, October 11th @ Ozaukee County Administrative Building For more information or an appointment, please call Jane Kelley at 262-243-8267

Do you know a remarkable young person who is interested in government?  The Senate Scholar program is a week-long program, where students get to see first-hand how the State Senate operates. Only 33 students are picked for the program and applications are due by November 21st. You can read more about the program here.

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