Dear Friends,

Once again, Wisconsin is ranked number one in an important category. Over the last three months, our state added more manufacturing jobs than any other state. On top of that, Wisconsin also ranked in the top five for labor force participation. Not only are more people working in Wisconsin than ever before, but they are earning more too.

According to the Center for Research on the Wisconsin Economy (CROWE), the income for a median family of four in Wisconsin grew 13.1% since 2010. Nationally, incomes grew 10.7% nationally. CROWE also points out that incomes are up, while taxes are down.

The property tax bill on a median valued home is less now than it was back in 2010. CROWE says, in real terms, that's a savings of almost $500 in property taxes! We've worked really hard to lower the tax burden in our state. With Governor Walker's help, we've cut taxes by more than $8 billion. That's real money back in your pockets. You can read even more about our state's remarkable turnaround below.

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
Darling Receives "Hands of Humanity Award" from Medical College of Wisconsin 
This week, the Medical College of Wisconsin gave me their "Hands of Humanity Award." I am truly honored to receive this prestigious award.

The award is named after the iconic statue of three hands by James Myford that is at the entrance of the College's Milwaukee campus. The statue represents the hands of the physician, the patient, and the hand of God.

In his introduction, the Dean of the School of Medicine and Executive Vice President of the Medical College of Wisconsin, Dr. Joseph Kerschner said, "Senator Darling’s work embodies the compassion, care and collaboration that is represented by the Hands of Humanity sculpture."

The work the Medical College does is just amazing. I've had the privilege of working with them to help improve health care in Wisconsin. They are a remarkable organization and I want to thank everyone at the Medical College for this honor.

You can read more about the award here and watch my interview below.
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'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.
  • Wisconsin ranks 7th in manufacturing job creation from 2016-17, and wages are up 15% since 2010.
Congratulations Brewers!
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...
Prepare to be amazed by the dice stacking skills of Colin End of Whitefish Bay! This 5-year-old's videos are going viral and he was on ABC's Kelly and Ryan on Monday!
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.