Congratulations to the City of Mequon. According to Travel and Leisure magazine, Mequon is one of the top 10 small towns to retire in the United States! The magazine highlights the many parks, golf courses, and family-friendly events in the area. It's great to see our area get national attention.

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 2022 program and applications are due by November 1st. You can read more about the program by clicking here.

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.wisconsin.gov.

On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Universities and Technical College held an informational hearing on Critical Race Theory (CRT) in higher education.

The hearing featured several interesting speakers including

I am very concerned about the potential influence that the tenets of CRT may have on our children’s education. I am a cosponsor of legislation that will increase transparency by making sure parents have access to what their kids are being taught.

Click on the video above to watch this fascinating and informative discussion on one of the most important issues facing education.

Sex trafficking continues to be a national tragedy, and it's happening right here in our state. In fact, all 72 counties report cases of trafficking, and Milwaukee is considered a hub for the crime.

This week, I testified with Senator LaTonya Johnson of Milwaukee, Representative Joel Kitchens of Sturgeon Bay, and Representative Jill Billings of La Crosse on our bipartisan bill to protect victims of sex trafficking. The Safe Harbor bill will make sure trafficked children won’t be charged as prostitutes and instead will be referred to victim services.

With few exceptions, an individual who is under the age of 18 cannot legally consent to sexual relations. Despite that, minors who have been forced into having sexual relations because of trafficking can still be prosecuted for prostitution. Thirty states and the District of Columbia have passed similar bills to protect victims.

On average, children are only 13 years old when they are trafficked for the first time. Traffickers are experts at targeting vulnerable children. One out of every three homeless teenagers is lured toward victimization by traffickers within just 48 hours of leaving home. An estimated 70 to 90 percent of youth victims of sex trafficking have histories of sexual abuse.

The monsters who force children into sex trafficking will no longer be able to use the threat of prosecution for prostitution as a way to keep kids in a cycle of abuse. This simple change to the law is vital to ensuring that children who have been sex trafficked are recognized as victims, not criminals.

This week, the Senate Committee on Universities and Technical Colleges took up my nomination for the College Savings Board. I was one of the original authors of Wisconsin's successful college savings program, Edvest, and I have served on the board since 1999. I look forward to continuing my service on the board.

 

Edvest is Wisconsin's college savings program, also called a "529 plan," after the IRS code they fall under. Wisconsin's plan is one of the lowest cost 529 plans in the nation. Account owners can choose between 17 investment portfolios and benefit from in-state tax benefits. Edvest is now a model college savings program for the nation. 

As of August 31, 2021, the total assets under management in Edvest are at $4.7 billion. Thanks to this program, more kids will get the opportunity to pursue their dreams of higher education.

 

You can find out more about investing in a child's future by visiting Wisconsin's Edvest program  website.

Starting October 2nd, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation will begin long-term lane closures on northbound I-43 between North of Capitol Drive.

Click on the picture above to find out more about how the construction will affect your commute.

The new Wisconsin Blue Books will soon be here!

The Blue Book is an invaluable resource about our state's history, demographics, and data.

If you would like a copy, please click on the picture and fill out the form. We will mail one out to you at no cost.

One in three students in Milwaukee is living in poverty. You can help them have a successful school year. The Milwaukee Rescue Mission is raising funds to get kids the supplies they need. Click on the picture for more information.

I am saddened by the disastrous events in Afghanistan. As you may know, many refugees were airlifted to Fort McCoy in Wisconsin. Here are a few ways you can help.

The American Red Cross has more than 50 personnel on the ground at Fort McCoy to provide critical care and help to Afghan refugees. Your financial gifts will help the American Red Cross continue to fund efforts to help the people affected by this crisis.

Team Rubicon partnered with the American Red Cross to coordinate local volunteers and donors throughout the Wisconsin community. More information about Team Rubicon and how to volunteer is available here.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin, launched a campaign to provide assistance. They are accepting donations at 3710 East Avenue South in La Crosse, and they have a gift registry set up through Amazon Smile. Amazon Smile allows donors to purchase needed items and have them shipped directly.

One way you can help is by donating blood. If you have recovered from COVID-19, please especially consider donating your plasma.

You can find out where to donate here and here.