Supporting our AAPI Communities, Jail Contract Mismanagement and Vaccines for Everyone!

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Dear Neighbors,
I am so happy that our Federal and State governments have efficiently rolled out Covid-19 vaccines to our neighbors in Wisconsin. We still are seeing some gaps in distribution but both the State and County are working hard to efficiently and equitably distribute the vaccine.

In this update I express my gratitude for the support that you all have shown for the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, express my disappointment in the Jail design and architecture contracts (along with proposing solutions going forward) and have some quick updates for issues affecting our district.

Everyone eligible for Covid-19 Vaccines!

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All of our neighbors are eligible for Covid-19 vaccines! I encourage you all to sign up for the Wisconsin Covid-19 vaccine registry. It was my honor to participate in the Take The Shot ad campaign created by Rod Ritcherson that was published in the Capital City Hues newspaper.

Here are the options published by Madison Dane County Public health on how to get vaccinated copied from their web site:

Options for Where to Get Vaccinated

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services recommends visiting VaccineFinder  to find vaccine near you. Other options for getting vaccinated include:

I am looking forward to getting my second shot of the Pfizer vaccine in mid April. If anyone is having problems getting vaccinated, please get in touch with me and I will help. If you need transportation, New Bridge is partnering with the County to provide transportation for those 50 and older:

Transportation will be provided free for older adults (50+) who live anywhere in Dane County to get to their COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

These rides are intended for older adults who truly have no other means of transportation. The program will also accommodate older adults confined to a wheelchair.

The call line will be open Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-4:00 pm.

(608) 512-0000 Ext. 3 - English
(608) 512-0000 Ext. 2 - Spanish
(608) 695-2773 - Hmong 

Thank you for your support of our AAPI Communities

Supervisor Elena Haasl drafted an important resolution condemning hate crimes against the AAPI community. It was overwhelming to see the support at the local, state, and federal level for our communities from elected officials, community leaders, the business community and civil institutions.

I spoke from the heart to the County Board about how hard it is for us to talk about these issues and how we internalize this pain. My sincere thanks for everyone who is combating this hate with love, compassion and empathy.

Jail Contract Overcharges Cost Tax Payers

I voted against Resolution 340 which provides over 700,000 to pay for work on the jail that the County Board did not approve. Going forward, I will advocate for the following:

  • All jail contracts have a "Not to exceed" clause which will provide limits on both hours and dollars on jail work.

  • A full accounting of the project management of Mead and Hunt that allowed for such an egregious error.

I will continue to vociferously advocate against the jail. However, we resolve our disputes at the ballot box through elections. I do not condone any threat of violence to me or my colleagues. It is anti-democratic and unacceptable. Please see my remarks to the County Board for more details.

Neighborhood News and Quick Updates

  • Congratulations to Kalvin Barrett on being appointed the next Dane County Sheriff. We have lots of criminal justice challenges and I look forward to working with Sheriff Barrett on these issues going forward.

  • Congratulations to our new District 6 Alder Brian Benford. Brian is an excellent person to continue the legacy of progressive engagement and representation for our district. Huge thanks to my friend and mentor Alder Marsha Rummel for serving honorably as our alder for 14 years.

  • Speaking of city issues, speeding on East Washington and catalytic converter theft have been hot issues in our district. MPD Central District has an update on both of these issues.

  • The Safe Skies Coalition has been pushing hard to stop construction at the Truax air base and airport until the PFAS contamination issues have been addressed and cleanup is planned and funded. It was my honor to speak at the press conference in support of clean water for all of our neighbors.

  • The state DOA announced this month that for the first time in six years the state met its goal of spending 5% of state dollars on Minority-Owned Business Enterprises. There is more work to be done but this is a great start.

  • The governor recently signed a bipartisan bill, SB 62, to allow the WI State Public Defender’s Office to use savings to fund their pay progression plan. The plan is designed to help them retain staff as they have lost 78 staff members since March of 2020 and they often leave looking for a pay increase. Thanks to our legislative liaison Carrie Springer for these state updates.

  • I worked with my colleagues on the County Board to write a letter in support of the Meriter nurses in their negotiations for a new contract agreement with Meriter hospital. I am proud to stand with the front line workers who have risked their lives to help us survive this pandemic.

  • I was happy to work with Dane Arts to offer $5000 in support to The House Inc led by Clyde Mayberry through a private donation. The black owned dance studio provides a performing arts outlet for youth and has received national attention. Check out and support the Dynamic Badgerett’s.

Thank you for reading this update, for reaching out with your feedback and reflections and for all you do for our community. As the weather improves, I look forward to catching up with you safely, following public health guidelines, in person as we enjoy our parks, outdoor seating at our favorite restaurants or on bike or foot.