Your Invitation - SAFETY MATTERS EXPLORATORY TEAM Facebook Think Tank and Blog

Greetings!

My name is Mary Glass, Chair/CEO, Milwaukee Professionals Association.  We are based in Milwaukee, WI.

We are the sponsors and host for this website - www.safetymattersexploratoryteam.blogspot.com.

Dynamism
The Year 2012 is an Election year that ask for BOLDNESS in thoughts and Actions that will create an Urban neighborhood DYNAMISM for growth that is often "by-design" left out of public policy and decision making.  

MPA/Milwaukee Professionals Association is local, regional, national and global in scope focus.

We speak often about issues that affect the bottomline - quality of life issues (health, housing, employment, safety, crime prevention and intervention, disparities, scarcity of resources, education and technology attainment) and how they link to the economy and sustainability. 

We challenge the status quo and seek "hidden talent" and neighborhood level entrepreneurs/business owners to be the 21st Century "engine makers" of the economy.  The are referenced as DIAMONDS in the Rough.

We will provide articles to raise your consciousness, engage your mind, sharpen your skills, link you with like-minds and test your boundaries of growth.

Get on aboard
We welcome your input and challenge you to  be a Contributor on this website with a blog - write human interest articles, tell about your business, passion, ambition, dream that inform and challenge the status quo. 

If you are interested in writing a blog, send your blog (2000 word maximum) for review to:  mpapublicpolicyreview@gmail.com.

Let me know if you wish to be an on-line progressive member of Safety Matters Exploratory Team Think Tank on facebook - www.facebook.com/safetymattersexploratoryteamusa. 

We are recruiting members.  It is wise to look at the Wall to see what our focus is for the Think Tank.

This is a serious facebook site that seeks Leadership, Citizenship and Problem Solving. 

I am counting on you to respond - often and innovative in thought.

Mary Glass - Chair/CEO
Milwaukee Professionals Association
www.mpapublicpolicyreview.blogspot.com

LARSON Weekly Report - January 19, 2012

                                                       State Senator Chris Larson - 7th District 

Dear Friend,

This past year has been one of little progress, especially in the area of job creation and economic growth. Below we look at the partisan road blocks that have prevented our state from moving forward.

As usual, please feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns or opinions you may have about our community or our state.

Sincerely,

Chris Larson

State Senator, District 7

Milwaukee County Transit Cuts Soon in Effect

Public transit systems across Wisconsin are struggling to maintain current service levels after devastating cuts were implemented by Governor Walker. This is especially concerning for neighbors now relying on public transit to get to their jobs in an effort to spend less of their hard-earned money on vehicle expenses.

The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) has been undergoing some changes recently. On January 1 of this year, fares for TransitPlus users were increased by 75 cents, raising the cost of each bus ticket to $4. The system will see even bigger changes on Sunday, January 29, when some bus stops will be eliminated and other bus routes will be renamed.

Click here for more information about these current and future changes to public transit in Milwaukee.

These changes are being implemented as Milwaukee County struggles with the drastic cuts incurred under Governor Walker's budget, including $77 million to shared revenue and a loss of 10% of funds used to maintain public transit. I strongly opposed these cuts, and the resulting shift of these funds to cover unnecessary highway projects, knowing that it would have a detrimental impact on those that rely on public transit, including individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and commuters. I will continue working to help ensure that public transportation remains available to everyone.

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Know Your Voting Rights

Scott Walker and Republican legislators recently enacted some of the most restrictive ID requirements for voters in the country. While they have been working to silence Wisconsin's voters, I have been working hard to keep Wisconsin's voters informed of their rights. I have created a simple handout answering some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding Wisconsin's new voter restrictions.

Click here to view this handout or visit my Web site, SenatorChrisLarson.com.

Click here to view the same PDF in Spanish.

MILWAUKEE PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION endorses Candidate Eyon Biddle for Alderman of the 15th District

                                                                 
                                             The People's Candidate - Candidate Eyon Biddle Sr.
                                                                       Alderman - 15th District

On January 19, 2012, Milwaukee Professionals Association ENDORSED Candidate Eyon Biddle for Alderman of the 15th District.

Take a look at the following videos and see why.

Economic Development in the City of Milwaukee.

Here are three (3) videos for your viewing - 1 above and 2 below.

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CLICK - BIDDLE for Milwaukee
CLICK for the BIDDLE challenge
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Help us ELECT Candidate Biddle.
If you are of voting age, be sure you have your voting credentials in order.
If you live in District 15, vote for Candidate Eyon Biddle Sr. and get your family and neighbors to do the same.

If you live outside of District 15, sign up with his campaign and at the least help get the word out.

Thanks a bunch.

MILWAUKEE PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION 2011 DRUM MAJOR Legislators

January 17, 2012

MILWAUKEE, WI - On January 17, 2012, Milwaukee Professionals Association announced its 1st Drum Major Selection of Wisconsin Legislators. They are:

-- Eyon Biddle Sr., County Supervisor, 10th District - Milwaukee
-- Chris Larson, State Senator, 7th District - Milwaukeee

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Senator Larson and Supervisor Biddle were selected for their "hit-the-floor-running" attitude for empowering the people of their constituencies as well as the overall betterment of the state.

They are both NEW legislators that have visibly shown their respect for the People, respect of their Oath, passion and commitment over the last year.

For FULL article, CLICK

VET Peer Orientation Opportunity - Dryhootch.org on Brady

Time: January 21, 2012 from 9:30am to 11am

Location: Dryhootch Brady Street
Address: 1030 E. Brady Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Phone: (414) 763-2785
Email: veterans@dryhootch.org

Organized By: Band of Brothers & Sisters
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The Peer Group Meeting for Dryhootch.org was attended by Mary Glass, Chair/CEO, Milwaukee Professionals Association. 

She filed the following comments.

MILWAUKEE - Brady Street - Dryhootch.org
Approximately 15 attendees were given a summary of the services offered and supported by the staff and partners of Dryhootch.org.  They were also recruiting Board Members.

Bob, veteran and one of founders, shared background on how he arrived at the table and his passion for services for returning veterans.  The services need by the vets returning are all a matter of how they can/are re-adjusting to the civilian life after a tour or so away to environments that have taken a toll on their mental, emotional, physical, financial, academic, quality of life and family stability.

The insights given by Bob, Mark Flower, Veteran Peer Coordinator, Azael Brodhead, Director of Day Services - Milwaukee Area Investment Board, Art Soto - Peer Coordinator, Tuesday Nights, and others associated with Dryhootch.org provided an excellent background on how much is needed and much can be given through peer relations for the veterans.

The setting was very relaxed.  The Dryhootch.org coffee was good and so was the donut.
The attendees gathered in an upstairs room on sofas and discussed the needs and services being provided.
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As a supporter of veterans for several years now, with great respect for the vets and the outreach to the community from Vets Place Central and K'uu.  Visit Veterans Issues at Vets Place Central, 3312 W. Wells.

Dryhootch.org, Peer Sessions can be found at:  CLICK.
For those of you outside of Milwaukee, it is an opportunity for you to check in your city - neighborhood, to see what is available for you to get involved with supporting our veterans.

Remembering "MARTIN" at 83 years - A Man that keeps on Giving

Today is Rev./Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday

--Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

--Never forget that everything Hitler did in Germany was legal.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

--Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

--Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
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We honor "MARTIN" ON HIS 83RD BIRTHDAY - A man who continues to give.
January 15, 2012

CLICK for BIO video

LAWSON Weekly Report - January 12, 2012

Dear Friend,

Committee meetings have resumed and the Legislative Session is scheduled to begin on January 17. During this time of strong political currents being felt across the state, it is crucial that we all continue constant vigilance by reviewing proposals as they are hurried through the legislative process.

As usual, please feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns or opinions you may have about our community or our state.

Sincerely,

Chris Larson
State Senator, District 7
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Readying Our Students for Work in the Real World

This past Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Education, of which I am a member, unanimously passed Senate Bill 335, legislation that would allow high school students to take more career and technical education classes in order to graduate with a vocational diploma. Unlike the standard Wisconsin diploma, a vocational diploma enables students to take coursework that prepares them directly for a career.

Vocational diplomas offer a fresh new perspective for our neighborhood schools, and the current economic slump illustrates the need to try every route possible to get Wisconsin's economy and jobs numbers back on track. Many local Wisconsin businesses have expressed that they have family-supporting jobs available, but lack the qualified skilled workers to fill them. This legislation will help in the short-term by providing our upcoming graduates with vital job training to get our neighbors much needed employment and provide our local businesses long-term with the qualified, skilled applicants they need for years to come.

Passing this legislation will codify our commitment to creating a skilled workforce, while also upholding Wisconsin's manufacturing legacy. In order to keep these important jobs here, we need to look to the next generation of students - those currently in middle school and high school - as the key. If we want to create jobs and improve the economy, we need to provide our children, the next generation of the workers, with the skills they need to succeed for any path they choose to take.

Click here to view a copy of Senate Bill 335.

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Know Your Voting Rights

Scott Walker and Republican legislators recently enacted some of the most restrictive ID requirements for voters in the country. While they have been working to silence Wisconsin's voters, I have been working hard to keep Wisconsin's voters informed of their rights. I have created a simple handout answering some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding Wisconsin's new voter restrictions.

Click here to view this handout or visit my Web site, SenatorChrisLarson.com.

 http://legis.wisconsin.gov/eupdates/sen07/Larson%20ID%20Restrictions%20Q%20and%20A.pdf

Click here to view the same PDF in Spanish

The Voice of Russia - Another source of NEWS

World service
USA Live
January 13, 2012

NEW YORK-WASHINGTON,DC-LONDON - The Voice of Russia Radio has been added for a broader base of global perspestives. Tune in for your interest and expansion.
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WEF names global risks of coming decade

According to the 2012 Global Risks report made by the experts of the World Economic Forum (WEF) much of the world is to face dystopia: the opposite of utopia in the coming ten years, where life will be full of hardship and devoid of hope, as a constellation of fiscal, demographic and societal risks converge. The list of main risks includes mass protests, water and food deficit, unemployment and cyber attacks.

Ahead of the World Economic Forum summit which is traditionally to be held in Davos in late January, the international organization interviewed almost 500 experts from industry, government, academia and civil society to compile its Global Risks report. They were asked to evaluate 50 global risks across five categories – economic, environmental, geopolitical, social and technological – to formulate its conclusions. The experts made their evaluations using a 5 point scale where 1 point meant that the given risk is almost ruled out and 5 points - that this risk will have almost a 100% impact on our society. For full story, CLICK
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TO LISTEN TO THE RADIO
Go to and CLICK this icon at the top of the page middle.

LARSON Weekily Report - January 5, 2012

Dear Friend,

It is a new year and with every new year comes hope that change can happen. It is my hope that during this year, the Legislature can renew its commitment to open and transparent government and leave the past year of secrecy behind.

As usual, please feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns or opinions you may have about our community or our state.

Sincerely,

Chris Larson
State Senator, District 7 
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Article 1
Making Our Roads Safer with Ignition Interlock Devices
Earlier this session, my Democratic colleagues and I succeeded in saving WiscNet from the chopping block in the Governor’s last budget. However, Governor Walker left a provision in his budget that called for the Legislature to conduct an audit of WiscNet by January 1, 2013, with the end of WiscNet scheduled to go into effect six months later. Legislation was introduced this past week to extend this timeline, which will provide for another full year of WiscNet functionality while the audit can be more fully studied and independently reviewed. 

WiscNet is a non-profit, cooperative Internet provider that supplies service to public higher education institutions, such as UW-Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, K-12 schools and libraries across Wisconsin. WiscNet services 450 members, many of which provide essential services such as health care and education. Without WiscNet, our educational institutions and libraries would have been forced to seek Internet and broadband services from for-profit corporate telecommunications providers at a greater cost to the state and taxpayers.

WiscNet is important to the future vitality of Wisconsin's economy in an increasingly online world. These services keep Wisconsin competitive and preserve our public education institutions. Because WiscNet is so important to the educational, economic and technological future of Wisconsin, I will be supporting LRB 3626 and 3655, which will extend the timeline.

Click here to view a copy of this legislative proposal.
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Article 2
Making Our Roads Safer with Ignition Interlock Devices
Like many in Wisconsin, I understand the tragic cost of the drunk driving epidemic that has touched all corners of our state. Too often drunk drivers cause accidents that kill or injure our family, friends and neighbors, shattering lives and tearing the fabric of our communities.

We must do more to end these preventable tragedies and safeguard our loved ones. Our family, friends and neighbors cannot afford to wait any longer for stronger drunk driving laws. Wisconsin’s drivers and passengers deserve greater peace-of-mind while on the road.

In the past, the solution has simply been to take away the driver’s licenses of convicted drunk drivers. However, we know this does not do enough to prevent them from driving. DOT estimates for 2010 show that over 32,000 people were convicted of driving drunk in Wisconsin and nearly 32% of these were repeat offenders.

It is time that begin to change Wisconsin's culture of drinking and driving, which is why Rep. Tony Staskunas and I have introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen our state’s drunk driving laws through increased use of ignition interlock devices.

Click here to view a copy of this legislation.

This legislation strengthens our lax drunk driving laws by stipulating that all first-time convicted drunk drivers have an ignition interlock device placed in their vehicle. Currently, ignition interlock device are only installed in vehicles of first-time offenders with blood alcohol content of .15 or higher and repeat offenders. This life-saving technology has been proven to reduce drunk driving recidivism by 67 percent, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

This legislation is a step in the right direction. I continue to work with advocates and law enforcement as we strive to overhaul Wisconsin's arcane drunk driving laws.

Click here to view a letter from Mothers Against Drunk Driving discussing the importance of ignition interlock devices in reducing drunk driving to save lives. http://legis.wisconsin.gov/eupdates/sen07/MADD%20Letter%20of%20Support%20for%20SB%20320.pdf