MADISON - Today, President Joe Biden took steps to crack down on gun violence and gun violence prevention issues. President Biden announced six executive actions in the wake of several mass shootings across the United States. These actions include tightening restrictions on “ghost guns”, community violence prevention grants, and instructing the Department of Justice and Congress to act on gun violence initiatives and legislation.

Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) released this statement regarding the President’s announcement:

“This is what leadership looks like. It is inspiring to see the Biden Administration taking steps to address the gun violence epidemic in our country. Gun violence prevention measures are common sense, and they ensure our friends, neighbors, and families are kept safe. Grocery stores, churches, schools, spas, movie theatres, night clubs, malls, are all places we should feel safe. Gun violence is uniquely an American issue and it is refreshing that President Biden is taking these bold actions to address these senseless crimes. The President is right that the mass shootings we see on a regular basis in our country are a tragedy and an international embarrassment.”

“We can have gun safety measures and still protect the second amendment. Gun owners who skirt the laws do a disservice to responsible gun owners. We can accomplish both, we just need the courage to do so.  Today, our President exemplified this courage and determination.

“The leadership from the federal government is refreshing and welcomed. I wish that we could see the same level of concern and action from legislative Republicans in Wisconsin. It’s time for legislators of all political stripes to follow the lead of President Biden and Governor Evers, who incorporated broadly supported gun safety measures in his state budget proposal.”

Deregulation of natural hair braiding bills being heard in Madison.

Madison, WI – Thursday, Senate Bill 216, relating to the deregulation of natural hair braiding was heard in the Senate Committee on Insurance, Licensing, and Forestry. Senate Bill 216 is the Senate companion to Assembly Bill 121. Both bills specify that a person does not need to obtain a barbering or cosmetology license in order to perform natural hair braiding. On SB 216’s passage through the committee on Regulatory Licensing Reform, Representative Stubbs (D-77) issued the following statement:

“SB 216 will allows entrepreneurs, to practice the art of natural hair braiding without costly and unnecessary licensing regulations. SB 216 removes restrictions and opens opportunities for hair braiders in our state, many of whom are Black women.”

“Black mothers, daughters, aunts and grandmothers were raised with the knowledge of how to braid hair, and how hair braiding is connected to their family and their culture. For generations braiding has remained an important part of Black culture and no license should stand in the way of practicing time honored traditions”

“I am proud that my colleagues in the Wisconsin State Senate are moving forward on this important piece of legislation. I want to thank Senator Johnson (D-06) and Senator Felzkowski (R-12) for partnering on this legislation in the Senate, and I also want to thank Representative Sortwell (R-02) who joined in the public hearing today.”

“I also want to thank Jessica Gandy from the Institute of Justice and Professor Selika Ducksworth-Lawton of the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire for speaking in support of SB 216. Your expertise on this subject is invaluable, and I am so glad to have your support on this measure. I also want to thank the Badger Institute, and Kiara Allen for registering in support of SB 216.”