I know I've been asking a lot from you lately, but your action on this could make a real difference for Wisconsin's law enforcement - including our own beloved Madison police. You may have read that Rep. David Steffen has introduced a Blue Lives Matter bill. If passed, it would expand Wisconsin's definition of a hate crime to include law enforcement, and would increase the penalties of crimes targeted against them. WHERE THE BILL IS AT: The bill is currently being circulated within the House to find co-sponsors. Once it receives adequate support, it will move to committee, and if approved, it will be voted on in the House. It would similarly have to pass through the Senate before presented to Governor Walker to sign or veto. HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE: 1. Regardless of where in Wisconsin you live, call and / or email Rep. David Steffen's office and thank him for authoring Blue Lives Matter legislation. Phone: 608-266-5840 (Madison) Email form: http://legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/04/steffen/contact-me/ 2. Call your own state representative, asking him or her to co-sponsor - or at least to support - Rep. Steffen's Blue Lives Matter Bill. 3. While the bill hasn't yet made it to the Senate, it wouldn't hurt to call your state senator, asking him or her to support future Blue Lives Matter legislation. Don't feel intimidated or shy about calling your legislators. Remember, they work for you - not the other way around. As always, please let me know if you have any questions. All the best. --Paula Fitzsimmons