The Milwaukee Post

4 • Milwaukee County Post • December 7, 2018 Local drug task force detailed plan released The final report of the City-County Heroin, Opioid and Cocaine Task Force includes a detailed plan with prevention initiatives and community resources. Task Force Co-chairman and Alderman Michael J. Murphy said, "Since the Task Force began its work 18 months ago, we have seen some positive developments that are encouraging, but we need to continue to work collaboratively to address this epidemic. "The Task Force has been concentrating on the long narrative and the recommendations are focused on fighting drug use and addiction — and overdoses — for many years to come." The report calls for: ■ Advocating for and supporting provider and social networks focused on long-term recovery including those leaving the prison sys- tem. ■ Conducting widespread public health education on the risk of sub- stance abuse, targeted to potential users beyond traditional outlets — emphasizing fentanyl, opioid overdose and other relevant substances. ■ Building community capacity to recognize and prevent overdose deaths caused by opioids. ■ Supporting evidence-based harm reduction strategies to reduce overdose related deaths beyond naloxone (Narcan). ■ Ensuring substance abuse resources are deployed to high-need areas of the com- munity. ■ Task Force Co-chairman Mike Lappen, administrator of the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division, said, "The findings reinforce that we can reduce the terrible toll substance use has on our community by connecting people with high-quality resources early to prevent substance use and to support recovery." Milwaukee Health Department Commissioner Dr. Jeanette Kowalik said the report has the appropriate focus and holds promise for addressing one of the most profound public health crises in recent memory. "These community-driven and focused recom- mendations are necessary to evoke true change including the need to address the Social Determinants of Health (e.g. housing)," Kowalik said in a news release. Murphy said multiple community listening sessions were held across the community during 2018 to gather input before the final report was drafted. The task force drew members from the Common Council, the Health Department, the Police Department, the Fire Department, the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, Intergovernmental Relations, the County Executive's office, health care systems, the Medical Society of Milwaukee County, medical professionals, community organizations, and the general public. WEEK IN REVIEW STATE AND LOCAL STORIES OF INTEREST State-chartered banks continue to lend more money MILWAUKEE — During the first nine months of 2018, net loans from state-chartered banks grew 8.8 percent, according to data released this week by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. "The steady growth in lending activity is terrific news for the state's banking indus- try and for the Wisconsin economy," said Jay Risch, secretary of the Department of Financial Institutions, who oversees state-chartered banks, in a statement. Among the figures released, Wisconsin's 158 state-chartered banks posted a net income of $486.1 million from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, 2018, an increase of 15.9 percent from $419.4 million for the first three quarters of 2017. According to the release, the continued increase in lending combined with a higher net interest margin were the most significant factors in the strong growth in net income. Elected officials pass on condolences over the death of President George H.W. Bush, 94 Elected officials weighed in on the passing of George H.W. Bush, the 41st president, who died Nov. 30, at the age of 94. Gov. Scott Walker said, ""So sorry to hear of the death of President George Herbert Walker Bush. In 1988, I cast my first vote for President for him. I am proud of that vote today. He was a true gentleman and our country is better because of his service. Tonette and I send our love and prayers to the Bush family as America mourns the loss of one of our greatest patriots." Bush's service was prominently remembered in prepared remarks. Republican Sen. Ron Johnson said, "Throughout his life, George H.W. Bush fought for freedom and prosperity for all Americans. From his service in World War II as a naval aviator to his efforts organizing international disaster relief, the nation and world will never forget his years of public service." Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Menomonee Falls, said, "The former president was a hero- ic veteran, accomplished statesman, and lifelong public servant whose sense of duty and devotion to our country stands as a shining example for all. "He lived a remarkable life, and our nation is stronger today because of him. I am grateful for his contributions to society and will keep his loved ones in my prayers. May he rest in peace." Republicans weren't the only elected officials to pass on their condolences and respect. State Sen. Lena Taylor, D-Milwaukee, said, "I did not agree with many of the policies of the 41st President, including his vote against the 1990 Civil Rights Bill and the racial- ly charged use of the Willie Horton ad. However, when given a choice to serve his coun- try or serve himself, he chose country every time." Area elected officials decry lame-duck session MILWAUKEE — Elected officials from the Milwaukee area opposed the special ses- sion of the state Legislature to pass legislation that followed the Nov. 6 general election that saw Democrat Tony Evers narrowly defeat Republican incumbent Gov. Scott Walker and Democrats win the other statewide contests. In a joint statement, Milwaukee Common Council members said on Wednesday, "The lame-duck session measures approved by the Republican-controlled state Legislature are aimed at keeping the Legislature in a position of power and hurting Milwaukee. "We reject the measures and expect that there will be litigation coming forward to oppose them." The Republicans retained controlled of both the Assembly and Senate. Gov. Scott Walker had yet to sign the legislation as of Wednesday afternoon to make them law. State Sen. Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, said in a statement, "Never before in Wisconsin's 170-year history has an extraordinary session been used in such a cold, calculated way in order to usurp the power of duly elected constitutional officers. It is particularly disturbing that legislative Republicans would chose to poison the well of bipar- tisanship before duly elected officials are allowed to take office." State Sen. Lena Taylor, D-Milwaukee, said in a news release, "We expect our children to play by the rules, be gracious in defeat, and respect the process. We should demand no less from our legislators." The Milwaukee aldermen noted 36,659 total early votes cast in the November election in Milwaukee, meaning the number of early votes cast in the city for the 2018 midterm election was more than double the total number of 15,300 early votes cast in the 2014 midterm. Voters outside of Milwaukee and Dane counties typically do not have the extensive hours as those two counties do, primarily due to staffing and budget concerns. Supervisors optimistic on progress of The Couture MILWAUKEE — After hearing testimony from developer Rick Barrett, county Supervisors John Weishan Jr. and Marcelia Nicholson said Monday, they are optimistic about the progress of Barrett's Couture development. Barrett testified at the meeting of the Committee on Economic Development Monday morning and assured supervisors that an invitation to lock in a federal loan guarantee meant that the project was moving forward. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced in late October that it had completed its review of Barrett Lo Visionary Development's application for a federal loan to cover a major portion of the project's $122 million price tag. "I'm very happy about the family-supporting jobs that will come with this project, and excited for positive impact The Couture will have on Milwaukee's lakefront," Weishan said about the planned redevelopment of the former Downtown Transit Center site. "I'm confident that Mr. Barrett will deliver on those commitments and excited to see this project get underway," said Nicholson, who chairs the Committee on Economic Development. Milwaukee County sold the Downtown Transit Center, appraised at $8.9 million, to Barrett Lo for $500,000 in 2016. The building is expected to be a stop on the county's planned Bus Rapid Transit route as well as a stop on the city's streetcar line. Murphy Larson

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