Fighting for FACT

Months of preparation and training are finally paying off as FACT groups across the state are mobilizing and testifying in support of three huge tobacco prevention initiatives in WI (increase in the cigarette tax, smoke-free WI and continued funding for the tobacco prevention and control program). The youth are testifying at a series of 6 Joint Finance Committee hearings that are taking place across the state. The Joint Finance Committee is taking public testimony on the Governor's proposed state budget.

Milwaukee played host to today's hearing as 27 FACT youth were in attendance. 8 of the 27 gave spoken testimony while the remaining submitted written testimony. Below are some photos of the youth that made a difference today!

The youth even made the paper: http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/41838372.html

The entire group outside of the Tommy Thompson Youth Center in West Allis

Youth from Milwaukee testifying

The Joint Finance Committee

I won't stop...

until it's finally warm for good around here.

A sure sign of summer

Rich colors don't "pop" like this during Wisconsin winters. Spring is on it's way...

Smoke-Free Middleton...Finally!

Message on the signs, from the youth I work with are holding, is clear, Middleton is now smoke-free. Next stop...the entire state of Wisconsin!

Everything looked dead today

On a gloomy day outside of Montfort, I was drawn to this cemetery for no particular reason but to capture the mood that was set by the dense fog. It looked like a scene out of a horror movie. There was a point when I was walking around, that I thought I felt something grab my foot. If anything, this minor detour, was a reason to take a step back and think about my own mortality.