One of the things I am most proud of as a legislator is the strong constituent services my office provides. Nothing means more to me than being at a pancake breakfast or steak feed and hearing someone say, “I called your office about an issue with a state agency, they were so helpful!” Moments like that remind me why this work matters. I wanted to share a few recent examples of how my office has been able to help and show how we can assist you when challenges arise with a state agency.

One of the most common problems we are contacted about are issues with occupational licenses through the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Delays in license approvals can directly affect employment, especially in the medical field and skilled trades. Often these delays come from a simple miscommunication or confusion between the applicant and the agency. It is incredibly frustrating for someone who is ready to serve our community, but is unable to do so because of bureaucratic hurdles. In these situations, my office is able to serve as a liaison for you, helping clear up confusion and ensuring your license does not get lost in the process. We have been grateful to help numerous new doctors and nurses receive their credentials and get to work in our local hospitals and clinics.

We also assist veterans who encounter problems with the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). My office has been able to help resolve urgent issues with the Memorial Veterans’ Hospital in Madison multiple times. In some cases, that has meant ensuring veterans received critical, lifesaving treatment without unnecessary delays. Being able to support those who have served our country are the most rewarding cases.

Additionally, we can help when communication with a state agency becomes challenging. Last year, after a Dodgeville woman was tragically murdered and her body was found in Nebraska, her daughters contacted my office. They were unable to obtain a death certificate from either Nebraska or Wisconsin. The family was going through a difficult time, and did not need unnecessary problems with government to worsen their pain. My office worked with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) to address the issues the family was having. After weeks without answers, the family received the documentation they needed within days of our call.

These are just a few examples of the great ways my office can help you. We have worked with a number of constituents to solve problems with state agencies including assisting local governments with the Department of Revenue (DOR), helping small business owners navigate inspections from the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP), and many more.

If you need assistance with any state-related matters, please call my team at the State Capitol – 608-266-0703 – or email me – Sen.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov. My team is ready and willing to help navigate your state government, clear obstacles, and receive your input.