The Goyke Report


February 16, 2017
 

 Contact Me  

State Capitol
P.O. Box 8952
Madison, WI 53708

PH: (608) 266-0645
TF: (888) 534-0018
FAX: (608) 282-3618

E-Mail: Rep.Goyke@legis.wi.gov
On the Web: goyke.assembly.wi.gov
 

In the District

On January 9th I met with students from the Tobacco Free Alliance at the Washington Park Library. I was very impressed by their knowledge of health policy and State law.

On January 23rd I welcomed to the 18th Assembly District a legislative colleague from rural Northwest Wisconsin as part of a legislative exchange.

Our communities are very different. It's difficult for Legislators to find common ground if we don't acknowledge that truth and go out and see and learn about one another's districts. This is done to facilitate stronger bi-partisan communication and collaboration. Our state is only strong when every corner of every community is thriving.

On February 3rd I joined Sen. LaTonya Johnson and Rep. David Crowley for our in-district swearing in for this legislative session.

Milwaukee's Near West Side and the 18th Assembly District was recently featured in a episode of Around the Corner with John McGivern. I went to a screening of this in the district and encourage everybody to watch it if you can. Thank you to John and his team for featuring our beautiful community!

Leading up to the release of the Governor's budget, I joined my fellow Milwaukee Democratic colleagues on February 6th to highlight our shared priorities and goals for the State budget.

At the Capitol

On January 31st I hosted a briefing for legislators and staff at the State Capitol regarding crime reduction in the Washington Park neighborhood.

Safe & Sound, Inc. gave an excellent presentation on a community model that is effective, supports the community, and reduces crime.

There was a very large turnout from legislators and their staff who were interested in learning about Washington Park and how this model was successful.

A video of the presentation can be found here.

Employment Resource

The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has a Skill Explorer website that provides a free job search tool allowing Wisconsin workers to search for employment opportunities that match their existing skills and training. Skill Explorer can be found by clicking here.

Workers can search for career opportunities on the Skill Explorer website by typing in their former or current job title. Skill Explorer provides a list of current openings relating to the work experience of that job through openings on Job Center of Wisconsin. Skill Explorer provides overviews explaining what each specific job entails, how much workers typically make in that position, and any special training or background needed for the occupation. Skill Explorer’s mapping function will show hot spots in the state for particular occupations, as well as allow individuals to search for current openings by county.

 

 


Friends and Neighbors,

 

I hope this update finds you and your family well. I am writing to keep you informed on the work that I am doing on behalf of our community as well as to provide a legislative update.

 

As 2017 begins and the legislature reconvenes I will once again be introducing numerous pieces of legislation on behalf of our community related to criminal justice reform, veterans, housing, and urban agriculture - among others. Below is a small sample of what I am currently working on. Whether it be letters or calls to my Capitol office, personal conversations, or visits to your front porch - these are policy areas that I have identified as issues of concern for many of our neighbors.

 

I continue to add more news and daily updates to my official legislative website and Facebook page. I hope it helps keep you informed.

 

I hope this e-update is helpful. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (608) 266-0645.


I welcome any feedback or ideas you may have. As always, please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you.


 

Evan Goyke
State Representative
18th Assembly District
 

 

Rep. Goyke being presented with citation by the Wisconsin Civil Air Patrol

Rep. Goyke Appointed to WHEDA Board

I was recently appointed to serve as a member of the WHEDA Board and I thank my legislative leadership for this opportunity to serve my constituents in an added capacity.  WHEDA stands for the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority.

Six years ago I bought a historic home that was empty and facing foreclosure. My wife Gaby and I have put our blood, sweat, and tears into bringing our home back to life. This same story is seen throughout the 18th Assembly District.

Housing matters. Quality housing, whether rented or owned, brings stabilization and a stronger community. I look forward to the opportunity to promote access to quality housing for all Wisconsinites. I’m ready to get to work!

2017 Legislative Session

Taking Aim at Bad Property Owners:

As you may have seen in recent news, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel profiled in recent articles the legislation I am pursuing regarding problems in our community caused by mortgage foreclosures and predatory investors who don't always have the neighborhood's best interests in mind. I continue to work with stakeholders on this important bi-partisan legislation.

Stay tuned for future updates as the legislation is introduced.

Expungement:

A movement is underway in America. State governments and employers are recognizing that the growth of our country's workforce is being held back by many individuals unable to find employment based on a violation in their past many years ago. Employers want to hire these individuals but face a barrier of liability.

Change in Wisconsin is coming.

I am working in a bi-partisan manner with my colleagues to have the legislature this session pass expungement related legislation that will put Wisconsin in line with the rest of the country, help employers grow their workforce, and provide individuals with a clear avenue of how to petition a court to expunge their record (if eligible).

State Budget:

The budget is more than 1,000 pages and proposes to spend nearly $80 billion dollars over the next two years.

We will dedicate an update in the near future to the State's budget, so stay tuned!

Rep. Goyke's copy of the 2017-2019 budget bill

Veterans:

Wisconsin has a strong tradition of its citizens serving our nation in uniform and returning home to be leaders in their respective communities. Many of these Wisconsin veterans are now business owners and play an integral role in the economic success of our state.

On February 13th I introduced bi-partisan legislation with my colleague, Senator Roger Roth (R-Appleton) that puts Wisconsin in-line with the federal government on who it certifies as a Disabled Veteran-Owned Business.

This important piece of legislation is pro-veteran and pro-business. It is supported by WDVA, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and County Veteran Service Officer Association.

Juvenile Incarceration Reform:

On February 15th I re-introduced bi-partisan juvenile justice reform legislation that calls on the Department of Corrections to study and report on the development of smaller, regional juvenile institutions following what is commonly referred to as the “Missouri Model.”

Our current model of incarcerating children does not work. One large institution, hours away from the State’s largest population center, has led to unacceptable outcomes and unsustainable costs. The cost of incarcerating a child at Lincoln Hills is enormous. The recidivism rate for incarcerated youth is alarmingly high.

Reduced recidivism means reduced crime. By utilizing smaller facilities closer to home, this model has produced better outcomes at a lower cost. The adoption of a new model will increase community and facility safety and decrease recidivism by creating a better secure environment for jailed children in Wisconsin.

Rep. Goyke attending a recent meeting of the newly re-formed Democratic Study Group

 

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