March 6, 2015

Working for you!

Right to Work Passes Legislature

I voted today to make Wisconsin the 25th "Right to Work" state. Here is information on the legislation and my reasoning for voting for it.

 

Overview of the Bill

Current law allows for all-union agreements, or close-shops, where all employees must be a member of a union and pay dues. If an employee refuses to pay dues they can be terminated under that contract. The legislation only makes one change: it gives workers the freedom to decide to join a union or not. This means that your employment is not contingent on being in a union.

 

You can read the bill here.

 

My Vote

I heard from hundreds of my constituents on both sides of the issue and those comments contributed to my final decision to vote in favor of the bill. I am also a former member of the United Paperworkers International Union, as was my father. I am not against anyone joining a union, but I believe it should be their choice. This legislation will not stop anyone from joining a union. Many argue this change will enable workers who choose not to join to be free riders. This legislation does not address free riders. Federal law governs exclusive representation agreements and it allows member-only unions. It is the union's choice to decide which type of agreement they have. Ultimately, I believe this is right for the state because it promotes worker freedom and growing the economy. That's why I chose to support this legislation.

Thank you again to everyone who contacted me and who shared both opposing and supportive views. I appreciate when you let me know your stories, so that I can represent the 56th Assembly district to the best of my ability.

Rep. Murphy debating "Right to Work" on the floor of the Assembly

Joint Committee on Finance Public Hearing Schedule

I will be working closely with my colleagues over the next couple of months to analyze each provision in the budget and incorporate the feedback that we hear from the public. Please use these resources to follow the process and make sure your voice is heard.

 

You can call my office (608-266-7500), email me (Rep.Murphy@legis.wi.gov), write me a letter, or stop by my office in Madison to share your views using the following information:

Madison Office

Room 318 North

State Capitol

P.O. Box 8953

Madison, WI 53708

 

You can attend a public hearing and register to speak to the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC), which is the committee that amends and votes on the budget:

 

Wednesday, March 18 (10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)                                 Friday, March 20 (10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

Brillion High School                                                                                Alverno College

Endries Performing Arts Center                                                              Pitman Theatre

W1101 County Road HR                                                                      3400 South 43rd Street

Brillion, WI 54110                                                                                 Milwaukee, WI 53234

 

Monday, March 23 (10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m)                                       Thursday, March 26 (9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

University of Wisconsin-Barron County                                                  Reedsburg High School

Fine Arts Theatre                                                                                   CAL Center Auditorium

1800 College Drive                                                                                1100 South Albert Avenue

Rice Lake, WI 54868                                                                            Reedsburg, WI 53959

 

If you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding the state budget, you can email BudgetComments@legis.wisconsin.gov beginning Monday, March 9th. Your email would go directly to members of the Finance Committee rather than my office. Also, please feel free to contact individual members of the Finance Committee.

 

You can also find summaries and analysis from the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau here.

Please know that each way you contact the legislature "counts" the same. You do not need to attend a meeting in person for your voice to be heard.

Rep. Murphy Meets with Students from Fox Valley Technical College

February 2015 "Celebration of Student Engagement Day"

 

Welcome!

I live in Greenville, but have an office at the State Capitol in Madison. If you are in downtown Madison, please feel free to stop by and say hello! Just go to the information desk in the rotunda, and they can direct you on how to find my office, 318 North. At the bottom of each e-news, you'll see my office contact information.

If your school or group plans to tour the Capitol building, please let me know in advance. I'd love to visit with you for a few minutes and take a group photo.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

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Rep.Murphy@legis.wisconsin.gov State Capitol Room 318 North - PO Box 8953, Madison, WI 537088 Toll Free: (888) 534-0056 or (608) 266-7500