February 24, 2017

Working for you!

Remembering Rep. Tom Larson

We are saying goodbye to a dear friend and colleague of mine, Rep. Tom Larson. Tom passed away from cancer last Saturday on his 50^th wedding anniversary, and I’m attending his funeral in Bloomer on March 4th.

Tom and his wife Mary are wonderful people with integrity, strong values, and are always kind and generous to those they love. Tom was a hard worker in all aspects of his life, a caring and good-humored friend, and a man of great faith. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Governor Scott Walker has ordered that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin be flown at half-staff beginning at sunrise Saturday, March 4, 2017, and ending at sunset, as a mark of respect for former State Representative Tom Larson, who passed away on February 18, 2017.

If you have an extra couple minutes, I hope you take the chance to watch this video tribute produced by Wisconsin Eye for Tom: http://www.wiseye.org/Video-Archive/Event-Detail/evhdid/11311

Obituary: http://chippewa.com/news/local/obituaries/obituary-tom-larson/article_11e319e3-cd8f-5816-895a-32014655b1ff.html

School Finance Forum

This morning, I participated in an informal discussion of the state budget and other issues pertaining to K-12 public education in our area with school financial officers and several of my colleagues. I was invited by the Bay Area School Business Managers and the Northeast Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials. Our conversation was helpful and candid, and I'm happy that we all are optimistic about the budget proposal for K-12 schools.

Tech College Student Showcase

The Wisconsin Technical College System’s annual Student Showcase took place this week here in the Capitol building. I enjoy this event every year, because I learn so much as the students share their projects and goals with me. Fox Valley Technical College President Dr. Susan May and I were able to talk about student success and budget issues, as well. Naturally, I think FVTC students had the best booth!

Libraries Transform!

I was glad to meet with Colleen Rortvedt, Director of the Appleton Public Library, when she visited for the Wisconsin Library Association Legislative Day. We had a great discussion about the status and goals of the library community in the Appleton area, and I even got a cool poster to promote libraries and reading. Thanks for making the trip, Colleen!

Tour of UW Madison Vet School and Lab

This week, I was part of a group of legislators who toured both the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the School of Veterinary Medicine Hospital. We heard from professionals about how faculty and staff at the Veterinary Hospital and Diagnostic Lab serve our dairy industry, agricultural industry, train students in clinical skills, and even do research to fight the Zika virus and diseases that affect our livestock. Thanks to the UW-Madison for inviting us!

"Like" Representative Murphy's Facebook Page

I use Facebook to update constituents more frequently on my work in Madison and the 56th Assembly District. I look forward to using this as another way to connect with constituents and encourage you to follow it and watch for regular updates.