September 8, 2017

Working for you!

6 Things to Know about the State Budget

Now that the Joint Finance Committee has wrapped up their work on the budget, I’ll have the opportunity to debate and vote on their proposal next week. Here are six important items included in the budget:

6. We’re keeping the Governor’s commitment to freeze property taxes

5. We’re investing over $630 million more in K-12 education, the most ever.

4. Statewide school choice will now be accessible for all families at or below 220% of the federal poverty level.

3. The budget includes a full repeal of the state portion of your property taxes, saving taxpayers $180 million and restoring this tax base to local control.

2. The record breaking UW tuition freeze will continue, the need-based Wisconsin Grant will be increased by $15 million, 222 vacant UW System positions will be deleted, and the Tommy Thompson Center for effective public leadership will be opened.

1. My proposal to phase out the personal property tax is included in the bill.

BONUS ITEM: The non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau just issued their preliminary 2016-17 update on tax collections and the state has collected $14 million more than originally anticipated, putting us in a strong financial position.

Equifax Breach of 143 Million Americans' Personal Data

Equifax, one of the nation’s three major credit bureaus, had a major breach this summer of personal information, including social security numbers, birth dates, credit card numbers, addresses, and driver license numbers of over 140 million Americans.

You can check to see if your information was released by visiting https://www.equifaxsecurity2017.com/potential-impact/

Whether or not you were impacted by this particular breach, you should regularly monitor your credit report, bank statements, and credit card statements to keep an eye out for erroneous information and charges.

Winneconne Bridge Work Begins Monday

Beginning September 11, various contractors will be on sight to begin preparation for the construction of the new Winneconne bridge and the decommissioning of the current bridge.

Traffic Impacts: WIS 116/Main St. will be open to two-way traffic but may be restricted to one-lane during non-peak daytime hours using flagging operations. WIS 116/Main St. will be restored to full two-way operation during non-working hours. South 1st Avenue will be closed permanently. South 1st Street and North 1st Avenue will be closed for roughly four weeks during this stage.

Appleton Native Named to EPA Post

President Trump has nominated Wisconsin Assistant Attorney General David P. Ross to serve as Assistant Administrator of the Office of Water at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Ross is currently the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Environmental Protection Unit Director. Congratulations, David!

Grandparents Day and Fraud Prevention

This Sunday Sept. 10, marks Grandparents Day and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is encouraging families to talk with their older relatives about how to spot scams, identity theft risks, and to take steps to stay protected from fraudsters.

The best place to start a conversion with older relatives is by sharing a copy of DATCP’s Senior Guide. This free booklet helps seniors navigate tricky consumer issues and protect themselves from scams and identity theft. The Senior Guide is available on the DATCP website or can be ordered by calling DATCP’s Consumer Protection Hotline (800-422-7128).

Many common scams that target seniors are outlined in the guide, including:

• Grandparent scams (or “family emergency” scams) – a scammer falsely claims that a family member is in trouble and requests money. The scammers often claim to be the grandchild in need of help.

• Tech support scams – a “computer technician” says you have a computer virus that they can repair for payment and remote access to your computer.

• Timeshare resale fraud – someone claims that they have a buyer for your timeshare. After signing a phony “sales contract,” the victim is continuously asked for payments for document fees and other expenses.

• IRS/U.S. Treasury scams – a fake “federal agent” claims you owe back taxes and demands immediate payment.

• Medical alert/equipment fraud – scammers place robocalls to potential victims pitching “free” medical equipment and personal emergency alert systems. The items are often of questionable quality and are tied to recurring fees.

Start a conversation with older relatives by reviewing these simple tips:

• Never wire money to someone you don’t know. Wire transfers are like cash – the chance for recovery is slim to none.

• Don’t trust your caller ID. Scammers “spoof” the information to appear as a local number.

• Never engage with an unsolicited sales robocall. Taking any action may cause you to get additional calls. Create an exit strategy to get off the phone.

• Never provide your bank or credit card account numbers on an unsolicited call.

• Always check with a family member before you act on a high pressure sales pitch.

Latino Fest

Appleton’s Latino Fest is this Saturday September 9, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Pierce Park.

Learn about the diversity of Latino communities. Participate in or watch a jalapeño eating contest. Watch an Aztec dance performance, and learn new Zumba moves! Come hear various Latino music genres. Don’t miss this annual community celebration!

Check out other upcoming events near us by visiting the Wisconsin Tourism website, and if you run into me while you’re out and about be sure to stop and say hi!

Capitol Centennial Student Art and Essay Contest

The 100th Anniversary State Capitol Commemorative Commission is sponsoring an art and essay contest to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of our beautiful and historic building. Students in grades K-12 are invited to submit either a piece of art or an essay which details or symbolizes the importance of the Capitol building and what it means to Wisconsin.

Rules: Essays should be no longer than one page and either typed or legibly written.  Art pieces should be two-dimensional, made out of non-breakable material, and no larger than 24 inches by 30 inches.  Art pieces must be mountable to a board or on a canvas that is already attached to a wooden frame for display on an easel.

The Commission will select one art piece and one essay from each grade.  Selected art and essay pieces will be displayed on the first floor of the State Capitol building this fall from November 9th through November 30th.  Winning entries will be recognized by the Governor and retained by the Wisconsin Historical Society.  All entries will receive a certificate acknowledging the submitted work and those not retained by the Historical Society will be returned upon request.

Contest entries will be accepted from September 1st through October 13th, 2017. Please include: the participant’s name and grade, name of participant’s teacher and/or school, and contact information for the school.

Mail submissions to:

Wisconsin State Senate
c/o Dr. Tammy Wehrle
PO Box 7882
Madison, WI 53707

For more information about the State Capitol Commemorative Commission and the Wisconsin State Capitol building, please visit:  https://capitol100th.wisconsin.gov/

Never Forget

"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.