October 27, 2017

Working for you!

Educating About Human Trafficking

On Tuesday I chaired a hearing on reducing human trafficking throughout Wisconsin. One way to address this critical issue is to ensure truck drivers are educated on how to identify trafficking in the course of their jobs. AB 540 would require technical college and licensed private driver school commercial motor vehicle driver education courses to provide instruction in the recognition and prevention of human trafficking.

You can watch the hearing on the bill by clicking on the image below:

Wisconsin School of Business MBA Program

After unveiling a proposed pilot to suspend admissions to the full time Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at UW-Madison, the Dean of the Wisconsin School of Business yesterday announced that the plan would be scrapped. The proposal quickly garnered concern from students, alumni, and the public. You can read the full statement from Dean Anne P. Massey here: https://bus.wisc.edu/knowledge-expertise/newsroom/program-portfolio-review

Talking Health

I recently had the privilege to speak on two panels related to health care. Last Friday, I spoke at the annual Wisconsin Nursing Association meeting in Green Bay and on Tuesday I addressed members of the Wisconsin Medical Society at their leadership summit in Madison.

Both meetings generated excellent conversations surrounding my current health care priorities as a member of the Assembly Committee on Health:

• Preventing third parties from creating more knots in our health system. Examples of legislation I'm working on this session to address this issue include a bill to prohibit mandatory physician Maintenance of Certification for third party reimbursement of costs and another bill that will update electronic medical record fees.

• Allowing health care professionals to do the work they are qualified to do, without unnecessary government regulations. Examples of legislation I'm working on for this issue include a bill that would allow podiatrists to delegate some of their work to qualified health professionals that they supervise and a bill that would allow pharmacists to substitute biosimilar prescriptions in the same way they are currently enabled to substitute more affordable generic medications.

Drug Take Back Day

Click the image below to learn more and find a location near you:

DNR Launches "Wild Wisconsin!"

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has officially launched Wild Wisconsin! Wild Wisconsin offers a new way for hunters to get information on the go. An array of web series segments, podcasts, and even wild game recipes, will give Wisconsin hunters a more in-depth look at all things deer.

Hunters are reminded of the opportunity to participate in the annual Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey. You can record and report your wildlife observations while hunting, which assists the Department in tracking population trends for deer and other wildlife.

Before heading into the woods this deer season, check out the online deer zone and management unit map on the DNR website to ensure proper registration of their harvest.

Request a Wisconsin 2017-18 Blue Book

The new almanac of Wisconsin state government is now available and I’m dropping off as many of the books as possible in person, so if you request one, you might just get a visit from me as well.

The 2017-18 Blue Book is now available online and can be read here: https://legis.wisconsin.gov/lrb/publications/wisconsin-blue-book/

To request a complimentary hardcopy of the Blue Book, visit my webpage and fill out the Blue Book request form. The book will also available online soon.

Fun fact: Do you know that Wisconsin produces over 11,000 tons of pumpkins each year, which was worth $3,572,000 in 2016. That's a lot of jack-o'-lanterns!

Wisconsin Capitol 100th Anniversary Gala

This year marks the 100th anniversary of our beautiful State Capitol building. In honor of this anniversary, the Wisconsin Historical Foundation is throwing a once in a lifetime gala to benefit the Capitol Restoration Fund. Learn more about the event and purchase tickets by clicking on the image below:

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!

Halloween in Wisconsin

As Halloween rolls around, the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs is telling people “Don’t be scared…Be prepared!”

Halloween Safety Tips

It’s that time of year when ghosts and witches will be roaming neighborhoods looking for treats.  Before those princesses and superheroes are ready to start trick-or-treating, ReadyWisconsin has a few tips to help you and your family have a happy and safe Halloween.

Trick or Treat Rules

Children under the age of 12 should not trick-or-treat alone. In addition, children over the age of 12 should walk in groups or with a trusted adult.  Children and adults should hold a flashlight or a light stick and have reflective tape on costumes and bags to help drivers better see them.

Before eating any Halloween candy, an adult should examine all treats to check for tampering and choking hazards.   Avoid eating any homemade treats made by strangers.

Safe Costumes & Decorations

Make sure costumes (including masks, beards and wigs) are flame resistant.  Stay away from long trailing fabric to prevent falls and wear well-fitting masks to avoid blocked vision.

Avoid using real candles to light up jack o’ lanterns.  Use flashlights or battery-operated candles.  They are safe to use and will still make your pumpkin glow, while preventing costumes from catching on fire.

Safety Tips for Motorists

Drivers should watch for trick-or-treaters walking on roadways, medians and curbs.  Know when your community is holding trick-or-treat hours.  Many communities hold trick-or-treating on the weekend before Halloween.

For safety information all year, visit us at http://readywisconsin.wi.gov

Local Halloween Trick-or-Treat Times:

Appleton, Tuesday, October 31, 4–8 p.m.
Dale, Saturday, October 28, 3–5 p.m., parade at 2:30 p.m.
Grand Chute, Tuesday, October 31, 4–7 p.m.
Greenville, Tuesday, October 31, 4–7 p.m.
Hortonville, Sunday, October 29, 3–5 p.m., parade at 2:15 p.m.
Winneconne, Tuesday, October 31, 4–6 p.m.

The spiders outside my State Capitol office window have been hard at work adding some spooky decorations to our building.

"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.