January 26, 2018

Working for you!

Stronger Than Ever

The state of the state is stronger than ever before. Unemployment has never been lower, school funding has increased more than ever, and the state will end this budget with a large surplus.

Health care

The Governor’s Health Care Stability Plan will put Wisconsin on the national forefront of providing access to affordable, quality health care. While others fail to act, we’re prepared to move forward to protect those with preexisting conditions, make the individual market more functional, and ensure Wisconsin’s successful SeniorCare program is protected into the future, instead of subject to regular federal review.

Child Tax Credit

Our record of sound fiscal management is reaping dividends, and families across the Fox Valley and Wisconsin are the beneficiaries. The budget surplus that we worked hard to create will allow for a permanent $100 per child tax credit starting this year.

Schools

After the largest school funding increase in the history of Wisconsin, I’m excited to support the Governor’s call for fair funding for our rural schools. These targeted increases will boost our lowest spending schools and the investment will empower these thrifty school districts to provide the excellent education that every Wisconsin child deserves.

Welfare

As my mother used to say, ‘Many hands make light work.’ With our economy stronger than ever, we have a golden opportunity to make reforms to our welfare system. As we get more people into the workforce, it will be easier for us to move unemployed folks to the work that will make a real difference in lives. Real long term success comes through building a career, not welfare benefits alone. By working together, we’re creating the bright future that Wisconsin families deserve.

Watch my reaction to the Governor's State of the State address by clicking on the image below:

After the speech the Governor visited Basler Flight Services in Oshkosh to discuss his proposals.

Honoring Our Badgers

Senator Darling and I authored a resolution to recognize the UW-Madison Badgers Football unprecedented athletic and academic achievements this season. You can read the full resolution here: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2017/related/proposals/ajr97.pdf

Watch the video of the Badgers visiting the State Assembly by clicking on the image below:

Visitors Bringing Smiles

It always brings a smile to my face when folks from home make it down to Madison to visit me in my State Capitol office. This week that was especially true when I got to see my brother, insurance and financial advisors, and dentists all from across our district.

My brother Jerry Murphy and Governor Walker at the Executive Residence after the Governor's State of the State Address

National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors-Wisconsin (NAIFA) members: Harry Dorman, Scott Scheer, and Don Schleicher

Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) members and students

Advancing Research

On Wednesday, Senator Feyen and I testified to the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Commerce and Local Government in support of our bill to support research at University of Wisconsin campuses. Yesterday, every member of the committee voted to advance the bill. I am proud to champion bipartisan legislation like SB 617.

Senator Feyen and I provided testimony on the bill.

Data Privacy Day

New online applications are launched every day, and internet users are only a couple of clicks away from downloading these programs and setting up accounts. With each new account we create, we continue the spread of our personal (and often financial) information across the internet, expanding our "digital footprint."

To remind everyone of how important it is to consider the amount and types of information we share online, Sunday has been designated as Data Privacy Day (1/28). Governor Scott Walker issued a proclamation in recognition of this international campaign, and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is asking Wisconsin you to set aside a few minutes to evaluate your online presence and the steps you can take to protect your personal information.

Our names, addresses, birthdates, Social Security numbers and more are stored throughout the internet in databases owned and maintained by businesses, government agencies, healthcare organizations and educational institutions. We rely on these organizations to safeguard our data, but we can help protect our information by making decisions on how and where we share our information online.

To better protect your digital footprint, use Data Privacy Day to:

• Delete apps that you no longer use.

• Purge the application permissions list in your social media accounts.

• Review the settings of each app to see which services it accesses in your devices.

• Pay close attention to requests for data or device services that appear during the setup stage for a new app or online account.

• Update passwords.

• Update all web-enabled devices to the latest operating system and antivirus package.

• Remind friends and family members not to click on links in unsolicited emails or social media posts and to avoid completing unsolicited surveys that ask for personal information.

National Spouse's Day: January 26

Today is National Spouse's Day, which encourages people to let their spouses know how much they are loved, respected, and appreciated. I can't fully express how grateful I am to have my wife, Lynn, in my life.

Local Events

Check out upcoming events near us by visiting the Wisconsin Tourism website or  https://appletondowntown.org/upcoming-events/ and if you run into me while you’re out and about be sure to stop and say hi!

"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.