January 19, 2018

Working for you!

The Strongest Work Ethic

Last week, the Assembly Workforce Development Committee held a public hearing on AB 625, which would improve the state's efforts in the area of employing individuals with a disability.

People who have struggled to adapt to or overcome a disability have a highly developed work ethic. That work ethic is something that employers greatly value. I think as we make more of our employers aware of what a resource these citizens can be, we do a great service, not only to the disabled community, but to the state in general.

You can watch my comments and the full hearing online by clicking on the photo below:

Working Together for a Bright Future

I'm proud to be working across political divides to get things done for the people of Wisconsin. This session over 90 percent of the bills that became law were passed in the Assembly on a bipartisan vote.

Tuesday was another bipartisan day on the floor of the State Assembly. Every bill that we took up for a vote was recommended in committee with the strong support of both Republicans and Democrats. You can watch the floor session online here: http://www.wiseye.org/Video-Archive/Event-Detail/evhdid/12123

2018 Legislative Agenda

State Surplus

A new report anticipates that the state will end the current budget cycle with a higher surplus than anticipated. Responsible budgeting and a growing economy are already reaping dividends.

Record Low Unemployment

Wisconsin unemployment is now at a record tying low of just three percent. Only once before in our state's history has unemployment been so low.

Business Plan Contest

Looking for a self-directed project this semester that can lead to prizes, mentoring and live connections to the business world? The 15th annual Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest will accept entries online for the 2018 competition until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31.

The contest is designed to encourage entrepreneurs in the startup stage of tech-based businesses in Wisconsin. It links up-and-coming entrepreneurs with a statewide network of community resources, expert advice, management talent and possible sources of capital.

Finalists will share in more than $100,000 in cash and service prizes. There is no cost to enter.

For their initial entries, contestants will submit a 250-word (or 2,000-character) idea abstract online at www.govsbizplancontest.com. That’s where contestants will also find business plan templates and other information, such as the Entrepreneurs’ Toolkit. The toolkit provides business startup information and assistance, networking contacts and technical resources.

Contestants who advance to subsequent contest rounds will expand their plan in stages. More than 70 judges drawn from the finance, sales, marketing, research and technology sectors across Wisconsin will score the entries and provide feedback on submissions.

To get started, contestants will need to create a simple account at www.govsbizplancontest.com.  All entries are submitted through the website. Contestants use their account to gain access to mentors throughout the process, as well as review the judges’ comments and feedback.

Since its inception in 2004, more than 3,500 entries have been received and about $2.2 million in cash and services (such as legal, accounting, office space and marketing) have been awarded. Contest categories are Advanced Manufacturing, Business Services, Information Technology and Life Sciences.

Wisconsin residents 18 years old and older are eligible, as are teams from Wisconsin-based businesses and organizations. Businesses or teams from outside the state are also eligible to compete if they demonstrate intent to base their business in Wisconsin. Entrepreneurs may also enter multiple ideas, though each idea must be separate and distinct.

Companies or individuals that have raised less than $25,000 in private equity for their plans in a current form are eligible to enter. Generally speaking, private equity refers to angel and venture capital.

Produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council, the contest’s major sponsor is the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. To enter, become a judge or learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.govsbizplancontest.com. 

Protecting Our Elders

This week, Attorney General Brad Schimel announced the start of a radio ad campaign that will raise awareness about elder abuse and encourage citizens to report abuse against seniors at Medicaid-funded or other senior care facilities.

The new public awareness campaign encourages citizens to report suspected elder abuse in a Medicaid-funded or other senior facility to the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud and Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-488-3780. The public service announcements began airing yesterday over the radio on the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association’s 200 member stations and will conclude on March 11, 2018. Currently, the ad campaign has a $50,000 budget, made possible through a federal grant.

To report suspected financial, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, please contact your county elder adult-at-risk agency or call 1-800-488-3780. If you witness an act of abuse, neglect, or exploitation that requires immediate attention, please call 911.

Free Fishing

Winter Free Fishing Weekend is Jan. 20-21, 2018: More than 20 DNR sites offer loaner ice fishing equipment.

Wisconsin's winter Free Fishing Weekend is set for Jan. 20-21, 2018, and free loaner equipment and ice fishing clinics make it a great time for open water anglers to discover the fun of ice fishing or to introduce family and friends to this hard-water recreation.

Fishing is free for Wisconsin residents and visitors alike on these days. No fishing license or Great Lakes salmon stamp or Inland Trout Stamp is needed to fish all inland waters and Wisconsin's side of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River and other boundary waters. Spring trout ponds are not open, however. All other fishing rules apply, such as limits on the number and size of fish anglers can keep and any seasons when anglers must release certain fish species.

"Free Fishing Weekend is a great way to get outside during the winter and have fun with family and friends," says Theresa Stabo, Department of Natural Resources R 3 coordinator who is working on angling recruitment, retention and reactivation.

It's also a chance for anglers to try the early catch and release trout season for free. That season opened Jan. 6 and normally requires anglers to have a fishing license and an inland trout stamp to join in.

Stabo says that people interested in ice fishing or trying the early catch-and-release trout season shouldn't let a lack of equipment stop them. More than 20 DNR tackle loaner sites have ice fishing gear for loan that groups and individuals can use. Ice augurs are not available through DNR but fellow anglers are usually willing to drill a hole in the ice for newcomers or they can use an abandoned ice fishing hole, she says.

So far, DNR is aware of free fishing clinics during Free Fishing Weekend at these locations: Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo; Straight Lake State Park in Polk County; Mauthe Lake State Recreation Area in Fond du Lac County; Perch Lake County Park and Maple Lake Public Beach in Oneida County; Glen Lock in Chippewa Falls; Brittingham Park in Madison and Fireman's Park in Marshall.

More information on the free fishing clinics, on how and where to borrow ice fishing equipment from DNR offices and parks, and on the weekend itself can be found on DNR's Free Fishing Weekend webpage. Go to dnr.wi.gov and search "Free Fishing Weekend."

Fishing groups, local chambers of commerce, outing organizations, recreation departments and others hosting their own Free Fishing Weekend events can fill out an electronic form with their event details so DNR can help publicize events that are open to the public.

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!

"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.