January 5, 2018

Working for you!

 

Clearing the Way for Affordable Housing

On Wednesday, the Assembly Committee on Housing and Real Estate held a hearing on two bills that will go a long way toward meeting Wisconsin's housing needs.

AB 770, the “Development Property Modernization Act of 2017,” will lower the cost of new development at the local level by restricting the use of impact and park fees, requiring housing affordability audits, and incentivizing higher density and more affordable housing.

AB 771, the “Affordable Rental Housing Act of 2017,” will make it easier for landlords to provide Wisconsin residents with quality, clean, safe, and affordable housing.

You can watch the full committee hearing online and learn more about the bills here: http://www.wiseye.org/Video-Archive/Event-Detail/evhdid/12075

Boom Times Bring Ponzi Schemes

As the economy continues to improve and the stock market hits record highs, opportunities to invest seem like they are around every corner. In boom times like these, it’s especially important to be vigilant with your hard earned money.

I’ve unfortunately heard multiple reports of a Ponzi scheme operating in our community. If you believe that you’ve been approached by someone trying to defraud you with an investment scheme, don’t hesitate to contact the following state and federal law officials:

Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
Jeffrey Hole, Securities Examiner
608-266-1365

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Green Bay Sub-Office
920-432-2076

Keep in mind, anything that seems too good to be true, probably is.

Happy New Year

$2500 Tax Cut for Typical Wisconsin Family of Four

Following passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act by both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, Governor Scott Walker released information from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue which shows the typical family of four in Wisconsin will see a $2,508 tax cut.

While the Wisconsin Department of Revenue is still analyzing the full impact of the bill on state taxpayers, it has determined that married joint filers with two children at home and a median adjusted gross income for a family of four will see an annual tax decrease of $2,508. That’s $200 a month more in the pockets of the typical Wisconsin family.

Help Find the Next Alice in Dairyland

As one of the most widely recognized communications professionals in Wisconsin agriculture, Alice in Dairyland educates Wisconsin children and adults about the value, economic impact, and future of the state’s $88 billion agricultural industry. Individuals interested in applying to become the next “Alice”–the 71st to hold the year-long position–are invited to submit applications through Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018.

Alice in Dairyland applicants should have an interest in Wisconsin agriculture; at least three years of experience, education, or training in communications, marketing, education, or public relations, and public speaking experience. Applicants must be female, Wisconsin residents, and at least 21 years old.

This one-year, full-time contractual position starts June 4, 2018. The position holder will be headquartered in Madison and travel extensively throughout the state. The annual salary for Alice in Dairyland is $45,000 and includes holiday, vacation, and sick leave as well as use of a vehicle for official business. Reimbursement is provided for an individual health insurance premium up to $450 a month, as well as professional travel expenses.

To apply, submit an application form, cover letter, resume, three professional references, and summary of qualifications to DATCP by 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018. Application materials are available at: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Growing_WI/BecomingAlice.aspx

Qualified applicants will be invited to a preliminary interview Feb. 16. Top candidates will be required to attend a two-day program briefing and press announcement March 15-16, and the three-day final interview process at which the new Alice will be selected will be held May 17-19 in Adams County.

Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to Alice in Dairyland Program Director, Ti Gauger at 608-224-5115 or Ti.Gauger@wisconsin.gov.

Badgers Win Orange Bowl

On December 30 the University of Wisconsin-Madison Badgers became Orange Bowl champions against the Miami Hurricanes with a score of 34 to 24, winning their fourth consecutive bowl game. The 2017 Badgers football team is the winningest in University of Wisconsin-Madison history, being the first to finish the regular football season 12-0, and the first ever to win 13 games in a single season. The Wall Street Journal's annual ranking of top football programs earlier this year singled out the University of Wisconsin-Madison as the number one most admirable football program in the country for overall performance, both on the field of play and as an academic institution.

To recognize the team and university for their academic and athletic accomplishments, Senator Darling and I have co-authored a joint resolution and hope to present it to them later this month.

Bonuses Abound

On Tuesday, US Bank announced that they were joining a growing number of businesses reinvesting in employees, customers, and charities in light of the groundbreaking federal tax reform passage.

In addition to the $1,000 bonus for nearly 60,000 employees, US Bank is raising their minimum wage to $15 an hour, making a $150 million contribution to the US Bank Foundation, and improving employee health care benefits.

Tax reforms occurring on the state and federal level are already beginning to have positive and lasting impacts on families across Wisconsin.

Eagle Watching Season

Bald eagle watching season kicks off in January.  There are a number of eagle watching events scheduled around the state in the months ahead. 

Early catch-and-release trout season opens on January 6. Sixty-four Wisconsin counties have at least one stream open to trout fishing this winter.

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 have a Facebook page so I can continually engage with you on important topics facing the state. Please like it by clicking here!

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.

"Like" Representative Murphy's

Official Facebook Page

 

Welcome!

I live in Greenville, but have an office at the State Capitol in Madison. If you are in downtown Madison, please feel free to stop by and say hello! Just go to the information desk in the rotunda, and they can direct you on how to find my office, 318 North. At the bottom of each e-update, you'll see my office contact information.

If your school or group plans to tour the Capitol building, please let me know in advance. I'd love to visit with you for a few minutes and take a group photo.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

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Rep.Murphy@legis.wisconsin.gov State Capitol Room 318 North - PO Box 8953, Madison, WI 53708 Toll Free: (888) 534-0056 or (608) 266-7500