March 2, 2018

Working for you!

Tax Calculator

Recent improvements to the federal tax code are allowing you to keep more of your hard earned money; however, it’s important to verify that the amount of taxes being taken out of each check is accurate. The IRS has developed a new online tool that you can use to calculate how much in taxes you should be withholding each time you get paid by your employer.

Utilize this important tax tool by visiting: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-withholding-calculator

Stabilizing Health Care

On Tuesday, Governor Walker signed the Health Care Stability Plan, recently passed by the Assembly and Senate, which will drive down premiums and stabilize the individual market.

Appleton Fire Chief Vander Wyst Retires

Congratulations to Appleton Fire Chief Len Vander Wyst on his retirement today after 39 years in the fire service. He began his career as a firefighter in 1979 with the Appleton Fire Department and has served as its chief since 2009.

Thank you for your service and enjoy your retirement Chief Vander Wyst!

Options for Independent Living

Yesterday, the great folks at Options for Independent Living visited my Capitol office to discuss the valuable work their non-profit organization does in empowering people with disabilities to lead independent and productive lives in their community. You can find out more about Options for Independent Living by visiting their website here: http://www.optionsil.com/

On the left is Stacy Schultz and on the right is Karin Zuleger

Wisconsin Youth Art Month

The month of March is designated nationally as Youth Art Month. Student artwork from around the state is currently on display at the State Capitol Art Show in rotunda of our State Capitol. Below are pieces from our district. You can learn more about Youth Art Month by visiting: http://www.wiarted.org/youth-art-month-2017-18.html

Top row: “Bones the Cat” by Tiamarie Diamond of North Greenville Elementary, “Bones” by Avery Hackert of North Greenville Elementary, and “Mona Lisa in Space” by Alivia Buelow of Winneconne Elementary.

Bottom row: “Sunset” by Suri Hottman of Winneconne Elementary, “Falling Leaves” by Alyssa Koval of Winneconne Elementary, and “Rainbow Cupcake” by Lucy Brunn of North Greenville Elementary.

Nominate Someone for the Organic Advisory Council

The Wisconsin Organic Advisory Council has four openings for individuals interested in shaping the future of organic farming and food in Wisconsin. Nominations will be accepted until March 14, 2018.

The four openings include one seat for a representative of each of the following groups: farm, business, consumer, and at-large. Members serve three-year terms, and the council meets quarterly.

The nomination form can be found at https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/OrganicAdvisoryCouncil.aspx. Applicants should explain why they would be valuable additions to the council and should also include two letters of support. Completed applications should be sent to: Angie Sullivan, WI DATCP, PO Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708 or emailed to Angie.Sullivan@Wisconsin.gov. Call 608-224-5095 with questions.

Nominees will be evaluated by a committee and approved by Secretary Sheila Harsdorf and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Board. The selected nominees will be seated at the July meeting of the council.

The Wisconsin Organic Advisory Council’s purpose is to give guidance to the governor, DATCP, the Wisconsin Legislature and other state or federal agencies about actions that could further Wisconsin’s organic agriculture industry. Council members represent the spectrum of Wisconsin’s organic industry and include:

• 3 certified organic farmers, preferably reflecting several types of farms (dairy, vegetable, etc.).

• 3 organic business sector representatives.

• 1 representative of organic consumers.

• 1 representative of a private, non-profit educational organization involved in organic agriculture.

• 1 representative of the certification industry.

• 3 at-large members.

The organic advisory council is one of several of DATCP’s standing advisory councils. Learn more at https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/About_Us/Councils.aspx.

Blue Books are En Route

The legislature was recently given the opportunity to mail Wisconsin Blue Books at a lower cost and although I enjoy dropping them off in person, I wanted to get them out. If you ordered one from me this session, keep an eye out for it in the mail.

Limited quantities are still available and I'll be including more information about how to pick one up in person locally in the near future.

Upcoming 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.