September 27, 2019

Working for you!

Road Improvements on the Move

Two critical Fox Valley transportation projects I championed in the state budget are moving forward this week. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has put out a new timeline for Highway 15 expansion and safety improvements that includes completion of an environmental review next year and beginning construction in 2021.

DOT also announced that the I-41 four to six lane expansion from Appleton to De Pere is slated to begin construction in 2025. You can read more about the process here.

I’ve been calling for these projects for years and I’m proud that we are making progress on improving the safety of roads in our community.

Billions in Tax Cuts for Wisconsin Families

This week the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau issued a memo detailing tax changes in Wisconsin laws since 2011. The memo found that we’ve cut taxes by over $13 billion since 2011 and $2.3 billion in just the last budget. These are massive numbers, but to put them in relatable terms, this means that the average family has saved over $2,000 since our tax reforms began. These savings, which keep money in the hands of hard-working Wisconsinites, are a major reason our economy continues to grow.

Helping Out at the Diaper Bank

In recognition of National Diaper Need Awareness week, Senator Roth, Rep. Steineke and I spent Wednesday packaging for United Way’s Fox Cities Diaper Bank with employees of Kimberly-Clark. Learn more about the event by clicking on the photo above.

Applications Open for Winnebago Coroner

The Governor’s Office is now accepting applications for the Winnebago County Coroner position that will become vacant on October 31.

Application materials must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2019. Interested applicants must submit an online application with a cover letter detailing professional and academic qualifications, civic activities, and community involvement. The application can be found online here by clicking “Apply” in the center of the page, scrolling to the bottom of the page and clicking “Click here to apply for the Register of Deeds, Coroner or Sheriff positions.”

If the online application is not functioning, please send a cover letter and resume to govappointments@wisconsin.gov. Potential applicants with questions about the application process may contact Flora Csontos, Director of Gubernatorial Appointments, at (608) 267-3675.

Capitol Visitors

On Tuesday, Grand Chute Fire Department Chief Tim Bantes popped in to say hi after testifying in committee at the State Capitol.

Rebecca Edwards (far right) from Winneconne along with family and friends stopped in to speak with us about medical freedoms.  

Elections Don't Belong on Mondays or Hanukkah

Governor Evers recently called a special election for the vacant seat in Wisconsin’s 7^th congressional district. Unfortunately, he decided to call the election on the last day of Hanukkah, which also falls on a Monday.  The governor may have been motivated to call the election as early as possible; however, he avoided calling the election on Christmas Eve, which would have been the earliest possible date. He instead opted to select the second earliest date, clearly showing preference for one religious holiday over another. The selection of a Monday has even drawn criticism from the more liberal organization Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, which issued a press release on the matter.

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.