September 13, 2019

Working for you!

National Suicide Prevention Week

Suicide is the 10^th leading cause of death in Wisconsin. Next week is national Suicide Prevention week. If you or someone you know needs help, please utilize these invaluable resources, because every life is precious.

To find out more about the work we’re doing in the legislature to address suicide, please visit the website for the Speaker’s Task Force on Suicide Prevention.

UW Audit Response Raises Questions

On Tuesday, the Joint Committee on Audit held a hearing to address UW System’s response to the annual audit of their operations and financials. The non-partisan Legislative Audit Bureau raised significant concerns that UW System has not implemented recommendations made in the previous two audit reports on UW System. I plan on following up with university leaders on these issues to ensure that their reputation and financial operations aren’t put at risk. You can watch the audit hearing here.

When Credits Fail to Transfer

On Thursday, the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities, which I chair, held an extensive hearing on two bills aimed at improving college course transfer. We also heard two bills that will improve the college experience for veterans and active duty military personnel by addressing problems with deployment during a course and late payment of tuition benefits by the federal government.

Here’s a link to the testimony I gave on my bill to improve college credit transfer.

Our Exchange Student

My wife Lynn and I currently have the honor of hosting an exchange student from Italy. Welcome, Mattia! We're working on showing him Wisconsin life around the state; however, we’re still waiting for him to experience snow for the first time. So far we've had the chance to take him to Irish Fest in Milwaukee and Latino Fest at Pierce Park (pictured above).

Constitution Day

Tuesday, September 17 is Constitution Day, the day which marks the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 by delegates in Philadelphia. The Constitution is an enduring line of defense against those who attempt to whittle away personal freedom, the greatest of which, I believe, is the freedom of expression. When freedom of expression is restricted, as our public universities have attempted to do over the years, our entire society suffers. That’s why I am a happy warrior in defense of speech wherever it is being trampled upon, and why I support efforts to protect freedom of expression on our university campuses.

Capitol Visitors

My former intern Maryjane Behm stopped in this week on her way to an alumni meeting in Madison. Maryjane's from Winneconne. She graduated from UW–Madison last spring and recently began teaching in Abbotsford, WI. Contrary to popular belief, many people still want to be teachers, even in rural areas.

Around the District

My nephews Michael Murphy on guitar and David Murphy on drums.

As a proud uncle, I got to watch my nephews play at the Appleton Boychoir fundraiser at Pierce Park on Sunday.

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.