February 22, 2019

Working for you!

Robbing Peter to Pay Paul

Governor Evers used his first veto to shut down a middle class tax cut that he promised voters during the election. Instead of utilizing a state surplus to fund a true tax cut for the lower and middle class, the governor would increase taxes on farmers and manufacturers to pay for his proposal. Unfortunately, this proposal would simply slow the economy and ultimately pass increase costs onto the same consumers who are supposed to benefit from his plan.

I sincerely hope the governor begins to work with us on a bipartisan budget proposal, instead of putting forward plans that will increase the partisan divide and harm the people of Wisconsin.

Serious Criminal Justice Reform

Assembly Republicans have proposed a serious criminal justice reform package that would improve our court system, add Treatment Alternatives and Diversion programs to help offenders who suffer from alcohol and drug issues, and expand reentry worker training programs. Our plan addresses the real disparities in our criminal justice system, instead of proposing an eye-catching red herring solution.

I support medical marijuana treatment, if it’s implemented in a way that protects Wisconsin from federal reprisals and ensures the safety of our public roadways. The over-congested I-41 on the north side of Appleton won’t get any safer if suddenly people are operating vehicles under the influence of marijuana and police have no workable tools to enforce sobriety.

However, I oppose the legalization of marijuana for recreational use. Serious criminal justice reform involves more than attempting to legalize a drug that the federal government is responsible for regulating.

Changing state statutes on marijuana, as the governor has proposed, won’t fix an issue that clearly begins with federal law and ends with local law enforcement. Evers’ claim that decriminalizing recreational marijuana at the state level will solve Milwaukee’s broken criminal justice system is simply a distraction from addressing the real issue. Serious criminal justice reform involves more than attempting to legalize a drug that the federal government is responsible for regulating.

Evers Aims to Fund Abortion Provider

On Thursday, the governor announced his intention to restore funding to Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin in his state budget proposal. State law currently prohibits federal Title X and Title V Maternal and Child Health family planning funds from going to abortion providers like Planned Parenthood. Wisconsin currently directs these funds to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) with nearly 200 locations across Wisconsin, where the funds are guaranteed to be used for their intended purpose and not used to subsidize other activities.

I’m disappointed in the governor’s attempt to reward a political ally by placing such a divisive and immoral recommendation in his budget. I will not support any initiative to use taxpayer dollars on any organization that provides abortions.

Capitol Visitors

Technical college students from across the state visited the Capitol on Tuesday to showcase their work.

Options for Independent Living stopped by to discuss their services and budget request. Pictured left to right: President Autumn Nordall, my aide Michael Moscicke, and Independent Living Coordinator Alyson Windle.

New Legislation

Since the last update I've added one more bill to those that I'm co-sponsoring. Click on the links to learn more about each bill:

2019 Assembly Bill 26 Direct primary care agreements.

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.