It's Your Money

Yesterday, I was excited to stand alongside my Assembly Republican colleagues and announce our plan to provide income tax relief for Wisconsin's middle class.  Due to responsible budgeting over the past 8 years Wisconsin has gone from a $3.6 billion budget deficit to a $588.5 million surplus.  I believe that one of the best ways to use that surplus is to return your tax dollars to you through an income tax cut for the middle class because after all, it's your money!

The proposal my Assembly Republican colleagues and I are bringing forward will provide $340 million in middle class tax relief funded by a portion of the state's budget surplus.  As I mentioned in my last e-update, Assembly Republicans recently sent a letter to Governor Evers outlining some policy areas we believe we can work together with his administration on, one of which is reducing income taxes.

The proposed tax cut is targeted at individuals making under $100,000 and families making less than $150,000 and would impact nearly 2 million tax filers.  Under this plan, 75% of the tax cuts will go to filers with incomes between $30,000 and $100,000.  According to estimates from Wisconsin's non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau, a median income family filing jointly would see a $310 tax cut.

I am excited to go to work with my legislative colleagues to get this proposal to Governor Evers' desk.  I believe providing well-deserved tax relief to Wisconsin's middle class is another step in keeping our state's economy growing strong.

Assembly Republicans are finalizing this proposal with our colleagues in the State Senate.  I hope to see this legislation introduced for consideration soon.  Once enacted, this tax cut would go into effect starting in 2020.
  

Protecting People with Pre-existing Conditions

This week I participated in the first two Assembly Health Committee hearings where we heard testimony and debated Assembly Bill (AB) 1, or "Pre-Existing Condition Guaranteed Coverage Act".  Like me, I am sure that many of you know of someone with a pre-existing medical condition.  Whether it is yourself, a family member, or a friend we all want to make sure that a pre-existing condition does not prevent them from getting health insurance coverage.

In short, AB 1 ensures that no matter what happens at the federal level Wisconsinites with pre-existing conditions are protected.  Under AB 1, health insurance companies could not deny a policy to an individual because of a pre-existing condition.  Insurers will also be prevented from charging a person a higher premium based on their medical history.

I am proud to be a co-author of this bill and I am pleased to report that the Health Committee voted to send AB 1 to the full Assembly for consideration with bipartisan support.  I look forward to considering it on the floor soon. 

Under the Dome

Legislative Republicans Meet with Governor Evers and Lt. Governor Barnes

Earlier this week, Governor Tony Evers and Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes accepted the invitation of legislative Republicans to speak with us at a joint caucus.  The conversation was positive and I look forward to finding ways to work with them and their administration.

Talking About Nursing

As part of a busy day yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak with Sheila Heiser from Rib Lake about some of the issues impacting her as an advanced practice nurse.  I appreciate her making the long trek down to Madison to meet with me.

Meeting with Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College

To finish off a busy week in Madison yesterday, I met with folks from Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC) to discuss what they are hoping to see in the upcoming state budget as well as other areas that the legislature can work together with our technical colleges on.  Our technical colleges like WITC do a great job preparing their students to enter our state's workforce and I look forward to continuing to work with them to help them succeed.

Around the 87th

Taylor County Transition Advisory Council Meeting

On Monday I had the opportunity to attend the Taylor County Transition Advisory Council meeting in Medford. The meeting was very informative and I was glad to share a little about my appointment as the Chairman of the Labor and Integrated Employment Committee.  I look forward to continuing to work with folks in Medford and around the state to continue to promote competitive integrated employment for people with disabilities.

Prevea Clinic Ribbon Cutting and Open House

Last week, I was pleased to attend the ribbon cutting and open house for the new Prevea Clinic in Ladysmith.  Thank you to Prevea for your investment in the Ladysmith community!

Photo courtesy of the Ladysmith News

Stay Up to Date

One of the best ways to stay up to date with what is going on in Madison is to sign up for the legislature's notification tracking service. This service allows you to follow legislative activity in Madison. Once you create a free account you can sign up to receive notifications about specific bills or committees as well as legislative activity pertaining to a subject area (i.e. agriculture, veterans). You can sign up for this service at notify.legis.wisconsin.gov.