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(608) 266-5780 | State Capitol, Room 307 West, P.O. Box 8953, Madison, WI 53708 |

COMMUNITY EVENTS


Monday Night at the Movies

Mondays, 6:00-8:00 p.m. 

La Crosse Public Library


Viterbo University Presents: Into The Woods

Friday, October 11th, 7:30 - 10:00 p.m.

Viterbo Fine Arts Center: Main Theatre


La Crosse Science Cafe: Professor Andrea Hicks on Nano-Silver

Saturday, October 12th, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

JavaVino, 2311 State Road


Mayor's Neighborhood Conference

Saturday, October 19th, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Black River Beach Neighborhood Center


CONTACT ME:

State Capitol
Room 307 West
P.O. Box 8953
Madison, WI 53708

Phone:
(608) 266-5780

Toll Free:
(888) 534-0095

rep.billings@legis.wi.gov

Friends and Neighbors,

It was wonderful seeing so many of you out celebrating Oktoberfest last weekend. Each year, I am reminded of how fortunate we are to have such a strong community gather together. Last Thursday, Governor Evers also joined us in La Crosse for a Wisconsin Craft Brewery Day celebration prior to Oktoberfest festivities.

 

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Please continue reading for articles on the new legislation released addressing gun violence and gun deaths, information from the U.S. Census about job opportunities, and how you can help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species.

As always, please let me know if you have any questions, comments or concerns. You can always contact my office by calling (608) 266-5780 or emailing me at Rep.Billings@legis.wi.gov.

 

Best Wishes, 

Jill Billings
State Representative 
95th Assembly District

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80% of Wisconsinites Support Extreme Risk Prevention Order Legislation

I come from a family of hunters, and I learned early on to appreciate the benefits of gun ownership as well as gun safety. I therefore believe that some common sense measures are necessary to both reduce gun violence and preserve law-abiding residents’ right to own firearms. 

Recently, Governor Evers, Attorney General Josh Kaul, and legislative Democrats announced a new ‘red flag’ or Extreme Risk Prevention Order (ERPO) bill, which seeks to curb gun violence in Wisconsin in the wake of several recent mass shootings. I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation, as I believe it takes necessary steps to prevent gun violence in our communities, while simultaneously ensuring necessary due process and respect for responsible gun owners.

The bill would allow family members or police to petition a court to prevent an individual from possessing a firearm when an individual may be a harm to themselves or others. This legislation would be an additional tool that allows for families and law enforcement to intervene in certain concerning situations.

ERPO legislation has been proven to reduce firearm suicide rates, as seen in Connecticut and Indiana. Additionally, 80% of Wisconsinites, including gun owners, consistently support this type of law. I hope to see bipartisan support on this bill, and look forward to seeing it pass through the legislative process. The issue of gun violence and deaths in our state is too serious for inaction from my colleagues.

 

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Help Your Community Through the U.S. Census Bureau

Are you looking for ways to help your community? The U.S. Census Bureau is currently hiring temporary positions for the 2020 Census in our area.

The largest number of positions available are for census takers. Pay rates vary by area. The Census Bureau is also looking for people with special language skills, including Spanish, Hmong, and other languages. With flexible work hours – including daytime, evenings, and weekends – the temporary positions may appeal to farm families and farm workers, those seeking part-time work or extra income, veterans, retirees and senior citizens, students, and others.

By working for the Census Bureau, our community has a special opportunity to help make the 2020 Census an accurate and complete count. There are so many reasons our nation needs to be counted completely and accurately. The count happens every 10 years with the decennial census, which influences how more than $675 billion from more than 100 federal programs are distributed to states and localities each year. Here’s some of what the census numbers affect:

  • School lunch programs.
  • Community development grants.
  • Road and school construction.
  • Medical services.
  • Business locations.

If you’re interested, please visit the Census Bureau job site to apply. You’ll also be able to see descriptions and frequently asked questions at 2020census.gov/jobs.

 

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Stop the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

Waterfowl hunting season has officially begun, and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging hunters to be aware of the impact of aquatic invasive species in our state. Duck hunting in particular can spread invasive species through a number of means. Even mud that gets stuck to a pair of boots can contain hidden eggs, water fleas, or seeds. When leaving a body of water, hunters should inspect equipment and gear; remove any plants, animals, or mud; drain water from all equipment; and remember to never move plants or live fish from a body of water. I encourage all hunters to preserve our natural habitats by being mindful, and enjoy a safe hunting season!

 

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Rep. Billings in La Crosse and Madison

 

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The Pump House Regional Arts Center is featuring an exhibition of artwork called ‘Walking Together’ by fifteen Chinese contemporary oil painting masters, from now until November 9. The artists are promoting cultural exchange and understanding through art, and I enjoyed meeting a number of the participating artists at the opening reception.

 

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This year’s Oktoberfest was a rousing success, and I had fun meeting with the Festmaster and Frau, Terry and Shelly Cowgill.


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It was great to have University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross and Board of Regents President Andrew Peterson at UW-La Crosse to talk about the value the university system brings to our state.

 

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I met with representatives from Kwik Trip at the Future of Transportation Day at the Capitol, which was organized by RENEW Wisconsin.

 

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Last week I had the honor of presenting a citation of commendation, recognizing and congratulating the law firm of Hale, Skemp, Hanson, Skemp & Sleik on a century of service to our community.