One of my most important jobs as your State Representative is to introduce legislation. As Vice Chair of the Health and Healthcare Reform Committee in the Assembly, I have a seat at the table for many of Wisconsin's most vital debates on health and public welfare, but these are not the only areas where I have taken the lead with strong, progressive initiatives to move our state forward. For a look at my record in the Assembly, please click here, or read below about some of the bills I've introduced.

Protecting children from harmful chemicals
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an estrogen-mimicking chemical shown to cause cancer, heart disease, neurological defects, diabetes, hyperactivity, and sex hormone problems in fetuses and young children. I am taking the lead in the fight to ban the manufacture and sale of BPA in children’s bottles and cups and have garnered significant bipartisan support for my BPA Free Kids Act. Ensuring our children have a healthy world in which to develop and grow is one of my top priorities as a legislator.

Rep. Roys' Capital Times column on why Wisconsin Needs BPA-Free Kids

Rep. Roys' bill becomes law as Governor Signs BPA-Free Kids Act

Legislative Reference Bureau report on the potential dangers of BPA
FORBES: 'Studies report more harmful effects from BPA'
PBS: Bill Moyers covers the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's muckraking efforts on BPA

JSOnline: "Doyle Signs Bill Limiting BPA Use"

Keeping you safe from financial predators
A Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL) is a check or direct deposit given by a bank or tax processing service for a customer’s tax refund. Sometimes called Instant Refunds or Fast Cash Refunds, these loans are frequently misrepresented as actual refunds, costing Wisconsinites an estimated $32.8 million this year in interest paid on their own money. My bill would mandate disclosure of hidden RAL fees and charges, including interest rates that can currently range above 500%, as well as the date Wisconsinites can anticipate their full tax refunds. Ensuring fairness for consumers is a top priority of mine, and with this legislation, I’ll continue to work to protect Wisconsinites from financial predators.

DOR: Refund Anticipation Loan fact sheet
NATIONAL CONSUMER LAW CENTER: 2009 RAL report

Helping families save for college
EdVest is a vital Wisconsin program that makes it easier for families to save for their children’s higher education by making contributions from qualified family members to a student’s college fund tax-deductible. This deduction, however, is strictly and counterproductively limited to just a few eligible relatives, and effectively penalizes contributions from not only family members like uncles and aunts, but also other adults who take an interest in a student’s higher education. My College Savings Expansion bill is a common-sense fix that would help make the dream of higher education a reality for students across the 81st District by allowing anyone to make a tax-deductible contribution to a student’s college savings fund. I’m proud to be standing up for students and their families with this legislation.

EdVest website
WISCONSIN CREDIT UNION LEAGUE: EdVest facts