Welcome to my latest e-update. Here is a summary from the past week as your State Representative.
Starting on April 15th, state legislators are prohibited from sending out 50 or more pieces of identical materials from our office, including the e-update. That means we can write the e-update and post it online, but we cannot email it directly to you.
So, after April 15th, our weekly e-update will be posted on our legislative website and social media but will not be sent directly to your inbox. If you have any questions regarding this rule, please let us know!
As always, previous updates are available on our website and social media.
Please contact my office with any questions or concerns.
Forward together,
Robyn Vining
Universal Changing Station Installation at the Capitol Progresses!
Yesterday, the Furniture and Finishes Subcommittee met and recommended to the State Capitol and Executive Residence Board that a Universal Changing Station be installed in our state Capitol. This is exciting news!
Inspired by Sarah’s hard work and advocacy, last October I re-introduced the Universal Changing Stations Bill. I have been honored to have the opportunity to work with local Brookfield mother, Sarah Knowles, and her son, Matthew, since our very first meeting in 2019 to get this bill before the legislature.
Sarah shared that her son Matthew had been unable to go to basketball games, museums, and airports because, then at age 19, he had to be changed on the floor of public restrooms or in the back of their van – when it’s warm enough outside. To drive this point home, I think it’s important to note that Sarah was meeting with us virtually Thursday because the Capitol does not have a place to change Matthew, and it is too cold to use the van outdoors. This changing station will make a difference for families across Wisconsin. I thank Sarah for her advocacy and tenacity, Senator Agard for her partnership in the senate, and DOA for the progress toward a changing station in the Capitol, also known as, The People’s House.
Access to changing stations is an issue of public health and of human dignity. We have a population of people in need who are going unseen because they are unable to participate in society. Since the buildings don't work for the people, the people aren't going to the buildings. We are aiming to change that, and today we made progress toward that goal!
Blue Book Sprint and Legislative Doors!
14 Days Til the 14th in the 14th! Where have I been this week?
We are in our final week of being able to deliver Blue Books and visit homes to knock legislative doors with our office contact information. So, watch for us in your neighborhood!
74th & Oakhill in Wauwatosa
Rain (snow) or shine, we’re getting these Blue Books out to all of you! I dropped this one off at a little library on 3300 block of Knoll Terrace
Two for one! I put one 2019-2020 and one 2021-2022 blue book into this cute little Packers-themed library on Jackson Park Blvd
Two Blue Books to this adorable Little Library at Aberdeen Court!
I also dropped Blue Books with the Brookfield City Council and the Wauwatosa City Council on Tuesday, and will be visiting schools later this week, and school boards next week!
I am taking requests– where shall I go next?
National Library Week
It is National Library Week! Libraries continue to be a valuable resource in our community, by providing information, entertainment, internet access and more! Thank you, libraries!
It’s National Library Week and I want to highlight a new book written by Deanna Singh, a resident of Assembly District 14! “Race & Inclusion: Standing up to Racism and Building a Better World” is an American Girl Brand Smart Girl's Guide! I nominated Deanna and she was named 2020 Wisconsin First Lady Kathy Evers’ “Women Who Inspire”— and this is one of the many reasons why. I just picked up her book and I look forward to reading it!
This little Blue Book fairy just dropped Wisconsin Blue Books at the Brookfield Library (Happy Library Week!) & the Wauwatosa Library (Happy Library Week!) I hope to hear from our district children who visit the library, open the Blue Book, and send me a note!
National Public Health Week
As we observe Public Health Week, may we remember that public health is about racial equity, mental health, accessibility, community, and our public healthcare professionals. It is an honor to serve on the Assembly Committee on Health, and to hold the pen to write legislation that best serves Wisconsinites’ health – legislation like Healthcare Heroes Act, EpiAccess, Universal Changing Stations, Pregnancy Protection Act, Less for Rx, the Mental Healthcare is Healthcare package, Hazard Pay for Frontline Workers Act, and more.
I am also honored to co-sponsor the legislation authored by my colleagues Senator LaTonya Johnson and Rep. Stubbs, the Birth Equity Act, legislation aimed at reducing racial disparities in infant and maternal healthcare.
May we also remember the relationship between climate and public health, and that climate action is action toward protecting human health, closing the inequities in healthcare, and creating a healthy environment for future generations to come.
GET KIDS AHEAD INITIATIVE
Governor Tony Evers announced this week that nearly every school district across the state, including more than 450 local education agencies, will be awarded funds through the governor’s $15 million “Get Kids Ahead” initiative, as announced during his 2022 State of the State address. Schools will be able to use these funds to provide direct mental healthcare, hire and support mental health navigators, provide mental health first aid and trauma-based care training, or provide family assistance programs.
This funding will provide mental health support for kids at a time when it's desperately needed. I applaud the Governor’s action on this important issue!
Rule of 50 Tutorial
On Thursday, April 14th our last weekly e-update will be emailed to inboxes. After April 14th, due to the 50 piece rule, we cannot email you, but we can post these updates on our website and social media (twitter, facebook, and instagram)! Each Friday the e-update will be posted under “Press Releases and E-updates” on the homepage of our website and on our social media! Check out the photo above to see exactly how to get to our updates on our website. Here is a handy link for your reference. You may want to bookmark it on your phone’s home screen!
50 Piece Rule
Starting on April 15th, state legislators are prohibited from sending out 50 or more pieces of identical materials from our office, including the e-update. That means we can write the e-update and post it online, but we cannot mail it directly to you.
So, after April 15th, our weekly e-update will be posted on our legislative website and on social media but will not be sent directly to your inbox. If you have any questions regarding this rule, please let us know!
I hope to hear from our district children who visit the library, open the Blue Book, and send me a note! 
