Welcome to my latest e-update. Here is a summary from the past month as your State Representative.
A BIG NEW THING is that as of April 15th, state legislators are prohibited from sending out 50 or more pieces of identical materials from our office, including the e-update. We thought that meant we could continue posting our e-update on the web site, however we quickly learned that the “subscribe button” on mailchimp is not removable and could put us in jeopardy of breaking the Rule of 50. So, we immediately paused the newsletter until we could figure out what to do.
With the rule of 50 in place, our office has decided to transition to monthly e-updates for the summer. Our monthly e-update will be posted on our legislative website and social media, but cannot be sent directly to your inbox. We will have to remove all subscriptions until the Rule of 50 is over. 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 our office with any questions or concerns.
Forward together,
Rep. Robyn Vining
Governor Evers’ Announcements on Mental Health
Mental healthcare is healthcare. We must live and legislate with empathy and compassion, and with a laser focus on the needs of Wisconsinites. In a time of great need, Governor Evers has answered the call to increase access to mental healthcare, an effort that will both improve– and likely– save lives.
On August 3rd, I joined Governor Evers at Children’s Wisconsin for a huge announcement regarding mental health. Thank you, Governor Evers, for prioritizing and investing in mental health.
Governor Evers Invests in Staffing, Classroom Support, and Mental Health Services for K-12
On August 30th, Governor Evers announced a $90 million investment into K-12 education across Wisconsin, with $15 million funneled into the “Get Kids Ahead” initiative that will establish mental health support systems in schools, and another $75 million to bolster districts with staffing needs and resource availability for students and teachers.
Thank you, Governor Evers! This is HUGE news for my district!!!
Happy first day of school! I was excited to join the teachers and staff at McKinley Elementary in Wauwatosa to high-five, fist bump, raise the flag with the Boy Scouts, lead the pledge with the Girl Scouts, and tell all the kids we are proud of them and to have a great year! I then went to welcome upper class students at Tosa East!
Thank you for inviting me, Tosa Schools! Happy school year!
*First photograph sent by mother of child shown, permission granted to share
In The News: Healthy School Meals For All Update
Last week, my colleagues Rep. Hong (D-Madison) and Rep. Shelton (D-Green Bay) published a guest column in the Capitol Times about their work to form a coalition to support healthy school mealsHERE.
I am proud to be an original co-author of the Healthy School Meals for All bill. No child should go hungry - period. Having access to healthy, nutritious meals helps kids achieve both in and out of school. Serving meals to all kids is a gamechanger for students, families, schools and communities. This bill not only allows students to get the nutrition they need to concentrate in class, but it creates more jobs for farmers and school cafeteria workers—two groups heavily affected by the pandemic.
Rep. Robyn Vining Is A Conservation Champion!
On August 31st, I received the Conservation Champion award. My voting scorecard with Wisconsin Conservation Voters for the past legislative session was 100%!
This is my first legislative award, and as I sat there I realized my first legislative award corresponds with an issue so deeply personal and important to me.
I know what it is to be a WIC parent, and to watch my child’s blood pricked and tested monthly when receiving WIC benefits. It’s absolutely unconscionable to me that as a country we haven’t enacted clean water and lead-free lifestyles for all babies born in America. I don’t understand how we can say as a nation that we value human life, yet turn our backs on babies who have every human right to clean water and clean air. Clean air and water is a human right, and I’m honored to continue working for a world where that is a reality. Thank you for the honor of being named a Conservation Champion.
Rep. Vining on Governor Evers’ Projected Revenue Surplus Plan
Rep. Haywood and I, and the rest of the Milwaukee Delegation, joined Governor Evers on August 23rd at the Malaika Early Learning Center in Milwaukee. Governor Evers announced his plans for our state’s projected surplus. This plan includes addressing inflation, insulin prices, gas prices, childcare costs, care for veterans, and a tax cut!
Over a year ago, Speaker Vos hired former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman to investigate the 2020 presidential election, despite no evidence of widespread election fraud. Gableman brought on more investigators while using tax-payer dollars to fund these efforts, and operated without proper accountability or disclosure of their process, or how the money was being spent. This investigation was an insult to all of the clerks, poll workers, and members of the Wisconsin Elections Commission who worked tirelessly to ensure that the 2020 election was free and fair.
From the day Speaker Vos hired Gableman and created the Office of the Special Counsel in the summer of 2021, myself and my fellow legislators in the Democratic caucus have been outraged. Alongside so many Wisconsinites, we continued pressuring Speaker Vos and GOP legislators to put an end to the investigation. As each month passed with no significant evidence of election fraud, statewide frustration increased. At long last, Speaker Vos finally fired Michael Gableman on August 12th, 2022. While Mr. Gableman has been fired, I continue to share your frustration towards the people responsible for this expensive investigation funded by tax payer dollars.
President Biden Approves Student Debt Relief Across the Country
On Wednesday, August 24th, President Biden announced the White House’s plan to forgive student loan debt for 95% of Americans.
$10,000 in student debt forgiveness for individuals making less than $125,000 per year
43 MILLION+ Americans will receive vital relief
$10,000 of debt forgiveness will be provided for individuals from low-income families that qualify forPell Grants.
Emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, families across our state and nation continue to suffer from the economic turmoil of the past few years. This plan works immediately to aid individuals and families, including complete debt forgiveness for 20 million Americans.
In combination with deficit reduction from theInflation Reduction Act passed on August 15th, individuals with student loans can expect relief without negative consequences on the economy as a whole.
First Meeting of the Special Committee on State-Tribal Relations
On August 18th, the Special Committee on State-Tribal Relations held its first virtual meeting. Ahead of this meeting, I submitted the suggestion we focus on maternal health, infant health, and mental health within Tribal communities in Wisconsin. During our first meeting, the members of the committee, which include legislators, community members, and experts, began by deciding how we would like to structure future meetings and reviewing legislation proposed in past sessions. The goal of this special committee is to draft policies that inspire and create real, positive change. It’s our hope these policies would become law in the 2023-2024 session.
You can check out the legislative page for this committee HERE.
Rep. Vining Visits Daughters of Tradition
I was deeply honored to share space and spend time with the Daughters of Tradition at the HIR Wellness Institute in Milwaukee earlier this month. It was also their final sewing day to finish their ribbon skirts in preparation for their trip to DC! I was so thrilled to be there to send them off, and I cannot wait to hear what they learned in DC!
We talked about leadership, and mental health, and the Daughters of Tradition program. And, we looked at pictures of my puppy on my phone— because we also share a love for puppies! The young people are so impressive!
It was a very special afternoon, and I’m grateful to have been able to visit!
Rep. Vining on Trails Caucus
A view from our bike ride on the Hank Aaron Trail from Tosa to Milwaukee— a family favorite. Did you know I serve on the Trails Caucus? That doesn’t make the headlines, does it? But yes. I do. And I’m looking forward to the bipartisan ride on Wisconsin trails!
Rep. Vining and Rep. Goyke visit The Ability Center’s New Universal Park Dream Location
Thanks to Damian at the Ability Center for having Rep. Goyke and I to explore their dream space on Wisconsin Ave in Wauwatosa in early August to explain the future of the baseball fields, the park, the playground, and the building as they move forward to create a more accessible world for everyBODY.
If you’ve seen how accessible they’ve made Bradford Beach, the “nation’s most accessible beach”, you’re probably going to be very excited about the “most inclusive park”!
Damian has an incredible story about overcoming childhood cancer and surviving what he was told was unsurvivable. He credits one of Children’s Hospital’s doctors, Dr. Margolis, with saving his life. And now he’s determined to improve the lives of others by making the world more accessible!
Forward together!
Governor Evers and Rep. Vining on Opening Day of the Wisconsin State Fair
I was happy to kick off the Wisconsin State Fair with Governor Tony Evers and First Lady Kathy Evers on August 4th— scroll to see these former prom dates serve up some Cream Puffs at their 50th-ish WI State Fair together!
Rep Vining at Wauwatosa Night Out
On Wednesdays we wear pink, and check in with our first responders at National Night Out!
I appreciated being able to chat with first responders about how legislation signed into law has been received, as well as legislation proposed but not passed, and items that need to be proposed in the future. Our work as legislators continues in the summer!
Office of Children's Mental Health Focuses on Strengthening
Student Mental Health
The Office of Children’s Mental Health (OCMH) published a new fact sheet titled,Strengthening Student Mental Health. This outlines what our students, parents, schools, and policymakers can do to foster positive mental health in our students. Positive mental health also reduces bullying, risky behaviors, substance abuse, school violence, and involvement in the juvenile justice system.
To combat an opioid epidemic that has affected Wisconsinites since the 1990s, the Department of Justice and Department of Health Services submitted its three-phase plan to get resources and support to those in need. This plan expands life-saving infrastructure like the Narcan Direct program, updates facilities across the state, and increases funding for family support centers.
In a stunning move an anonymous GOP member on the Joint Finance Committee objected to the state plan and has delayed the funds - and now Wisconsin residents must wait weeks longer for vital money to help combat the opioid epidemic. With $6 million in urgent relief delayed, $6 million that can have a direct and immediate impact on people who need it, Wisconsin again suffers from GOP delays.
This is the second time that a Republican member of the committee has prevented opioid funds from being distributed to communities in need around our state.
Read more from AG Kaul and Governor Evers on this objectionHERE
On August 16th, Governor Evers committed $10 million to improve access to clean drinking water in our state. Water wells serve an estimated 40 percent of Wisconsin households. With this funding, over 1,000 contaminated wells in Wisconsin can be addressed. The PFAS Action Plan compliments these efforts with more testing of our drinking water, legal action against manufacturers who contaminated our water with PFAS, and the creation of a brand new Office of Environmental Justice.
Clean water is a human right, perhaps one that we may take for granted. Governor Evers has committed to upholding this human right for Wisconsinites everywhere.
World Breastfeeding Week
#WBW2022This year for World Breastfeeding Week, we wanted to highlight Step up for Breastfeeding - Educate and Support. Health organizations around the world are demanding change to their government systems to allocate necessary resources to support breastfeeding policies and programs. This year, and every year, let us educate ourselves and engage with individuals and organizations along the warm chain of support for breastfeeding.
As a member of the Assembly Committee on Health and Assembly Committee on Children and Families, I am dedicated to ensuring that all infants and young children have access to the nutrients they need! I am a proud co-sponsor Healthy Babies Working Mothers, orAB 476, which requires employers to provide accommodations for employees who breastfeed. This bill permits people who breastfeed accommodations to continue working while caring for their needs and the needs of their child, however Republicans have failed to pass this bill each time it’s been introduced. I am also a co-sponsor of the Birth Equity Act,AB 700, that proposes a tax exemption for breastfeeding equipment.
As a long time advocate for parent and child health and wellbeing, I was proud to support Governor Evers’ budget proposal of Healthy Women, Healthy Babies, which improves access to general health exams, supports healthy pregnancies and births, and addresses the racial disparities in maternal and child health. Republicans also removed this from the state budget, both of the times it was proposed.
*I think it is important to note that breastfeeding is not for everyone. Much love to anyone who has ever felt a lack of support regarding how you feed your child. Parents need support, and I’m sending you SO MUCH love today, and everyday!
19th Amendment Ratification
This year on August 26th, known as Women’s Equality Day, marks 102 years since the adoption of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, granting women the right to vote.
On this day, may we remember the important work of women to secure their voting rights, and that it was not until 45 years later when the Voting Rights Act was passed that women of color were able to exercise their right to vote.
May we acknowledge how far we have come, while also acknowledging all of those who have been unfairly left behind along the way, and may we fight forward so that *all* women, and all people, live in a more fair, just, and equal world.
Lincoln Hills Juvenile Facility Closing
2017 Wisconsin Act 185, passed with unanimous bipartisan support and signed into law by former Governor Walker, requires the youth justice facilities, Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake, to close by 2021. The deadline was then delayed due to lack of funding from the Republican-controlled legislature in the budget.
Governor Evers’ proposed funding for a Juvenile Corrections Facility so that Lincoln Hills may finally close, and Republicans again delayed that request with insufficient funding.
On August 16th, the Joint Committee on Finance finally approved the request, and did so unanimously! The Department of Corrections will receive over $20 million in funding for SCCRY’s - secure residential care centers for children and youth - with $13 million going to Milwaukee and $8 million to Racine to fund their projects.
State Licensing Update
To attempt to help with the difficulty to acquire licenses in WI during lengthy wait times, our office has been working to assist constituents in receiving licenses. We thought it would be helpful to explain some of what has been going on.
Over the past decade, Republicans in the legislature have cut funding and staff from DSPS (over 20 DSPS staffing positions have been removed). Meanwhile, applications during this time have doubled.
Gov. Evers has proposed increasing staffing levels for DSPS in both his budget proposals. The Republican legislature has removed those items both times. In order to try to mitigate this, Governor Evers has allocated $10 million of federal funds to DSPS, which has supported document processing, modernizing health applications, employee expenditures, and staff augmentation.
As my colleague, Rep. Jonathan Brostoff (D-Milwaukee) told the Milwaukee Sentinel Journal, these licensing delays are a "manufactured crisis," that could be easily remedied if Republicans provided the agency with adequate staffing.
While staffing levels have not been increased to levels needed to process applications at acceptable speeds, a new computer system was implemented in May of this year which is meant to speed up applications. That addition was met, however, with the fact that DSPS has processed more applications per month than ever before (possibly related to recent May graduates).
I consult regularly with Representative Brostoff regarding the backlog, who serves as the ranking Democrat on the Assembly Committee on Regulatory Licensing Reform.
Please know that I will continue to advocate for these issues as your state representative.
Rep. Robyn Vining on The Inflation Reduction Act
This monumental piece of legislation paves the way to a better future for communities across the nation and our state. This act focuses on lowering prescription drug costs, healthcare costs, and energy costs while simultaneously fighting climate change.
I have heard from constituents across our community about the anxiety they feel about the impacts of climate change, and the importance of protecting the world for themselves and future generations. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the ways our businesses and manufacturers function. This act uplifts efforts to make our nation and state more sustainable while prioritizing working families and workers.
Check out our breakdown HERE to see how this landmark federal legislation impacts our state and district!
COVID-19 Updates
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has approved a new booster shot for all those who have completed their vaccine series or received other boosters at least 2 months prior. Moderna’s new bivalent booster vaccine is approved for those who are 18 and over. Pfizer’s new bivalent booster vaccine has been approved for those who are 12 and over. This new dose has been created to better protect against newer COVID-19 variants. To learn more about this new booster shot click HERE.
The best protection against any variant of COVID-19, is to get fully vaccinated and get a booster shot. All Wisconsinites ages 6 months and over are eligible for a FREE COVID-19 vaccine series. Additionally, getting your booster shot will provide the best protection from COVID-19, including the newer variants.
