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
Newly Elected Milwaukee Delegation Vice Chair
Last Friday I was elected Vice Chair of the Milwaukee Delegation. I look forward to this leadership role as an additional means of service to the Milwaukee community. Forward together!
Meeting with LAUNCH Program Students
On Thursday I met with two student groups that are a part of the Elmbrook-Wauwatosa LAUNCH program. The Students shared their policy proposals with me. I was impressed with their research
I spent a half hour with each group fielding questions (they did a great job asking questions), and I also asked them questions! We should all be very proud of our district students!
March 15th was Equal Pay Day
Tuesday, March 15th, was equal pay day! We are reminded that for the same work, women are still making significantly less. We also reflect upon the further disparities faced by women of color. Here is a list of wages lost per month as a result of this pay gap:
· Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Women: $833
· White Women: $1,157
· Black Women: $2,009
· Native Women: $2,055
· Latina/x Women: $2,425
Labor Work Group Updates
On Monday, I met with fellow Assembly Democrats for our labor workgroup monthly meeting.
This month, we heard from Wisconsinites working for Colectivo and Starbucks. They bravely told their stories and shared their concerns with us, and we listened and asked questions. It is imperative that people across Wisconsin are able to earn a livable wage, go to work in safe working conditions, and have a healthy relationship with the companies for which they work.
Commemorating the Anniversary of Atlanta Spa Shootings and
Support for the APIDA Community
On March 16, 2021, across three spas in Atlanta, Georgia 8 community members, 6 of them Asian women, were shot and killed. I continue to be devastated by these horrific attacks. The violence striking our Asian American and Pacific Islander neighbors has no place in our country, or our Wisconsin communities. As we remember the victims of this attack, we must continue to uplift our Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) community leaders.
Violence, be it verbal or physical, cannot be tolerated in any circumstance, and we must commit to understanding: violent words beget violent actions. This violence did not evolve in a vacuum, and we must commit to a more fair and just and safe world for all.
Catching Our Breath at the Capitol
We always want to keep you all up-to-date on what’s happening in Madison! February was filled with final floor sessions, votes, and final committee hearings. In March, as these other types of meetings slow down, we’re working to catch up on our emails and schedule meetings to meet with constituents. These next few weeks in particular our office is working hard to catch up on our email responses.
NO E-UPDATE NEXT WEEK! Happy Spring Break!
Get Your Blue Book!
Blue Books are available until April 15th– reach out to our office at rep.vining@legis.wisconsin.gov for your FREE blue book, and FREE shipping!
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, be 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!
Forward Fridays Website Tutorial
On Thursday, April 14th our last weekly e-update will go out. After that time, due to the 50 piece rule, we will only post these updates on our website and social media and not sent directly to your inbox. Each Friday they 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!
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
As ofMarch 18th, 9,355,235COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Wisconsin and 64.1% of Wisconsin residents have received at least one dose, with 60.6% fully vaccinated.
DHS has reported that new data indicates that unvaccinated individuals are 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19, are 10 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19, and die from COVID-19 at 14 times higher rates than fully vaccinated individuals. The best protection against any variant of COVID-19, is to get fully vaccinated and get a booster shot. All Wisconsinites ages 5 and over are eligible for a FREE COVID-19 vaccine series. Additionally, all those 18 years or older who had their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago, or got their Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at least two months ago, are eligible for a free booster shot. Getting your booster shot will provide the best protection from COVID-19, including the new omicron variant.
