Redistricting Public Hearing Update
Yesterday, the Senate Committee on Government Operations and Assembly Committee on State Affairs held a joint public hearing in the Wisconsin State Capitol on the GOP-drafted proposed maps for the next election cycle. The maps were gerrymandered badly a decade ago — these proposed maps before the committee today are WORSE. In response, advocates from across the state filled the Capitol and the hearing room to demand fair maps, to demand that voters choose their legislators, not the other way around.
Legislative Republicans, who are making it clear to the public once again that they will do anything to hold onto power, created a map that ignores fair redistricting principles and makes as many safe Republican seats as possible.
The only people to testify in favor of the proposed GOP maps were the bill authors, Assembly Speaker Vos and Senate Majority Leader LeMahieu. The remainder of the nearly nine hour hearing were non-partisan groups, redistricting experts, and concerned Wisconsin residents explaining why these maps are not fair to the people of Wisconsin. I appreciate all who came to the Capitol to share their views, those who wrote in, and those who watched online.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! If you couldn't make it in-person to the hearing to share your thoughts, you can email your testimony to the members of the joint committee.
Read my full statement HERE.
Find a list of Assembly committee members HERE.
Find a list of Senate committee members HERE.
Epi-Access Bill
I am proud to re-introduce the Epi-Access bill with Representative Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit), and State Senator Jeff Smith (D-Eau Claire) to make epinephrine more accessible and affordable in Wisconsin this session. Wisconsinites want their healthcare to be high quality, affordable, and accessible. This is true for all aspects of the healthcare system, and this legislation seeks to accomplish that for those who require epinephrine to survive.
See my full statement HERE.
Session Update
Pictured: Assembly Democratic women, many wearing pink, standing in solidarity in support of reproductive healthcare
On Tuesday, October 26th and Wednesday, October 27th the Wisconsin State Assembly met in session to vote on numerous bills and resolutions.
On Tuesday, many of the bills focused on workforce housing. On Wednesday, many of the bills focused on restricting access to reproductive healthcare and spreading misinformation about healthcare.
First Responder of the Year
I was honored to recognize Brookfield Fire Chief David Mason as the First Responder of the Year for the 14th Assembly District on Tuesday in recognition of his dedication and service to our community.
Brookfield Fire Chief David Mason serves the city of Brookfield with honor and distinction as the Chief of the Fire Department. Chief Mason has served the city of Brookfield for 26 years, nine of which as assistant chief, and previously served as a Flight for Life flight nurse. Appointed in June of this year as Chief of the Fire Department, Chief Mason brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position.
Other first responders from across Wisconsin were recognized on Tuesday in the State Capitol for their service and sacrifice, along with Chief Mason. On behalf of the Wisconsin State Assembly, I am honored to recognize Chief David Mason as the First Responder of the Year for the 14th Assembly District in recognition of his dedication and service to our community.
Read my full statement HERE.
Committees This Week
The Assembly Committee on Children & Families met for an executive hearing on Wednesday, October 27th at 9am.
Five bills were voted on in committee: Assembly Bills 503, 423, 424, 425, and 577. All five bills passed unanimously.
AB 503 - switches subsidized guardianship payments to be provided by the Department of Children and Families instead of county departments.
AB 423, 424, 425 - these bills were prepared from recommendations from the Joint Legislative Council's Study Committee on Public Disclosure and Oversight of Child Abuse and Neglect Incidents.
AB 577 - provides an avenue for the adult offspring of a person whose birth parents' parental rights have been terminated to access the offspring's parent's original birth certificate and information about the birth parents.
Rep. Pat Snyder serves as committee chair. Republicans, because they have the majority, chair all the committees, and determine how many members from each party serve on the committee. I serve alongside fellow Democrats Rep. Billings (ranking Democrat on the committee), Rep. Bowen, and Rep. Snodgrass. There are 4 Democrats and 8 Republicans serving on this committee.
Open Enrollment Begins November 1st
Wisconsin residents are eligible to sign up for health coverage during Open Enrollment from November 1, 2021 through January 15, 2022.
During this limited time, all Wisconsinites are eligible to enroll in one of the health plans available on the federal marketplace. Those who already have insurance through the marketplace can also renew, change, or update their plans during this period.
In 2020, the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) and Governor Tony Evers launched WisCovered.com as an accessible resource for consumers. By visiting WisCovered.com or calling 2-1-1, people can get connected with free, expert help. The online services are available in English, Spanish, and Hmong. 2-1-1 operators are able to offer help in over 180 languages.
Many Wisconsinites will benefit from even lower rates and more insurance options in 2021. Rates on the individual market will be 0.3 percent lower in 2022 on average than rates in 2021. An interactive map of health insurers available by county can be found here.
Other stakeholders who would like to share information about Open Enrollment are encouraged to visit OCI's open enrollment digital toolkit, which features draft social media posts and graphics, with many materials available in Spanish and Hmong as well as English.
Información sobre la inscripción abierta EN ESPAÑOL.
Opportunities to Support Afghan Resettlement in Wisconsin
The Department of Children and Families recently shared some opportunities to support Afghan resettlement in Wisconsin. Wisconsin has started to resettle Afghan individuals across the state and will continue to do so over the coming months as part of Operation Allies Welcome. As they arrive in new communities there are multiple opportunities for Wisconsinites to help welcome our new neighbors.
The individuals and families resettling in Wisconsin will come from military bases across the country and be primarily resettled in Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Wausau, and the Fox Valley area. Upon arrival, local refugee resettlement agencies will assist the individuals in gaining access to housing, transportation, employment, and other benefits they are eligible for.
Given the influx of arrivals and lack of storage space, local agencies are in critical need of monetary donations to assist these individuals in building their new homes and lives. Wisconsinites interested in helping can donate to any of the six refugee resettlement agencies in Wisconsin:
Organizations and businesses that are near a resettlement area and interested in providing secured storage space can contact the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Bureau of Refugee Programs.
To learn more about Wisconsin’s role in the refugee resettlement program and other ways you can help, visit DCF’s website.
COVID-19 Booster Shots
On October 21, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced their recommendation that certain populations receive a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine following the completion of their primary series. This decision follows the authorization by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
DHS recommends that the following populations receive a booster dose of Pfizer or Moderna at least 6 months after receiving their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna in order to further strengthen their immunity:
DHS recommends that the following populations receive a booster dose of J & J vaccine at least 2 months after receiving their first dose in order to further strengthen their immunity:
For more information on booster shots click HERE.
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at Burleigh Elementary
Hayat Pharmacy is holding a COVID-19 vaccine clinic at Burleigh Elementary School in Brookfield on Saturday, November 13th for first doses and booster shots. Walk-ins are welcome or you can sign up HERE.
Happy Halloween
Have a safe and happy Halloween!
Celebrating Halloween at home, virtually, or outdoors this year all offer fun and safe ways to partake in the holiday! Try watching a scary movie, baking treats, eating candy, or non-contact trick-or-treating with people in your household. Enjoy candy and costumes while keeping our community safe this year! Find more tips on how to enjoy Halloween safely this year from DHS HERE.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
As of October 29th, 6,503,158 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Wisconsin and 57.8% of Wisconsin residents have received at least one dose, with 55% fully vaccinated.
If you have not yet been vaccinated, now is a critical time to get your vaccine. The vaccine protects individuals and communities from getting seriously ill or dying of COVID-19, including the variants. Currently, Wisconsin is seeing a rise in cases as the Delta variant spreads among the unvaccinated. The Delta variant spreads more easily and can cause more severe illness. Find more information of COVID-19 variants HERE.
En español, AQUI. ¿Tiene preguntas sobre la vacuna contra el COVID-19? Llame al 844-684-1064 (llamada gratuita)
For more information about where you can get a vaccine, visit the DHS website HERE.
For more information about where to get vaccinated in Waukesha County, visit their website HERE.
For more information about where to get vaccinated in the city of Wauwatosa, visit their website HERE.
For more information about where to get vaccinated in the city of Milwaukee, visit their website HERE. En español AQUI.
