Redistricting Update - SCOWIS Decision
On Thursday, March 3rd, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that it would use the "least change" map submitted by Governor Tony Evers. New proposed maps were submitted by various parties after a ruling in November that the Wisconsin State Supreme Court would choose a map as close as possible to the gerrymandered maps drawn 10 years ago during the last redistricting process.
I am pleased that the Wisconsin Supreme Court rejected maps submitted by Republicans, which would have fully cemented a wildly partisan gerrymander and would have led to another decade of elected officials ignoring the will of the people.
The ruling yesterday is a step in the right direction, but a "least change" approach for new district maps still does not go far enough. This ruling doesn't change that Wisconsinites want fair maps so they can hold their elected officials accountable.
I've said it from the very beginning— the people should get to choose their elected officials, not the other way around. Our work here is not done, and I will continue to work to move Wisconsin forward towards a more just democracy.
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 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!
New Bill Rollout: Hazard Pay for Frontline Workers
We shouldn’t gavel out of session if we haven’t gaveled out of COVID— our frontline workers have been doing their job, it’s our turn in the legislature to do ours!
And so on Thursday, along with my colleagues, I am introducing new legislation for frontline workers!
I’m proud to partner with Rep. Shankland, Rep. Kristina, Rep. Sinicki and Sen. Smith and Sen. Bewley to honor our frontline workers.
Frontline workers didn’t go home early, and neither should their legislators. Our work this year isn’t finished!
Recap of Black History Month
Last Monday wrapped up this year’s Black History Month. The Black Legislative Caucus held many virtual and hybrid events to celebrate the histories, triumphs, and struggles of Black Wisconsinites. I invite everyone to check out the recordings of these events and of any other community events commemorating this month! Here are a few links from Wiseye!
March is Women’s History Month
Happy Women’s History Month! For the first time in Wisconsin state history, this session more than half of the Democratic caucus is women! 21 of the 31 members who identify as women in the Wisconsin State Assembly are Democrats. With 99 members total, women still represent less than a third of the WI State Assembly, so to that I say, “Forward!”
We also honor our New Democratic Leader, Rep. Greta Neubauer, at age 30, is the youngest woman to serve in the role.
Recently Co-Sponsored Legislation
Listed below are some bills that I recently co-sponsored.
Educator Appreciation and Retention Package, & more:
- LRB 5945: Mandated, self-directed Educator preparation periods
- LRB 5946: Educator duties outside of classroom instruction are voluntary and compensated
- LRB 5948: Establishes a minimum starting salary for public k-12 educators and tiered upgrades dependent on acquiring an advanced degree and years of service
- LRB 5950: Public School district employees receive the same health benefits as state legislators
- LRB 5727: Establishes a continuous $7,000 bonus for educators who are employed within the same school district for five years
- LRB 5117: Established a base pay for student teachers at least $15/hour
- LRB 6040: UW Teacher Pledge
- LRB 5920 - relating to Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) instruction
- LRB-4151, Relating to deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind behavioral health treatment program, communication services, and making an appropriation
- LRB−2244: Relating to allowing the enactment of local family and medical leave ordinances
- LRB 3316: Relating to treatment of a person in labor and a postpartum person in prison and jail
- LRB-5510: The BadgerCare Public Option Act
Governor Evers Invests in Milwaukee’s Office of Violence Prevention
Thank you, Governor Evers, for investing $8.4 million to the city of Milwaukee’s Office of Violence Prevention. The Milwaukee OVP works to interrupt, prevent, reduce (eliminate!) violence, address trauma, support victims and survivors, and more. It’s time we move forward together and build a healthier, safer Milwaukee, and these funds will help.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
As of March 4th, 9,307,707 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Wisconsin and 64% of Wisconsin residents have received at least one dose, with 60.5% 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.
Find more information of COVID-19 variants HERE.
Find additional information on booster shots HERE.
For more information about where you can get a vaccine, visit the DHS website HERE.
En español, AQUI. ¿Tiene preguntas sobre la vacuna contra el COVID-19? Llame al 844-684-1064 (llamada gratuita)
COVID-19 Update
14th District Counties
Milwaukee - 240,396 Fri, Feb 25, 2022 and 240,659 confirmed cases Fri., Mar 4, 2022 (increase of 263)
Waukesha - 95,752 Fri, Feb 25, 2022 and 95,914 confirmed cases Fri., Mar 4, 2022 (increase of 162)
