Session & State of the Tribes
On Tuesday, the Assembly was in session. We passed a number of bills including Assembly Joint Resolution 48, of which I am a co-sponsor. This resolution recognizes Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month as a time to honor the important contributions of Asians, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Desi Americans to the history of the United States.
The Assembly also passed Assembly Bill 154, which Governor Tony Evers signed into law today, designating May 14th as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day.
Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa President John D. Johnson Sr. delivered the annual Wisconsin State of the Tribes Address on Tuesday at the Wisconsin State Capitol.
Read my full statement on the State of the Tribes HERE.
Committee this Week
On Tuesday, the Assembly Committee on Health held an executive session and voted on Assembly Bill 95, Assembly Bill 96, and Assembly Bill 116.
State Budget Update
The Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) met yesterday, May 13th, to vote in an executive session on the following state agencies in the budget:
- Board of Commissioners of Public Lands
- Veterans Affairs -
- The DVA currently administers the veterans outreach and recovery program (VORP) which is a case management program helping veterans with issues ranging from mental health, substance abuse. Governor Evers' proposed budget recommended to add and fund 7.0 positions and increase suicide prevention activities by $100,000 annually. The Democratic members of JFC offered a motion to include these recommendations.
- The GOP committee members offered an omnibus motion to remove the funding for the 7.0 positions for VORP but approved the Governor’s recommendation on funding for suicide prevention. This motion adopted several of the Governor’s recommendations including veteran home operations transfers and increased funding for the Veteran Service Organizations Grants. This motion passed unanimously through committee 16-0.
- Educational Communications Board
- Historical Society -
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Democratic members offered a motion that would have, among other issues, increased funding for the Wisconsin Black Historical Society. The motion failed on a party line vote, 4-12.
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The GOP offered a motion that removed 3.84 positions from the Historical Society and approved all items except increased funding for the Wisconsin Black Historical Society. The motion passed on a party line vote, 12-4.
- Financial Institutions
- Lieutenant Governor
- Employment Relations Commission
- Revenue -- Departmentwide
JFC will meet again next week to vote on more budget items.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
As of yesterday, May 13th, Wisconsinites ages 12-15 can receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Studies have shown that the Pfizer vaccine is safe and effective for this age group. My whole family can now get vaccinated and we are very excited about that! You can find places that are offering the Pfizer vaccine at vaccinefinder.org.
As of May 13th, 4,782,698 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Wisconsin and 44.8% of Wisconsin residents have received at least one dose, with 38.5% fully vaccinated!
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.
Fair Maps Legislation and Press Conference
On Monday May 17th at noon Rep. Deb Andraca and Sen. Jeff Smith will be holding a press conference at the State Street (West) entrance of the Wisconsin State Capitol to announce the introduction of LRB-0756/1, the nonpartisan redistricting bill.
This rally will include the following speakers: Sen. Smith, Rep. Andraca, Matt Rothschild (WI Democracy Campaign), Debra Cronmiller (WI League of Women Voters Executive Director), Devin Anderson (African-American Roundtable), and Sachin Chheda (WI Fair Maps Coalition Chair).
Office of Children’s Mental Health Fact Sheet
The Office of Children’s Mental Health released a fact sheet this week on strengthening social connections and relationships for kids. This fact sheet includes advice for communities, schools, parents, and policymakers. Social connection is key to mental health.
Read the full fact sheet HERE.
DWD Apprenticeship Navigators Announcement
The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) now has five new Apprenticeship Navigators as a resource and personal guide for folks who are working through a program in the Wisconsin Apprenticeship System.
These navigators will largely focus their efforts on underrepresented populations who have had historically low participation numbers in apprenticeship programs. Navigators will serve as mentors, as they help individuals find the right program and help them succeed in that program.
Read the full announcement HERE.
Wisconsin Eviction Project
The Department of Administration (DOA) recently launched the Wisconsin Eviction Data Project. This project allows the public along with policymakers to view data on eviction filings by month and county. The goal of this project is to see how successful homelessness prevention programs are in Wisconsin and to find out what policy changes are needed. This will also show us which communities need the most support.
Read the full announcement HERE.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid Mubarak to our friends and neighbors celebrating Wednesday and yesterday - wishing you happiness and peace!
COVID-19 Case Update
For daily updated information on COVID-19 in Wisconsin, visit the DHS website HERE.
Statewide
605,376 confirmed cases (increase of 513)
12.4% of total tests are positive, by person (for 5/14/2021)
30,124 hospitalizations (5% of cases- increase of 65)
590,678 recovered cases (98% of all cases)
2,898,385 negative test results (increase of 3,625)
6,954 devastating deaths (increase of 1)
14th District Counties
Milwaukee - 106,178 confirmed cases (increase of 109)
Waukesha - 43,817 confirmed cases (increase of 33)
*Changes over day prior