Forward Fridays: May 7th, 2021

Welcome to my latest e-update. Here is a summary from the past week as your State Representative.

State Budget Update

Yesterday, May 6th, the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) voted, on party lines, to remove almost 400 items from Governor Evers’ proposed budget. Key proposals that JFC removed from the budget include BadgerCare expansion, Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO), eliminating copayments for prescription drugs, PFAS related provisions, repealing the right to work law, family and medical leave, among others.

Additionally, many of the provisions removed would have increased equity in Wisconsin, including the equity grant program, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice, underserved community grants, health equity grants, and funding for equity officer positions in key state departments, among other provisions on this topic.

A budget is a moral document. A budget outlines the priorities of our state, and reflects our values. Budget listening sessions have been crowded and in earnest for over 6 months now and the voice of the people has been clear: the people of Wisconsin want BadgerCare expansion, clean water, gun violence prevention, affordable drug prices, and the right to join a union, among other critical issues. The Republican-controlled Joint Finance Committee removed a vast number of key provisions in one swoop, abandoning the will of the people of Wisconsin.

Read my full statement HERE.

Governor Evers sent a letter to the JFC co-chairs regarding the budget and BadgerCare expansion, which can be read HERE.

Assembly Committee on Mental Health

Assembly Bill 193 and Assembly Bill 210 passed through the Assembly Committee on Mental Health. AB 193 requires the Department of Health Services (DHS) to provide grants to provide training for firearm retailer and firearm range staff on how to recognize a person that may be considering suicide, provide suicide prevention materials for distribution at a firearm retailer or range, or to provide voluntary, temporary firearm storage. AB 21 requires DHS to provide grants to organizations and local and tribal governments for suicide prevention programming.

Read my full statement on these bills HERE.

Session Next Week

On Tuesday next week, the Assembly will be in session at 1 PM. Watch at wiseye.org/live.

Funding to Help Wisconsinites Pay Overdue Utility Bills

Last week Governor Evers, the Department of the Administration (DOA), and the Public Service Commission (PSC) announced that $21 million will be allocated to help folks pay overdue utility bills through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP). WHEAP provides assistance for heating costs, electric costs, and energy crisis situations.

Find out if you are eligible for WHEAP HERE.

For more information on WHEAP and how to apply, call 1-866-HEATWIS (432-8947) or visit the “Where to Apply” tab on www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov to find your local energy assistance energy.

Lisbon Avenue Health Center Visit

I had the opportunity to visit the Lisbon Avenue Community Health Center in Milwaukee yesterday to see their vaccine clinic and speak with the healthcare providers and workers at the center. Thank you for having me and for the important work you do for the community!

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Awareness Day

Wednesday, May 5th, is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Awareness Day in Wisconsin. I am a co-sponsor of a Senate Joint Resolution recognizing this day, introduced by Sen. Jeff Smith and Rep. Beth Meyers. The resolution states: “this is a day we mourn and call attention to the many missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, as well as those who have experienced violence and assault, and resolve to act to prevent further victimization.”

You can find the full resolution text on my Facebook page HERE.

Teacher Appreciation Day

Tuesday was teacher appreciation day! On Teacher Appreciation Day, we recognize teachers’ hard work and passion that allow our kids to grow and thrive in this world. This past year has been filled with many challenges and all along the way teachers adapted and found ways to teach and connect with their students. I am forever inspired by their work!

Municipal Clerk Appreciation Week

Thank you to all of the municipal clerks in the 14th Assembly District and across the state of Wisconsin for your hard work and dedication to our communities!

National Nurses Day

On National Nurses Day yesterday, and everyday, we celebrate and honor the work of nurses. The importance of nurses cannot be overstated -- they have risked both their health and their lives throughout this pandemic, as well as those of their families, and they did so to take care of us. Thank you, nurses!

Last year, I introduced the Healthcare Heroes Act because healthcare workers were taking care of us, and I thought it was our job to take care of them! I am committed to advocating for nurses!

Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day to the moms of the 14th District and across the state -- we honor you today and everyday.

I introduced a resolution with my colleagues Rep. Patrick Snyder and Sen. LaTonya Johnson declaring May as Motherhood Month -- to express the honor, affirmation, love, respect, and gratitude to mothers, as moms have an indispensable role in building and transforming society and culture and move our state, country, and world forward, remaining steadfast in their pursuit of a better and brighter future for the children in their care.

To all the moms out there -- by blood, marriage, foster care, respite, adoption, guardianship -- you are loved and appreciated. Thank you.

As we begin to head into Mother’s Day weekend, I want to pause and acknowledge all of us for whom Mother’s Day is painful. You are seen, loved, and remembered as we walk into this weekend.

Spring Has Sprung at the Capitol

Spring has sprung at the State Capitol! I am now fully vaccinated (two weeks past my second COVID-19 vaccine) and I look forward to bouncing back into in-person meetings!

COVID-19 Vaccine Update

As of May 6th, 4,581,912 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Wisconsin and 43.9% of Wisconsin residents have received at least one dose, with 35.8% 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.