In the Capitol.....

Assembly Bill 132: E-Bike Legislation 

I was proud to stand next to my colleagues while Governor Tony Evers signed Assembly Bill 132 into law. AB 132 will regulate the operation of electric bicycles.

State law currently classifies e -bikes with "motor bicycles", which subjects them and their operators to a number of laws that do not apply to traditional bicycles and cyclists. For example, motor bicycle operators must have operator's licenses, and motor bicycles may not be used on bike paths unless they are powered solely by their pedals. With the passage of this bill, electric bicycles will now be treated as non-motorized vehicles, allowing riders to use the bike lane, thus enabling for ease of transportation.

Electric bicycles allow people who are aging, or those with a disability, access to viable transportation. I applaud the efforts of my colleagues and Governor Evers for expanding access to transportation for Wisconsinites.

If you would like to read the bill, please click HERE. 

Forward on Climate Legislation

Last week, I stood by my colleague, Rep. Greta Neubauer as she introduced her Forward on Climate bill package which is designed to reduce our fossil fuel usage while building up the next generation of clean, family-supporting jobs and a more sustainable and equitable economy.

Climate change is real. We cannot kick the can down the road to future generations. I am proud to support these efforts in Wisconsin. For more information on the bills, please click HERE. 

Hometown Hero Award

Last month on the floor of the State Assembly, I welcomed Milwaukee County Transit System bus driver Irena Ivic who I nominated to receive Wisconsin's "Hometown Hero" award. Ms. Ivic was recognized for saving the life of a young child in December of 2018 while driving her route. You may remember this news story from our community.

Thank you to Ms. Ivic and her public transit colleagues for their dedication, awareness, and work in our community! To read her heroic story and view the video of her rescuing the child, please click HERE. 

Legislative Session 

During the last day of the Session this year, I spoke in support of Governor Evers special session call related to firearm safety and gun violence prevention. I also set the record straight on funding for mental health services proposed by Gov. Evers and legislative democrats.

Please click HERE to view my comments. 

Joint Finance Committee Update

In the most recent meeting of the Joint Finance Committee, I spoke in support of transportation funding for the Milwaukee-Chicago Hiawatha corridor. This is vitally important following the recent news of more jobs coming to Milwaukee via Molson/MillerCoors. Supporting improvement of commuter rail will strengthen connectivity throughout Wisconsin. 

Currently, there are a multitude of issues joint finance is neglecting to address by failing to hold a hearing. The most recent is releasing funds already allocated for homeless Wisconsinites. My colleagues and I stand firmly behind Governor Evers by asking the JFC to convene to release the funds. Click the link HERE to read our full press statement.