Our recent communications have focused on mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and the distribution of vaccines. These issues remain our top priority and we encourage you to follow the Department of Health Services website for updates - and as always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Important activity beyond the pandemic response is taking place in Madison and that is the focus of this update.
Please follow my Facebook or Twitter for more frequent updates. I hope they help keep you informed and engaged with what’s going on in Madison and Milwaukee.
As always, I welcome any feedback or ideas you may have. Stay tuned for an update in the near future about further updates and legislative priorities going into the 2021-2022 legislative session. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you.
Evan Goyke State Representative 18th Assembly District
Mask Order Update
After the Assembly Republicans approved Senate Joint Resolution 3 (SJR 3) to repeal the statewide mask order, Governor Tony Evers signed Executive Order #105 and Emergency Order #1 to establish a statewide public health emergency and require face coverings in public places. I was proud to vote against SJR 3 yesterday and I support the Governor reinstating the mask order and retaining the federal funding.
For further detail about the recent twists and turns in the Legislature, check out my latest video.
As the state continues to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to Wisconsinites, I encourage you to keep masking up, washing your hands, and staying home when possible. Follow along for COVID-19 and vaccine updates on the Department of Health Services website.
Expungement
I am proud to be a part of a bipartisan group of legislators seeking to improve Wisconsin’s expungement law. Expungement refers to the process by which individuals with low-level criminal convictions may obtain relief from a court. Individuals that are granted expungement may clear their record, which may remove barriers to employment and self-sufficiency.
Wisconsin’s expungement law was written in the 1970s. The procedure is unique in America...and doesn’t work well (in 50 years no other state has copied Wisconsin law). Our bill makes several changes to the expungement process, which were written through a collaborative process with a wide range of stakeholders. This bill is supported by diverse groups ranging from conservative to liberal. This bill is backed by groups that represent employees and employers and it is also supported by law enforcement.
In 2018, legislators from both parties joined together to unanimously pass legislation that will bring a close to Lincoln Hills, the state’s juvenile prison in northern Wisconsin. I am proud to have played a major role in that work.
Since then, however, progress has stalled. This session offers the opportunity to renew our efforts and modernize Wisconsin’s juvenile justice system. Our adult criminal system is similarly ripe for reform. These issues will again be priorities of mine and I’m hopeful that the coming state budget or individual legislative efforts will be possible with both parties joining to address a major need.
I am excited to announce that Forward Thinking Wisconsin has officially LAUNCHED! Forward Thinking Wisconsin is a website that hosts my new podcast, blog, and archives of nerdy content. Forward Thinking Wisconsin explores the details behind the public policy and the political debate, with a bit of our history, to provide more information, more facts, and introduce big ideas to change state government...
Spring Election
I know it feels like it’s too soon to have another election, but our spring 2021 election is right around the corner. Just a friendly reminder that you may have local elections with a contested primary election, which will be held on Tuesday, February 16th - and the general election on Tuesday, April 6th.
Find out what's on the ballot, how to vote absentee or in-person, how to register to vote, and where your polling location is HERE.
Important Local COVID-19 Resources
During these unprecedented times, I want to make sure that you are connected to the resources that are available in our community. Each e-update will include resources and opportunities that may be helpful for anyone experiencing hardship due to the pandemic.
W-2 Emergency Assistance: One-time payment that can help qualifying low-income parents to pay for emergency housing or utility-related expenses.
Energy Assistance Program: Provides qualified Milwaukee County residents with a one-time, annual payment toward heating and electric bills. The funding pays a portion of energy costs determined by household size, income, and energy costs.
2-1-1 Social Service and Community Resource Referral Support through IMPACT, Inc.:
Dial 2-1-1, or (414) 773-0211
To avoid being charged a long-distance fee, call 2-1-1 toll-free at (866) 211-3380
Text your zip code: TXT-211{898-211} Mon- Fri 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
