I hope this message finds you and your family well.
I am grateful to have been re-elected and honored to continue to represent our community in the upcoming legislative session. As you may remember from my last update this spring, due to the rules regulating legislative offices during a campaign year, I was not allowed to send an update until the conclusion of the election. No matter your political affiliation I want to thank you for your engagement in our democracy.
I want to share with you recent updates and next steps for the legislature over the coming months.
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
Congratulations to President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris
President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris have won 306 electoral college votes and won the popular vote by over 5.5 million votes. Unfortunately, there continue to be claims made without evidence that the results should be questioned. The majority party in Madison has pledged “an investigation” by the Campaigns and Elections Committee of the Assembly, though to date they have not actually done anything. This week, a recount was requested, however, the recount will only take place in Dane and Milwaukee Counties. Both are heavily Democratic and also represent the vast majority of Wisconsin’s African American and Latino voters. I agree with City officials that have called out this targeted recount for what it is. I stand with the Milwaukee Election Commission and Executive Director Claire Woodall-Vogg, who told ABC News that "All of our processes and procedures were open and transparent, and we are confident any review of the election will reveal that."
Thank you to all the volunteers, workers, observers, and all those that continue to work to ensure our election was handled safely and fairly. We owe you a debt for your service, especially in light of the COVID pandemic.
My wife Gaby and I voted early at Washington Park Library where every election official was kind and helpful. The process was safe and transparent. Thank you again to everyone who helped facilitate, and participated in, a safe and secure 2020 election!
Public Health Emergency Extended
On Wednesday, November 18th Governor Evers and The Department of Health Services (DHS) announced that Executive Order 82 and Emergency Order 1, which were set to expire, are now extended due to the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic in our state.
The Executive Order extends the public health emergency and designates the Department of Health Services as the lead agency to respond to the emergency.
The Emergency Order requires people to wear a face covering whenever they are indoors or in an enclosed space other than a private residence. For more information on the mask order, please see the Governor's FAQ document.
Masking up matters. With the continuing rise of COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin and across the country, I join the Governor and DHS in urging all of my neighbors to wear a mask. Please do your part to stay safe and to protect your communities. Check out my Tweet to see why my colleagues and I #MaskUp.
Governor Evers Calls for Unity and to Stay Home for Safety
On November 10th Governor Tony Evers spoke to the citizens of Wisconsin and issued a new executive order asking Wisconsinites to work together to help end the COVID-19 pandemic.
Citizens to take precautions if they leave their residence
Businesses to take additional steps to protect customers, employees, and the surrounding community
Additional information about the Governor’s order may be found here.
Governor Evers Introduces COVID-19 Legislation
Wisconsin continues to experience some of the nation's worst infection rates and the number of COVID-19 related deaths is staggering and heartbreaking. There is much more our state government can and should do to help. Below are some first steps to that effort; ideas and legislation introduced by Governor Evers in recent days. I don't have an immediate time frame for legislative action - that decision rests with the legislative majority leadership - but I will continue to push for action. I'm certain our future updates will continue to contain information on these ideas so please stay tuned.
A summary of the Governor's bill may be found here.
State Budget Listening Sessions
On Tuesday, November 17th, I joined 300 people from around Wisconsin in a virtual state budget town hall discussing health care policies and budget priorities. Governor Evers is holding these sessions, open to the public, to gain input on his proposed budget, to be introduced in January of 2021. The event was one hour and there were small break-out rooms that allowed for really powerful conversations and brainstorming. Each event is held virtually and the details for the future budget town halls are below. I encourage you to attend and participate.
Click on the video below to watch Tuesday's virtual listening session.
Want to join the conversation (virtually)? Mark your calendars for the upcoming listening sessions! Registration will be live one week before the listening session date.
Wednesday, December 2, at 6:00 PM: Budget Listening Session on Environment, Infrastructure, and the Economy
Tuesday, December 8, at 6:00 PM: Budget Listening Session on Environment, Infrastructure, and the Economy
Wednesday, December 16, at 6:00 PM: Budget Listening Session on Our Schools and Education
Introducing Katie Jaeger
Katie joined our office back in March as the Legislative Assistant. She worked in social services for various non-profit organizations in La Crosse and Madison. Working for the La Crosse YWCA helping women in the criminal justice system sparked her interest in public policy. Katie started working in the Wisconsin State Legislature in November of 2019. In her free time, Katie enjoys camping and hiking.
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.
