I hope this e-update finds you healthy, safe, and warm. As we begin the month of March, I wanted to share some updates regarding various topics in our state.
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 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
State Budget Address
On February 16th, Governor Evers gave his 2021-23 Budget Address where he announced the administration’s priorities for the next biennial budget. The state budget covers funding for state programs from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023. I was encouraged by Governor Evers’ hopeful message of recovery and resilience. The Governor’s budget highlighted investments in small businesses, public schools, higher education, increasing access to healthcare, reducing prescription drug prices, reforming the criminal and juvenile justice systems, and renewing our commitment to preserving Wisconsin’s natural resources.
The budget proposes to spend roughly $90 billion over the two-year period in a mix of state and federal funding. The legislative process on the budget will be long and complicated, but please do not hesitate to contact my office with any process or content questions and follow along on Forward Thinking Wisconsin.
On February 22nd Governor Evers introduced his Capital Budget recommendations. The Capital Budget, totaling $2.4 billion, is the portion of the budget that addresses funding for public construction projects, infrastructure projects, and university facility initiatives, among others. These recommendations are important investments in our State’s future, economy, and job growth.
Investments in the 18th Assembly District and Milwaukee include:
A new State Office Building at the southwest corner of North 27th Street and West Wisconsin Avenue. This will replace the existing State Office Building located at 819 N 6th Street. The project will locate nearly 1,000 jobs at the location and will include a modern, efficient building and parking structure. The project’s cost is estimated at roughly $170 million dollars.
$40 million in state support for the construction of the Wisconsin Museum of Nature and Culture, which would be located on the northeast corner of Sixth and McKinley Streets.
Relocation of Beyond Vision/Wiscraft Inc. from their current space on State Street to a former big box store in West Allis. This move will allow the organization to expand services and workforce opportunities for individuals with vision impairment.
Investments in infrastructure on UW-Milwaukee's campus.
The next step for the Capital Budget is for it to be reviewed and voted on by The State Building Commission, which will meet on March 17, 2021. Then, the Building Commission’s Capital Budget recommendations are statutorily required to be submitted to the Joint Committee on Finance by the first Tuesday in April.
Joint Committee on Finance Updates
Now that the budget has been formally introduced by Governor Evers I wanted to provide you with a brief outline of the next steps in the process. Please stay tuned to future updates on how you can get involved and voice your thoughts and ideas.
I will continue to provide updates as the budget process moves forward. In the meantime, I am excited to announce several opportunities to learn about the budget, hear from directly impacted individuals, and take action and advocate for your budget priorities. This project is called Forward Wisconsin and in partnership with my colleague on the Joint Finance Committee, Representative Greta Neubauer (D-Racine), we will be hosting five virtual action meetings in March. You can register for the first meeting about criminal justice reform and democracy HERE.
To sign up for event invitations and updates, visit the Forward Wisconsin website HERE. You can also follow the Forward Wisconsin Facebook and Twitter. I look forward to working together to achieve a winning budget for Wisconsin - I hope you’ll join me at one of these events. If you have any additional questions, please contact my office directly.
Vaccine Distribution
Today, the next tier of Wisconsinites become eligible for the vaccine. Follow along closely on the DHS website and sign up to receive weekly DHS newsletters for accurate and up-to-date information regarding vaccine eligibility. For a map of vaccine providers, click HERE.
On February 19th The Department of Health Services (DHS) announced that more than 250,000 Wisconsinites have been fully vaccinated against #COVID19. DHS hit 100,000 at the end of January and has added another 150,000 since. It is still crucial that we keep working hard to stop the spread of COVID-19 by wearing masks and following public health recommendations.
Unemployment Insurance Legislation
On Tuesday, February 23rd, the Assembly convened to take up the special session legislation introduced by Governor Evers last month to begin the modernization of our Unemployment Insurance (UI) system.
The legislation voted on this week differs from what the Governor originally introduced. While I continued to support the legislation, the funding to begin this transformation was removed. I believe we should begin immediately and offered amendments to do so. I have not heard any compelling reason to continue under the outdated, slow IT system we currently use.
The legislation was signed by Governor Evers, and while not perfect, it is at least the beginning of this much-needed modernization.
Advocacy Group Meetings
I had the opportunity to meet virtually with advocacy groups and constituents from a variety of different organizations over the past few weeks including the education advocates, the American Cancer Society, the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities, and several others. Meeting with these organizations is an important part of my job as a state legislator as they can advocate on behalf of constituents like you. If you would like to meet with me to discuss the important issues facing our state please feel free to contact me at rep.goyke@legis.wi.gov or (608)266-0645.
I was thankful to meet virtually with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and hear about their 2021-23 budget priorities.
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.
