I hope this e-update finds you and your family happy and healthy. The Assembly was in session twice this week and is planning to convene again in November to address redistricting. This report includes important updates about the redistricting process, neighborhood initiatives, and an honored guest at the Capitol.
The Assembly is expected to be in session again in November. 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 future updates and please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you.
Evan Goyke State Representative 18th Assembly District
Floor Sessions
This week the State Assembly was on the floor twice for session. Tuesday's floor session was largely focused on affordable housing. There is a critical need for affordable housing in Wisconsin. While some of the proposals moved forward with bi-partisan support, others contained partisan provisions that should not become law. One of the bills that I supported is Assembly Bill 609, which would allow municipalities like Milwaukee to create Local Housing Investment Funds, and create a revolving fund for new affordable housing developments. A bill that drew my opposition was Assembly Bill 604, which would create designated zones for individuals who are homeless and criminalize homelessness outside those areas. You can read more about the housing bills in more detail here.
Wednesday's floor session was largely focused on limiting access to reproductive healthcare. The bills that were on the floor are part of a larger national effort by Republicans to excite their base ahead of the 2022 election. These bills are not new and virtually identical bills were vetoed by Governor Evers in 2019. The bills were passed on party-line votes. I joined my Democratic colleagues opposing these bills and called on Republican legislators to use our time to bolster reproductive healthcare by passing a package of bills aimed at reducing the staggering racial disparities in maternal and infant mortality.
I joined the Democratic press conference before the Legislative session.
Redistricting
As you know and have seen in the news, every 10 years following the Census legislative districts are redrawn to account for our State’s new population trends. Due to a population decline in our current district, and redistricting rules regarding population totals, Assembly District 18 boundaries will need to change.
Since my election to the legislature in 2012, I have supported legislation to establish non-partisan redistricting in Wisconsin to reflect the people of Wisconsin and not the will of elected politicians. This session I am a proud co-sponsor of the Fair Maps Bill (SB 389/AB 395) that was introduced by Sen. Jeff Smith and Rep. Deb Andraca earlier this session.
Last week, Republicans in the State Assembly and the State Senate introduced legislation also proposing new district maps. These maps ignore the will of the people again and create districts that insulate legislators from accountability to their constituents. Over the last ten years, we’ve all seen firsthand the negative impact that partisan gerrymandering has had in Wisconsin.
Despite the latest Republican efforts to gerrymander our state, I will continue to advocate for a fair and open nonpartisan redistricting process. For additional information about how redistricting works, and where we stand in Wisconsin, check out this WPR article.
Below is a map of our legislative district as it stands today as well as a map that was proposed by legislative Republicans. Governor Tony Evers also established The People’s Maps Commission that has recently published new legislative maps that were drawn with public input and transparency.
For additional information, Urban Milwaukee has an article reviewing all of these maps.
Soon the legislature will meet to consider these maps. Please stay tuned on my social media and my e-updates for future happenings on this important process that will decide your representation in the state legislature for the next decade.
ARPA Townhall
Recently I participated in County Supervisor Felecia Martin’s Townhall that focused on the federal relief dollars Wisconsin received under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). I discussed how the State has invested ARPA funding and how it reaches Milwaukee communities with my colleagues. In true #NerdPower style, I made my own slideshow to break down exactly how ARPA funds have been invested. You can check it out here.
First Responder of the Year
One of the great privileges of being a State Representative is getting to recognize the heroic acts and achievements of constituents in the district. The State Assembly held a ceremony on Tuesday to honor our first responders from all over Wisconsin. I was proud to honor Firefighter Darryl Rheams as the 18th Assembly District’s 2021 First Responder of the Year. Firefighter Rheams, along with his partner, saved a life earlier this year. Firefighter Rheams was nominated for this award by the City of Milwaukee Fire Department. Thank you Firefighter Rheams, for your service and dedication to our community.
Legislative Doors
You may have seen me or my staff in and around your neighborhood this fall. I have been going door to door in the district to speak with you, let you know what kinds of issues I can help with, and how to contact me. I always enjoy hearing from you about matters that are important to you. I look forward to connecting soon!
Miguel's Important Update
Miguel is five months old and growing fast! My wife Gaby and I have been enjoying life as new parents and can't wait to see what the next five months hold for our family.
