I hope this e-update finds you and your family healthy and enjoying the beginning of fall. This report includes important updates about the ongoing pandemic, redistricting, and more.
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I welcome any feedback or ideas you may have. As always, please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you.
Evan
Evan Goyke State Representative 18th Assembly District
COVID-19
We have been seeing COVID numbers increase with the spread of the Delta variant. The Delta variant spreads more easily and can cause more severe illness, so it is critical to get vaccinated to prevent these serious symptoms, hospitalization, and death.
Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced full approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Please visit the City of Milwaukee Health Department’s COVID-19 vaccine page for information on where and how you can get your vaccine to protect yourself, your family, and your community: https://city.milwaukee.gov/CovidVax
Vaccines remain our best defense against COVID, which is why the Milwaukee Public School Board voted to require vaccines for staff, effective November 1st, and approved incentives for vaccinated students. This measure will help to protect children, who may not be eligible to get the vaccine, from contacting COVID.
COVID has been increasingly impacting kids. Children now account for a third of new COVID-19 cases in Milwaukee County. Children’s Hospital Wisconsin will begin providing weekly reports on statewide trends and hospital occupancy at the Milwaukee location. The full report and video from Michael Gutzeit, MD, chief medical officer, are available on the Children’s Wisconsin NewsHub.
Redistricting
Once every ten years, the U.S. Census Bureau publishes updated information reflecting changes in the population since the previous census. This information is used to redraw local, legislative, and congressional districts so that each district has approximately the same number of people in it.
Now is the perfect time to end the practice of partisan gerrymandering by creating a non-partisan redistricting process. I am a proud co-sponsor of the Fair Maps Bill (SB 389/AB 395) introduced by Sen. Jeff Smith and Rep. Deb Andraca. I have supported this bill since my election to the legislature. I firmly believe voters should get to decide who their politicians are and not the other way around. The Fair Maps Bill establishes an independent, nonpartisan commission to create legislative districts based on common-sense principles including compactness, following municipal boundaries, and keeping communities together whenever possible. Our neighbors in Iowa and Michigan, as well as 11 other states, have nonpartisan redistricting commissions and it is time for Wisconsin to join them.
Without this change, it is likely the redistricting process will play out in court - and a number of lawsuits have already been filed. Wisconsin is one of the most partisan gerrymandered states and it is clear the majority will spend considerable tax-payer dollars trying to maintain this unfair advantage.
In contrast to the GOP process, Governor Tony Evers created the People’s Map Commission. The Commission has traveled around the state holding public hearings and taking input on what a fair redistricting map should look like. We expect the Commission to release its findings soon. To learn more about The People’s MapCommission launched by Governor Evers please click here.
2020 Census Data
On August 12,Census data needed to draw new maps were released. Here are some quick takeaways from the new data:
Wisconsin’s overall population grew by 4%
Wisconsin’s white population dropped by 3.4%
The Hispanic population grew by 33.1%, and the Black population grew by 4.8%
Our urban areas are becoming increasingly more diverse
Milwaukee County lost around 1% of its population
The City of Milwaukee lost nearly 3% of its population, leaving it at its lowest population since 1930
The 18th Assembly District lost 4,400 people, one of the largest reductions in the State Assembly
Continuing to Implement “The Wisconsin Model” for Juvenile Corrections
As you know, Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake Schools are the state’s primary facilities for juvenile offenders. Following a series of criminal probes and lawsuits, it was revealed that Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake were not being run appropriately, nor providing an appropriate environment and programming for the youth in their care. In addition to these issues, today’s evidence-based practices show that juveniles do best when incarcerated in small groups, close to their home environments, and with programming intended to help them re-integrate effectively into society.
Two sessions ago I was proud to author legislation to bring needed reform to Wisconsin’s juvenile corrections system and introduce the new “Wisconsin Model” for our incarcerated youth. The Legislature unanimously passed2017 Act 185, mandating the closure of Lincoln Hills and Copper Lakes Schools by July 1, 2021. That date has come and gone due to a delay in funding by legislative Republicans.
In order for the closure of Lincoln Hills to take place, a new Type 1 facility must be built. I recently introduced Assembly Bill 524 which is bi-partisan legislation thatfully funds the construction of a new Type 1 correctional facility. Until this bill is passed and these dollars appropriated, Wisconsin will continue to be in violation of State law and these facilities proven to no longer be effective will not close. It is my hope the legislature will hold public hearings and pass this bill as soon as possible.
Opposition to Harmful Legislation
Recently, Texas passed a new ban on abortion. The federal government has since challenged the constitutionality of the new law. The Texas legislation will likely be replicated by other state governments and should a similar bill be introduced in Wisconsin, I will oppose it.
In Wisconsin state statute from 1849, there is an abortion ban that has been unenforceable since the Roe v. Wade decision. However, if Roe v. Wade were to be overturned, Wisconsin’s abortion ban could take effect once again. I have co-sponsored and supported legislation to repeal Wisconsin’s 1849 abortion ban and protect a person’s right to make their own reproductive choices.
Additionally, the Wisconsin state GOP has been fast-tracking anti-LGBTQ+ bills through the legislative process all session. I have opposed their bills that echo harmful and hateful rhetoric against our LGBTQ+ community. I am supporting legislation introduced by the Wisconsin LGBTQ+ Caucus to combat the GOP legislation and I am thankful to have a Governor who will veto the hateful bills. Wisconsinites deserve to be recognized and protected by state law no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation. I will continue to stand up and fight against the GOP hate-based bills.
PCHC Award
I was honored to receive a State Grant Champion Award from Progressive Community Health Centers with Miguel last month. Thank you Progressive Community Health Centers!
Near West Side Week
On Monday, Miguel and I celebrated the first-ever Near West Side Week by attending The New State Music Park Groundbreaking and Mural Unveiling ceremony! For more information about the Near West Side Partners and their neighborhood initiatives, visit their Facebook page and website.
Dentist Day at the Capitol
This week I had the opportunity to meet with a group of dentists and discuss their policy priorities for this legislative session. I also got to show off some cute photos of Miguel!
Hispanic Heritage Month
Wednesday, September 15th marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. County Executive David Crowley issued a resolution to honor Hispanic American Heritage Month in Milwaukee County. Below I have included ways for you to celebrate and honor Hispanic Heritage Month in Milwaukee!
