Special Session Bills Combat an Epidemic

This week the Assembly had a packed calendar, approving nine bills aimed at battling drug abuse and addiction, an epidemic that spans the country and has impacted nearly every corner of the state.

The legislation is part of a broader package of bills developed through the Governor’s Task Force on Opioid Abuse co-chaired by Rep. John Nygren and Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch. In January, Gov. Walker convened a special session to bring the package of bills before the Legislature.

These bills provide unique opportunities to address addiction and recovery. Notably, Special Session Assembly Bill 6, creates a pilot program for a charter high school that will allow students battling addiction to continue their education while receiving treatment. The program aims to eliminate potential relapse triggers that may have been present in the student’s regular environment.

Sadly, the heroin and opioid epidemic has impacted thousands of families throughout Wisconsin and our district is no different. At the start of session, I made it a priority to support and develop legislation that provides treatment to those who need it and puts an end to this widespread issue.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice declared prescription painkiller abuse a statewide crisis. To address this issue, Rep. Nygren and Assembly Republicans developed the HOPE Agenda – Heroin, Opioid, Prevention, and Education. The HOPE Agenda comprises a multitude of effective legislation that aims to stymie drug abuse and addiction in Wisconsin. Not including the legislation passed yesterday, the Assembly unanimously passed 17 bills that have been signed into law throughout the last two sessions.

We have put together some great bills to address this issue but our work is far from over. I look forward to continuing this bipartisan effort with my colleagues to battle addiction and make our communities safer.

Have a great week!

JFC Holds Budget Hearing in Milwaukee

This week, the Joint Finance Committee began budget hearings visiting Platteville on Monday and West Allis on Wednesday.

Residents throughout the area visited the hearing to discuss a variety of issues including transportation, corrections, education funding, worker training and issues related to the UW System, to name a few.

It was a wonderful opportunity to be present and hear from constituents about important issues impacting Wisconsin.

Upcoming Listening Session

Don’t miss my listening session next week at the South Milwaukee City Hall to discuss the budget recommendations and other priorities related to state government. A member from the Joint Finance Committee will join me to help answer your questions.

The listening session is open to all residents of the 21st Assembly District. Additional details are listed below. Hope to see you there!

What: Listening Session
Where: South Milwaukee City Hall
2424 15th Ave, South Milwaukee, WI
When: Thursday, April 13, 6-7:30 pm
 

What's Happening in the District

The South Milwaukee Lions and Friends of the Mill Pond are hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8, at the Grobschmidt Senior Center.

Prior to the hunt there will be a pancake and French toast breakfast from 8:30 – 10:30 am. The breakfast is $6 per person, $4 for children age 5-11, and free for 4 and under. The free Easter egg hunt will begin at 10:30 am.

Don’t forget a camera to get a picture with the Easter Bunny!