August: Budget Spotlight and Around the District

August 1, 2025
In this issue:
  • Budget Spotlight
  • In the News
  • Governor Evers Will Not Seek Re-Election
  • Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Residences Grand Opening
  • Around the District 

Budget Spotlight

The 2025-2027 Wisconsin state budget has been signed into law. It contains many policies that will have impacts all throughout our state, but also leaves out - or otherwise leaves unmet - many priorities that communities across Wisconsin voiced throughout the budget process. 
 
Over the next several newsletters, I will highlight how the budget impacts key priorities that I heard from my constituents and during public testimony throughout the state while serving as a member of the Joint Finance Committee. 
 
Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program 
The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program has long been a bipartisan success story in our efforts to conserve land, water, and wildlife for future generations. The program supports a wide range of conservation efforts, land acquisition, recreational facility development, and grants to local governments and nonprofits, helping to ensure public access and protection of sensitive environmental areas across Wisconsin.

In his budget proposal, Governor Evers recommended reauthorizing the program for 10 years with an annual total allocation of $100 million in state funding.

Unfortunately, the Republican controlled Joint Finance Committee chose to include no funding for Knowles-Nelson in the budget they sent to the legislature for a vote. Additionally, Republican legislators introduced a significantly scaled-down reauthorization bill from the Governor’s proposal, which would renew the program at $28.3 million a year through 2030, with a new emphasis on improving current lands over acquiring more properties. While I appreciate the efforts to introduce legislation to at least temporarily reauthorize the program, this legislation faces a very uncertain future before funding for the program is set to expire. 

I view this legislation as a starting point in the conversation about reauthorization. While I appreciate the movement toward a four-year extension, I do have concerns. Notably, the bill references a “trailer bill” that would allocate funding, but that amount has not been made public. 

During a June 11th hearing in the Assembly Committee on Forestry, Parks, and Outdoor Recreation, I raised this issue and asked when the trailer bill would be available. No clear answer was given, and I strongly believe lawmakers should not be asked to vote on incomplete proposals.
 
That being said, I will continue fighting to protect Knowles-Nelson and our state’s green spaces for the next generation of Wisconsinites. This will be one of my top priorities as we enter the fall legislative session.

In the News
My latest News-Graphic opinion piece goes into more detail about the budget process and how it did not reflect the priorities I heard from constituents and in budget hearings:

“When leaders of the Joint Finance Committee provide more budget transparency, truly listen to Wisconsinites and hold consistent bipartisan negotiations in both chambers, we will have finally broken free of the ghost of gerrymandering past and toward a government that lives up to our state motto: Forward.” 

Click here to read more: State budget process failed to take into account the wishes of the citizens

Governor Evers Announces That He Will Not Seek Re‑Election
Flipping my Assembly seat in 2020 was critical to saving Governor Evers’ ability to veto Republican extremism and do what’s best for Wisconsin, and I have been honored to work with the Governor throughout my time in the State Assembly.

Governor Evers is someone who is in person, just like you see on TV: kind, straightforward, and always happy to spend time with the people of our state, especially with a soft-serve ice cream cone in hand.

It has been an honor to see first-hand his dedication to our state, willingness to work across the aisle, and his ability to get things done in the face of relentless Republican opposition.

I thank Governor Evers and First Lady Kathy for their service to Wisconsin and wish them both all the best.

Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Residences at Woodale Crossing Grand Opening

It was an honor to attend the grand opening of the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Residences at Woodale Crossing with Governor Evers, County Executive David Crowley, WHEDA CEO Elmer Moore Jr., and other elected leaders in Brown Deer. This new development will provide 56 affordable housing units for adults 55 and older, with 25% of units reserved for seniors with disabilities. Thank you to Jewish Family Services and all the community partners who brought this important project to life.

Around the District
Library Spotlight

Libraries in the 23rd Assembly District are hosting great events for readers of all ages this summer, from storytime and STEM workshops to author talks and craft nights. Check out what’s happening at the library closest to you.

Brown Deer Public Library (4301 W Brown Deer Rd): 
 Cookbook Club Kits - Friday, August 1
Explore global cuisine with take-home kits inspired by dishes from Zimbabwe, India, South Korea, Turkey, and Syria. Everything is yours to keep, except the container!
Relax and Refresh Kits - Friday, August 1
Pick up an Art Cart grab-and-go bag filled with supplies and at least one fun project idea. A perfect way to unwind and create something special at home!
 Family Crafternoon - Saturday, August 2 | 12:30–1:30 PM
Bring the whole family for an afternoon of crafts! All ages are welcome, some activities may need a grown-up's helping hand.
Curious Bookworm Storytime - Monday, August 4 | 2:00–3:00 PM
This storytime is just right for kids ages 5–7 who are between preschool and the big kid programs. Join us for stories, games, and crafts designed just for them!

Frank L Weyenberg Library (11345 N Cedarburg Rd): 
Spice of the Month Kits - Friday, August 1
Calling all home chefs! Pick up a Spice of the Month kit featuring a new spice and three creative recipes. Available to the first 20 participants, recipe copies are also posted on the library website.
Weyenberg Movie Matinee -  Friday, August 1 | 3:00 PM
Catch a feel-good film on the big screen! This week’s feature: Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. Please note: some films may not be suitable for all audiences.
Friends Author Event with Dean Robbins - Saturday, August 2 | 1:00 PM
Join author Dean Robbins for a lively talk about his new essay collection Wisconsin Idols. Learn how iconic figures like Oprah Winfrey and Bob Dylan connect to Wisconsin in this engaging, multimedia presentation.
Zoom In: Insects - Monday, August 4 | 11:00 AM
Kids ages 4–7 can explore the fascinating world of bugs! Learn how insects grow, move, and live in this interactive, educational program. An adult must accompany children. Registration required.

North Shore Library (6800 N Port Washington Rd): 
MahJ and More: What’s Your Game? -Saturday, August 2 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Grab some friends, or make new ones, and enjoy open game play in the Community Room. Bring your favorite games or use one of the library’s card tables. No registration or facilitation, just show up and play!
 Family Storytime - Tuesday, August 5 | 10:30–11:00 AM
 Stories, songs, rhymes, and fingerplays for young children and their caregivers. A sweet and simple way to spend your morning together!
 North Shore Community Mah Jong - Tuesday, August 5 | 1:00–3:30 PM
All skill levels are welcome at this friendly and casual Mah Jong gathering. Bring your set or use one at the library.
 Virtual Author Talk: Jay Falk - Tuesday, August 5 | 1:00–2:00 PM
Join Smithsonian biologist Jay Falk for a virtual discussion of The Bird Book: The Stories, Science, and History of Birds. Learn about the fascinating world of birds, from global marvels to your own backyard.
Register here: libraryc.org/northshorelibrary/83411

Whitefish Bay Public Library (5420 N Marlborough Dr) :
 Zentangle for Teens -  Monday, August 4 | 2:00–3:00 PM
 Teens entering grades 7–12 are invited to explore the relaxing art of Zentangle®. No experience necessary—just come ready to draw, de-stress, and create a beautiful piece to take home. Registration is required and space is limited.
 Summer Walking Club - Tuesday, August 5 | 2:00–3:00 PM
 Take your self-care outdoors! Join the Summer Walking Club for a weekly stroll around the village. A great way to connect with neighbors and enjoy the fresh air.
All-Levels Yoga: Self-Care at the Library - Wednesday, August 6 | 9:45–10:45 AM
 This inclusive yoga class is for all experience levels and body types. Enjoy mindful movement, strength-building postures, and a supportive space to start your day feeling refreshed and grounded.
safeTALK

The Friendship Circle is hosting a safeTALK at the State Capitol on August 22nd. If you or someone you know will be in the Madison area and is interested in attending, register here: fcwi.org/safetalk 

Contact Us

There are several convenient ways to share your thoughts, questions and concerns with us:

  • Call our office at (608) 237-9123
  • Email us: Rep.Andraca@legis.wisconsin.gov
  • Visit our website to learn more about constituent services, legislative priorities and to share your comments or concerns
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Our mailing address is:
State Representative Deb Andraca
P.O. Box 8952
Madison, WI  53708

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