As a new legislator, I've enjoyed hearing from constituents about important issues. This survey offers an opportunity for me to learn even more about your priorities. I encourage each of you to take a few minutes to click here to complete the survey. Thank you!
WEDC Workforce Innovation Roundtable
Thank you to all the Ozaukee businesses and community leaders who attended our roundtable discussion with Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Secretary Missy Hughes on August 12. We discussed ideas for Governor Evers’ $100 million investment in Workforce Innovation grant programs that would address local employment challenges, and potential ideas for regional collaboration. The discussion included representatives from a variety of district employers, including SEEK, Kapco, Sport Clips, Newcastle Place, Daily Taco/The Cheel and the Ozaukee Youth Apprenticeship Consortium. We greatly appreciate Dr. Wilma Bonaparte and her team for hosting our discussion at the beautiful MATC Mequon Campus. Pictured in the photo above are Dr. Bonaparte from MATC, Secretary Hughes and myself.
The August 19 edition of the Ozaukee News Graphic featured a column I wrote entitled: “Fair Maps are the Will of the People.” The census data is out and the redistricting lawsuits are already being filed—but there IS a better way. The Fair Maps Bill will create a non-partisan process for map drawing and help save taxpayer dollars about to be wasted on private lawyers. Tell your state elected officials that the Fair Maps Bill deserves a public hearing!
My office team and I will be visiting neighborhoods and knocking on doors throughout the 23rd District to hear directly from you, our constituents! If we miss you, feel free to join us for our weekly office hours, call us at 608-266-0486, or send an email to rep.andraca@legis.wisconsin.gov.
Meeting with constituents is the best and most important part of my job. We hold weekly office hours at small businesses throughout the 23rd district to give you an opportunity to meet in person and discuss issues important to you with your elected representative. Click here to reserve your appointment on Friday mornings between 9:00 am--12:00 pm. If you prefer we can also schedule a phone call or Zoom. We look forward to hearing from you!
September 3 at Fiddleheads Coffee in Mequon
September 10 at Friendship Circle Café in Fox Point
I-43 Project Update
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) will begin preparatory work ahead of the upcoming 14-mile, I-43 North-South reconstruction project in Milwaukee and Ozaukee counties. This preliminary work consists of rehabilitating segments of roadway shoulders between County Line Road and WIS 60, along with temporarily widening a small portion of the freeway near the county line to allow for traffic shifts during next year’s construction.
This prep work will begin the week of August 23 with Hoffman Construction Company as the prime contractor.
What to Expect This Year
County Line Road entrance ramp to I-43 southbound to close long-term through mid-2023
I-43 northbound exit ramp to Port Washington Road (near County Line Road) to close long-term through mid-2023
Overnight and off-peak travel hour lane closures along I-43 northbound, between Highland Road and WIS 60
Overnight lane closures along I-43, between County Line Road and Donges Bay Road
Overnight lane closures along Port Washington Road, between Brown Deer Road and Donges Bay Road
Overnight lane closures along Port Washington Road, between Coventry Court and Sugar Lane
Prep work is scheduled for completion by late fall 2021. Then, in March of 2022, crews will begin the reconstruction of the I-43 North-South corridor between Silver Spring Drive and WIS 60.
Support for Veterans Impacted by Events in Afghanistan
Veterans across our state and nation are reacting to the news of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Veterans may feel distressed from experiences during their service. Please know there are resources available to veterans through the U.S. and Wisconsin Departments of Veterans Affairs. I am providing this information in the hope that it might be helpful to you or someone you know. Remember: you are not alone.
Contacts from the Wisconsin DVA:
Veterans Crisis Line - The Veterans Crisis Line is a toll-free, confidential resource that connects veterans and their families to mental health resources. Connect with the Crisis Line.
County Veterans Service Officers - Your local Tribal and County Veterans Service Officers can help determine the benefits and services for which you are eligible. Find your TVSO/CVSO.
Resources available right now (information provided from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs):
Veterans Crisis Line - If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255, then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local VA medical center 24/7 regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care.
Vet Centers - Discuss how you feel with other Veterans in these community-based counseling centers. 70% of Vet Center staff are Veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387 or find one near you.
Download VA's self-help apps - Tools to help deal with common reactions like, stress, sadness, and anxiety. You can also track your symptoms over time.
Governor Evers' announced today that Wisconsin residents 12 and over who get their first shot between August 20th and September 6th will receive a $100 Visa gift card! If you or someone you know has not yet received the vaccine, visit https://100.wisconsin.gov/ to learn more and register for the program. This exciting news comes on the same day that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has received full approval from the FDA.
With cases increasing rapidly across Wisconsin communities, it is important that we do our part to stop the spread. If you are vaccinated, wearing a mask will provide an extra layer of protection to keep yourself and your community protected.
And taking precautions like physical distancing, staying home when you are sick, and getting tested if you have been exposed to COVID-19 will help protect those who can’t get vaccinated like children and people who are immunocompromised.
If you are feeling ill or if you may have been exposed to someone that has tested positive for COVID-19, visit our testing page to learn the different ways you can get tested.
Contact Our Office
There are several convenient ways to share your thoughts and concerns with us:
Call our office at (608) 266-0486
Email us at Rep.Andraca@legis.wisconsin.gov
Visit our website to learn more about constituent services, legislative priorities and to share your comments or concerns.
Thank you to all the Ozaukee businesses and community leaders who attended our roundtable discussion with Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Secretary Missy Hughes on August 12. We discussed ideas for Governor Evers’ $100 million investment in Workforce Innovation grant programs that would address local employment challenges, and potential ideas for regional collaboration. The discussion included representatives from a variety of district employers, including SEEK, Kapco, Sport Clips, Newcastle Place, Daily Taco/The Cheel and the Ozaukee Youth Apprenticeship Consortium. We greatly appreciate Dr. Wilma Bonaparte and her team for hosting our discussion at the beautiful MATC Mequon Campus. Pictured in the photo above are Dr. Bonaparte from MATC, Secretary Hughes and myself. 
With cases increasing rapidly across Wisconsin communities, it is important that we do our part to stop the spread. If you are vaccinated, wearing a mask will provide an extra layer of protection to keep yourself and your community protected.