It has been a busy time in our office for new legislation. On November 30th, I joined my colleagues in releasing the “Safe Storage for Gun Safety” package of six bills designed to address the challenge of keeping legally-owned firearms away from children and people prohibited from owning guns, such as violent criminals.  In a press statement, I acknowledged that “owning a gun is a Constitutional right, but rights come with responsibilities, too. It is every gun owner’s responsibility to ensure the safety of those around them. This includes protecting one’s immediate family from accidental shootings and taking practical measures to ensure one’s firearms are not stolen and used for criminal purposes.”

For more information on how to safely store firearms in your home or vehicle, visit www.besmartforkids.org. 

Just before Thanksgiving, I partnered with Senator Chris Larson to announce the introduction of legislation to require ignition interlock devices (IIDs) for all first-time alcohol-related operating while intoxicated (OWI) offenders, as well as incorporating Wisconsin into the interstate Driver License Compact. Sen. Larson and I announced the bills at a press event at the Bayside Police Department, which included a demonstration of an ignition interlock device and a testimonial in support of the legislation from John Rizzo, whose parents and uncle were killed by a drunk driver in 2019.

On Monday, I introduced a bill with colleagues from Kenosha to clear up confusion about the right of minors to carry firearms.  Wisconsin law generally prohibits a person under 18 years old from possessing a dangerous weapon, including a firearm. However, there is an exception to this prohibition which allows a minor to possess a long gun or rifle if the barrel is longer than 16 inches for hunting.  Due to the way the current statutes are written, there is a loophole in the law that allows minors to possess shotguns and rifles outside the context of hunting (and other allowable exceptions) so long as they are not short-barreled. This bill simply states that minors may only possess firearms when legally hunting.

Firearm safety is not a partisan issue.  I urge my colleagues to join me in co-sponsoring this legislation that will preserve Wisconsin's hunting traditions and help keep our communities safe.

Grafton Parade

It was a pleasure to join the Grafton community at this year’s Christmas Parade.  While we loved hearing the the marching band and seeing all of the smiling faces along the parade route, the people of Waukesha were on our minds and in our hearts as well.  Donations are still welcome to the United for Waukesha Community Fund, or the Go Fund Me Waukesha Parade Donation Hub, created to support individuals, families, and organizations that were impacted by the tragic events on November 21st.

Shhh… We made a list, checked it twice, and did a little shopping on Small Business Saturday.  We encourage everyone to support local businesses this holiday season--click on the links below for more information about businesses in our area.  

• Grafton
• Mequon-Thiensville
• Whitefish Bay
• Bayside-Fox Point
• Milwaukee

We are also happy to share that “Something Special from Wisconsin” is offering holiday “Boxes of Fun” that are filled with products produced in our state.  Orders received by December 17th will be shipped for Christmas delivery.

It was an honor to be invited by the Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce to participate in the 2021 Outstanding Citizen Community Awards Ceremony.  It was my pleasure to present citations on behalf of our office and Senator Darling. Congratulations to Kim Meisinger, recipient of the Outstanding Citizen Award, and Lyn and Mark May, the recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Awards, for your well-deserved recognition!

On November 17th, Chief of Staff Sandy Saltzstein and I participated in a tour of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's College of Engineering buildings with other legislators.  Dean Ian Robertson shared information about the need for a new facility to provide space and resources to expand this high-demand program and provide great learning opportunities for future state engineering professionals.  I fully support this effort, and I am co-sponsoring legislation that would allocate $1,000,000 from the state building trust fund to prepare a design report for the construction of a new engineering building.

Take Your Legislator to Work Day

I had a great visit as part of “Take Your Legislator to Work Day,” sponsored by the Wisconsin Board for People with Disabilities. I visited with Erin at the Hampton Inn in Grafton to learn about what working in the community means to her. Along with her job coach from Portal, Inc., Erin showed off her job skills and expressed her feelings on some of the issues facing workers, like transportation and earnings limitations. I was grateful to Erin and her coaches for the opportunity to share part of their workday!

DHS Update-Boosters! 

With the holiday season in full swing, it is the best time to receive your COVID-19 booster. The most effective way to keep you and your loved ones safe is to get vaccinated, so schedule your booster today! Remember, you can receive your booster dose from any vaccine provider, and you do not have to get the same type as your primary vaccination series. For more information on COVID-19 and the vaccine, click on this link. 

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 allow you 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!

• December 10 at Friendship Cafe in Fox Point
• December 17 at Grafton Arts Mill Coffee Roastery

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.