Fair Rates in Wisconsin Jails

I am proud to be a co-sponsor of LRB-3357, which would limit the rate jails can charge for telecommunications to what national prepaid wireless telephone providers bill their customers. Many of the people being held in jail are ultimately not convicted of any crime, and cutting off communication for even a few days can have a life-changing impact on their personal and professional lives. Research has shown that those who stay connected to their attorneys, friends, and families while in jail are less likely to re-offend, and children who stay in contact with incarcerated parents benefit too. Thank you to Rep. Samba Baldeh (D-Madison) for introducing this legislation.

Energy and Utilities Committee

As a member of the Energies and Utilities Committee, I have closely followed the progress of AB 588/SB 573, a bill that would establish parameters for the operation of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations in Wisconsin. As the owner of an EV and a proponent of clean energy, I was supportive of this legislation as introduced. However, the week before the hearing, a substitute amendment was introduced that would prohibit local governments and state agencies from owning, operating, managing, leasing, or controlling EV charging facilities. To maximize access to EV charging stations and best position Wisconsin for the future, we should include local governments and state agencies in the equation.  I also objected to the provision that all energy for the charging stations must be provided by the local utility, excluding solar battery charging stations.

A committee vote was scheduled for the executive session on December 8th, and I introduced an amendment that would remove a prohibition on the use of solar power for EV charging stations. However, during the committee meeting, the chair removed the bill from the calendar as requested by the author. I hope that the bill comes before the committee soon because Wisconsin is behind many other states in building vital EV infrastructure.

Press Statement on Guns in Schools

Just one week after the mass shooting at a Oxford High School in Michigan where four students were killed and seven people were injured, the Assembly Committee on State Affairs held a public hearing on AB 597, legislation that makes it easier to possess a gun in some Wisconsin schools.  Rep. Lisa Subeck (D-Madison) and I released a press statement about the hearing to highlight the "Safe Storage for Gun Safety" legislation that we introduced with our colleagues at the end of November.  Hearings have not been held for two other bills that I co-authored: one that would ensure background checks on all gun sales (AB 637) and another that establishes an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) (AB 638). ERPOs empower local law enforcement to intervene in situations like the tragedy in Michigan.  With record levels of gun crimes and a school shooting in the news, legislators should be hearing bills that make our state safer.  Allowing guns in any school takes us in a dangerous direction.

Intern Spotlight

Amid the joys of the holiday season, we are grateful for the terrific work of our two interns: Elsa Blad and Owen Jonas.  Elsa has been working in our office since May and Owen joined our team at the end of August.  Their energy, enthusiasm and dedication has made a positive impact on our office and on the constituents we serve.  They are completing their service this week, and we wish them every success in the future. Before they leave, we wanted to share a little about them, in their own words.

Hello, constituents of the 23rd district! My name is Elsa Blad, and I am from Plymouth, WI. I am in my third year at UW-Madison, studying Legal Studies and Spanish. I am involved in the Pre-Law Society and Badger Volunteers. I am interested in criminal and immigration law and in the future, plan to attend law school. I began working with Representative Andraca and Chief of Staff Sandy Saltzstein this summer, and I have enjoyed my time here. My favorite tasks include recording your important contacts in our database, attending press conferences, and helping to write the biweekly newsletter! A few policy areas of interest are healthcare access, criminal justice reform, and protecting our environment. I am grateful for the experience I have gained here at the State Capitol and happy to help the representative serve the 23rd district!

Hello! My name is Owen Jonas and I am currently a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in Political Science and Environmental Studies with a minor in Public Policy. I am hoping to attend law school following the completion of my undergraduate studies and one day pursue a career in environmental law or politics. I am very excited to be working for the office of Representative Andraca this fall, who represents my hometown of Whitefish Bay!

As an intern, my main goal is to prioritize the needs of our constituents and ensure that every voice is heard, while also furthering Representative Andraca’s mission of building a safer, smarter, and healthier Wisconsin.

The issues that I care most deeply about are finding solutions to combat the ongoing climate crisis, implementing fair maps, and reducing gun violence.

Governor's Veto of Reproductive Health Bills

I was honored to join my colleagues on the morning of December 3rd to watch Governor Evers veto five bills that would restrict access to reproductive healthcare in Wisconsin. Thanks to Governor Evers for respecting that reproductive health decision should be made by women and their doctors--not legislators.

Capitol Holiday Tree Lighting

Following the governor's veto, my staff and I attended the Capitol Holiday Tree Lighting. The theme this year is "Hometown for the Holidays." Students from all over the state sent in decorations they made in keeping with the theme. It was a beautiful event and featured speeches from local leaders and music from area schools. A special thanks goes to the Menominee Nation who donated this year's 32 foot balsam fir tree. 

Governor Evers' Continued Investment in Education

When Governor Evers signed the biennial budget at Cumberland School in July, he promised to provide additional new funding for public schools.  On December 2, the governor fulfilled his promise by distributing $110 million in statewide school funding.  $1.38 million of those dollars will directly support schools and students in the 23rd District!

DHS Update

This holiday season, keep you and your loved ones safe! The most effective way is to receive your COVID-19 vaccination; remember, anyone five years of age and older can get vaccinated. Continue to wash your hands and social distance, and wear a mask in public spaces. Wisconsin hospitals are filling up quickly; do your part so that already overburdened healthcare workers can do theirs. 

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!

• January 7 at Fiddleheads in Thiensville
• January 14 at the City Market Café and Bakehouse in Whitefish Bay

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.