Governor Tony Evers signs the 2021-2023 State Budget at Cumberland Elementary School in Whitefish Bay.
Biennial Budget Passed and Signed
Yesterday, I had the incredible honor to host Governor Evers, State School Superintendent Jill Underly, and several legislative colleagues as the Governor signed the state budget into law at Cumberland Elementary School in the 23rd district!
As one of only four Assembly Democrats to vote in favor of the budget bill, there were parts of the bill that I strongly supported, but there were also a lot of missed opportunities for investment in the future of our state. Unfortunately, as legislators we must vote on the budget we have before us, not on the budget we want, and every attempt to restore popular and meaningful priorities with amendments were voted down along party lines.
There was a lot to like in the budget, including returning money to taxpayers in significant tax cuts, reauthorizing the popular Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program for four years at $33.25 million per year, and providing more transportation dollars to fix our roads. There were also a lot of disappointments, including the lack of an increase in shared revenue for local municipalities, the refusal to expand the BadgerCare program to support healthcare and receive $1.6 billion, and most of all, the minimal level of state support for K-12 education.
At a time when the state has an unanticipated windfall of $4 billion at their disposal, Republicans on the Joint Finance Committee chose to provide schools with the bare minimum in order to qualify for Federal ARPA funding. When questioned about the shortfall, some Joint Finance Members said schools can “just go to referendum” for their day-to-day needs -- which is neither a sustainable nor responsible approach to provide for our kids’ education.
Fortunately, Governor Evers announced at our event that he would provide $100 million above and beyond the budget for K-12 schools. These are funds Governor Evers can allocate directly from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) -- without legislative approval. I am very pleased the Governor was able to provide tax relief and invest in our kids, and I am thrilled he made his announcement in the 23rd district!
In the District: Stars, Stripes, and Parades!
My Chief of Staff, Sandy Saltzstein, and I were thrilled to participate in parades in Mequon and Thiensville, Grafton, Bayside and Whitefish Bay. It was so much fun to share candy with the kids, and give dog biscuits to our canine constituents! Penny, the "First Dog" of the district, joined us for two parades, and stole hearts wherever she went!
We hope that everyone had a wonderful 4th of July!
Your Road Questions Answered:
A Visit to the Department of Transportation
Orange barrels are already up along I-43, which goes straight through the heart of the 23rd district from Whitefish Bay through Grafton. This stretch of highway is one of the most heavily-traveled routes in the state, and with higher-than-average accident rates an overhaul is long overdue.
Although we will have to tolerate some road construction through 2024, the result will be better roads and improved highway safety, including a fix for the infamous “Bender Bottleneck” near Bayshore Mall!
In order to get the latest information on the project and to answer constituent questions, we met with the project experts at the Department of Transportation at their office in Waukesha on Wednesday (pictured above). Here are a few takeaways every commuter should know:
On I-43 near Hampton Ave. changes are already underway:
I-43 North exit ramps to Hampton Ave. West and East are permanently closed
I-43 North at Silver Spring Drive reduced to two lanes through 2021
Some of the highway improvements will include:
Expanding the highway from two lanes to three lanes in each direction from Bender Road to WIS 60 in Grafton
Rebuilding five existing interchanges along the corridor
Adding a new interchange at Highland Road in Mequon
Because conditions and closures can change quickly, WISDOT has many ways to stay up to date and avoid unnecessary delays:
We know that major projects like these are difficult, but the finished product will make our roads safer for everyone. Please be safe, be alert, and watch for reduced speed limits near construction zones. As always, safety first!
I-43 Project Details and Updates: Click the Map Below
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!
July 23 at the Mequon Fiddleheads
July 30 at the Fox Point Friendship Circle Bakery
Legislative Update
You can review my legislative actions and see which bills have been before my committees by visiting my page on the official website of the Wisconsin State Legislature.
Contact Our Office
Our team is grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of the 23rd Assembly District. There are several convenient ways to share your thoughts, questions 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.
My Chief of Staff, Sandy Saltzstein, and I were thrilled to participate in parades in Mequon and Thiensville, Grafton, Bayside and Whitefish Bay. It was so much fun to share candy with the kids, and give dog biscuits to our canine constituents! Penny, the "First Dog" of the district, joined us for two parades, and stole hearts wherever she went! 
