The Joint Finance Committee voted this week to provide $40 million in funds toward a new Milwaukee Public Museum facility. I was thrilled with the news, especially following a recent tour I received from Katie Sanders, Chief Planning Officer (pictured) and Dr. Ellen Censky, MPM President and CEO. The current exhibit space does not allow flexibility, and the Museum's priceless research collections are in need of space that is designed for their long-term protection. The new facility, planned for a location at North Sixth Street and West McKinley Avenue, will be co-shared with the Betty Brinn Children's Museum. The new facility will provide more flexible exhibit space, improved storage for collections, and contemporary research space. I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this Wisconsin institution!
Mayoral Proclamation
I was proud to stand with my friends and neighbors from Moms Demand Action as Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett proclaimed June 4, 2021 as Gun Violence Awareness Day in Milwaukee. Wear Orange Weekend originated as a way for students to honor the memory of their friend, Hadiya Pendleton, a victim of gun violence. I authored Assembly Joint Resolution 55 so that Gun Violence Awareness Day would also be recognized at the state level. Assembly leadership has not yet put this resolution on the calendar.
Office Hours in the District
One of the most important parts of being a state representative is hearing directly from constituents, so I am pleased to offer both Zoom and in-person office hours. I hold in-person meetings at businesses in varying locations around the 23rd district.
Our next opportunity to meet in-person will be Friday, June 11 at the Friendship Cafe in Fox Point. On Friday, June 18, I'll be at the Grafton Arts Mill Coffee Roastery. You can schedule an in-person or Zoom meeting with a quick click here. If the posted dates and time don’t fit your schedule please reach out to our office and we will be happy to make other arrangements.
I-43 Construction Begins Soon
Road improvements to I-43 from Capitol Drive to just north of Hampton Avenue will begin this month. For full details on the project and to sign up for updates, click here.
In the District
Thank you to Carol Ann Schneider of SEEK Careers/Staffing, Inc. for meeting with me, giving me a tour, and sharing her insights on Wisconsin's employment challenges. Congratulations to Carol and all of her colleagues at SEEK on their 50th anniversary as business and community leaders!
I appreciate the opportunity to learn directly from businesses in the 23rd district. Please contact us if you would like to schedule a visit to your business.
Legislative Update
Assembly Bill-336
As a member of the Assembly Committees on Workforce Development and Small Business Development, solutions to the state’s ongoing labor shortage are important to me. AB-336 was passed by the Assembly yesterday, and messaged to the Senate for further consideration. This bill would end Wisconsin’s participation in federal pandemic unemployment assistance programs that are currently set to expire on September 6, 2021.
The work search requirement for benefit recipients was reinstated two weeks ago. I think that we should allow some time to evaluate the success of the reinstated work search requirement, and address barriers such as child care and transportation before we end federal dollars that are helping to keep Wisconsin's economy strong. It is also important to remember that the state’s labor shortage pre-dates the pandemic, and is not a result of the emergency aid programs. For these reasons, I voted against Assembly Bill 336. I continue to work to support long-term strategies that will ensure employers find the personnel they need, and job seekers find sustainable and meaningful work.
Meeting the needs of Wisconsin's students should be a top priority of all state legislators. That's why I’m very disappointed by the actions of the Republican majority on the Joint Finance Committee. They recently denied a motion for a reasonable and necessary increase in funding for education, and justified their decision on the basis of one-time federal grants that have restrictions on their use. Not only do the one-time funds not address the systemic needs of our schools, but the decision not to maintain the state’s commitment to educational spending has thrown Wisconsin’s receipt of those same federal funds into jeopardy.
I am working with my colleagues and our leadership to see how we can best address this situation.
Vaccinations
Vaccination rates are strong throughout the 23rd District. If you have friends and family who have not yet had the opportunity for this safe, effective, and FREE vaccine, you can find a vaccine provider anywhere in Wisconsin by visiting VaccineFinder.org.
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.
The Joint Finance Committee voted this week to provide $40 million in funds toward a new Milwaukee Public Museum facility. I was thrilled with the news, especially following a recent tour I received from Katie Sanders, Chief Planning Officer (pictured) and Dr. Ellen Censky, MPM President and CEO. The current exhibit space does not allow flexibility, and the Museum's priceless research collections are in need of space that is designed for their long-term protection. The new facility, planned for a location at
