Budget Moves to the Legislature

This week the Joint Finance Committee wrapped up its work and the legislature will soon vote on the state budget. This session has been a roller-coaster, with state budget projections forecasting billions more in state revenue than anticipated and the billions in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) also heading to Wisconsin.

When our state revenues came in far above what was expected, I was very pleased to see robust tax cuts included in the JFC budget. Unfortunately, we are also missing out on once-in-a-generation opportunities to make strategic investments in the future of our state. Even without accepting the billions of dollars available to Wisconsin in Medicaid expansion funds, there is enough state revenue to provide healthy tax cuts and finally fix our roads and bridges, fund education at levels promised years ago and never met, improve health outcomes for mothers and babies, and/ or address the enormous maintenance backlog in our parks and green spaces, to name a few. As it currently stands, the JFC proposal is a scarcity budget and a missed opportunity at a time when we should be strategically investing for our future.

One budget area of particular concern for our district is education. After slashing 90% of Governor Evers’ proposed education budget, Republican leaders are allocating an additional $408 million in order to meet the bare minimum to qualify for supplemental federal dollars -- but none of the additional funds can actually be used in the classroom. How can this be? Read my opinion piece that appeared in the Ozaukee News-Graphic to understand this budgetary sleight-of-hand. I will be fighting to improve this budget shortcoming because our schools -- and our kids -- deserve better.

Thanks to a successful vaccination program, we are seeing many of our summer traditions return this year.  I would love to say hello if you will be attending any of the following events:

• Mequon-Thiensville Family Fun Before the 4th--Saturday, June 26 at 10:30 am
• Grafton Independence Day Parade--Saturday, July 3 at 11:00 am
• Bayside Car Parade--Sunday, July 4 at 9:00 am
• Whitefish Bay Parade--Sunday, July 4 at 11:30 am

Fair Maps Update

As a lead author of the Fair Maps Bill and a strong defender of our democratic institutions, it is alarming to see an increasing lack of transparency in our legislative process -- and I said so on the floor of the Assembly last week. 

A bill that will keep our gerrymandered maps in place for another election cycle, AB 369, was rushed through committee and passed the Assembly and Senate in less than two weeks. The bill was introduced as a request by local municipalities for more time to draw local maps in response to a delay in the census data, but it was uncovered by the Wisconsin Examiner that this action was actually planned months ago at the request of Speaker Robin Vos. 

Meanwhile my Fair Maps Bill, AB 395, was introduced at a rally with hundreds of people on May 17, was also assigned a bill number two weeks ago, but it has yet to be scheduled for a public hearing. For more information about our redistricting process, why it matters, and how you can get involved, check out the LRB Redistricting Guidebook or connect with the Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition.

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 2 at the Thiensville Fiddleheads
• July 9 at the Whitefish Bay City Market
• July 23 at the Mequon Fiddleheads

DHS Update

Participating organizations and businesses are offering support to help you get vaccinated. These resources and programs are available temporarily. For a full list, visit our COVID-19 Vaccination webpage.

Contact Our Office

Our team is grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of the 23rd Assembly District!  Chief of Staff Sandy Saltzstein is joined by a dedicated team of interns: Ryan, Daniel, Elsa and Layne. 

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.