Assembly Session Update

Tuesday, October 26

It was my pleasure to welcome Rabbi David Cohen from Congregation Sinai in Fox Point to provide the invocation at the Assembly Session on Tuesday, October 26th. As the parent of a flight paramedic, Rabbi Cohen was the perfect person to offer a prayer at the session that honored first responders from across Wisconsin.

The Assembly heard a variety of bills during Tuesday's session including AB-115, which provides a tax credit for individuals who pay tuition for an apprenticeship program. As a member of the Workforce Development Committee, I voted in favor of sending this bill to the floor, and I voted again for its passage during the session. I think that apprenticeships are an important strategy for upskilling workers and providing life-changing opportunities.

I spoke on the floor in opposition to AB-446, a bill that makes substantial changes to the way in which reading readiness is assessed in Wisconsin’s schools. As a teacher, I strongly support early screening and intervention for students who need additional resources to learn to read. However, this bill provides no additional funding for schools to conduct additional assessments, or the necessary resources for extra support and implementation. The full text of my remarks is available on our website.

Wednesday, October 27

Several of the bills on the calendar for Wednesday's Assembly Session were attacks on reproductive healthcare. These bills, some of which were not even scientifically sound prompted an afternoon of divisive speeches on the floor before the bills passed along party lines. Similar bills were vetoed by Governor Evers last session, and the expectation is that they will be again this time. I was proud to cast my vote in opposition to this legislation and in support of compassionate, appropriate and medically prescribed healthcare decisions.  

I'm honored to be in the picture below, with my fellow female legislators.  As of this legislative session, women comprise the majority of the Democratic caucus for the first time in Wisconsin. 

Fair Maps Updates

It’s been a big couple of weeks in Fair Maps News! On October 21, Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader LeMahieu introduced two bills: AB-624 (legislative redistricting) and AB-625 (congressional redistricting). The maps that were presented received an “F” rating from the Princeton Gerrymandering Project. A joint public hearing of the Assembly and Senate committees was conducted on Thursday, October 28th. Click here to see the turnout!  The committee heard testimony for 8.5 hours, including representatives from advocacy groups, and dozens of private citizens speaking in opposition to the Legislative maps.  Meanwhile, only two people in spoke in support of the maps--the bills' authors, Representative Vos and Senator LeMahieu.

Yesterday, the Governor received the final report from the People’s Maps Commission. This independent group has worked for more than a year to demonstrate what redistricting looks like when it is free from political influence. I am grateful to all of the commissioners, and I want to extend a special thank you to Chairperson Dr. Christopher Ford, who represented the 4th Congressional District and is a constituent of the 23rd Assembly District!

Welcome Aboard the Green Line for a Mobile Meet Up!

One of the biggest barriers to workforce participation is access to reliable transportation, so we are hosting a listening session on the Green Line tomorrow, Thursday, November 4th. I want to hear from my constituents what the legislature should be doing to better connect workers and jobs and any other legislative concerns. I'll be riding on the following MCTS routes: 

Southbound (Stop ID: 1376)

Silver Spring & Marlborough to Oakland & Cumberland

• 1:08 pm
• 1:51 pm
• 2:48 pm

Northbound (Stop ID:1354)

Oakland & Cumberland to Silver Spring & Consaul

• 1:25 pm
• 2:22 pm

DOT Update

WIS 60 (Washington Road) will be fully closed beginning Monday, November 8th until Friday, November 12 due to railroad repairs. The repairs will be located at the 9th Avenue and 11th Avenue railroad crossing. As a detour, motorists should use WIS 181, WIS 167 and I-43.

Badger Bounceback Update

The Wisconsin Department of Administration shared its most recent Badger Bounceback update! This update includes information about grants and assistance programs made available by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA).

Click here to view the complete newsletter which includes grant program announcements, application information, and an option to subscribe to future Badger Bounceback updates

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!

• November 5 at Grafton Arts Mill Coffee Roastery
• November 12 at Fiddleheads in Thiensville
• November 19 at 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.