June E-Update!

June 18, 2026
 
In This Issue: 
  • Joint Finance Committee meets to discuss funding for workforce programs for people with disabilities
  • Congratulating Homestead Track and Field Champions
  • Farmers' Markets, free movies, and Fourth of July schedules around the district

In the Capitol

Joint Finance Committee

The Joint Finance Committee met to discuss funding requests put forward by state agencies on June 2nd. This meeting included a vote on funding for the Department of Workforce Development Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). 

 

DVR provides workforce-readiness services, including training for people with disabilities seeking employment. DVR reported that it was $4.6 million short of what was needed for the 2025-26 fiscal year, and that 6,756 people were currently on a waitlist for its programs. They requested $4,600,000 in 2025-26, and $6,400,000 in 206-27 funding in order to meet demand.

 

The Joint Finance Committee rejected DWD's request by a vote of 4-11, with all Republicans voting no. After hearing from constituents and advocacy groups about how important these programs are for helping people with disabilities enter the workforce, I could not understand why my colleagues would not support DWD’s request. 

 

As I noted during the committee hearing, “It just stuns me that this committee wouldn’t take every opportunity to make sure that we have a zero waitlist opportunity so that people with disabilities can enter the workforce, pay taxes, and contribute to our economy. Are we really saving money by preventing people from working and not doing everything we can so that there’s no waitlist for this program?” - Budget committee releases funds for agency that aids people with disabilities seeking work • Wisconsin Examiner 

 

In the end, the Republicans proposed a smaller appropriation for the first year. This means that DWD will only receive a $600,000 appropriation as opposed to the $4.6 million needed in the 25-26 fiscal year and will receive the full $6.4 million for the second year. While this will still help minimize the waitlist, it will leave behind Wisconsinites ready and willing to work at a time when employers need all the help they can get. Wisconsin is missing out on significant federal funding, which reduces DVR's ability to help people who need services in real time and puts Wisconsin at risk of creating another waitlist next year if program funding is not enough to meet demand.

Flag Raisings 

June marks many special holidays! At the beginning of the month, the Progress Pride Flag was raised above the East Wing of the State Capitol by Governor Evers.

This past week, the Governor also raised the Juneteenth Flag over the State Capitol.  On June 18, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued,  Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of slavery. This year was the seventh year in a row that the Juneteenth Flag was flown over the Capitol. 

School Groups

We have had many schools in our district visit the State Capitol recently! Stormonth Elementary, Wilson Elementary, and Donges Bay Elementary all came to tour our beautiful Capitol and spent the day in Madison. Thank you for making the trip!

Stormonth Elementary
Wilson Elementary
Donges Bay Elementary

Around the District

Visit to Grand Avenue Club

The Grand Avenue Club in Milwaukee provides employment and educational programming to adults who experience mental illness. I joined the Milwaukee Delegation to meet their team and hear more about the opportunities they offer and the importance of providing mental health assistance. 

Wear Orange Weekend

National Gun Violence Awareness Day was held on June 5th, which began Wear Orange Weekend. On June 6th, I joined Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort (WAVE), the City of Milwaukee, and Safe & Sound Inc. for a community resource fair and call for an end to gun violence. 

Before I was a state legislator, I was a Milwaukee-area leader for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense and have continued fighting for gun violence prevention in the State Capitol. Since 2020, I have put forward data-driven policies that save lives and reduce gun violence in Wisconsin. It is far past time we take action to ensure we don’t see any more preventable tragedies.

Homestead High School Citation Presentation 

Recently, Homestead High School Boys’ Track and Field team won the Division 1 Title at the 2026 WIAA State Track and Field Championships! On Monday, I had the honor of presenting the Mequon-Thiensville School Board with a state citation from Senator Jodi Habush Sinkyin and me in recognition of this incredible achievement.

What's Happening in the District

WHITEFISH BAY - 

Whitefish Bay Farmers’ Market & Whitefish Bay Saturday Night Market

  • Each Saturday through October 24th, the Whitefish Bay Farmers’ Market will be held at 325 E Silver Spring Dr, on the Aurora Health Care lot. Shop local farmers at our early market from 8-9am, then the full market opens from 10-2pm. Enjoy live music, crafts, games, or stop by the food trucks!

  • Whitefish Bay Farmers Market also holds a Night Market! There will be food trucks and pop-up restaurants, fresh produce and meats, bakery, art, jewelry, and more. Free live music every night at the market. The Night Market will only be held on June 27, July 25, and August 29th from 5-9pm. 

MEQUON - 

Save the dates!  

Free Movie Night -  On Friday, June 26, the Mequon Festivals Committee is sponsoring a free movie night in Rennicke Field behind Mequon City Hall. Bring blankets and chairs for a seat in the ballfield to watch “Hoppers!” (rated PG) beginning at 7:00 p.m. 
 

Family Fun Before the Fourth - On Saturday, June 27, celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with a day filled with events during Family Fun Before the Fourth. The annual parade starts at 10:30 a.m. A full list of events can be found on the Family Fun Before the Fourth website.
 

Pommerntag Festival - On Sunday, June 28, the annual Pommerntag festival will be held at Mequon Rotary Park from 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This event celebrates Pomeranian culture with music, dancing, and food. 

BROWN DEER - 

The Village of Brown Deer is holding regular movie showings in Village Park (4920 S Greenbrook Terrace, Brown Deer) throughout the summer. Movies begin at dusk and will be on the following dates: 

  • June 26 - A Minecraft Movie 

  • July 17 - The Little Rascals 

  • August 21 - Zootopia 2

Fourth of July - The Brown Deer Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a Fourth of July Celebration on Saturday, July 4th at the Village Park and Pond (4920 W Green Brook Dr). The pond is open for swimming from noon to 5pm and the fireworks begin at 9:15pm. 

BAYSIDE - 

Fourth of July Parade - Bayside will have a parade at 9am Saturday, July 4th. Join your neighbors and the Bayside Police Department while you walk the parade route. The parade will end at Ellsworth Park, where the festivities will include the Best Decorated Bike contest and the Most Patriotic Pup!

Contact Us

There are several convenient ways to share your thoughts, questions and concerns with us:

  • Call our office at (608) 237-9123
  • Email us: Rep.Andraca@legis.wisconsin.gov
  • Visit our website to learn more about constituent services, legislative priorities and to share your comments or concerns
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Our mailing address is:
State Representative Deb Andraca
P.O. Box 8952
Madison, WI  53708

Our physical address is:
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Room 109 North
Madison, WI  53703

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