October: Floor Session, Higher Education Legislation, and More!

October 10, 2025
In this issue:
 
  • October 7th Assembly Floor Session Recap
  • Flood Recovery Update
  • Congressman Pocan Press Conference  
  • New Legislation: Higher Education Bills 
  • Around the 23rd District 
    • Governor Evers' Visit to Brown Deer
    • Newcastle Place Visit 
    • Penny's Trip to the Park
  • Blue Books
  • Community Events 

Assembly Floor Session Recap
Wisconsinites are feeling the rising cost of housing. Many people can’t afford to buy their first home, stay in the house they’ve lived in for years, or find affordable housing near their family. We need to make housing more affordable and accessible, which is why I was glad the Wisconsin State Assembly met on October 7th to pass several housing-related bills. 

Assembly Bill 194 modifies programs currently available through the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority to make them more accessible, specifically the Infrastructure Access Program, the Restore Main Street Program and the Vacancy to Vitality Program
AB 375 lowers barriers to claiming historic rehabilitation tax credits
AB 449 creates opportunities to build more accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
AB 455 directs WHEDA to establish a grant program to convert multifamily housing to condominiums

While most of the legislation that passed in the Assembly is a step in the right direction, there is much more work to do to address the cost of living and housing affordability. Our efforts are not finished, and I will keep fighting for strong policies that will make housing more affordable, available, and stable for Wisconsin families.

FEMA Flood Update and Resources
There is still time to apply for federal disaster assistance if you were impacted by the flooding event that occurred in Southeastern Wisconsin in August.

Residents of Milwaukee County have until November 12, 2025, to apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). So far, nearly $83.3 million has been distributed to over 15,000 flood survivors to aid in their recovery.

Apply: 

Online: DisasterAssistance.gov

By phone: 1-800-621-3362

In person: Visit a local Disaster Recovery Center

When applying, have your address, insurance information, Social Security number, income details, and a reliable contact number or email ready. After applying, FEMA inspectors will reach out to schedule an inspection. Beware of scams, always confirm their identity, and remember - FEMA inspectors never charge fees or ask for bank information.

If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, you can appeal within 60 days of receiving your decision letter. Visit fema.gov/appeal  for details.
 

Fighting for the Affordable Care Act with Congressman Pocan

On October 8, I joined my colleagues at a press conference with U.S. Congressman Mark Pocan at the State Capitol. Congressman Pocan emphasized the importance of extending the Affordable Care Act’s tax credits, which are set to expire soon. Without an extension, Wisconsinites could see their health insurance premiums increase by an estimated 148%.He also directly addressed misinformation consistently repeated by Republicans: federal law prohibits undocumented immigrants from receiving Medicaid or Medicare benefits. 

A new Kaiser Family Foundation poll showed that 78% of Americans – including majorities of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents – support extending the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits, which allow tens of millions of Americans to access health care.

Now more than ever, we should be working to make healthcare more affordable and more accessible—not making it more expensive and harder for people to get the care they need. I urge our leaders in Congress to extend the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits to keep health insurance rates low and provide real stability for Wisconsinites. 

New Legislation: Higher Education Powers Wisconsin 
The Universities of Wisconsin and Wisconsin’s Technical Colleges are remarkable assets for our state. They are incubators of lifesaving discoveries, training grounds for the scientists, engineers, healthcare workers, teachers, business leaders, and artists of tomorrow, and they are key partners in cultivating Wisconsin’s growth. 

I am proud to join my Democratic colleagues to introduce a new package of bills aimed at strengthening higher education and supporting the next generation of Wisconsin’s workforce. These proposals - The Student Success, Workforce Gains Act and the Wisconsin Tuition Promise - build on the proven success of our state’s universities and technical colleges.
  • The Student Success, Workforce Gains Act invests $10 million each year of the 2025–2027 biennium in the Universities of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Technical College System to improve student retention and workforce readiness. These funds will help campuses expand academic and career advising, connect students with basic needs resources, and better support first-generation, veteran, and returning students. 
  • The Wisconsin Tuition Promise makes higher education more affordable for middle-class families by covering remaining tuition costs for first-time, in-state students with household incomes of $71,000 or less who attend one of the Universities of Wisconsin outside of UW–Madison. Modeled after the successful “Bucky’s Tuition Promise,” this program ensures that cost is never a barrier to opportunity. These bills reinforce our commitment to keeping higher education accessible and affordable for every Wisconsin family. 
Our public technical colleges and universities were designed to ensure higher education is accessible and affordable. We must do everything we can to keep them that way. After all, investing in our young people and developing a home-grown workforce to maintain and grow our economy is the very essence of the Wisconsin Idea. 

Around the 23rd District
Governor Evers' Visit to Brown Deer
It was a pleasure to welcome Governor Tony Evers to the 23rd Assembly District and learn more about Partners for Community Development, a 501(c)(3) providing energy assistance, residential energy conservation, housing rehabilitation, and home-buying assistance for low-income customers. The 2025 state budget eliminated state taxes on home utility bills. This tax cut, partnered with smart energy efficiency investments, can dramatically help families stay warm and worry less about rising energy costs.

Partners serves the Eastern Wisconsin counties of Brown, Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Calumet, Sheboygan, Ozaukee, and Milwaukee. Learn more at https://partners4cd.com/
Newcastle Place Visit
I had a great time speaking with residents of Newcastle Place in Mequon. We discussed how to engage with your elected officials, processes and procedures of the state legislature, the state budget, health care, education, and more! Everyone received a Wisconsin Blue Book with instructions on where to find the information they need to be an informed citizen. I always appreciate an opportunity to help constituents understand their state government and engage with elected officials. Please reach out to our office if you would like me to speak in your neighborhood, too!
Penny's Trip to the Park

Penny, the First Dog of the 23rd Assembly District, is an avid walker and tennis ball aficionado who loves dog-friendly parks. We enjoyed getting outside in Mequon parks to celebrate National Public Lands Day! 

Blue Books
We have new 2025-2026 Blue Books! If you are interested in receiving one, reach out to our office via this contact form. Be sure to include your address!

District Events
The Great Pumpkin Festival
Returning again this year, The Great Pumpkin Festival will run from Wednesday, October 22 through Saturday, October 25. This event brings a breathtaking glowing display of pumpkins that turns the park into an autumn wonderland. Make sure to carve your pumpkin at home and bring it back before Wednesday, October 22! There'll also be music, food and a beer tent each night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event is located at Old School House Park (5445 N Marlborough Dr, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217).
Pop Up Pumpkin Party

Mark your calendars for Saturday October 18th because from 1-5pm there will be music, food, candy, pumpkin decorating, beer, and more! This is a great opportunity to enjoy all the fun activities Fall has to offer. The event is located at Ellsworth Park (600E Ellsworth Ln, Milwaukee, WI 53217).
Thiensville Farmers Market
On Tuesday October 14th from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM there will be the Thiensville Farmers Market featuring produce, flowers, fresh meat and dairy, and so much more including locally made gifts, jewelry, and home decor. Located Thiensville Village Park (250 Elm Street, Thiensville, WI 53092).

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:
Wisconsin State Capitol
2 East Main St.
Room 109 North
Madison, WI  53703

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