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May Updates From Madison

May 21, 2025
 

Greetings from your state capitol! 

In this issue:
  • State Budget Report
  • Committees: Forestry, Parks and Outdoor Recreation
  • Floor Session: 05/13/25
  • New Legislation: Pollinator Package
  • Internship
  • In the District 

Budget Report 
With budget season in full swing the Legislative Fiscal Bureau released updated revenue projections last week. While the state remains in good fiscal shape, LFB estimates a $331 million reduction in general fund revenue for the 2025-2027 biennial budget due to updated economic forecasts and uncertainty (what many of us would call chaos) in Washington. 

Meanwhile, Joint Finance Republicans cut more than 600 items from Governor Evers’ proposed budget, including state revenue generators like cannabis legalization and tax cuts on essential items like prescription drugs. They have yet to offer their own budget proposal, which they have been promising for months. How Wisconsin Republicans plan to square our state budget with the massive cuts at the federal level will be the biggest challenge for this budget cycle. 

Read the report here. 

Forestry, Parks and Outdoor Recreation
On May 6th the Committee on Forestry, Parks and Outdoor Recreation met for the first time this session. I am very pleased that after several years of advocacy for more bipartisan discussions on state park funding, the committee finally held an informational hearing on an excellent report by the Wisconsin Policy Forum detailing challenges and opportunities facing Wisconsin’s state parks. 

Wisconsin is the only state that relies solely on user fees - park entry stickers - to pay for park maintenance. The Policy Forum report lists insights and best practices on how we can improve access to our state parks while protecting our forests, parks, trails, and waterways.

Preserving Wisconsin’s and maintaining Wisconsin’s environment is a top budget priority- watch for more updates throughout the budget process. 
 
On the 15th, I joined DNR Secretary Karen Hyun, Wisconsin State Representative Lori Palmeri, and other environmental leaders at Governor Nelson State Park to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Wisconsin State Parks and support the DNR’s commonsense budget proposals.

As we continue through the budget process, I remain committed to investing in Wisconsin’s natural resources and protecting our state’s iconic outdoor spaces for future generations. This includes reauthorizing the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.  
 
Floor Session 

The Assembly met on May 13th and approved legislation including long-awaited bills allowing pharmacists to prescribe certain birth control medications, the establishment of a Pallative Care Council, and resolutions honoring the military service of Hmong and Lao Veterans. 

While we can’t list every bill before the Assembly in our newsletter, we are always happy to answer questions from constituents on any legislation. Please reach out to our office at your convenience. 
New Legislation Introduced 
Pollinators like bees are vital to Wisconsin’s ecosystems, agriculture, and economy. That’s why I’m proud to be a part of reintroducing the Pollinator Protection Package, led by State Representative Lee Snodgrass and in collaboration with other legislative colleagues. This package is a set of proposals to protect the insects we rely on for everything from backyard gardens to the food we eat.
The package includes:
  • Banning harmful insecticides on DNR-managed land near pollinator habitats
  • Truth in labeling to make sure plants sold as “pollinator-friendly” aren’t treated with toxic chemicals
  • “Protect Pollinators” license plates, with proceeds supporting conservation efforts
  • Empowering local governments to regulate pesticides to protect pollinators
  • Promoting native prairie and forage plants in state landscaping
  • Designating June as Pollinator Awareness Month in Wisconsin
  • Recognizing the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee as our official state native insect
Internship

Congratulations to our intern Janiessa for graduating from UW - Madison! We have so enjoyed having you in our office! If you or someone you know is interested in interning for our office in the Fall, reach out to us. Applications are taken on a rolling basis here.

 
In the District
Memorial Day Services 
As we reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day, our community is coming together to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Here are two local opportunities to participate in remembrance:

Whitefish Bay
Armory Park (corner of Ardmore & Henry Clay)
Sunday, May 26 at 11:00 a.m.
Join in on a ceremony featuring keynote speaker Lee Otto. All are welcome. Let’s gather to remember and give thanks.

Mequon
Mequon City Hall (11333 N. Cedarburg Road)
Sunday, May 26 at 10:00 a.m.
Hosted by the Howard J. Schroeder American Legion Post 457, the ceremony will include a flag-raising, musical tributes, and remarks from local dignitaries. Please note: the Memorial Day parade will not be held this year. A community lunch will follow at the American Legion Post, located at 4060 W. Mequon Road.

Let’s come together in gratitude and remembrance.
myWheels

Join folks in Bayside for the second annual myWheels Car Show in conjunction with myBlue Day Out, on Saturday, August 2 from 12pm to 4pm, at the Village Hall (9075 N Regent Rd).

The myWheels Car Show will feature registrants showcasing their vehicles. Judges will award winning cars with trophies and the car that takes first place will be featured as the 2026 logo. Vehicle registration is $15 per vehicle.

Spectators do not have to pay to attend. myWheels Car Show Registration. 

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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