Yesterday, the Assembly took important steps to limit government overreach in vaccine distribution, protect Wisconsinites' religious liberties, and increase transparency in how federal aid is allocated.
Yesterday, we passed Assembly Bill 23 which prohibits certain government officials, namely the Department of Health Services and local health officers, from mandating vaccination against the 2019 novel coronavirus. Similarly, we passed Assembly Bill 25 which prohibits employers from requiring vaccination for employment. We also passed Assembly Bill 24 which prohibits the closure of and forbidding of gatherings in places of worship. In addition, the Assembly passed Assembly Bill 89 which requires the Governor to submit a plan to the state Legislature in regards to returning to in-person work for state employees.
Furthermore, we passed The Truth in Spending Act, which establishes legislative oversight of the billions of federal COVID dollars that is coming to Wisconsin. As one person alone should not be responsible for allocating billions of taxpayer dollars, this bill allows Wisconsinites to have a say in how federal aid is spent.
I was happy to cast my vote for these measures which give Wisconsinites the choice whether to get the COVID vaccine, protects the right to gather in worship, and give our constituent's a voice in how federal aid is allocated.
Improving Healthcare in Wisconsin
Last week, the Assembly focused on legislation that improves the health and well-being of Wisconsinites.
Last Tuesday, we passed two healthcare-related bills with overwhelming bipartisan support. The Assembly unanimously passed Assembly Bill 34 which ensures that individuals with pre-existing medical conditions are covered by health insurance if there are any changes made to federal law.
In addition, we passed another bipartisan bill, Assembly Bill 7, that increases transparency and accountability from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in their business practices. This bill requires that PBMs are licensed through the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI). It also eliminates the use of a "gag-clause" that prohibits pharmacists from communicating that a medication could be cheaper with a cash payment instead of using one's own insurance.
I am proud that we made these much-needed reforms to Wisconsin's healthcare system, namely protecting individuals with pre-existing conditions and reducing the costs of prescription drugs.
DHS Update
This past week, Wisconsin became the #1 state in the country for getting available vaccine shots to eligible individuals. Due to the success of our state's vaccine distribution, the DHS announced that starting Monday, March 22, Wisconsinites age 16 and older with certain medical conditions will be eligible to get vaccinated.
To learn more about vaccine eligibility, please visit the DHS website.
For an interactive map showing locations of vaccine providers across the state, please click here.
Listening Sessions
Last Friday, Senator Mary Felzkowski and I held three joint listening sessions throughout the 34th Assembly District. I enjoyed engaging with those who shared their concerns and asked questions.
Sen. Mary Felzkowski and I speaking to a crowd at the VFW Post 8637 in Eagle River.
Discussing legislative priorities at the Hazelhurst Community Center.
Listening to constituents voice their concerns at Rhinelander Town Hall
Special thank you to the communities of Rhinelander, Hazelhurst, and Eagle River and all of our constituents who attended our listening sessions. I look forward to our next listening session in Florence County on March 27th at 9:15 am.
Upcoming JFC Public Hearings
PC: Katie Thoresen/ WXPR
Reminder that the state's budget-writing committee will be holding a public hearing on Wednesday, April 21 from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm at the Hodag Dome in Rhinelander.
Additionally, the Joint Finance Committee will be holding several other public hearings during the month of April. The public hearing schedule is:
Friday, April 9, 2021, at UW-Whitewater, Whitewater, WI
Thursday, April 22, 2021, UW-Stout, Menomonie, WI
Wednesday, April 28, 2021, Virtual
If you would like to submit a comment to the Joint Finance Committee, you can do so by clicking this link or by emailing Budget.Comments@legis.wisconsin.gov.
Tax Day Update
The filing deadline for both Federal and Wisconsin taxes has been extended until May 17, 2021.
Get Ready for Spring Turkey Season!
Spring turkey season is just around the corner!
The 2021 Youth Turkey Hunt will be on April 17-18 and Period A begins the following Wednesday, April 21.
For more information about spring turkey season, visit the DNR website.
Community Events
Please click the following links for upcoming community events!
In addition, we passed another bipartisan bill, 
This past week, Wisconsin became the #1 state in the country for getting available vaccine shots to eligible individuals. Due to the success of our state's vaccine distribution, the DHS announced that starting Monday, March 22, Wisconsinites age 16 and older with certain medical conditions will be eligible to get vaccinated. 
PC: Katie Thoresen/ WXPR
The filing deadline for both Federal and Wisconsin taxes has been extended until May 17, 2021.