E-Update: Task Force Appointment & COVID Proposals
Last session, I joined my legislative colleagues who serve with me on the State and Tribal Relations Committee to introduce a bill to address the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) in Wisconsin. While sadly our legislative proposal failed to make it through the legislative...
E-Update: Welcome Back
Thank you for choosing me to continue serving as your voice in the State Assembly, I'm honored to again advocate for you in state politics. Since June, because of a state law prohibiting mass communication from candidates during election season, I wasn't able to send out my e-updates. Now that...
Representative Mursau Receives "Friend of Grocers" Award
Representative Jeff Mursau (R-Crivitz) was presented with the “Friend of Grocers” Award today by the Wisconsin Grocers Association. The award was presented at Witt’s Piggly Wiggly in Crivitz. The “Friend of Grocers” award is given to legislators who score highly on the WGA’s Legislative Report....
Rep. Jeff Mursau Receives WEDA’s Champion of Economic Development Award
The Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) today presented Rep. Jeff Mursau with the 2020 “Champion of Economic Development” award for his leadership on legislative initiatives to drive economic growth and prosperity in Wisconsin. The award was presented at inVenture North...
COVID-19 Update: CARES Funding, Unemployment & Last E-Update
The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) provided about $2 billion in federal funds to states to help respond to the pandemic. Over the last month, Governor Evers' administration announced a number of plans for the funding from the federal level. The non-partisan...
COVID-19 Update: Requesting Unemployment Help
With the high number of unemployment claims being made, many people have been experiencing delays or issues in getting a final answer or approval from the Department of Workforce Development (DWD). As a legislator, I'm able to reach out to DWD to make an inquiry on your behalf if you are...
COVID-19 Update: Memorial Day & Support for Wisconsinities
This has been a year for the history books, and after almost two months of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, I'm sure we're all ready for some warmer temperatures and time outdoors. While there may be some changes in how we celebrate Memorial Day this year, we can still recognize and honor...
COVID-19 Update: Mobile Testing Site in Marinette County This Week
I'm pleased to announce that today, Governor Evers modified the Safer at Home order effective immediately to allow for non-essential retail businesses to open for in-person sales as long as they do the following...
COVID-19 Update: Regional Reopening
Earlier this week, legislative leaders had a meeting with Governor Evers to discuss the response Wisconsin should take regarding COVID-19. The discussion included the possibility of safely reopening the state by taking a regional approach. A number of others states, including Michigan, Iowa...
COVID-19 Update: Exploring Reopening Options
As I mentioned in my last e-update, the Assembly Committee on State Affairs held an Informational Public Hearing yesterday on the issue of the Back to Business plan. The hearing included discussions with the WEDC CEO and Secretary-designee, WMC Vice President, a UW-Madison economist, an emergency...
COVID-19 Update: Hearing on 'Back to Business' Plan
Tomorrow, the Assembly Committee on State Affairs will be holding a Public Hearing on the proposed 'Back to Business' Plan to reopen Wisconsin. The hearing will begin at noon on Thursday, April 30 and will be streamed live through the WisconsinEye coverage available...
COVID-19 Update: Latest Order Relaxes Restrictions
I hope you and your family and friends are staying safe and at home whenever possible. These are unprecedented and challenging times. That's why I remain committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and finding common ground to work with Governor Evers and...
COVID-19 Update: Supporting Farmers & Families
Earlier this week, a number of agriculture groups sent a letter to Governor Evers requesting support during this pandemic. Unfortunately, agriculture has not received the same financial support and prioritization from the Federal CARES Act as other business types have, so agriculture organizations..
COVID-19 Update: 'Badger Bounce Back' Program
This Monday in Emergency Order #31, Governor Evers announced the "Badger Bounce Back Program" which outlines a phased plan to re-open Wisconsin's economy. The plan has three phases that will gradually allow Wisconsin to go back to normal, and has specific requirements necessary to move from one...
COVID-19 Update: 'Safer at Home' Order Extended
As many of you already know, Governor Evers extended the Stay-at-Home order yesterday to May 26th. The original order was set to expire on April 24th. Some new items under the new order include: All public and private K-12 schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year...
E-Update: Celebrating Easter During COVID-19
Happy Easter from my family to yours! And to our Jewish friends, we wish you a Happy Passover! While we may be stuck in our homes these days, there are still ways we can celebrate with our faith communities. Earlier this week, Governor Evers clarified his "Safer at Home" order as it relates to...
E-Update: COVID-19 and PFAS Updates
In this challenging situation, I want to say a huge thanks to our healthcare professionals who are putting their lives and health on the line to care for Wisconsinites. To support the efforts of these professions, the state of Wisconsin continues to work through FEMA, the Strategic National...
Breaking News: COVID-19 Healthcare Efforts
After my e-update today was sent out, the Governor's office announced the issuance of Emergency Order #16, which simplifies healthcare license renewals during the COVID-19 public health emergency and encourages recently retired professionals with expired licenses to re-enter practice. It provides...
E-Update: Spring Newsletter & COVID-19 Updates
According to the latest data, Wisconsin now has over 800 confirmed cases, and one of those is now located in Marinette. I encourage you to continue to practice social distancing and cleanliness precautions as recommended by DHS and the CDC. Remember that it's still safe to go outside as long as...
COVID-19 Update - March 24, 2020
I hope you and your family are staying safe and following CDC guidelines and remaining at home when possible. So far, my staff and I remain in good health, however we do now have a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the legislature. ..
Breaking News: New COVID-19 Emergency Order
Attached is emergency order #8, this updated order maintains the ban on gatherings of 10 or more people and indefinite school closures, but includes some important changes and clarifications...
E-Update: COVID-19 Updates and Supporting Local Businesses
I hope you and your family are staying safe and following CDC guidelines and remaining at home when possible. In these unprecedented times, I want to make sure to keep you as informed as possible about what's been happening. That's why I'll continue to pass along new information as I get it...
Latest on COVID-19: March 18, 2020
I wanted to take a moment to communicate directly with you with updates regarding the current COVID-19 pandemic. New information is coming out hourly from the state and federal levels. My office and I have been in regular contact with officials who are monitoring and implementing plans to fight the
E-Update: Coronavirus and UW Tuition Increases
Coronavirus, or COVID-19, presents with a range of symptoms, with some confirmed cases having little to no symptoms and others getting severely sick and dying. The main symptoms to watch for are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you develop these symptoms, it’s important to call your...
E-Update: Three Bills Signed & Paddle-wheel Bill Vetoed
This week, Governor Evers signed a number of bills that I authored into law, but also unfortunately vetoed one of the bills I co-authored. These bills will help our local communities, and all had incredible support from constituents. The three bills signed into law...
E-Update: Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, PFAS & the Electoral College
The federal Department of Justice, in their studies of national crimes, have determined that the murder rates for Indigenous women and girls are 10 times higher than the national average. With the high rates of crimes against Indigenous women and girls, it means that 4 out of 5 Indigenous women...
E-Update: Assembly Passes Length of Service, Paddlewheel, Lyme & More
This has been one of the busiest weeks of the session so far, with two Assembly floor sessions and around 160 bills on the session calendars. The Assembly didn't finish on either of the days until well into the evening. The full session calendars for Tuesday and Thursday, along with the Special...
E-Update: Mursau Bills Advance, Pharmacy Benefit Managers, & Session
I've mentioned before that a good number of bills that get introduced in the legislature come from ideas constituents brought to their representative or senator. That's the case for my bill, Assembly Bill 838/Senate Bill 714, which deals with the method for establishing proof of financial...
E-Update: Adoption Bill Signed & PFAS Legislation Introduced
I'm pleased to share that this Tuesday, another one of my bills was signed into law. Assembly Bill 564, which was one of the bills that came out of the Task Force on Adoption's work, makes changes to adoption assistance. Adoptions that are deemed "special needs adoptions" are eligible for federal...
E-Update: Vice President Pence, Police Calls & Committee Meetings
This week, Vice President Pence became the first sitting Vice President to visit the Wisconsin State Capitol. He came to Madison to speak to hundreds of students from around the state who participate in Wisconsin's School Choice Program. I was lucky enough to be in Madison that day and attend...
E-Update: Lyme Disease, State of the State, and Census
This week has been pretty busy in Madison. I was pleased to start off the week by joining my colleagues and Lyme advocates for the bill signing for two of my Lyme Disease bills. On Tuesday morning, bills that would make bug spray available for sale in state parks and place signs...
E-Update: Lyme Disease and Crime in Wisconsin
This week, the State Assembly met to vote on a number of bills, including two of the bills from my Lyme Disease Package. The bills, which would make bug spray available for sale in state parks and place signs informing visitors about the risks of Lyme disease in state parks and recreational areas...
E-Update: Rewarding First Responders & Sports Official Harassment
Yesterday, I attended the Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice & Public Safety's Public Hearing to testify in support of my bill, Assembly Bill 607, which would make necessary changes to our Service Award Program for volunteer emergency responders. The Service Award Program, originally called...
E-Update: First Responders & Merry Christmas
Many residents throughout the district will be celebrating Christmas next week with family and loved ones. So whether you have a small get-together or your house is packed to the rafters with friends and family, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year...
E-Update: Medical Marijuana Bills
In 2018, more than 375,000 voters said medical marijuana should be available for individuals who are suffering with an illness as a means to manage their pain. Currently, 33 other states (including Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois) allow patients with certain medical conditions to access medical...
E-Update: Legislative Update: Sex Offender Placement Bill Vetoed
In an earlier e-update, I told you about Senate Bill 60, which had been sent to the governor for his signature and would clarify violent sex offender placement requirements. I supported this bill, as did the majority of legislators on both sides of the aisle, but unfortunately the Governor...
E-Update: Thanksgiving & Small Business Saturday
As we all get ready for Thanksgiving tomorrow, make sure your holiday stays happy by taking steps to prevent injuries and fires. Thanksgiving is unfortunately the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, and the day before Thanksgiving...
E-Update: Hunting Safety & Capitol Christmas Tree
November not only means changing leaves and Thanksgiving gatherings, but also the opening of the gun deer hunting season. The 9-day season starts this weekend on November 23rd and runs through December 1st. Last year, hunters statewide harvested 104,388 bucks and 107,482 antlerless deer...
E-Update: Session, Sex Offender Placement & Hunting
This week the Assembly was in session again, and in addition to a ceremony honoring our veterans, we also passed a number of important bills, one of which I was particularly glad we took up. For some background, last year the state passed 2017 Act 184, a law which requires that all sexually...
E-Update: Session Recap & Daylight Saving Time
It was busy this week in Madison, with both the Senate and the Assembly in session and voting on many different bills. The full Senate calendar for this week's floor session can be found online, or you can view the recording on WisconsinEye....
E-Update: Legislative Update & Blue Books
Its been busy in Madison this week and I don't see it slowing down anytime soon. I want to take a moment to give you an update on what's happened and what next week looks like for the legislature...
E-Update: Length of Service Bill & Forest Products Week
I recently introduced a new bill with Senator Patrick Testin that would increase the funding allocations for The Service Award Program. This program is a retention and recruitment tool for volunteer firefighters, first responders and emergency medical technicians. The program provides funds for...
E-Update: Lyme Disease and Non-Partisan Redistricting
This past Wednesday, I traveled down to Madison to testify before the Assembly Committee on Health in support of three of the bills in my Lyme Disease package. It was a great opportunity to help answer any questions the committee members had on the bills, and also hear from people and groups...
E-Update: Assembly Session Update & First Responder Recognition
This week, I had some very special guests down in Madison for the Assembly Floor Session. In honor of the significant efforts he has made and his long-standing dedication to serving the community, Fire Chief TJ Schrank and his family were invited down to the capitol to be recognized as First...
E-Update: Adoption Task Force Report, End-Of-Life Options Act, & Fall Colors
As you may know, this year I was selected to serve on the Speaker's Task Force on Adoption, and over the last few months, I've traveled with my fellow committee-members around the state to hold numerous public hearings. After hearing about the issues and challenges people have experienced going...
E-Update: Levy Limit Bill, Distracted Driving, & Broadband
Each county or municipality has a limit to how much they can increase their property tax levy, commonly called their 'levy limit.' While the municipality can increase the levy from year to year, they can only increase it by a limited amount under Wisconsin law. However, there are currently...
E-Update: First Responder, Friend of Education, & Term Limits
Yesterday, members of the Lena Lions Club were in Madison for the State of Education Address, where they received a 2019 Friends of Education award for their commitment to the community and the education of our young students. I was proud to be there and congratulate them on this fantastic...
E-Update: 9/11 Remembrance & Weekly Survey Results
This week, we remember all those who were lost 18 years ago in the attack on our nation and the bravery of the first responders who selflessly put their lives on the line. May we never forget those who died or lost loved ones in the aftermath of the attack...
E-Update: FEMA Funds and Campus Free Speech
Recently, the White House released a statement sharing that President Trump declared that Wisconsin experienced a major disaster and approved Federal assistance to help in the recovery efforts. The federal assistance will be available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain...
E-Update: Labor Day & the Back 40 Mine
Did you know that Labor Day was created in the late 19th century as part of a labor movement to pay tribute to the achievements and work of American laborers? To learn more about the history of the holiday, check out the Labor Day Facts provided by the History Channel...
E-Update: Adoption, Clean Water, and School Start Dates
As a member of the Adoption Task Force, I've been traveling across the state throughout the summer months to attend Public Hearings. I'm grateful to have had the chance to hear such moving testimony, and I am so thankful for all those who have either made their way to a hearing or submitted...
E-Update: Lyme & E-Cycling Bills & First Responder Recognition
Yesterday I had the chance to testify in Madison for three of my bills in front of the Assembly Committee on Environment, my e-cycling bill and two of my Lyme Disease bills. My e-cycling bill, Assembly Bill 297, is a bipartisan bill I've been working on that would expand our electronics recycling...
E-Update: Vaping, Smoking Age, and More Storm Resources
If you've been following my e-updates for a while, this may seem familiar. Earlier this session, I introduced a bill that would add vaping and marijuana to the indoor smoking ban. Marijuana was included in that bill as a preventative measure for if it were ever legalized...
E-Update: Storm Damage Resources & Summer Camp Bills
You likely noticed you didn't have an e-update in your inbox last Friday. I unfortunately wasn't able to send one out due to a fire near the State Capitol that led to power and email outages and the building actually closing for safety purposes last Friday.
E-Update: Paddle-Wheel Bill & Drunk Driving Changes
For those who have been following my e-updates this session, you are probably well aware of the Paddle-Wheel Raffle Bill I've been working on. Last fall I spoke to many people around the district who explained that their non-profit groups, including Lake Associations, ATV Associations, and other...
E-Update: Happy 4th of July!
For this short week, I'm going to make it a short e-update and simply wish everyone a happy holiday weekend and 4th of July! Remember to stay safe this weekend while you enjoy the festivities, food and fireworks. If you need some ideas on what to do this weekend, take a peak at the end of my...
E-Update: Budget & Question of the Week
I'd like to thank everyone who has reached out to me throughout the budget season, whether it was through my survey, calling or writing to my office, or chatting in person around the district. Hearing from you has been a massive help during the budget process, and I'm glad we have so many...
E-Update: Homelessness, Highway Safety & Adoption
This week was a welcome change from all the budget discussions we've been having recently. The State Assembly met on both Tuesday and Thursday to take up numerous bills that legislators have been working on throughout the budget process. One of the large packages of bills that passed on...
E-Update: Joint Finance Completes Budget Review
This week was another long week for the Joint Finance Committee, but we can see the finish line now. Yesterday, the committee finished their work on the budget and have officially sent it off to the full legislature for review. For those following along on the timeline from my earlier e-update...
E-Update: Healthcare & Transportation Budget Update
This week the Joint Finance Committee took up various issues, including items in two major budget areas, healthcare and transportation. These issues have been major areas of debate this budget session and because of that, the committee had decided to save them till the end of the process...
E-Update: Lyme Disease, Budget Update, & Adoption
Living in Wisconsin, we all probably have heard of Lyme Disease at some point in our lives. This disease is spread through the bite of an infected tick, and while it is treatable, early detection is key. Symptoms can include fatigue, fever, stiffness, swelling, a bull's-eye shaped rash and...
E-Update: EMS Bills Combined as B.R.A.V.E. Act
As you may already be aware, this session I had been working on a bill to provide tax credits to volunteer Emergency Medical Personnel, and it seems like it was a popular subject because one of my colleagues, Rep. Pronschinske (R-Mondovi) had been working on a similar bill. After looking over both..
E-Update: Updating Wisconsin's E-Cycling Law
Wisconsin has had an electronics recycling, or e-cycling, law since 2010, and it has become one of the most successful electronics recycling programs in the US. However, that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. I have been working with Senator Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay), Senator Mark...
E-Update: State Budget Update
Spring is here, and just like the weather, the budget debates are heating up. Governor Evers' budget proposal was referred to the Joint Finance Committee earlier this year, and last month they completed their state-wide public hearings on the budget. For an overview of the budget process...
E-Update: Updating Our Clean Indoor Air Act
With May being National Clean Air Month, what better time to introduce updates to Wisconsin's Clean Indoor Air Act. I have been recently working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle on legislation that would add vapor products, such as e-cigarettes, and marijuana to the state's indoor...
E-Update: Earth Day Proposals & Online Budget Survey
Monday was Earth Day, and ever since the first Earth Day was founded by former Wisconsin Governor Gaylord Nelson in 1970, protecting the environment has been an important priority for legislators regardless of political party. This Earth Day, I joined my colleagues throughout the state...
E-Update: Updating Wisconsin's Sparsity Aid Program
Our area is full of small, rural communities and municipalities, and with that comes unique challenges that larger communities don't face. In particular, is proper funding for our local school districts in order to provide the high-quality education our kids deserve. That is why, back in...
E-Update: State of the Tribes and Assembly Session
On Tuesday this week, representatives from the tribes throughout Wisconsin came down to Madison for the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council meeting and the State of the Tribes Address. I'm glad I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with some of the tribal leaders during the council meeting and...
E-Update: Budget & Tobacco Placement Public Hearings
As you know, we are currently in the 2019-21 State Budget process, and there's still a lot of work to be done. Over the next few months, we all have the unique chance to shape our state's budget to best serve the citizens of Wisconsin. Hearing from residents is a vital part of the process, so...
E-Update: ABLE Accounts & Law Enforcement Ride-Along
As I've often said, some of the best bill ideas come directly from my constituents. For example, I recently met with three members of the Survival Coalition, David & Jonathan Ashbeck from Laona and Greg Meyer, to discuss their concerns and goals for this session. The Survival Coalition is a...
E-Update: Paddle-Wheel Raffle Bill & Honor Flights
Most of us have either been to, or at least heard of, paddle-wheel raffles, right? They're quite popular in our communities, with the common variation of this sort of raffle, the "meat raffle," being a crowd favorite that many sportsmen's clubs, civic and veterans organizations and churches use...
E-Update: Water Quality Hearings & Step Therapy Legislation
In an earlier e-update, I mentioned the creation of the Speakers Water Quality Task Force that is charged with addressing our state's surface and groundwater issues. The task force recently announced that it would be holding two Informational Hearings in Madison, on March 20 and April 3, to gather..
E-Update: Tribal Relations Committee Update and EMT Legislation
This Wednesday morning, I had the chance to testify before the Joint Legislative Council in support of recommendations brought forward by the Special Committee on State-Tribal Relations, which I had the honor of chairing last fall. I am proud to say that the Joint Legislative Council unanimously...
E-Update: The State Budget & Tobacco Placement
Yesterday, Governor Evers announced his budget recommendations in front of a joint legislative session. You can listen to his full budget address online at WisconsinEye or by clicking on the image above. This document covers two-years of state spending, so as you can imagine there is a lot...
E-Update: Local Grants, Homelessness & Criminal Justice Reform
Yesterday, it was announced that some area schools will be receiving Innovative Educator Grants to help teachers improve their students' STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills. These grants go to help 6th thru 12th grade teachers promote STEM learning. The following local schools...
E-Update: Session Recap, Water Quality & Drug Trafficking
This week, Assembly Bill (AB) 4, the Middle Class Tax Cut bill, passed through both houses of the legislature. This bill is specifically geared towards giving back to individuals making less than $100,000 and families making $150,000 or less, and from estimates by the nonpartisan Legislative...
E-Update: Session Preview
I recently had been asked by a few constituents why I supported providing this tax cut instead of using the money elsewhere in the budget. While I understand where they are coming from, I believe that this bill is important because it gives back to Wisconsinites the money the state received...
E-Update: Starting Strong by Addressing Pre-Existing Conditions
As many of you are aware, this week we had our first Assembly floor session of the year, which was held prior to Governor Evers' first State of the State Address. During this floor session, we debated and ultimately passed Assembly Bill 1 (AB 1), which, if signed into law, will deliver on...
E-Update: Upcoming Listening Sessions & Tax Relief Plans
As you may have heard in the news, this week I joined my fellow legislative colleagues to announce a significant tax cut for the middle class families and individuals of Wisconsin. Because of recent responsible budgeting, we currently have a strong budget surplus, and the proposal announced this...
E-Update: A New Legislative Session Begins
A new year has begun, and I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year! The 104th Wisconsin legislative session began this week, and was kicked off with Inauguration of new and returning members on Monday. I was happy to be able to start a new term as your legislator with...
Letter to Governor Evers
At the beginning of the new session, I joined with my fellow Republican colleagues to congratulate Governor Evers on his inauguration and to lay out our goals and interest in working together to achieve them.