Wisconsin boasts being the birthplace of the school choice movement. Wisconsin families can choose from traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online academies, homeschooling, and learning pods. Nothing has exposed the shortcomings of our public school system like COVID-19. Parents that may have only half paid attention to what was going on their child’s classroom are now activated like never before.
Whether it be volunteering more at school, making voices heard at school board meetings, or exploring Wisconsin’s wide array of alternative choices for education, parents have truly risen to the engagement level that was once long-sought-after by schools. Rep. Dittrich supports parent school choice and believes we need to open more opportunities for Wisconsin students, not limit them like the Governor attempted to do.
This week the Assembly passed myriad legislation on law enforcement issues and continues to work on things like Rep. Duchow’s Constitutional Amendment to reform bail in Wisconsin.
Rep. Dittrich continues to receive many contacts regarding the integrity of Wisconsin’s elections. She is always happy to speak with constituents about this issue. Firing messages off with pejoratives does nothing to fix the problems that continue to be exposed. She has never stopped working on this issue since 2020 and will continue to do so.
ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION 120
On Tuesday, Rep. Ramthun introduced a motion on the floor of the Assembly during our regular session and in the middle of debate on unrelated legislation. Majority Leader Steineke has been resolute that this will not be moved through Rules Committee for a floor vote.
As Rep. Dittrich has repeatedly stated to constituents, Legislative Counsel has issued the legal opinion that there is no path to decertify our elections. She continues to support revealing problems with the elections and cleaning up the process so that every Wisconsinite can feel confident of the integrity of their vote. However, she believes we must work together and move forward rather than one legislator impugning the character of every other legislator who question his approach.
RULES ON ELECTION PROCEDURES
Rep. Dittrich supports Sen. Nass’ JCRAR order that WEC promulgate rules on election procedures for legislative oversight.
Rep. Horlacher has introduced a bill that would require a watermark on absentee ballots, which would decrease the possibility of fraud. Rep. Dittrich has signed onto this legislation.
The legislation was just introduced on Friday afternoon.
A DECADE OF FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY YIELDS ANOTHER PROJECTED SURPLUS
LEGISLATIVE AUDIT BUREAU FISCAL ESTIMATES
This week, the Legislative Fiscal Bureau projected Wisconsin will finish the 2021-23 budget with a $3.8 billion surplus, nearly $2.9 billion more than was expected just several months ago. A decade of fiscal responsibility continues to benefit our state in tumultuous times.
INFLATIONARY PRESSURES
At a time of inflationary pressures, Gov. Evers immediately proposed to spend the projected budget surplus. Wisconsinites should wonder WHY the Governor would make such a proposal when he is still sitting on millions on unspent federal aid!
LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT NEEDED
It is times like this that make it even more obvious that Wisconsin needs to pass a Constitutional Amendment to give legislative oversight to any outside supplemental dollars coming to the state.
The Constitutional amendment passed by the Senate this week would address something that should have been dealt with prior to the arrival of COVID-19. Regardless of a governor's political affiliation, it is not wise to give sole discretion on the expenditure of huge sums of federal dollars.
The Joint Finance Committee handles the state budgeting of all other dollars and should do so on any other federal relief coming to this state. Rep. Dittrich looks forward to this proposal being heard in the Assembly.
OTHER BUSINESS
AG DAY AT THE CAPITOL
It was an honor for Rep. Dittrich to meet with our farmers and assure them that she supports their issues on clean water, food labeling, and fuel tanks. She is proud the 38th has an amazing Oconomowoc Watershed Program that has proven results. This partnership between our farmers and environmental scientists should be replicated around our state.
SUPREME COURT DECISION
Wisconsin awaits the Court's final ruling on the new legislative maps, but here is the latest decision on that issue.
This week the Assembly passed the natural immunity bill, AB 675, authored by Representative Cody Horlacher. It is rather timely given the CDC's latest study on this issue.
Yesterday marked the 47th anniversary of the cold-blooded, ambush murder of Summit police officers Wayne Olson and Robert "Rocky" Atkins Jr. These heroes were honored in the presence of their families, fellow officers, and residents with the dedication of a beautiful memorial at the Summit Village Hall. Rep. Dittrich was grateful to be there to honor these gentlemen, who paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.
OCONOMOWOC GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAM
Senator Jagler and Representative Dittrich had a blast presenting Oconomowoc's 2021 WIAA State Champion Volleyball team with a legislative citation! It was an honor giving these amazing young ladies a tour of the Senate, Assembly, and Supreme Court Chambers as well.
If you have any comments regarding the subject of this E-Update, please feel free to contact me.
Representative Barbara Dittrich State Capitol, 17 West PO Box 9582 Madison, WI 53708 Toll-Free (888) 534-0038 or (608) 266-8551 Rep.Dittrich@legis.wi.gov| Read Online |
