In the State Capitol

Governor Evers Signs Wisconsin Act 9

Rep. Dittrich was glad to see that Governor Evers signed a bill aimed at lowering prescription drug prices into law. Rep. Michael Schraa has worked so tirelessly on these past 2 legislative sessions. Rep. Dittrich was more than happy to lend her voice and personal stories to the need for reining in pharmacy benefit managers. This new law will do a tremendous deal to help contain healthcare costs in Wisconsin.

For the People

Representative Dittrich issued the following statement on Tuesday in response to the Governor’s use of the funds coming to Wisconsin from the American Rescue Plan:

“One of the most shocking parts of the governor’s vague proposal was that he did not even mention directing funds to one of our greatest areas of need — long-term care. The 38th Assembly District has one of the highest concentrations of long-term care facilities in the state. Because of that, I have been keenly aware of how far short the governor has fallen in adequately funding our long-term care facilities since the beginning of this pandemic. Nearly half of all COVID-19 related deaths came from those facilities, and the administration continues revising those numbers upward.

Yet, Gov. Evers spent less than 10% of his CARES Act discretionary funding to this much-needed sector. 45% of Wisconsin’s 6,598 COVID deaths, or nearly 3,000 of those losses, have occurred in Wisconsin’s LTC facilities. These care homes for our vulnerable loved ones have borne the brunt of this pandemic. Many lost their lives while they were kept isolated from the family and friends they hold dear. Even the healthy have suffered decline brought on by this isolation. Staff have worked tirelessly to protect residents, many answering the call to work double shifts because of limited staffing. It is past time that the governor move those most susceptible to COVID-19 to the front of the line with funding rather than leaving them to struggle and die.

While we can definitely agree that there is a great need to expand broadband in our state, we need the governor to work with us to more boldly and bravely address the most pressing damage caused by this pandemic. I pray that when he hears our shared vision, he will come to his senses and stop working like a solo act on this important state issue.”

Children and Families Committee

Rep. Dittrich spent the lion's share of her time in the Assembly Committee on Wednesday in the Assembly Committee on Children and Families. The committee first passed bills increasing the protection of Wisconsin children. An extensive informational hearing followed on the state of child care in Wisconsin.

Campaigns and Elections Committee

On Wednesday, Rep. Brandtjen, Chair of the Elections and Campaign Committee, invited Wisconsin Elections Commission Administrator Meagan Wolfe to give testimony on the November election.

While Rep. Dittrich is not a member of that committee, she is monitoring their activity closely to stay on top of constituents’ concerns. The conduct being uncovered was absolutely unconscionable, and until it is resolved, half of the voting public will not trust the integrity of the vote. 

Watch for further hearings and bills regarding outside influence on our state’s elections.

We Have a Government of Laws, Not a Dictatorship

Representative Barbara Dittrich (R – Oconomowoc) issued the following statement on Wednesday in response to the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s ruling in Fabick v Evers:

“Wednesday, the Wisconsin Supreme Court confirmed what I have been saying all along. Turning back the Governor’s overreach has never been about masks! Governor Evers exceeded his powers in issuing consecutive Executive Orders for the same, ongoing issue, the COVID-19 pandemic after 60 days without consulting the Legislature. Governor Evers’ actions went far beyond his constitutional authority in his repeated, dictatorial manner. 

“When the Legislature overturned Executive Order #104 in February 2021, Governor Evers issued virtually the same order, Executive Order # 105 within minutes under the guise of protecting federal funding for the Wisconsin FoodShares Program. Yet, when given the opportunity to pass a bill that would allow the State of Wisconsin to accept the federal FoodShare dollars without a mask mandate being in place, the Governor vetoed the bill.  Not only has the Governor proven time and again that he believes he knows better than you do about your personal health decisions, he has taken unconstitutional authority to accomplish his own agenda.

“In an opinion written by Justice Brian Hagedorn, the Supreme Court’s decision affirms that a governor cannot and must not rule by fiat, lest they usurp the role of a co-equal branch of government. This important ruling will assure that no governor, present or future, can rule unilaterally, without accountability to the rule of law.

“To quote Justice Bradley, ‘While a pandemic will not follow the laws of man, the Governor must!’”

In the District:

Kroger commits $1M to fund for victims and survivors of warehouse shooting

Rep. Dittrich greatly appreciates Roundy’s and Kroger’s strong support of employees and community members affected by the recent tragedy that occurred.

What's next for Olympia?

The development of this property into new retail, medical office buildings and multifamily housing will not only be huge for the City of Oconomowoc, it will greatly enhance the gateway between Milwaukee & Madison.

Return of Moonlit Movies

Upcoming District Listening Sessions

Milford Hills at 2:00 pm on April 6th: W5670 French Rd, Johnson Creek, WI 53038

Lake Mills Council Chambers at 5:00 pm on April 8th: 200 Water St., Lake Mills, WI 53551