This weekend we celebrate the founding of a nation that is unique in the world with its protection of God-given rights, freedoms, and opportunities. The work I did in Madison this week with my colleagues preserves that American way of life so that every Wisconsinite can continue to thrive.
DELIVERING ON OUR PROMISES
In a long session on Tuesday, the Assembly passed AB 68, the state budget, as amended by the Joint Finance Committee, which was subsequently passed by the Senate on Wednesday.
This budget was historic in that it received bipartisan support AND also received the most votes in favor of the legislation in a generation (2001 was the last time this many legislators voted in favor of the budget).
Here are some key things that this budget accomplishes:
Provides more local road funding and state highway rehabilitation at a greater level than the Governor had in his proposed budget, all while borrowing over $300 million LESS than the Governor sought.
Cares for our most vulnerable citizens by increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates to long-term care facilities, and increasing funding for personal care/direct care workers, mental health and addiction treatment, dental care access, physical therapy, autism treatment, and emergency physicians.
Makes a historic investment in public education, restoring 2/3 funding to our public schools (which hasn’t happened since Tommy Thompson was governor), increasing funding for special education and student mental health.
The Legislature accomplished ALL OF THIS while returning a historic $3.4 billion by way of a middle class tax cut to both income and property taxes.
Representative Dittrich was proud to add her vote to those who passed this reasonable, responsible, realistic budget. The budget now goes to the governor's desk where he can veto it in part, or in whole.
UNDERMINING OUR WELLBEING: VETOES AND EXECUTIVE ORDER
While the Legislature was working, Gov. Evers was undermining our state’s well-being.
VETO OF AB 336
VETOED the end to enhanced unemployment, despite the pleadings of Wisconsin’s ailing employers.
What a surprise and a treat it was to have a fellow rare disease mom who had moved out of state make the time to stop at my office while she was back in Wisconsin!
Keep an eye out for new legislation in the coming weeks regarding rare diseases and how our state can better address patients and their families.
INDEPENDENCE DAY!
Rep. Dittrich typically loves walking in area summer parades, but is still on the sidelines with her broken arm. She looks forward to seeing you at these events next summer!
The Venetian Night lighted boat parade will start the event at approximately 8:30 pm. Boats for the parade need to be decorated and meet at party island at 8:00 pm. The parade leaves Party Island at 8:30 pm and will arrive at the mouth of the Channel by 9:00 pm.
Whether it’s a picnic with family, camping in Wisconsin’s woods, or enjoying watching fireworks on the water, take time to appreciate that you live in this great land.
Read the pivotal historic document that led to hundreds of years of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
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 |
