Giving Thanks for All
Our Blessings |
When our state founders established the
Wisconsin Constitution, they began with the powerful phrase,
“We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our
freedom…” Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on all
that we are grateful for and to rededicate ourselves to living
for others. Every day I am grateful for the ability to serve you
as a public official. Happy Thanksgiving!
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UW Research Bill Signed Into
Law |
On Thursday, the governor signed my bill to
speed up the review of contracts with outside organizations
involving research at University of Wisconsin System
institutions.
The bipartisan bill was inspired by the
late UW–Madison Professor Mark Cook, who advocated for this
change to keep more spin-off research in Wisconsin. Prior
Wisconsin law required a 45 day passive review period before a
contract was approved. Research contracts will still be subject
to approval by the Board of Regents, or designated
administrators, and each institution is required to have a
detailed management plan to prevent conflicts of interest in the
approval of such contracts. Managing conflicts of interest is
something best done on the ground by people who are familiar
with the individuals involved and engaged in the work being
done.
Current law generally prohibits state
employees from participating in state contracts where they have
a private financial interest and the ability to influence that
contract. The law has a specific exemption for university
employees when such contracts are between a UW System entity and
a research company. This exemption allows UW faculty and
research-focused employees who spin-off companies to engage in
activity that benefits the interests of the public, the
university, and the newly created business.
The 45 day passive review delay for
contract approval was unique to Wisconsin. These delays don’t
occur elsewhere and drive research opportunities out of the
state. In 2015 alone, UW–Madison saw nearly $100 million less in
private and non-profit research funding than other comparable
universities around the country.
Anyone who has started a business
understands just how important it is to act quickly, especially
when patents are involved. Our bill improves Wisconsin’s ability
to compete for private and non-profit research funding. I’m
proud that this bill will address an out of date law and advance
modern research entrepreneurship in Wisconsin.
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National Bible Week |
Franklin Delano Roosevelt originated
National Bible Week in 1941. Since then, every President has
declared a National Bible Week. This week of thanksgiving is an
ideal time to read and reflect on one of the greatest works of
literature in world history, which has influenced our nation
since its founding. That’s why the legislature adopted
a resolution declaring this week National Bible Week in
Wisconsin.
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Capitol Christmas Tree
Arrives |
The Capitol Christmas Tree arrived last
week via truck and was lifted by crane into place just outside
the building, where it will rest until it is brought inside and
decorated after Thanksgiving Day. It’s always a pleasure to
witness such an important symbol and work of nature being placed
in our Capitol. You can watch a time-lapse video of the tree’s
arrival by clicking on the image above.
During the holiday season, many
displays are placed in the Capitol rotunda, including a Hanukkah
Menorah, signs of protest, and yes, a Christmas tree. I’m a firm
believer in calling things as I see them, which is why I voted
for
a resolution to restore the tree’s rightful name from the
governor’s so called “holiday tree” to “Christmas tree.”
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New Blue Books are Now
Available |
Wisconsin’s 2019-20 almanac of state
government, the Blue Book, is now available. If you would like a
copy, click on the image above and complete the online form.
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Exchange Student
Thanksgiving |
On Saturday, there was a gathering of
foreign exchange students at the Dale Town hall for a
Thanksgiving dinner. My wife Lynn and I are hosting Mattia from
Italy for the school year. Mattia is fourth from the right in
the back row.
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Travels with Dave |
I recently had the chance to tour the
new LKQ Appleton facility.
Last Wednesday I attended the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Community First Champion Center
in Grand Chute. I'm pictured with Cathie Tierney, the CEO of the
Community First Credit Union.
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Upcoming Events |
Check out upcoming events near us by visiting the
Wisconsin Tourism website or
https://appletondowntown.org/upcoming-events/
and if you run into me while
you’re out and about be sure to stop and say hi! |
"Like" Representative
Murphy's Facebook Page
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I have a Facebook page so I can continually engage with you on
important topics facing the state. Please like it by
clicking here! I use Facebook to update constituents more frequently on
my work in Madison and the 56th Assembly District. I look forward to
using this as another way to connect with constituents and encourage you to follow it and watch for
regular updates.
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"Like" Representative Murphy's
Official Facebook Page
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Welcome!
I live in Greenville, but have an
office at the State Capitol in Madison. If you are in
downtown Madison, please feel free to stop by and say
hello! Just go to the information desk in the rotunda,
and they can direct you on how to find my office, 318
North. At the bottom of each e-update, you'll see my
office contact information.
If your school or group plans to tour the Capitol
building, please let me know in advance. I'd
love to visit with you for a few minutes and take a
group photo.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
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