Legalizing Church and
Non-Profit Fundraising |
On Wednesday,
Assembly Bill 37 regarding paddlewheel raffles, that Senator
Jacque and I introduced, had public hearing.
Wisconsin has many charitable organizations
that support excellent causes while fostering community
participation and good works. This bill will help groups like
churches and Lion’s Clubs continue their generous and altruistic
work without accidentally committing a crime.
Right now in our state, unless a game of
chance with a prize is specifically permitted in Wisconsin law,
it is considered illegal gambling and is a felony. For example,
last session the legislature passed a law to allow plastic
or rubber duck races at certain events where there is a drawing
for a prize.
If that type of game hadn’t been made
legal, charitable organizations holding a Class B raffle license
could have faced a Class I Felony charge.
This bill allows another form of
fundraising fun to be permitted: the paddlewheel raffle. The
raffle still has requirements, and the organization must have a
Class B raffle license.
This bill passed 9-0 out of the Senate
Committee on Agriculture, Revenue and Financial Institutions in
May, and it passed the entire Senate in June.
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Frivolous UW Fees
Continue to Rise |
This week the Board of Regents voted to
increase student segregated fees on some campuses by over 32%.
Even as we have frozen in-state tuition for seven years running,
administrators have found ways to keep gouging students in order
to build extravagant buildings and operate athletic programs
that benefit only a handful of students. This long-time pattern
of irresponsible spending is why I plan on introducing a bill
that will restrict frivolous university fee collection and
redirect resources to critical student services that actually
provide the educational experience our Wisconsin students
deserve.
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A Better Trade
Agreement for Wisconsin |
The president has put his axe to the
grindstone and gotten real results for the people of Wisconsin
by reaching a solid trade agreement with Canada and Mexico that
will be a significant improvement over NAFTA. To learn more
about this incredible new agreement, visit
ustr.gov/usmca
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Welcome Our New Intern |
This week, a new intern joined our office.
Sadie is a UW–Milwaukee student studying architecture.
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Our Star Staffer |
Every two weeks a staff member in the
Assembly is recognized for contributions that go above and
beyond. This week, my research assistant, Diane Handrick, was
recognized by her colleagues for being a wealth of information
and consistent help to anyone who needs advice or support. I’m
proud to have such a star on my team!
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Your Questions and Concerns |
Mark
of Greenville asks:
I'd
love to know if you are planning on co-sponsoring a resolution to
call a constitutional convention of the states to consider
amendments that might cut federal spending and impose
congressional term limits?
I have not signed on yet because it just
came out yesterday and I need to go over it more carefully. In
general I believe that co-sponsorship is overrated and that
it's really the vote that counts. I very much support cutting
federal spending. I would eliminate entire departments such as
education and energy. If Congress would just
pass a budget, which we haven't had in 10 years, it would be a
step in the right direction. I also believe that the best term
limits are regular elections.
Regina of Appleton asks:
I am
concerned about the recent news regarding limiting the
Governor's powers. From what I read, the veto power has been
around since 1930 and was ratified by voters. As a voter, I
cannot think of good non-partisan reasons for this change. Could
you enlighten me as to your opinion?
Senator Craig has proposed a Wisconsin
Constitutional Amendment that would prevent future governors
from using their veto to increase state spending. I’m still
reviewing the proposal, but I do know that the voters have
overwhelmingly ratified two past amendments to place limits on
the governor’s veto powers. In fact, after the last amendment
was adopted by voters in 2008 the liberal Capital Times
newspaper in Madison published an editorial stating that
“governors of Wisconsin retain the most abusive veto powers in
the nation.” You can
read more about the history of the Wisconsin veto here.
If Sen. Craig’s proposal is adopted this
session, it would still need to be adopted a second time next
session and then be approved by the voters of Wisconsin before
it could take effect. Even if it takes effect, Wisconsin
governors would still have the most powerful veto in the
country.
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Upcoming Events |
Winneconne's annual Sovereign State Days is fast approaching!
You can learn more about the parade and events by clicking on
the flag above.
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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