February 20, 2020

Working for you!

Working Together for Water Quality

Legislation put forward by the Speaker's Task Force on Water Quality was adopted with enormous bipartisan support on Tuesday. This package of bills is a vital step in the right direction to ensuring clean water in Wisconsin for generations to come.

Focusing on Health Care Cost Reduction

On Tuesday, the Assembly unanimously passed AB 114, which implements critical reforms relating to prescription drug middlemen known as Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). The bill requires PBMs to be licensed by the state and provides greater transparency to consumers.

Capitol Visitors

Members of the Wisconsin Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association stopped by on Tuesday. Left to right: Chris Tews (Dale Gas & Oil Company), Diane Handrick (my research assistant), Isaac Peterson (Kwik Trip), and Dan Besch (Condon Oil).

Students from Fox Valley Technical College popped by on Tuesday.

Local folks from the YMCA visited our office on Tuesday. Left to right: Dani Englebert (chief operating officer), Maggie Buss (Youth in Government Chief Justice), and Brian Rammer (Fox West executive director)

I had the privilege to speak with leaders from the Partnership Community Health Center on Thursday.

Your Questions and Concerns

Mark of Appleton writes: What are your thoughts on the Convention of States resolution relating to the U.S. Constitution?

I have consistently voted against calling a new constitutional convention. I’m a firm believer in our Constitution as it stands; however, I also believe Congress needs to do its job of balancing the federal budget and that the best term limits are regular elections. When I see the mischief radical leftists cultivate with petitions for a constitutional convention on everything from the Electoral College, to Citizens United, to redistricting, I know any convention would be a complete free-for-all, which I cannot support. The resolution I voted against this week in the State Assembly was just too vague for me to support without the concern that it might warp our Constitution in unintended ways.

Maiyoua of Appleton writes: Concerns have been raised that the federal government is in renewed talks with the country of Laos to begin accepting individuals deported from the U.S. What can we do to help the Hmong community?

I’m concerned that the county executive and the media are simply stoking fears to gain attention. Law abiding citizens, permanent residents, refugees, and individuals with asylum are in no danger of being deported. Only individuals who have been convicted of a serious crime are at risk of deportation and there is no guarantee that Laos will begin accepting these deported individuals. The Hmong people of Wisconsin have contributed greatly to our community and nation, and I will do everything I can to ensure they are respected and not used as political pawns. 

Helen of Neenah writes: Why do we have a state budget surplus? Couldn’t we have just budgeted better to begin with? Don’t we also have a structural deficit? How much would it cost to issue rebate checks to tax payers?

Budget surpluses occur when the economy is stronger than expected and the state collects more sales and income tax revenue. It’s difficult to predict the economy two years in advance when the state adopts its budget, so we sometimes have to come back and adjust the budget. Wisconsin is legally prohibited from operating under a deficit; however, we do take out debt in order to fund long term projects. Low interest, long term bonds allow Wisconsin to build roads and buildings today and spread out the cost over time. In fact, this bonding process actually saves taxpayers money because construction costs inflate even faster than the current interest rate on the bonds. Building today with a bond is more fiscally responsible than saving money for thirty years and then building at a much higher cost. We are currently discussing returning surplus revenues to the people of Wisconsin through tax cuts. Instead of receiving a tax rebate check, folks would see their income tax and personal property tax rates go down. Returning excess tax collections through reduced tax rates is the most efficient way to get taxpayer money back into the hands of the people who actually earned it.

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

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.