July 12, 2019

Working for you!

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.

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.

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

Welcome Our New Intern

This week, a new intern joined our office. Sadie is a UW–Milwaukee student studying architecture.

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!

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.

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

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.