May 31, 2019

Working for you!

Tuition Freeze Extended, UW Budget Increased

The legislature’s Joint Finance Committee voted this week to extend the University of Wisconsin tuition freeze for two more years. Preserving the freeze saves the average student and their family more than $6,000, compared to how much tuition was increasing before the freeze was put in place. The committee also approved an increase of nearly $58 million in tax dollar support over the next two years, with the added requirement that the university must present a detailed plan to the committee on how it will spend the money responsibly.

The budget approved by the Joint Finance Committee will be the largest budget UW System has ever had at nearly $6.5 billion in 2019-20, a 36% increase over the past ten years.

Fighting for Brain Gain

A report issued by the Wisconsin Policy Forum clearly displays the alarming trend of Wisconsin failing to attract educated workers. Wisconsin is an amazing place to live, but we have work to do encouraging college graduates to move here. That’s why I’ve introduced an “earned in-state tuition” bill that allows recent out of state students who graduate from a Wisconsin public college to earn back up to 50% of the out of state tuition premium they paid above what a resident student pays by living and working in Wisconsin for seven years after they graduate.

Murphy Named to Adoption Task Force

I’m honored to be named to the Speaker’s Task Force on Adoption, which is charged with finding ways to lower adoption costs and shorten the adoption process timeline. Improving adoption in Wisconsin is critical to ensuring that every child gets they care they deserve. In addition to serving on the task force, which will hold hearings across the state, I am also working on legislation that will address gaps in Wisconsin adoption and surrogacy laws.

Local UW to Get New Name

In July the Board of Regents will vote on a new name and brand for our local UW campuses that have merged under UW–Oshkosh. UW–Fox Valley will become UW-Oshkosh Fox Cities. Along with the new name, students are already benefitting from the merger by receiving access to resources provided to UW–Oshkosh students.

Joint Hearing on Campaigns and Elections

On Wednesday, the Senate and Assembly committee charged with responsibility over campaigns and elections laws held a joint hearing on four bills. You can watch the hearing by clicking on the image above.

Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service Visit

On Wednesday, UW–Stout Student Body President and Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service (WIPPS) student Deon Canon stopped by the office to speak about higher education issues.

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.