May 3, 2019

Working for you!

Medicare Expansion

A lot of folks have been asking lately whether I support accepting federal Medicaid expansion funds. The simple answer is that doing so would hurt the people of Wisconsin, now and in the future.

Expanding a program that aims to help some of the hardest off folks in our state might look good on the surface, but as always, the devil’s in the details. Accepting these federal funds would put more money in state government coffers, but it would also require an expansion of the Medicaid program. Medicaid reimburses healthcare providers at a much lower rate than private insurance, which simply means that those providers will have to shift higher costs onto other Wisconsinites. In the end, the Wisconsin government might see more money coming in, but only because the average Wisconsinite is paying out even more. It’s a net loss for the people of Wisconsin.

Even worse, it won’t improve quality of care or even access to healthcare. Wisconsin ranks as one of the best states for quality of care and affordability of insurance. In fact, we already outrank many of the states that actually did take the federal Medicaid expansion funds.

I know there are improvements to our healthcare system that need to be made, which is why I work so hard to make healthcare more affordable and accessible to the people of Wisconsin. The honest truth though is that accepting more federal money, and the strings that come with it, won’t do the people of Wisconsin good and that’s why I can’t support it.

Mike Ellis Memorial Interchange

Mike Ellis was a friend, colleague, and mentor. He set an unforgettable example of what it means to stand up for your community and state; an example I'll remember every time I have the privilege to drive through the Ellis Interchange.

On Wednesday, I had the honor to attend Governor Evers’ bill signing renaming the I-41 interchange in Fox Crossing the “Michael G. Ellis Memorial Interchange.” The renaming is especially fitting given Mike’s long-term support for the project. You can read more about the bill signing here.

Thank You for Sharing

The best part of my job is hearing from folks like you about what needs to get done in Madison. As your representative, I’m proud to bring your voice to the legislature and I’m grateful every time someone makes the effort to show up at a listening session, mail in a survey, or email me.

There’s still time to take my spring survey. Click on the button below to fill it out online now.

Helping UW Keep Business in Wisconsin

On Tuesday, the Assembly Committee on Constitution and Ethics held a hearing on my bill to streamline the UW research contracting process.

Anyone who has started a business understands just how important it is to act quickly, especially when patents are involved. Unfortunately, Wisconsin delays the ability for a University of Wisconsin (UW) System employee to enter into a research contract with the university by up to 45 days. 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. Assembly Bill 38 eliminates this unnecessary bureaucratic delay in the UW System research contracting process. My bill improves Wisconsin’s ability to compete for private and non-profit research funding.

Click on the image above to watch the hearing on the bill.

Capitol Visitors

Wednesday was Doctor Day at the Capitol and members of the Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians popped in to meet with my aide Michael.

On Thursday, UW-Stevens Point student leaders came down to Madison to discuss K-12 and 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.