March 29, 2019

Working for you!

State Budget Discussion with Appleton Noon Lions Club

Last Monday, I had the honor of talking with the Appleton Noon Lions Club about a variety of state issues, especially the budget. Hearing everyone's priorities and questions is so helpful as we work through the biennial budget process. Thank you for having me!

Colleges and Universities Committee Holds Meetings

I chair the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities, and this week we held three meetings on Thursday.

First, we voted to pass Assembly Bill 22, which will require our technical colleges to include training on the prevention and recognition of human trafficking in their trucker education. We heard much support from groups such as Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association and Teamsters Local Union 344, and from many individuals, including someone who is a survivor of trafficking. This bill passed the Assembly 95-0 last session, but didn't move in the Senate. I sincerely hope we can pass this into law this session and help our trucking partners be our 'eyes on the road' as we work to stop human trafficking.

Second, we held an informational hearing on the work and resources of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) and Open Educational Resources (OER). Wisconsin is a member state in MHEC, and learning more about what MHEC can do to leverage our educational dollars and offer critical information as we consider higher education policies was very helpful. We also heard from the director of the OER efforts, to offer educational resources such as technical texts at no charge and in an accessible format to students.

Third, we held a public hearing on Assembly Bill 51, which would expand our state's Minority Teacher Loan Program. This existing program allows a minority teacher who works in a Wisconsin school district with at least a 40% minority student population to apply for educational loan forgiveness. Currently, the program is limited to City of Milwaukee schools and is underutilized.

Transportation Committee Public Hearing

The Assembly Committee on Transportation met this week. This is an important committee to our district, especially with all we are doing to get the Hwy 41 project enumerated and completed.

The public hearing on Tuesday included Assembly Bill 9, which would designate a Winnebago County interchange as the Michael G. Ellis Memorial Interchange: Assembly Bill 77, which would designate STH 33 in Columbia County as Staff Sergeant Daniel D. Busch Memorial Highway; Assembly Bill 80, which would indicate veteran status on a driver's license or identification card, and Assembly Bill 3, which rlates to suspension or revocation of some licenses related to motor vehicle dealers.

This Week's Visitors and Advocacy

My brother, Jerry, testified before a Senate committee in support of my bill to allow Paddlewheel Raffles for charitable organizations with a Class B raffle license. Thanks, Jerry!

Wisconsin Conservation Voters

Wisconsin Conservation Voters advocacy day. Standing: Alan Lawrence, Susan Gremmer, John Gremmer, Valerie Stabenow, Allen Stabenow, Alan Johnson. Sitting: Diana Lawrence, Rep. Murphy

The Fox Valley Apartment Association

The Fox Valley Apartment Association dropped in to discuss landlord and tennant issues. 

Words of Wisdom for the Office

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.