Neubauer News - September 2021
September 9, 2021

Dear Neighbor, 

I hope that you are finding ways to enjoy this beautiful fall in Wisconsin. From the first day of school and the changing leaves, to the start of our favorite seasonal pastimes like apple picking, fall in Wisconsin is something special. September also marks the return of the “busy season” in the Assembly as legislators return from summer recess. Hearings, committees, bill drafting, and more come together to make for an important and busy time at the Capitol.

This e-update includes highlights from the last month, upcoming legislative events, policy updates and more! Below you’ll find:

✔️ Virtual Fall Office Hours

✔️ How to Help Afghan Refugees in Wisconsin

✔️ Blue Book Requests and Reservations

✔️ Exciting Bill Highlights

✔️ Vaccination Information and Reward Program

Thank you for reading along and keeping up-to-date on my work in Racine and Madison! I am continually grateful that you are staying informed about our state and local affairs, supporting our neighbors, and helping to build a better future for our community. Check out the update below and don’t hesitate to reach out and share any questions or concerns that you may have.

In Solidarity,

2018 NEUBAUER Signature.jpg

Greta Neubauer

State Representative

66th Assembly District


Virtual Fall Office Hours

With the session ramping up again, I would love to hear from you about the issues and legislation that you care about. Whether you want to talk about infrastructure, climate, racial justice, healthcare, or any other legislative topic, I’m eager to hear what you have to say. Reserve your one-on-one today!


Because of the ongoing pandemic and the rise of the Delta variant, September office hours will be held virtually. Individual time slots can be reserved on a first come, first served basis. Fill out this form to reserve your time today!


How to Help Afghan Refugees in Wisconsin

Over the past few weeks, it has been uplifting to hear from so many Wisconsinites and Racinians asking how they can help our new Afghan neighbors settle. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families is coordinating donations and volunteer efforts through a number of social service agencies. Here are some agencies that are in need of volunteers and donations:

Through these different organizations, there are a variety of ways that you can help. Refugees are arriving with few personal possessions, so items like school supplies, clothing, personal hygiene products, and other household goods are often great items to consider donating. Another way to help would be fundraising to make a financial gift to a local organization that could directly benefit a family’s resettlement. Additionally, DCF has put together a resettlement agency contact sheet that lists additional partner agencies in a variety of regions that are looking for assistance.

 

I am so glad to know that there are community members stepping up to do everything they can to make sure that our new neighbors have what they need to succeed.

 


Blue Book Requests and Reservations


Each legislative session, the State of Wisconsin issues a new and updated Wisconsin Blue Book your official guide to Wisconsin state government. It includes everything from biographies and contact information for current legislators and elected officials to special features on Wisconsin’s history, updated for your reference every two years. The 2021-22 edition is coming out soon sign up to get yours today!


Did you miss getting your copy of the 2019-20 Blue Book? Don’t worry, there’s still time! You can request a copy of both the 2019-20 and the new 2021-22 editions using this form. Blue Books will be mailed or delivered directly to you!

 


Policy Corner: Updates on Exciting Bills

Thousands of bills are introduced in the legislature every biennium – here in the policy corner, I like to highlight some of the most interesting, important, or controversial bills that have recently crossed my desk!

Cost-Sharing Cap on Insulin (SB 546)

Lead Authors: Rep. Anderson and Sen. Ringhand

Am I a cosponsor or author? Yes

What it would do: This bill would prohibit health insurance policies and governmental self-insured health plans that cover insulin from charging a deductible, co-payment, or coinsurance in an amount that exceeds $50 for a monthly supply.

Why it’s important: As retail insulin prices have continued to skyrocket, it has become increasingly clear that we need to make sure that insulin is affordable for all. Because of the prohibitive cost of prescription drugs, many individuals are forced to choose between household expenses like food, housing costs, and utilities over purchasing their medications. Many are forced to ration their insulin, taking less than what is prescribed or skipping doses, thus putting their health at risk.

This bill comes from one of the many recommendations put forward by Governor Evers’ 2019 Task Force on Reducing Prescription Drug Prices. The insulin copayment cap is part of a package of legislation aimed at addressing the problem of high prescription prices. By making prescription drugs more affordable for all, we can make sure that all Wisconsinites are receiving the proper care and medication they need to thrive.


Get Vaxxed! COVID-19 Vaccines Available

Wisconsin is making progress in our fight against COVID-19, but we aren't out of the woods yet. It’s going to take more of us getting vaccinated to finish off this disease. As of May 2021, the COVID-19 vaccine is available to all adults in Wisconsin, and many options are available for pre-teens and teens aged 12 and up.

COVID-19 vaccines don’t require insurance, ID, or payments – they are available at no cost to you.

Additionally, DHS has extended the $100 Vaccine Reward Program! Now, you have until Sunday, September 19 to get vaccinated at a Wisconsin provider to receive a $100 reward. 

In order to receive the reward, Wisconsin residents will need to register at 100.wisconsin.gov or call 844-684-1064. 

Racine also has a vaccination reward program that you can collect alongside the state reward!  Get your free COVID-19 vaccine at Regency Mall, City Hall, or a pop-up clinic and you'll receive a $50 gift card with your first dose and another $50 gift card when you return for your second. If you get the one-shot Johnson and Johnson, you get your choice of two $50 gift cards.

Plus, if you're already vaccinated, you can bring a friend in to get vaccinated and get a $50 "Good Neighbor" gift card! 

Find more information for this program as well as pop-up clinic locations at racinecoronavirus.org