Victory in Redistricting Case

You may recall that during the last legislative session, my fellow freshman legislators and I introduced legislation that would take the decennial redistricting process out of the hands of partisan elected officials by having the non-partisan Legislative Reference Bureau draw the legislative district maps. The reason is simple: Elected officials should not choose their voters. Rather, voters should choose who represents them.

Because Republicans drew such grossly gerrymandered maps designed to protect their own majority, a federal court mandated that Wisconsin needs to have new legislative maps in place for the November 2018 election. Under the court order, maps will need to be completed by November 1st of this year. While the U.S. Supreme Court could reverse the decision, it is my hope that the ruling will be upheld.

Click here to read my full statement on the redistricting decision.

Transportation Audit Reveals Additional Problems

The nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau released an audit of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation which left the Governor and Legislative Republicans struggling to find a silver lining. According to the audit, project costs were double what was estimated for 19 completed projects. Cost estimates for 16 ongoing major highway projects were underestimated by a total of about $3.1 billion. The audit, in short, shows the transportation budget is in far worse shape than imagined and serves as a stunning indictment of the incompetent management by Governor Walker’s administration of Wisconsin’s transportation infrastructure.

Republicans have already taken swipes at important programs like Complete Streets and attacked the very workers who have the training and know-how to get transportation projects done safely and efficiently. Instead, we need to recognize the need to responsibly fund transportation projects and get these projects done correctly the first time and without delays. Unfortunately, we have a Governor and Republican majorities who add more projects to the list without finishing those already started, adding to the overall expense of all projects.  

The audit demonstrates that having a strong, multi-modal transportation system in place does not simply require the adoption of appropriate financing options but will also require new management. As we seek long-term, sustainable funding for our roads and infrastructure, we must also hold the Republican administration accountable for their cost overruns and irresponsible budgeting. These problems must be resolved before we can implement funding solutions.

44^th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

Last week, we commemorated 44th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark Roe v. Wade decision, which established that women have a constitutional right to choose abortion. While this was a significant milestone for women’s reproductive freedom, Wisconsin women face greater attacks on their right to medical privacy than at any other time since Roe. 44 years later, the right to access safe and legal abortion not only remains under constant attack at the hands of Governor Scott Walker and legislative Republicans in Wisconsin, but President Trump and Republican legislators at the federal level threaten actions that are even more misguided and dangerous to the lives of women in Wisconsin and throughout the United States.

Senator Fred Risser and I introduced legislation that would repeal an archaic Wisconsin state statute that criminalizes abortion. This statute became unenforceable due to its unconstitutionality by the US Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade on January 22, 1973.

Click here to read my press release on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, including a list of attacks on women’s health care access since Republicans gained the majority in Wisconsin.  

Click here to read about the bill that Senator Risser and I introduced.

Challenges for our Nation

I have heard from many residents of my district who are deeply troubled and concerned by the actions of the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans. This includes people who have immigrated to the United States in the past and have green cards, persons with friends and family overseas, and persons who simply have compassion for those who are being persecuted and simply seek out a safe place to work, live and raise a family. It also includes people familiar with their own family histories and know they would not be alive today if not for their refugee ancestor being welcomed.

Business owners are concerned that limits being placed on entry to the country will make it impossible for business associates to come to the United States and offer the knowledge and expertise necessary to make products more marketable in foreign lands. Businesses also wonder how long it will be before other nations take reciprocal actions – limiting the ability of US residents to go to other nations and limiting the ability of goods manufactured in Wisconsin to be shipped overseas.

We have had dark times in the history of our nation when citizens and elected officials have failed to live up to the ideals set forth in the Constitution. As we look at the first two weeks of the Trump Administration, we are seeing an unparalleled contempt for basic American principles and simple human decency. The good news is that we are witnessing people coming together to stand up for what is right. Whether it is a neighbor who erects an “I’m glad you’re my neighbor” yard sign, people who call their elected officials to voice opposition, people who rally or march for change – we are seeing resistance in action. I will continue to work with community members and fellow Democratic legislators to resist the Trump Administration.

Madison Goes Red

The American Heart Association’s National Wear Red day is Friday. The American Heart Association has created a neat way to create awareness that also has the potential to garner visibility for you and your company. This year they are promoting companies who go red on billboards in Madison!

Here is how it works: Any company or person who posts a picture using the hashtag #MadisonGoesRed on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter could see themselves on a billboard. The American Heart Association has secured billboards that will feature photos of people and companies on Friday February 3, National wear red day.

All you have to do is take a picture and post it to social media using the hashtag, #MadisonGoesRed. Billboards used will be Beltline-near John Nolen Drive, US 151 near Sun Prairie, Highway 51 off Highway 19 in Deforest, and Middleton on University Avenue.

Spring Interns

My office is now accepting applications for spring interns. If you or someone you know is looking for a spring internship, we still have openings. You can apply online by clicking here, or submit a cover letter and resume via e-mail to rep.subeck@legis.wi.gov. It is a great way to gain some experience and learn about the legislative process.

Fun Wisconsin Fact

This year marks the 100^th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Capitol building. Designed by George B. Post & Sons the building cost $7.2 million and is 284 feet tall. The building was constructed with 43 types of stone from six countries and eight states. The Wisconsin Capitol is the only State Capitol in the nation with a granite dome.

Yesterday, current and former legislators and governors convened in the Capitol rotunda to celebrate the 100 year anniversary. An exhibit is currently on display on the ground floor of the rotunda featuring the 100 years of history from the State Capitol. It will be on display throughout the year.

Click here to visit the Capitol Centennial website. 

Click here to unsubscribe