This weekend is not only Mother’s Day but also UW-Madison Commencement. Best wishes to all of the moms, and congratulations to the newest Badger grads. As you celebrate, please remember to do so safely.
In this week’s e-update you will find information an update on the state budget, the latest information about the COVID-19 vaccine, a Tax Day reminder, and more.
If you have any questions or need assistance with any matter, please feel free to contact my office.
Legislative Update: Session and State of the Tribes Next Tuesday
On Tuesday, the Assembly will be holding a floor session to consider proposed legislation on a variety of topics. Click here to see the full schedule.
We will also welcome tribal leaders for the 17th annual State of the Tribes address. The address will take place in the Assembly Chambers at 1 pm and will be delivered by John D. Johnson, Sr., president of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
The annual State of the Tribes Address an important tradition that improves the working relationship between our state government and the eleven sovereign tribal nations in Wisconsin. In case you are not familiar with some or all the Wisconsin tribes, these federally recognized nations include:
Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians
Forest County Potawatomi Community
Ho-Chunk Nation
Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin
Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin
Oneida Nation
Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin
Sokaogon Chippewa Community
Stockbridge-Munsee Community
I am proud to stand with tribal leaders from across Wisconsin as we work together to protect our environment, support our children, invest in educational opportunities, work toward economic and racial justice, and strengthen our communities.
On Thursday, members of the Joint Finance Committee met to take the first votes on the 2021-2023 state budget. Unfortunately, Republicans on the committee, with one motion, removed over 350 broadly popular provisions from Governor Tony Evers’ budget proposal. Rather than listening to the people of Wisconsin, Republicans have started the budget process with a $3.4 million gap into the budget.
Among the items removed was accepting federal funds to expand BadgerCare. This move not only hinders Wisconsin’s ability to recover from the pandemic, but it will cost our state an additional $1.6 billion in federal funding.
Expanding BadgerCare in Wisconsin would generate $635 million in savings to be invested back in the state, would attract more primary care doctors and providers to address shortages, and would foster economic growth and financial stability for local economies. At a time when 38 states have expanded Medicaid, including those led by Republicans and Democrats alike, it is baffling that Wisconsin Republicans continue to play politics with our health care and our economic future.
On Tuesday, I hosted a virtual budget listening session with residents of the 78th Assembly District with Senator Kelda Roys. We received some good feedback from community members about what they want to see in the state budget. Thank you to everyone who attended.
If you were not able to attend, we still want to hear from you. Below, you will find contact information for my and Sen. Roys’s offices, as well as for the Joint Finance Committee, which is currently considering the budget:
Office of Rep. Subeck
109-North in the State Capitol
Rep.Subeck@legis.wi.gov
Phone (608) 266-7521
Office of Sen. Roys
3-South in the State Capitol
Sen.Roys@legis.wi.gov
Phone (608) 266-1627
Joint Finance Committee
Contact members to advocate for issues in the budget.
As of May 7, over 4.6 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Wisconsin, and nearly 2.6 million Wisconsinites have received at least one dose. Over 2.1 million residents have completed the vaccine series.
Public Health Madison & Dane County has COVID-19 vaccine appointments available. You can sign up here for an available, drive-thru/walk-thru appointment at the Alliant Energy Center if you have not yet been vaccinated.
All Americans age 16 and up are now eligible for the vaccine. It is important to note that 16 and 17-year-olds may only get the Pfizer vaccination, as it is the only one currently approved for that age group.
It has been reported that the Pfizer vaccine will soon be approved for 12 through 15 year-olds. Vaccinating children is key to raising the level of immunity in the population and bringing down the numbers of hospitalizations and deaths. Pfizer currently has plans to seek emergency approval for children ages 2 through 11 in September.
If you have not done so already, please schedule your vaccination appointment as soon as you are able. The Vaccine Assistance Hotline is available toll-free at 844-684-1064 for assistance with your vaccine-related questions.
Earlier in the year, both the IRS and Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) extended the filing deadline for federal and state tax returns from April 15 to May 17.
If you have not filed yet, please remember to do so before the May 17 deadline, or file an extension.
Celebrating Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month
Kashoua “Kristy” Yang was born in a refugee camp in Thailand. She came to Wisconsin when she was seven, and lived with her 10 siblings in Sheboygan. Yang attended Lakeland College, and went on to the University of Wisconsin Law School where she received her Juris Doctor in 2009. Yang was inspired to pursue law from her own experiences growing up and watching others struggle to navigate the legal process. She currently serves as a judge on the Milwaukee County Circuit Court. When she was elected in 2017, Yang became the first Hmong American woman to be elected to a judicial post in the entire country.
Things happening in the district & around Madison:
Dane County Farmer’s Market
Saturday, May 8, 2021 7 AM to Noon Alliant Energy Center 1919 Energy Center Way, Madison
Our Saturday Market at the Alliant Energy Center is located in the parking lot of the Exhibition Hall. To get to the Saturday Market, navigate to the main entrance of the Alliant Energy Center via Rimrock Road. Turn on to Alliant Energy Center Way and follow the signage directing you to turn left into the Farmers' Market Parking area. When you have concluded your market trip, turn right to exit via Alliant Energy Center Way.
Hilldale Farmer’s Market
Saturday, May 8, 2021 8 AM – 1 PM Hilldale Mall, 702 N. Midvale Blvd., Madison
This year, Hilldale is excited to welcome several new and unique local products to the market including items from Blend Products, small batch ice cream from Ice Cream Social, seasonings and sauces from Tailgate Foodie, fresh, healthy dog food from Yellow Dog Deli, West African cuisine from Keur Fatou Catering and gourmet popcorn from Kotupha Popcorn. They join between 30 and 40 additional sellers offering Wisconsin cheese, locally grown produce, meat, bakery items and more.
Monona Bay Shoreline Cleanup
Saturday, May 8, 2021 10 AM Brittingham Park 829 W. Washington Ave., Madison
Sunday, May 9, 2021 1:30 PM – 3 PM Turville Point Conservation Park 1156 Olin Turville Ct., Madison
Turville Tree Walk with Sean Gere ~ IMPORTANT: Following guidance from Public Health Madison & Dane County, Madison Parks is supporting the volunteer-led Bird & Nature Outings. Participation is limited to the first 20 people. Masks are required and must be worn at all times. Please practice social distancing with members outside of your household. Self-guided walks are encouraged any day.More information is available here.
Summer at the Terrace
Starting May 10, 2021 9 AM – 8 PM Wisconsin Union, 800 Langdon St., Madison
Starting May 10 we are welcoming everyone back to the Terrace including Wisconsin Union members and other visitors. It’s time to enjoy the iconic sunburst chairs, beautiful lake views, gorgeous sunsets, and your food faves. No reservations needed the Terrace is here for you!More information available here.
Mindfulness meditation will be led by Sarah Moore M.D., a mind-body practitioner, therapist, and physician. Sarah has been practicing meditation for more than 20 years and teaching meditation to groups and individuals for the past 13 years. Her personal practice has brought her much peace, joy and stability, and she is excited to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with others. Register in advance for this Zoom webinar series athttps://www.mononaterrace.com/webinars/