Lisa Subeck

State Representative

78th Assembly District

          Update on the Budget

The Joint Finance Committee is meeting today for an executive session on the 2015-2017 budget. They are reviewing Governor Walker’s proposed funding cuts to programs impacting environmental quality. Walker has proposed cuts to local municipal and county recycling grants that will lead to a 50% reduction in funding over the next 5 years. Democrats are working to restore this funding to ensure our recycling programs can continue to grow.

The committee will also take up proposed cuts that would limit grants for environmental education programs across the state and eliminate funding to a UW-Madison renewable research center that receives federal matching grants. Cutting these programs would impact both research and environmental education. The Committee will meet again on Thursday, May 7, to continue work on other areas of the budget.

  UW Budget Alert!                    

Today the co-chairs of the Finance Committee said that the Governor’s proposal for a UW System Authority will NOT be included in the state budget. They will be taking up UW proposals at a later date and Republicans offered little details besides saying they would still like to give campuses "more flexibility and authority" to manage budget cuts, which they have not committed to reducing. Read more here by clicking here.

I continue to be extremely concerned about the major cuts to the UW and our community schools in the state budget. It is clear that Gov. Walker and his Republican allies in the legislature are selling out Wisconsin schools to support the Governor's presidential ambitions.

I will be keeping a close eye on the UW system budget and other key issues in the budget, and will continue to provide updates.

Public Benefits Reform Committee Meeting

Last Thursday, the Public Benefits Reform Committee held a public hearing on 2 bills (AB 191 and AB 192) that would require drug testing of some individuals receiving unemployment compensation or enrolled in the FoodShare and some other state programs, as well as on AB177, a Republican proposal that would place significant new restrictions on what FoodShare participants could purchase through the program.

This legislation is a ridiculous effort to micro-manage the lives of those who are already struggling. During the hearing, we heard hours of testimony from experts and advocates making it clear that limiting options for FoodShare participants is not the right way to improve health outcomes. AB177 is nothing more than a mean-spirited attempt by Republicans to score political points at the expense of our most vulnerable neighbors in need.

Healthy Alternatives Proposed            

After hearing testimony against AB 177, I introduced 2 bills in a package of legislation called “Healthy Alternatives.” The first bill will expand access to nutrition education among individuals and families participating in the Food Stamp Employment and Training program by including nutrition classes as permitted activities to meet FSET participation requirements. The second bill targets “food deserts” by providing tax credit incentives to grocers who sell fresh foods and produce to locate in low-income neighborhoods and other underserved areas.

Instead of adding new roadblocks for families and seniors already struggling to put food on their tables, we should focus on better outcomes through nutrition education and access to healthy fresh foods. The ‘Healthy Alternatives’ bills put the focus right back where it needs to be – on better nutrition outcomes for FoodShare participants.

               Prevailing Wage

A bill repealing Wisconsin’s prevailing wage law is making its way through the Legislature. Wisconsin’s prevailing wage law sets a minimum amount that must be paid to workers on publicly funded construction projects. Most public projects are awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, and establishing a minimum rate for construction workers on these projects helps to level the playing field, guaranteeing that contractors compete based on skill and productivity rather than how little they pay their workers.

The Senate Committee on Labor and Government Reform is holding a public hearing today on the repeal of prevailing wage (SB 49) and will vote on the bill in an executive session on Thursday, May 7. 35 Republican Representatives and 7 Republican Senators have voiced their support for the bill, which would further erode our middle class. To date, more than 400 businesses have come out in opposition to the bill, sharing that in their experience, the current system works for employers and employees.

                                                                           Meet Our Intern, Gabbie            

If you have called or stopped by my office, you may have met our other intern Gabbie. Gabbie has been interning in our office since January. She is from White Bear Lake, MN and moved to Madison to study at UW-Madison. She will be graduating this May with a degree in Political Science and certificates in Criminal Justice and Educational Policy Studies. Gabbie has worked on a variety of political campaigns from the local to presidential level, however this is her first time interning in the State Capitol. She enjoys all that she has learned about Wisconsin politics during her time as an intern. After graduation, she hopes to continue her work on campaigns through the 2016 election.

Gabbie was a great addition to the office this semester. She is intelligent, always has a smile and is a hard worker, and we are so lucky to have her interning in the office this semester. Thank you for your work, Gabbie! 

                            Summer Interns

My office is now accepting applications for summer interns. If you or some you know is looking for a summer internship, we still have openings. You can apply on the website 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.   

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