NS Banner

(608) 266-5780 | State Capitol, Room 307 West, P.O. Box 8953, Madison, WI 53708 |

COMMUNITY EVENTS


Monday Night at the Movies

Mondays, 6:00-8:00 p.m. 

La Crosse Public Library


La Crosse Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Thursday, November 28, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

La Crosse Center


Irish Music Session

Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m.

1310 Denton Street


Winter Market Storytime

Sunday, November 17, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Myrick Park Center


CONTACT ME:

State Capitol
Room 307 West
P.O. Box 8953
Madison, WI 53708

Phone:
(608) 266-5780

Toll Free:
(888) 534-0095

rep.billings@legis.wi.gov

Friends and Neighbors,

The last two weeks have been busy, between numerous committee hearings, two legislative session days, Veterans Day recognition events in La Crosse, and more.

Last week, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Assembly Republicans rejected Governor Evers’ call for a special session on gun safety. As I’ve mentioned before, the special session called for universal background checks on all firearm purchases and the creation of Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO), both of which are supported by over 80% of Wisconsinites. With six months left in the legislative session, this is no time for inaction.

After numerous requests by Democrats to debate and vote on these bills, the Speaker Vos started and ended the special session in about 15 seconds, and we did not have a chance to take up the bills. Our communities deserve to be protected by data-driven and proven policies, and to have their voices and wills represented by the legislature.

 

Floor Session 110719-51.JPG

 

Please continue reading for articles on new legislation focused on supporting families, how to apply for healthcare coverage during open enrollment, safety tips for deer hunting season, and how to participate in a winter clothing donation drive.

As always, please let me know if you have any questions, comments or concerns. You can always contact my office by calling (608) 266-5780 or emailing me at Rep.Billings@legis.wi.gov.

 

Best Wishes, 


Jill Billings
State Representative 
95th Assembly District

NS Facebook.pngNS Twitter.pngNS Website.png

 

New Legislation Focused on Supporting Families

I am proud to co-sponsor two new bills focused on putting our families and communities first: the Paid Family Medical Insurance Act, and legislation that would relieve the expense of child care.

Currently, Wisconsin’s Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows certain eligible employees to take up to two weeks of unpaid leave for their own serious health condition, up to two weeks for the serious health condition of a parent, child, or spouse, and up to six weeks for the birth or adoption of a child. The Paid Family Medical Insurance Act would create an employee-based Family Medical insurance program to extend coverage to more people and provide paid leave. Only 17% of the U.S. workforce is covered by an employer-sponsored paid family leave program. This would create opportunities for improved employee morale, diverse leadership teams, and stronger company values. It would also give small businesses the option to provide this benefit to its employees, as FMLA does not cover businesses with under 50 employees. I firmly believe that people who work hard have the ability to care for a family member during the crisis of a serious health condition.

I’ve written previously about the rising costs of child care in Wisconsin, and the negative impact this has on working families. Parents must often choose between being in the workforce and affording childcare. Childcare is considered affordable if it costs no more than 10% of a household’s income, but in Wisconsin, a single child in a childcare center would require 13% of the average two-parent income, and 47% of the average single-parent income. The average annual childcare cost in Wisconsin exceeds a year of tuition at UW System, as well as the average annual cost of rent. LRB-3366 would help offset these expense through providing eligible working families with qualifying children/dependents a state tax credit. This tax credit is similar to the existing federal tax benefit. High quality early childhood care and education benefits not only children and parents, but also the workforce, the economy, and our state’s future. Wisconsin parents should not have to continue to struggle to ensure their children can succeed.

 

FMLI 111519.png

 



It's Open Enrollment period - don't miss your chance to get covered!

Between now and December 15th, Wisconsinites will be able to choose and enroll for the health coverage of their choice during the healthcare.gov 2020 open enrollment period. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services provides information about Medicaid, Medicare, and employer-provided coverage to help ease the selection process, and can assist in finding the plan that is the most affordable and appropriate for your situation. In addition to the guides provided online, there are resources available through 211 over both phone and text messages.

 

open-enrollment-email-signature-360x132.png

 


Deer Hunting Season Begins November 23

If you are a deer hunter, you probably already have your calendar marked for the gun deer hunting season of November 23 to December 1. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has shared additional resources for your planning this year. A hunting license may be purchased online, and needs to be kept with you while hunting at all times. The Department of Natural Resources is promoting a free online tree stand safety course, and encourages hunters to have a plan on how to dispose of the deer carcass before going out to hunt. Proper disposal of carcasses helps prevent the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease. Click here to learn more about effective and practical ways to dispose of deer carcasses. Be safe and enjoy the hunt!

 


 
Join a statewide winter clothing donation campaign

Explore La Crosse will be once again taking part in the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Big Bundle Up Campaign. The Big Bundle Up campaign has collected 155,893 warm winter items in its nine years of existence.

Explore La Crosse is accepting new and gently used hats, mittens, scarves, and jackets. Adult items will be taken to the warming shelter, while children’s items will go to the Family and Children’s Center. Donations can be made at the Visitor Center in Riverside Park (410 E Veterans Memorial Drive), or the Wisconsin Welcome Center on French Island (2258 Lakeshore Drive) from now until November 25.

 

111519 big bundle up.jpg

 



Rep. Billings in La Crosse and Madison

 

IMG_5349.jpg

 

A new exhibit in the State Capitol recognizes the bravery and sacrifice of Wisconsin women veterans. I attended the unveiling held by Governor Tony Evers and Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs' Secretary Mary Kolar.

 

111519 veterans day.jpg
111519 veterans day 2.jpg

I had the honor of speaking at the Veteran's Day assembly at La Crosse Logan High School along with Senator Jennifer Shilling and Representative Ron Kind. I also attended a breakfast at UW-La Crosse, where Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes and Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Mary Kolar spoke. It was wonderful to be able to thank and recognize all of those who served in our community.

111519 camp randall (2).jpg (1) 

 
Between hearings, I took a field trip to University of Wisconsin-Madison's Camp Randall Stadium with fellow legislators (Senator Testin and Representative Swearingen pictured above) to view a recently considered Building Commission project. Thanks to UW-Madison Athletics for hosting us, and to Coach Barry Alvarez for joining us as well!