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(608)266-5780 | State Capitol, Room 307 West, P.O. Box 8953, Madison, WI 53708 | rep.billings@legis.wi.gov |
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COMMUNITY EVENTS:
Cameron Park Farmer’s
Market CONTACT ME:
State Capitol Phone:
(608) 266-5780
(888) 534-0095
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Friends and Neighbors,
This week, our state was dealt another blow in a series of economic failures. The nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau released a memo indicating that Wisconsin has experienced zero revenue growth since January of 2015.
Best Wishes, Jill Billings State Representative 95th Assembly District
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BUDGET UPDATE: JOINT FINANCE EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
For the past few weeks, the Joint Committee on Finance has held executive sessions to amend the state budget. A few notable changes have been made to the budget in recent weeks.
Click here to see a full list on policy items removed from the budget. This week, JFC members voted against Gov. Walker’s proposal to change the UW System into an "independent authority." I am happy to see that members of the Joint Committee on Finance have prioritized economic policymaking by removing these unnecessary provisions from the budget. However, there is still more work to be done on the budget if we want to close the $2.2 billion budget hole in our state. In the upcoming weeks, the Joint Committee on Finance will hold executive sessions to vote on highly divisive proposals such as the cut to the UW System, cuts to public schools and SeniorCare, and the elimination of the Stewardship program. See future newsletters for additional updates on the progress of the budget.
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BUDGET ITEM FEATURE: RECYCLING PROGRAM CUTS
Environmental conservation is an extremely important issue for Wisconsin residents, as our conservation programs have helped immensely to preserve our abundant natural resources over the years.
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NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK
This week, May 2-10, is National Travel and Tourism Week! National Travel and Tourism Week is an annual tradition that was established by a congressional resolution in 1983 and first celebrated the following year. This nationwide week of events serves to champion the power of the tourism industry. A wide cross section of travel and tourism professionals work throughout the week to promote the impactful contributions of their markets and organizations to the U.S. economy.
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LONG TERM CARE LISTENING SESSION DRAWS CONCERNED COMMUNITY MEMBERS
On Monday I hosted a legislative listening session in La Crosse with Senator Jennifer Shilling, focused on budget changes to SeniorCare, Long Term Care, IRIS, and Aging and Disability Resource Centers. Over 60 people attended the listening session, along with Tim Garrity from Western Wisconsin Cares, Audra Martine from the ADRC, Kathie Knoble-Iverson from Independent Living Resources, and other experts on long term care and aging.
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PREVAILING WAGE UPDATE
Legislators float idea to harm Wisconsin's middle class and small businesses On Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Labor and Government Affairs met to discuss the controversial repeal of prevailing wage laws.
I will continue to keep you updated on this legislation as it continues
through the legislative process. |
EARTH DAY SOCIAL MEDIA
On Earth Day, I posted a graphic on my Facebook page noting the differences between environmental conservation when Earth Day was founded, and conservation policies today. The post reached over 100,000 people! I am thrilled to see that my Wisconsin neighbors are standing up for environmental conservation in our state. Thanks to all who are standing up for our valuable conservation programs! To "like" Jill Billings' page on Facebook, CLICK HERE.
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