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(608)266-5780 | State Capitol, Room 307 West, P.O. Box 8953, Madison, WI 53708 | rep.billings@legis.wi.gov

COMMUNITY EVENTS:

The Little Mermaid

March 9 &10 @ 7 p.m.

March 11 @ p.m.

Logan Middle School

(MAP)

 

Voter Registration

March 13 & 14

9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

La Crosse Main Branch Library

(MAP)

 

Logan Spring Craft Fair

March 17

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Logan High School

(MAP)

 

The Hmong Education Project

March 19

4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Hmoob Cultural and Community Agency

(MAP)

 

 

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 Assembly legislative session is now technically over, although we are hearing that Republican leadership may call us in for one or two more days this month. Whether we are back on the floor this session will largely depend on the bills that are passed in the Senate. This means that the majority of bills that are currently sitting in committee will not be voted out before the session's end and will have to be reintroduced next year. I know this is certainly frustrating for those of you who have been advocating on behalf of bills the entire session. I have heard from constituents who have lobbied in favor of issues as varied as paid family leave and fair funding for our schools to gun reform and fixing our roads and bridges. I have appreciated hearing from every single one of you -- whether through contact to my office or a meeting in La Crosse -- and I hope you will continue to talk to me about the issues you are passionate about despite the end of the regular legislative session.

 

With the session over, I am looking forward to being able to spend more time in La Crosse. As the weather slowly warms up, I hope that I will see many of you around town.


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

Please continue reading for more detailed information on the happenings locally and statewide.

 

Best Wishes,



Jill Billings
State Representative
95th Assembly District

 

 

 

International Women's Day

Happy Women's History month to all! March 8 was International Women's Day, and the entire month of March is dedicated to celebrating women's history: women leaders, inventors and advocates for equality. The 95th District is served by an office of women, all working hard to make sure the voices of the people of La Crosse are heard in the Capitol. Please feel free to reach out to us whenever we can be of assistance.

 

 

 

Tax Deductions Raised for College Savings Contributions


Edvest and Tomorrow's Scholar accounts have a new deductible taxable income. These 529 plans, which allow investment toward the finances of future college students, now have a raised Wisconsin state tax deduction for 2018. This means that any contributions made by plan participants during the 2018 tax year will be eligible for an income tax deduction of $3,200. This means that, for the 2017 tax year and your upcoming tax filing, any contributions made until April 17, 2018 are eligible for a reduction in taxable income of up to $3,140.


The great thing about these programs is that any Wisconsin resident can make a contribution and reduce their state taxable income, no matter whether they are a grandparent, cousin, aunt, uncle, or sibling of a future college student. If you haven't set up an account for your child or loved one, it is fast and easy to do so. You can even qualify for the $3,140 reduction in taxable income if you sign up and being contributing today.


Both Edvest and Tomorrow's Scholar are 529 savings plans, and the contributions made to the account can be used at any accredited university, college, technical college or professional school in the county. The funds can be used for an assortment of costs associated with school, including room and board, computers, tuition and supplies. You can manage the account by mail or online.
 

 
 

Student Art in the Capitol

I am always amazed by the talent that comes out of our schools in La Crosse. One of my favorite displays in the Capitol every year is the exhibition of student art from around the state. This year, the art of La Crosse students, ranging from elementary school to high school, is prominently featured. Thank you, students and teachers, for brightening the Capitol with your wonderful art!

 

 

 

Couleecap Offers Home Rehabilitation


The Couleecap Home Rehabilitation Program assists low- and moderate-income homeowners with repairs that are needed to make their homes safe, sanitary, and energy efficient. We serve residents of Crawford, La Crosse, Monroe, and Vernon counties. Most funds are offered as 0% interest deferred loans that do not need to be paid back until the home is sold, refinanced or no longer the owners' primary residence. There are no monthly payments on these loans. Couleecap also offers smaller, 5-year forgivable grants for home repairs. The Couleecap staff will work with each homeowner to determine whether they qualify for a grant or a loan and decide what funds would best serve the homeowners' needs.

Examples of repairs may include roofing, windows, siding, plumbing work, electrical upgrades, HVAC work, lead remediation, foundation issues, and accessibility modifications to help keep people in their homes. This is not a complete list and the work we can do will vary greatly depending on the needs of the home and homeowner. If you or someone that you know may be in need of some home rehab assistance and would like an application, please contact Taylor at 608-796-9062 or Taylor.LeJeune@couleecap.org. Applications are also available on our website at www.couleecap.org

 
 

 

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