It has been another busy month in La Crosse and Madison. From participating in several committee meetings and a floor session in Madison to attending Oktoberfest after a year off, September was eventful. I especially enjoyed participating in many of the beloved Oktoberfest traditions, visiting with community members, and seeing many of our La Crosse businesses flourish over the past week. Some of my favorite Oktoberfest traditions are visits with the new Fest Family members, breakfast at the American Legion’s “Slicing of the Giant Brat”, and of course, the Torchlight and Maple Leaf parades.
In Madison, my office received copies of the 2021-22 Wisconsin Blue Book. The Blue Books are the most up-to-date resource for information about state government, elected and appointed state leaders, and statewide statistical data. If you are a constituent and wish to add a 2021-22 Blue Book to your personal collection, you can request a free copy from my office by clicking here. Due to limited quantities, if you are not a constituent of the 95th Assembly District, please request a blue book from your elected official. You can find their name and contact information here.
Please continue reading for more information on my recent bill introduction, redistricting efforts, a PFAS update, and more. As always, please let me know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns by calling (608) 266-5780 or emailing me at Rep.Billings@legis.wi.gov.
Best Wishes,
Jill Billings State Representative 95th Assembly District
Authored Safe Harbor Legislation Receives Senate Public Hearing
Earlier this year, I reintroduced my bipartisan Safe Harbor for Trafficked Youth Legislation, Assembly Bill 185 (AB 185), and its companion Senate Bill 245 (SB 245) along with Senators Darling (R - River Hills) and Johnson (D - Milwaukee) and Representative Kitchens (R - Sturgeon Bay). The legislation – if passed – would prevent minors from being prosecuted for prostitution, and would recognize children who are groomed into providing sexual services as victims of human trafficking, not criminals. SB 245 received a public hearing in the State Senate, the bill now awaits executive action by the committee and a public hearing in the State Assembly.
I am hopeful for the bill’s success due to its common sense provisions and its broad bi-partisan support – it is time for Wisconsin to update our approach to combating human trafficking and to change this outdated law.
Legislative Republicans Support Measures to Ensure Gerrymandered Maps Exist for another Decade
Last week, the Republican-controlled State Legislature adopted Senate Joint Resolution 63 in an attempt to ensure the gerrymandered maps that we currently govern under exist for another decade. SJR 63 continues to allow the majority party to choose their voters, rather than voters choosing their elected officials. My colleagues and I offered several amendments to improve this resolution and encourage a fair map drawing process in Wisconsin. Unfortunately, all amendments failed to be included on a party line vote; therefore, I voted against AJR 80/SJR 63 as originally proposed by Legislative Republicans.
The people of Wisconsin have made it clear they want fair maps, but Republicans are again trying to “rig” the maps so they can hold onto power. Please know that I will continue fighting for a fair and transparent map drawing process. In fact, the People’s Maps Commission released their draft proposals late last week. They are again accepting public comments on the draft legislative and congressional maps. The comments will be used to arrive at a final map in the near future.
AG Kaul Leads Coalition in Support of EPA’s proposal to include PFAS as a class in the Contaminant
Recently, Attorney General Josh Kaul took important steps towards addressing PFAS contamination—an issue that many in our community know too well. AG Kaul, as part of a 14-state coalition in addition to the District of Columbia, submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supporting the agency’s proposal to include PFAS as a class in the Contaminant Candidate List (CCL) 5. Listing PFAS as a class in the CCL 5 is the first step to gather national data regarding PFAS presence in drinking water supplies and to consider the regulation of PFAS as a class in drinking water. By taking these necessary steps to establish federal drinking water standards for PFAS, we can help ensure that in the future our drinking water is safe from these contaminants.
Bipartisan Taiwan Friendship Caucus Kicked-Off in September
I am proud to serve as a Co-Chair of the bipartisan Taiwan Friendship Caucus. It was an honor to welcome Ambassador Bi-Khim Hsiao to the State Capitol last week. During the Ambassador’s recent visit, she highlighted the importance of a close economic and trade partnership between Taiwan and Wisconsin. I look forward to further strengthening our state’s relationship with Taiwan and continue supporting Taiwan’s commitment to democracy, freedom, and human rights.
Rep. Billings in La Crosse and Madison
It was great visiting with Mrs. Oktoberfest, Ilene Kernozek, and her husband Tom, the new Mr. O.
During an informational hearing in the Assembly Substance Abuse Committee, I listened to a variety of experts share their experience and knowledge on treating substance use disorders.
