During my last few Marsh walks, I've noticed this beauty hanging out at Myrick Park searching for prey. I hope you can get outside and also enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend.
As many of you know and have written to me about, the Legislature has been busy these past few weeks as new redistricting maps have been introduced and debated. Every ten years the United States conducts a census and the data collected is used to draw the lines of state legislative districts and reapportion the seats each State holds in Congress. On October 20, Republicans put forth their proposed legislative and congressional maps that reflect the new census data and population changes. Despite overwhelming support from Wisconsinites over the past ten years for a transparent, fair, and nonpartisan map drawing process, Republicans ignored the will of the electorate and proposed gerrymandered maps 2.0.
The Republican maps, Senate Bill 621 and Senate Bill 622 were recommended for passage by the Senate Committee on Government Operations, Legal Review and Consumer Protection with all Democratic members from the committee voting no. The Assembly Committee on State Affairs will be voting on the maps on Monday. In the nine-hour hearing, no members of the public spoke in favor of the maps included in the bill other than the bill’s authors. The maps will likely be voted upon by the full State Legislature on Thursday, November 11. I will be voting against these maps because my constituents and the majority of Wisconsinites have voiced their concerns with the current process and expressed their support for a nonpartisan redistricting process.
Please continue reading for more information on several local La Crosse events and awards and details on this year’s flu shot. 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
Officer Joel Mill Honored with First Responder of the Year Award
On October 26, the Wisconsin State Assembly recognized October 2021 as First Responders Appreciation Month by honoring first responders across Wisconsin with a Hometown Hero Award. I had the honor of selecting Officer Joel Miller from the City of La Crosse's Police Department as the 95th Assembly District's First Responder of the Year. Officer Miller has served the City of La Crosse since 2006, and has served as one of the La Crosse Police Department’s first Neighborhood Resource Officers, the first Victims Services Officer, and the first Community Resource Officer. Our community is grateful for Officer Miller's service and dedication to the betterment of our community.
Local Business Owner Receives Recognition for Hiring Job Seekers with Varying Abilities
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and every October the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) honor businesses that have worked with service providers and hired job seekers with varying abilities.
Taco John’s of La Crosse, owned by Jeff and Karla Fennie, received an award from the DVR and DWD for its commitment to hiring employees with varying abilities. Taco John’s is one of only 23 businesses in the state that were recognized this year. I am fortunate to have known Jeff and Karla Fennie for almost 25 years, and I know this award is well-deserved. Jeff has a long, successful history of hiring people of differing abilities.
Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Amundson Listens to Child Care Struggles in La Crosse
I organized a visit to La Crosse with DCF Secretary Amundson and State Senator Brad Pfaff. The Secretary, Senator, and I participated in a child care workforce listening session at the La Crosse Chamber of Commerce and a child care roundtable hosted by The Parenting Place in La Crosse.
I recognize that many families in La Crosse struggle with finding quality, accessible and affordable health care, and I am committed to helping address this infrastructure need. I am currently in the process of drafting a bipartisan proposal for a Legislative Council summer study committee on child care needs in Wisconsin.
(Dani Smith, WXOW)
Prepare for Cold and Flu Season by Getting your Flu Shots
Cold and Flu season is here, and the best way to protect yourself and those around you is by getting a flu shot. Flu shots are available during most general health appointments, but flu clinics are also available in our community. Please visit Gundersen Health System’s flu page and Mayo Clinic Health System’s flu page for more details on clinic locations and times. Some specifics are below:
Gundersen Health System, Monday-Friday until November 24.
La Crosse Clinic (Imaging Services, Level One)
Onalaska Clinic (Level 4)
Mayo Clinic Health System, Tuesday-Thursday until November 11.
For more information about the flu shot and keeping yourself healthy against the flu virus, please visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) webpage or watch the following video prepared by DHS’ influenza and immunization experts.
Request your Blue Book Today!
My office still has 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.
Rep. Billings in Madison and La Crosse
My Democratic colleagues and I held a press conference prior to an Assembly Floor Session on October 27.
It was a pleasure to visit with La Crosse City Council Member Chris Kahlow and her extended family members during a floor session in Madison. Former Representative Robert Goetsch, Chris’s late Uncle, was honored with an Assembly Resolution for his work and achievements.
