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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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!
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