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2022
| Date Released | Title | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 1/21/2022 | JONline: January 21 | I hope that everyone is having a great start to 2022! Unfortunately, the Omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc across our state. Cases and hospitalizations are both at an all-time high. We have the tools to protect ourselves. Get yourself vaccinated and boosted, wear a mask... |
2021
| Date Released | Title | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 12/10/2021 | JONline - December 10 | In case you missed it, earlier this week I announced my decision to not seek re-election to the State Senate in 2022. Representing the 27th Senate District has truly been an honor and I have been humbled by those who have placed their trust in me to represent their values in the legislature for... |
| 12/3/2021 | JONline - December 3 | I hope everyone had a fun and safe Thanksgiving celebrating with friends and family last week. It's hard to believe it's already December but that means we are officially in the holiday season and it's time to enjoy fun winter activities. If you're a fan of holiday lights, check out these 10-must... |
| 11/19/2021 | JONline - November 19 | This weekend marks the beginning of a storied tradition here in Wisconsin, the opening of the gun deer hunting season! Hunters all across the state are preparing for the 170th nine-day gun deer season. |
| 11/12/2021 | JONline - November 12 | In a disappointing and unsurprising move this week, Republicans brought their gerrymandered maps up for a vote before the full Senate. These maps are based on the heavily gerrymandered maps Republicans created in secrecy ten years ago and insulate Republicans from being held accountable from voters. |
| 11/5/2021 | JONline - November 5 | I hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween. This fall seems to be flying by. Thanksgiving will be here before we know it! |
| 11/5/2021 | JONline - November 5 | I hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween. This fall seems to be flying by. Thanksgiving will be here before we know it! This update has a lot of helpful information to keep you up-to-date including: |
| 10/29/2021 | JONline - October 29 | It was another controversial week in the Legislature as Republicans continue to insult the clerks, election administrators, our Wisconsin National Guard, and those who volunteered their time, by doubling down on their sham investigation. Wisconsin had a safe, secure, free election, and that has... |
| 10/22/2021 | JONline - October 22 | It was a bit of a controversial week around the Legislature. Instead of taking up a group of bills designed to disrupt Wisconsin’s glaring inequities in maternal and child health, collectively called the Birth Equity Act, Republicans chose to bring up legislation that instead restricts women’s... |
| 10/15/2021 | JONline - October 15 | I hope everyone has been enjoying the beautiful fall weather and have been able to visit a local apple orchard or pumpkin patch. Remember, a fall trip or activity isn't too far away when you're in Wisconsin. Travel Wisconsin is your best tool to finding your next adventure! |
| 10/1/2021 | JONline - October 1 | Happy first day of October! Hopefully the Brewers can keep their momentum going over the next few days. In case you missed it this week, in another attempt to consolidate power and prevent voters from having a choice in the democratic process, Republicans introduced a proposal that would eliminate.. |
| 9/24/2021 | JONline - September 24 | It's officially fall! With cooler temps and changing leaves, now is a good reminder to make sure you get your flu shot. If you're looking for a fun activity this weekend, stop by New Glarus for their Oktoberfest celebrations. In some other fun news, Gov. Tony Evers has proclaimed Saturday... |
| 9/17/2021 | JONline - September 17 | I hope you have been enjoying the fall temps as much as I have these last few days. Fall in Wisconsin can't be beat but it's been particularly fun having college and professional football back. Let's hope the Packers can turn it around for their next game on Monday against the Lions. |
| 9/10/2021 | JONline - September 10 | I hope everyone had a nice holiday weekend with friends and family. With cooler temps and students back to school, it's definitely starting to feel like fall! If you love the fall foliage don't forget to check out Wisconsin Tourism's Fall Color Report to see where the colors are popping in the... |
| 9/3/2021 | JONline - September 3 | This summer has flown by so fast! I hope everyone has a safe and fun Labor Day weekend and good luck to all of the students and teachers as they kick off a new school year... |
| 8/27/2021 | JONline - August 27 | It's been another frustrating week for Wisconsin finances as Republicans continue to use taxpayer money as their own personal piggy bank. It was revealed that Republicans are spending $680,000 on a frivolous and ridiculous investigation into the 2020 election. That's nine times more than the... |
| 8/20/2021 | JONline - August 20 | I hope you're enjoying the last few weeks of summer. In case you missed it, this week Republicans passed a proposal that would allow Speaker Vos and Senate Majority Leader LeMahieu to hire attorneys - on the taxpayers dime - to intervene in a redistricting lawsuit... |
| 8/13/2021 | JONline - August 13 | It's been a challenging week with extreme heat and severe storms and flooding throughout the state. If your property suffered any damage this week, make sure to check out these tips from the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance to avoid scams... |
| 8/6/2021 | JONline - August 6 | Summer sure is flying by! I hope you have enjoyed watching the Summer Olympics as much as I have the last two weeks. It's been great to see athletes from Wisconsin perform including Kenny Bednarek from Rice Lake who took home the silver in the 200-meter dash.... |
| 7/30/2021 | JONline - July 30 | This week, Governor Evers called for a special session to invest more than $500 million in readily available state resources to do what's best for our kids. Unfortunately and unsurprisingly, Republicans gaveled out of the special session and turned their backs on Wisconsin schools and students... |
| 7/23/2021 | JONline - July 23 | What an exciting week for Wisconsin, GO BUCKS GO! This is certainly an historical moment that brought people together and I hope everyone was able to celebrate this week. To honor this moment, Governor Evers even proclaimed June 22 as "Bucks in Six" Day across the state... |
| 7/16/2021 | JONline - July 16 | In case you missed it, last week Governor Evers signed the 2021-2023 Biennial Budget and was able to direct an additional $100 million in federal funds to Wisconsin schools. |
| 7/2/2021 | JONline - July 2 | The Senate and Assembly were both in session this week to vote on the 2021-2023 Biennial Budget. The Republican budget that we voted on falls short of what is needed to ensure a prosperous economic bounce-back. Governor Evers' influence over the process has put critical issues at the forefront... |
| 6/25/2021 | JONline - June 25 | The Senate was in session this week and took up fairly non-controversial bills. Among the bills the Senate took up this week was one that would delay the redistricting process so that our rigged maps would stay in place for the next election in 2022. This is part of a series of bills the GOP has... |
| 6/18/2021 | JONline - June 18 | The Joint Committee on Finance met twice this week and took final action on the Departments of Health Services, Children and Families, Insurance Commission, Public Service Commission, and Revenue... |
| 6/12/2021 | JONline - June 11 | The Joint Committee on Finance met twice this week and took action on the Departments of Natural Resources, Transportation, Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protections, and Safety and Professional Services, Building Commission and Building Program... |
| 6/4/2021 | JONline - June 4 | Don't forget, this weekend is free fun weekend where park admission fees, fishing licenses and trail passes will be waived for Wisconsinites! You can read more information below but make sure to take advantage of the nice weather this weekend and find your next adventure... |
| 5/28/2021 | JONline - May 28 | I hope everyone has a safe holiday weekend and takes a moment to remember and honor the individuals that sacrificed their lives in service to our country. |
| 5/21/2021 | JONline - May 21 | The Joint Committee on Finance met this week and once again took action on a handful of less controversial agencies including the Departments of Administration and Tourism. |
| 5/14/2021 | JONline - May 14 | The Joint Committee on Finance met this week and took action on a handful of the less controversial agencies. I know it sometimes seems like these updates can come off as finger pointing, but when something happens in the Capitol people deserve to know it and how it happened... |
| 4/29/2021 | JONline - April 29 | Over the last few weeks, the Joint Finance Committee traveled across the state (including one virtual option) to hear public testimony on Governor Evers' budget proposal. |
| 4/16/2021 | JONline - April 16 | It was a busy week of meeting virtually with various constituent lobby groups and both the Assembly and Senate being in session. Unfortunately, rather than focusing on issues to help our state bounce back from the pandemic, Republicans focused on proposals that are so they bad they likely will be... |
| 4/9/2021 | JONline - April 9 | I hope you had a nice and safe Easter celebration. It was a busy week as the Joint Finance Committee convened to hear briefings from the Departments of Instruction, Workforce Development, Natural Resources, and the Public Service Commission on their priorities in the budget. It was very insightful.. |
| 4/2/2021 | JONline - April 2 | Happy April! This has been a busy week with lots of breaking news regarding vaccines, the latest Wisconsin Supreme Court decision, and more on American Rescue Act funding for our state. .. |
| 3/26/2021 | JONline - March 26, 2021 | In case you missed it, Gov. Evers announced he will be hosting a series of virtual Badger Bounceback Live Sessions that will provide opportunities for Wisconsinites to discuss, provide feedback, and share personal stories on the governor’s Badger Bounceback agenda and how it impacts them, their... |
| 3/19/2021 | JONline - March 19 | In case you missed it, Gov. Evers announced he will be hosting a series of virtual Badger Bounceback Live Sessions that will provide opportunities for Wisconsinites to discuss, provide feedback, and share personal stories on the governor’s Badger Bounceback agenda and how it impacts them, their... |
| 3/12/2021 | JONline - March 12 | Another week, and another piece of Republican legislation trying to consolidate more power. Almost two years later, and they still can't seem to accept the election results of our democratically elected Governor. While Republicans took a ten month vacation, Governor Evers' worked diligently and... |
| 3/5/2021 | JONline - March 5, 2021 | We're coming up on the one year anniversary mark of this pandemic and our communities, small businesses, and families are still grappling with the fallout. Rather than focusing on the Governor's budget and policies to help everyone bounce back, Republicans this week to regulate fire alarm testing... |
| 2/26/2021 | JONline - February 26, 2021 | With these warm temps you can feel that spring is right around the corner! While communities continue to grapple with the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, Republicans this week introduced introduced legislation to make it harder to vote. Wisconsinites deserve better than the misplaced priorities... |
| 2/19/2021 | JONline - February 19, 2021 | It sure was a busy week in the legislature. The Senate was in session and special session, the Joint Finance Committee met, and Governor Evers announced the 2021-2023 biennial budget - the Bounceback Budget. This budget is exactly what our state needs to bounce back and... |
| 2/12/2021 | JONline - February 12, 2021 | It's been bit chilly the past week but hopefully warmer temps are just around the corner. I hope everyone has a safe and cozy Valentine's Day weekend! This update includes how to stay up to date on vaccine information, FAFSA guidance, and an upcoming Dane County public meeting notice. |
| 2/6/2021 | JONline - February 5 | The groundhog wasn't kidding when he signaled there would be six more weeks of winter! Be prepared for arctic temperatures and negative wind-chill over the next few days. Bundle up and limit your travel if you're able. This update includes info on vaccines from health care providers, the Spring... |
| 1/15/2021 | JONline - January 15 | The 2021-2022 Legislative Session is officially underway! I am eager to roll up my sleeves and get to work to pass legislation that can help our state successfully navigate through this public health crisis... |
2020
| Date Released | Title | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 12/22/2020 | JONline - December 22 | This week, people across Wisconsin will celebrate Christmas. I want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas, a Joyful Kwanzaa and Happy New Year. I know that our celebrations may look a little bit different this year in order to keep our family, friends, and communities safe, but... |
| 12/18/2020 | JONline - December 18 | This is the season of giving and I want to join so many of our friends and neighbors in thanking those who have given, sacrificed and accomplished so much this year. From the nurses and doctors and aides and all of our heroic health care workers, to the scientists – many right here at home... |
| 12/11/2020 | JONline - December 11 | This week we had several reminders that we get nothing done when we don’t work together. Wisconsin loses its federal funding on December 30th and instead of coming together to pass a bill to help their constituents, Republicans were more concerned about Christmas decorations. |
| 12/3/2020 | JONline - December 3 | This week we learned that Senate Republicans don’t feel the need to come back to work to address the COVID-19 crisis here in Wisconsin. We also saw a divisive plan from Speaker Vos in the Assembly-one that would put politicians in charge of who gets a vaccine, hamper local government and public... |
| 11/23/2020 | JONline - November 23 | Our Thanksgiving holiday might look a little different this year, but this week as I take time to reflect, there are some folks I’d like to recognize. First, I’d like to thank all the health care workers and others on the front line of this pandemic. |
| 11/13/2020 | JONline - November 13 | I know I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but this week Wisconsin’s COVID-19 data was pretty grim. With the election in the rear-view mirror, Governor Evers took the opportunity to address the people of Wisconsin directly, to implore them to stay home and stop the spread of this virus. |
| 11/6/2020 | JONline - November 6 | While the final results nationally are not yet known at the time of this writing, there is one thing we know for sure-poll workers, local clerks and our state election officials did an outstanding job! Thank you to everyone who sought the opportunity of public service Tuesday, congratulations to... |
| 10/30/2020 | JONline - October 30 | As I write to you today, we have five short days until the election. Many people in the 27th Senate District have requested absentee ballots, but have not yet returned them. Please DO NOT put them in the mail. If you put the ballot in the mail today, there is a risk that it will not be received... |
| 10/23/2020 | JONline - October 23 | Last week the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation announced that FoxConn, a project I have not been shy about opposing, had not met the requirements necessary to receive the tax credits promised by the Walker Administration. Sadly, what has obviously turned out to be nothing but an attempt... |
| 10/16/2020 | JONline - October 16 | Today, the Department of Health Services and the Department of Corrections announced a change in policy that I have been working on with advocates for years. ... |
| 10/9/2020 | JONline - October 9 | Today, members of the Senate Democratic caucus wrote a letter to the Republican leadership compelling them to come to the table and help their constituents in the face of a global pandemic. We offered them real proposals to debate-and pass-and we are asking them to show up for work just as people... |
| 10/2/2020 | JONline - October 2 | Wisconsin has hit a critical point in our battle against COVID-19. This week we learned that cases are rising, and not just among the college kids on campus. We have real, substantial community spread among all age groups. Hospitals are at or near capacity in some areas of the state, and we... |
| 9/25/2020 | JONline - September 25 | So much has happened this week it’s hard to know where to begin this E-newsletter, but let’s start with an update on where Wisconsin stands on COVID. Gov. Evers announced a new public health emergency regarding the outbreaks we are seeing in a number of rural counties and near campuses across our... |
| 9/17/2020 | JONline - September 17 | Everyone should have access to high quality affordable health care, especially during a global pandemic. This week, Governor Evers, Department of Health Services Secretary-Designee Andrea Palm, and Commissioner of Insurance Mark Afable announced that due to the FEMA declaration of a national... |
| 9/11/2020 | JONline - September 11 | Governor Evers has proclaimed September as Suicide Prevention Month. Wisconsin's suicide rate increased by 40% from 2000-2017. In 2019, 850 Wisconsin residents died by suicide. Everyone can take action to prevent suicide. This month is a time to educate ourselves further on not just the risks... |
| 9/4/2020 | JONline - September 4 | The Wisconsin Legislature must rise to meet this moment. In March, Breonna Taylor was killed while officers executed a no-knock warrant on her home. In May, George Floyd was killed after being arrested by the Minneapolis Police. On August 23rd, a Kenosha Police Officer fired seven shots at Jacob... |
| 8/28/2020 | JONline - August 28 | This week Wisconsin was in the national spotlight because Jacob Blake was shot by a police officer in Kenosha. In response, Governor Evers renewed his call for the Legislature to act upon the bipartisan police reform and accountability measures he offered in June... |
| 8/20/2020 | JONline - August 20 | 100 years ago this week, Tennessee became the last state needed to ratify the 19th Amendment. Here in Wisconsin, we are proud to have been one of the first states to uphold the amendment; however we must remember during this celebration that not ALL women were allowed to vote. Women of color... |
| 8/14/2020 | JONline - August 14 | Wisconsin Fall 2020 Partisan Primary elections were held August 11, 2020. With 598,459 people voting by absentee ballots, Wisconsin is proving that voting by mail is effective and safe. |
| 8/7/2020 | JONline - August 7 | Last week, Governor Evers announced a statewide mask mandate. The pandemic impacts the public health and our communities, in addition to the economy. We are experiencing significant community spread of COVID-19. Wisconsin has lost 978 people to this virus to date. |
| 7/17/2020 | JONline - July 16 | This week, I joined by Democratic colleagues in introducing the Unemployment Insurance Relief Package. |
| 7/10/2020 | JONline - July 10 | This week, Governor Evers announced the official application and selection process for The People’s Maps Commission, the nonpartisan redistricting commission to draw fair, impartial maps following the 2020 U.S. Census. |
| 7/3/2020 | JONline - July 3 | This week I introduced the Healthcare Heroes Act, along with Representative Vining...Since the pandemic began we have been applauding the hard work, dedication and sacrifice of frontline health care workers. We have also been hearing about the day to day reality of what it’s like for them to go... |
| 6/26/2020 | JONline - June 26 | In the middle of a global pandemic, the Trump administration is calling on the Supreme Court to dismantle the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which could cause over 20 million Americans to lose their insurance, including around 224,000 Wisconsinites. Additionally, it would kick those under the age of... |
| 6/19/2020 | JONline - Juneteenth | Today marks the 155th Anniversary of Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the enslaved being freed in the United States. |
| 6/12/2020 | JONline - June 12 | Governor Evers declared June 12, Women Veterans Day. This commemorates the 72nd anniversary of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act, which enabled women to served in all branches of the military as permanent and regular members... |
| 6/5/2020 | JONline - June 5 | While many are feeling the pressure of a global pandemic, for many Americans there is another virus that has been running through the veins of our society for centuries - racism... |
| 5/29/2020 | JONline - May 29 | In December 2014, an audit was performed on the Wisconsin Unemployment System. The audit found that in FY 2013-2014, 1.7 million calls to the call centers, which was 60.2% of the total calls, were blocked because the queue was full. The audit showed significant issues and vulnerabilities... |
| 5/22/2020 | JONline - May 22 | Monday is Memorial Day. On Monday and everyday, let us remember and honor those who gave their lives for our country. You can learn more about how Wisconsinites are commemorating Memorial Day, including a virtual ceremony, by visiting the Wisconsin Veterans Museum's site... |
| 5/15/2020 | JONline - May 15 | On May 13, 2020 the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled against the Safer at Home order effective immediately, requiring the Department of Health Services to go through the rulemaking process to be able to respond to a pandemic. |
| 5/8/2020 | JONline - May 8 | This week, DWD reported that the state missed out on $25 million in federal funding to cover unemployment claims, because Republicans delayed suspending the onerous one-week waiting period the GOP imposed on Wisconsinites who work for a living... |
| 5/1/2020 | JONline - May 1 | Happy May Day! State Parks are now open! On May 1, 34 State Parks and Forests re-opened with special conditions, after previously being closed due to concerns over COVID-19, littering and vandalism... |
| 4/24/2020 | JONline - April 24 | I hope everyone is staying healthy and safe during these difficult times. Safer at home is working, and that is because people are doing their part by staying home and following DHS and CDC guidelines... |
| 4/17/2020 | JONline - April 17 | On April 16, the Safer at Home Order was extended until Tuesday, May 26, 2020 or until a superseding order is issued. We all hope it will not have to be left in place that long. |
| 4/11/2020 | JONline - April 10 | Gov. Tony Evers announced that the state is seeking volunteers to support Wisconsin's healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic. Active and retired healthcare professionals and those who wish to help in non-clinical support positions are encouraged to sign up to volunteer through... |
| 4/3/2020 | JONline - April 3 | This week, Senator Jennifer Shilling announced that she will not be seeking re-election. Senator Shilling is an amazing talent and has worked tirelessly for our caucus and our state. |
| 3/27/2020 | JONline - March 27 | This week, Senator Fred Risser announced his retirement after serving as a Wisconsin State Legislator for 64 years. He is the longest serving state or national legislator in the nation's history. |
| 3/20/2020 | JONline - March 20 | The COVID-19 public health crisis needs to be taken seriously, and we all have an important role to play in mitigating the spread of the virus. While, COVID-19 has caused massive disruption to our state and our lives, Wisconsin is committed to protecting the health and well-being of everyone... |
| 3/13/2020 | JONline - March 13 | My district was hit hard by flooding, and we are still seeing communities dealing with the damage, and unfortunately, people all over Wisconsin are seeing the same thing... |
| 3/6/2020 | JONline - March 6 | Representative Chris Taylor (D-Madison) and Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-West Point) joined the Wisconsin Alliance for Women’s Health, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin, medical professionals, and other reproductive health advocates, to announce the introduction of the RESPECT Women Act... |
| 2/28/2020 | JONline - February 28 | How Partisan Gerrymandering Limits Access to Care |
| 2/21/2020 | JONline - February 21 | This week I was disappointed that Republicans refused to take up the Black History Month Resolution while the Senate was in session. Celebrating the achievements and contributions of African Americans and acknowledging the role that they played in U.S. history is critical and should not be partisan. |
| 2/14/2020 | JONline - February 14 | This week, the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) convened to take up funding requests and legislation. Among the majority of the bills that were taken up, water quality was the main theme... |
| 2/7/2020 | JONline - February 7 | This week I introduced several bills, including a bill to close the ghost gun loophole, a bill to limit the Manufacturing Tax Credit and put money into special education, and a bill to protect employees from unjust dismissal. |
| 1/31/2020 | JONline - January 31 | ...Vice President Pence and U.S. Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos.... came to Wisconsin to promote the School Choice Program. Unfortunately, the unreliable voucher program has cost taxpayers in the 27th District well over $3 million. Choice schools drain resources away from our public schools... |
| 1/24/2020 | JONline - January 24 | Governor Tony Evers delivered his second State of the State Address. After a both successful and trying year in 2019, Governor Evers was able to deliver on promises and move the needle on many of the issues that Wisconsinites care about... |
| 1/17/2020 | JONline - January 17 | My office was happy to host many organizations and constituents this week, including the Professional Firefighters Association, EMS workers, the Wisconsin Farmers Union, and the Wisconsin Dental Association. It is important to hear from organizations and constituents about their concerns and... |
| 1/10/2020 | JONline - January 10 | On January 1st, Illinois became the 11th state to legalize recreational cannabis. Yet, Wisconsin continues to lag behind, and prevent sick people from accessing the comprehensive medical care that they need. |
| 1/3/2020 | JONline - January 3 | Democrats want to tackle the tough issues, to strengthen our communities and ensure that Wisconsin is a place that people want to live, work, and raise a family. I believe in prioritizing the people of Wisconsin over political banter, and in 2019 important issues were pushed aside due to... |
2019
| Date Released | Title | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 12/6/2019 | JONline - December 6 | I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! With only a few weeks left in the year, there are many things that still need to be wrapped up here in the Capitol. Unfortunately, many of the issues and proposals that Wisconsinites wanted us to tackle this year did not get accomplished due to... |
| 11/22/2019 | JONline - November 22 | This week I was thrilled to attend two bill signings for proposals that I had introduced this year... |
| 11/15/2019 | JONline - November 15th | This week, Governor Tony Evers signed an Executive Order relating to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in State Government. Executive Order #59 directs all state agencies to develop and implement equity and inclusion action plans, directs the DOA to develop and provide mandatory equity and inclusion. |
| 11/8/2019 | JONline - November 8th | During session on Tuesday, and in the first time in modern Wisconsin history, Republicans rejected a highly qualified secretary, Secretary Pfaff from the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Throughout his life and since his nomination, he has proven himself... |
| 10/31/2019 | JONline - October 31st | It was a busy week here at the Capitol. The Joint Committee on Finance met on Thursday to consider funding requests from agencies (also known as 13.10 requests) as well as hold a public hearing and executive session on a variety of legislation... |
| 10/25/2019 | JONline - October 25th | This week's newsletter touches on a wide range of topics, from Governor Evers' executive order calling for a special session of the legislature in November, to how you can obtain a copy of the newest Wisconsin Blue Book, to safety tips you should know before you head out for trick-or-treating... |
| 10/18/2019 | JONline - October 18th | Governor Evers declared 2019 the Year of Clean Drinking Water, and we are beginning to see the benefits of this sentiment. This week, the Department of Natural Resources put out a report that 80% of Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers are healthy. I’m happy to see the commitment to clean water, but... |
| 10/11/2019 | JONline - October 11th | This week, the Senate was in session. We voted on various issues, including regulating hemp, criminalizing bestiality, allowing minors to operate stands without a permit, and processing sexual assault kits. |
| 10/4/2019 | JONline - October 4th | The Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) met this week. The Committee voted on releasing funds, with the requests including the Dairy Innovation Hub, the HOPELINE, and the University of Wisconsin System. Additionally the committee held an executive session and a public hearing... |
| 9/27/2019 | JONline - September 27th | Last week, I released a bipartisan bill to legalize medical cannabis. Each time we introduce this bill, more and more people around Wisconsin find that someone they know has turned to cannabis as a life-altering medical treatment. The public support is there, and we have a Governor who supports it.. |
| 9/13/2019 | JONline - September, Friday the 13th | We have had a busy couple of weeks in the Capitol, as Republicans on the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) failed to figure out how to abide by their own laws and as a result put millions of Wisconsin tax dollars at risk. Democrats are looking into ways that we can reverse the lame duck laws and... |
| 8/23/2019 | JONline - August 23, 2019 | This week, the Public Service Commission (PSC) announced their approval of the Cardinal-Hickory Creek Transmission Line. I am very thankful to all of the communities and advocacy groups that came out in opposition to this project, and I am disappointed and surprised by its approval. |
| 8/16/2019 | JONline - August 16, 2019 | This week, Democrats introduced legislation to require background checks for nearly all types of firearm purchases. |
| 8/9/2019 | JONline - August 9, 2019 | This week, I joined Governor Tony Evers to announce that Representative Daniel Riemer and I are giving Republicans another chance to do what is right, and expand Medicaid. |
| 7/26/2019 | JONline - July 26, 2019 | This week, the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) met to take up funding requests from agencies, also know as 13.10 requests. |
| 7/12/2019 | JONline - July 12, 2019 | "When the U.S. women’s soccer team won their fourth World Cup, fans erupted into the chant exclaiming “equal pay,” and that chant followed them back home, inspiring men, women, and children alike... |
| 6/28/2019 | JONline - June 28, 2019 | Wednesday, the GOP budget proposal was approved by the Senate with a 17-16 vote and is now on its way to Governor Tony Evers. Unfortunately, the GOP budget was incredibly disappointing compared to the People's Budget, and removed common-sense proposals and slashed investments in our communities. |
| 6/21/2019 | JONline - June 21, 2019 | Next week the State Senate is expected to take up the budget in session. Yesterday, Governor Tony Evers, along with Secretary-Designees and Legislative Democrats, stood in opposition to the Republican budget proposal. |
| 6/14/2019 | JONline - Summary of the JFC Budget Deliberations | Yesterday, the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) finished budget deliberations. The budget will now be sent to the Assembly and Senate for further action. The budget passed along party lines, with Republicans voting for, and Democrats voting against. |
| 5/10/2019 | JONline - May 10, 2019 | Yesterday, during the Joint Committee on Finance executive session, Republicans voted against Democrats’ motion to stop the removal of the Medicaid expansion proposal from budget deliberations which would have attracted $1.6 billion in federal dollars to the state... |
| 5/4/2019 | JONline - May 3, 2019 | In a memo released by the Co-Chairs of the Joint Finance Committee late Wednesday afternoon, Republicans announced that their first motion on the 2019-2021 state budget will discard 131 of Governor Evers’ budget proposals, including his popular and fiscally beneficial Medicaid expansion proposal... |
| 4/27/2019 | JONline - April 26, 2019 | Happy Arbor Day! For years our communities have been severely impacted by Republican policies that rolled back environmental protections. Earth Day was founded in 1970 by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson. Now with Governor Evers, we have an opportunity to work toward returning to the longstanding... |
| 4/19/2019 | JONline - April 18, 2019 | I have been thrilled to hear from constituents during our Joint Finance Committee Hearings. Residents showed up from around the state to voice their support and stories on the Governor's 2019-2021 State Budget... There is still one JFC budget hearing remaining, on April 24th... |
| 4/17/2019 | NOTICE - Join Senator Erpenbach for a Community Listening Session | Please consider attending one of my Community Listening Sessions on the 2019-21 State Biennial Budget on a date and at a location that is most convenient to you... |
| 4/6/2019 | JONline - April 5, 2019 | This week the Joint Committee on Finance held several agency briefings, including the Departments of Public Instruction, Transportation, Health Services, Workforce Development, Corrections, and Natural Resources. I was excited to hear from the new Secretary-Designees as they shared their support... |
| 3/29/2019 | JONline - March 29, 2019 | You know spring is in the air when March Madness is in full swing, and the Brewers won their first game! |
| 3/22/2019 | JONline - March 22, 2019 | This week the Republicans, in an unprecedented move, rejected the Governor’s 2019-2021 Capital Budget, a day after the Republicans on the Commission voted unanimously to support it. |
| 3/15/2019 | JONline - March 15, 2019 | With spring right around the corner, I am hopeful for warmer weather ahead, but we saw another chilly and rainy week here in Wisconsin. With flooding in communities across the state, it is important that everyone stays safe... |
| 3/8/2019 | JONline - March 8, 2019 | Happy International Women's Day! Governor Evers introduced his budget last week, and it is filled with progressive programs and investments to help move our state forward. |
| 2/22/2019 | JONline - February 22, 2019 | A big focus this week was Governor Evers' proposal to legalize marijuana for medical use, an issue that I have been working on since 2009. |
| 2/15/2019 | JONline - February 15, 2019 | On Wednesday the Senate was in session, and voted, along party lines, to pass both the Black History Month Resolution and the GOP Spending Bill. I joined all of my Democratic colleagues in voting “no” on each measure. |
| 2/8/2019 | JONline - February 8, 2019 | This week the Joint Committee on Finance met for the first time this session. We met to discuss a few items, including the disastrous GOP Tax Plan. Between the Republican’s Foxconn aspirations and a tax cut they cannot fund, they are already exceeding our expected budget before the process even... |
| 2/1/2019 | JONline - February 1, 2019 | It was an extremely cold week in Wisconsin, with dangerous wind chills and closures across the district. I hope everyone was able to stay safe and warm over the past few days and I am looking forward to warmer days ahead! |
| 1/25/2019 | JONline - January 25, 2019 | I am excited for the possibilities that come with the new session. Governor Evers, along with his administration, has put forth an agenda that puts the people of our state first. |