AB 415 Amendments
Happy Wednesday! Last week, I briefly touched on AB 415, a piece of legislation passed in session a couple weeks ago that would establish a nonpartisan method of redistricting. This week, I wanted to go over each amendment that was put forth on this bill in hopes of creating bipartisanship.
AA1 specifies that the Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) must provide assistance regarding the operations of the redistricting commission. More specifically, that means that LRB will be drawing the maps and working directly with the advisory committee to make sure both parties have an opportunity to help create fair and reasonable maps. This is how Iowa does it as well.
AA2 specifies that the plan approved must be passed by a bipartisan vote. This is not a requirement in Iowa. This amendment received bipartisan support.
AA3 states that no commission member may abstain from a vote, and no vote of the commission may take place without all five members present and voting. This amendment received bipartisan support.
AA4 allows the commission members to appoint a person with expertise in the federal Voting Rights Act to provide guidance regarding VRA compliance. This provision is not included in Iowa. This amendment received bipartisan support.
AA5 removes the ability of the legislature to substantively amend any LRB plan; they are only allowed to make corrective changes. Under this provision, a plan must be considered and voted on by January 31 of the second year following the census. This amendment received bipartisan support.
AA6 requires at least eight public hearings to be held around the state, with at least one occurring in Milwaukee, Madison, and the northern half of the state. Iowa only requires three public hearings. These public hearings will allow for more community input regarding how the maps should be drawn. This amendment received bipartisan support.
AA7 ensures that no information relating to the plan may be made available for public inspection until the plan’s introduction. This is similar to Iowa and to how we draft legislation in Wisconsin now. This amendment received bipartisan support.
Also, it is worth sharing Representative Myers (D) floor speech regarding AB 415. In this video, she adamantly encourages her fellow Democratic colleagues to support this legislation. She also expresses disappointment with her side of the aisle for speaking out against this bill despite years of public support for the Iowa model. It is not easy to stand up against your caucus on such a pressing issue, and I admire her bravery and commitment to do what is best for the people of Wisconsin.
To hear Rep. Myers speech, click here or on the photo above.
After hearing the courageous speech of Representative Myers, I felt encouraged to respond. Click here to hear my response.
Committee on Regulatory Licensing Reform Public Hearing
Last Wednesday, my committee held a public hearing on AB 332. This bill expands provisions allowing individuals who hold a license, certification, registration, or permit granted by another state to apply for and receive a reciprocal credential in Wisconsin.
Committee on Local Government Public Hearing
Last Wednesday, I testified in committee on a piece of legislation I wrote that was originally brought to my attention by a constituent of mine and Senator Jacques. The concern was that in certain areas, local zoning ordinances were used to explicitly ban home vegetable gardens or to put up unreasonable rules governing what homeowners may grow and where they can plant their food. AB 379, the bill I testified on, protects the right of Wisconsin homeowners to grow their own food on their own property, free from unreasonable restrictions.
I believe that the government should encourage and protect the right for individuals to grow food on their own private properties. I also spoke with the League of Municipalities, and while drafting this bill, we did leave room to allow for certain types of reasonable restrictions to be put in place if necessary.
2023 First Responder Recognition Program
I am currently seeking nominations for the upcoming First Responder of the Year Award for the 2nd Assembly District.
The person nominated could be a police officer or sheriff’s deputy, a firefighter, or any level of EMS provider (paramedic, EMT, first responder), and can be either a paid or volunteer public servant.
A winner from within our assembly district will then be selected and will be invited to a special recognition ceremony in the Assembly on October 17, 2023.
You can nominate a deserving person for a variety of reasons including:
• A specific heroic action;
• A significant professional achievement;
• Something special they do for the community during the course of their work;
• His or her body of work over time; and/or
• His or her length of service.
To have your local hero be eligible, please fill out and return the form below. Forms are due this Friday (9/29).
In-District Events
Saturday, September 30th, will be the Wrightstown Fall Fest. This event will go from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a car show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit Fall Fest – Village of Wrightstown.
Saturday, October 7th, will be an Electronics Recycling Event Fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Mishicot Village Park (222 South Rockway St.).
Saturday, October 7th, will be Bands for a Ballpark from 12:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. at the Par 5 Resort Ballroom (250 W Church St., Mishicot). For more information, visit Bands For A Ballpark Tickets, Par 5 Resort Ballroom, Mishicot | Vanco Events USA.
The Wayside Morrison Lions Club will be hosting their fall fundraiser on Saturday, October 7th, at Van Abel’s in Hollandtown. Dinner will be at 6 p.m., and raffle drawings will be at 7 p.m. To get tickets to attend the fundraiser, email waysidemorrisonlionsclub
Sunday, October 8th, will be the Pancake & Porky Breakfast, hosted by the Two Creeks Fire and EMS (5128 E Tapawingo Road, Mishicot) from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This event is free, but donations are appreciated.
