Committee Hearings
On Wednesday, May 3, the Assembly Committee for Colleges and Universities held the third of four informational hearings. This time, we were at UW Oshkosh. The purpose of these hearings has been to discuss the results of a student survey which showed that UW system students who identify as conservative are fearful of retaliation for expressing their views, from other students and from their instructors. These hearings have been very insightful, and I am hopeful that universities in Wisconsin again return to their purpose of facilitating the exchange of ideas, even ideas that are challenging cherished values.
In-District Doings
I was able to attend the Future Strong Summit at Kaukauna High School. It was wonderful to see so many from the community taking part in this event. I look forward to seeing what happens going forward in the school district.
I am here to serve District 5. If you are part of a business, group, or organization that would like to meet, please contact my office at (608) 237-9105 to schedule.
Legislative Update
The Assembly was in session on April 25, and it was a busy day! All of the legislation passed the Assembly and was sent to the Senate, or to the Governor.
- AB-146 will prohibit tax dollars be used for guaranteed income programs.
- AB-147 deals with Unemployment Insurance fraud.
- AB-148 cleans up the BadgerCare program, which took on a large group of people during the COVID pandemic, many of whom are no longer eligible.
- AB-149 creates a process at Department of Workforce Development to track and disqualify people claiming Unemployment Insurance who “ghost” job interviews or offers.
- AB-150 makes changes to the Unemployment Insurance program by changing the focus from a benefit program into a re-employment assistance program.
- AB-151 standardizes the way nine different departments, running 45 different workforce development programs track their results.
- AB-152 authorizes secretary of administration to transfer executive branch employees to the Department of Workforce Development in times of need, such as what occurred during the massive layoffs during COVID.
In addition to the session agenda noted above, the Assembly announced an historic package for local governments in what is called “shared revenue.”
Approximately $1.5 billion, or 20% of state sales tax revenues, will be devoted to local governments. Every local government will see at least a 10% increase in shared revenue.
Over $500 million in new money will be directed toward local government innovation and public safety. The proposal includes $300 million for an Innovation Fund to encourage efficiencies, cost savings, and consolidation. If local governments come together and provide a service more efficiently the state will provide a financial incentive. Another part of the proposal includes $227 million for law enforcement, fire, EMS, public works, and transportation.
The proposal triples the funding for existing grants to local governments to upgrade their 911 systems and provides significant increases for EMS providers to go towards ambulances, equipment, and durable medical supplies. The reimbursement funds for officer training are being doubled.
Additionally, the City and County of Milwaukee are being offered the opportunity to solve the budgetary problems that they created with their mismanagement of their finances over many years. This proposal, that Governor Evers has already said he will veto, will prevent fiscally responsible communities and citizens around the state from having to bail-out Milwaukee. The proposal:
- allows the City and County to go to referendum to increase their sales tax in order to address ongoing unfunded pension liability, invest in the court system, and put more law enforcement officers on the street.
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- City of Milwaukee Approximate Increase: 1.9%-2.0%
- Milwaukee County Approximate Increase: .375%
- City of Milwaukee Approximate Total Increase: 2.275%-2.375%
- ensures sustained and additional investments in law enforcement by putting more officers on the streets and resource officers in schools with the greatest behavior challenges.
Finally, I along with a bi-partisan group of Representatives and Senators, released seven bills aimed at making our elections better.
- LRB-0662 deals with broadcasting election proceedings.
- LRB-0663 deals with absentee ballots for military members.
- LRB-1326 deals with campaign committee funds.
- LRB-1425 provides state funding to municipalities when there are special elections.
- LRB-1668 clarifies how nomination signatures are counted.
- LRB-1724 prevents last minute closure of a polling place.
- LRB-2882 (The bill I authored) provides election workers protection from assault, disclosure of their personal information, and provides whistleblower protection.
All together, this bi-partisan package of election bills helps to ensure that our elections are the best we can make them.
To learn more about any of these bills, click here to follow my work in the Assembly.
Upcoming Events in District 5
Kaukauna PD Open House – food, tours, fun. Wednesday May 17, 5:00-7:00 PM. 144 W. Second St. Kaukauna.
39th Annual Nature’s Images Spring Arts and Craft Fair at 1000 Islands Environmental Center, Sunday, May 21. 9:00 AM -3:00 PMÂ Â *Free Admission and Parking.
Electric City Experience – Presented by Berkers Family Dentistry
- 4 days of fun in Downtown Kaukauna – Wednesday -Saturday June 7-10.
- Live Music from dozens of bands and solo artists.
- 5 Outdoor Live Music Stages
- Food Trucks
- Carnival Rides and Games
- Family Fun!
Grignon Mansion Car Show, 1313 Augustine St, Kaukauna, Sunday, August 13, 10:00 AM
Contact Information
My staff and I are here to serve you. If you have general questions or concerns regarding legislative matters, or if you need help with a problem you are having, please feel free to contact us. We are here to assist you in your needs.
Representative Joy Goeben
State Capitol, Room 209 North
PO Box 8952
Madison, WI 53708
Rep.Goeben@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 237-9105
