End of Session Video Highlight:
Repealing the Personal Property Tax
The 2023-2024 Legislative Session has officially come to a close. I recorded some videos that highlight some of the accomplishments I achieved on your behalf during the session. This week I’d like to focus on the the work I did to repeal the personal property tax – in its entirety. Click on the photo below to watch the video and learn more.
As always, I am proud to serve you as your State Representative. Next session a new legislative map will be in place and the 56th Assembly District will have new constituents. I have included a map of the new district at the bottom of the newsletter. If you have any questions about your new district please feel free to call my office at (608) 237-9156 or email me at Rep.Murphy@legis.wisconsin.gov.
Reflecting on a Decade of Tax Cuts
When it’s broken down to a personal level, these cuts will save Wisconsin families $1,707 this year. Whether that helps buy groceries or gas; funds a home improvement project; or buys a family trip, returning this money to you makes a meaningful difference for families in our state.
That’s why, during the last legislative session, Legislative Republicans attempted to build on this success and return part of our state’s $7 billion surplus to you. First, we passed a $4.4 billion tax package which reduced property taxes, lowered income taxes on all filers and cut taxes impacting our business community.   Of the $3.5 billion income tax cut that was part of this package, Governor Evers vetoed 95% of it —  reducing an average cut of $573 per filer down to just $36 per filer.
So we tried again with a bill that would have increased the tax exemption on retirement income and delivered a tax cut targeted to the middle class. Governor Evers threatened to veto that bill as well, and eventually followed through on his threat.
So, we tried a third time with a package of four bills that would have significantly expanded the child and dependent care credit, increased the cap on the married couple credit to correct for marriage penalties in the tax code, expanded the second tax bracket to include income up to $150,000, and increased the exemption on retirement income.
During his time in office, Governor Evers has repeatedly promised to fight for a middle class tax cut – including just one week before he vetoed the third tax cut package. He has shown, however, his true stance by rejecting three Republican-authored tax cuts.  The Governor believes this money belongs to the government – not you – and should stay in state coffers. On the other hand, I know this money belongs to you, and I won’t stop fighting for more tax relief to be delivered to the hardworking people of our state, because it’s your money and you know how to spend it better.
Tomorrow Is National Drug Take Back Day
Tomorrow, Saturday, April 27, is National Drug Takeback Day.  Too often, unused and expired medications find their way into the wrong hands. That’s dangerous and often tragic. Bringing unused and expired medications to a Drug Take Back Day collection site protects you, your family, and your community.  Click here to find a Drug Take Back Day collection site near you.
Spring Is in Bloom!
The tulips are blooming at the State Capitol!
Caring for the Capitol
Since the major State Capitol renovation of 1988-2001, the Capitol has been meticulously maintained in its architectural glory. Here, a craftsman applies gold leaf to a ceiling panel on the Capitol’s ground floor.
Fishing Season Starts May 4th!
Don’t forget that the 2024 fishing season starts Saturday, May 4th.  Click here to learn more.
Also, Free Fishing Weekend in Wisconsin is June 1 and 2!
For an interactive map of State Assembly districts click here.
State Capitol Tours
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The best way to experience the beauty and grandeur of Wisconsin’s Capitol building (located at 2 East Main Street, Madison, WI 53702) is to see it for yourself. It is open to the public weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and weekends and holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Free tours are offered daily, year round except on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. Tours start at the information desk Monday through Saturday at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 a.m. and 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 p.m.; and Sundays at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 p.m. A 4:00 p.m. tour is offered weekdays (Monday – Friday), excluding holidays, during Memorial Day through Labor Day. Plan on spending 45-55 minutes for a tour. The sixth floor museum and observation deck are open during the summer months. Groups of ten or more can make an on-line reservation for a tour of the State Capitol or call (608)266-0382.
