Hi, this is Representative Deb Andraca with this week’s Democratic Radio Address. This past session, it was an honor for me to serve on Governor Ever’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Veteran Opportunity. Made up of advocates for veterans, leaders in the military community, and most importantly, veterans and their families, this commission allowed folks to share their lived experiences and input to find real solutions to help and support Wisconsin veterans. Based on our recommendations from the commission, Governor Evers has kickstarted a veterans rental assistance program to address veteran housing insecurity and homelessness. The last thing our veterans should

MADISON, Wis. – Representative Mark Born (R – Beaver Dam) released the weekly radio address on behalf of Wisconsin Legislative Republicans. The holiday season is in full swing, but I’m sure every Wisconsinite, like me, is just as excited about the next season that’s right around the corner: the legislative budget season! In the first half of next year, the Joint Committee on Finance, the Legislature’s budget-writing committee, will come together to craft our state’s next two-year budget. Like we’ve done every budget since 2011, Republicans will be looking at ways to reduce the state’s tax burden on our residents.

MADISON, Wis.—Today the U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to pass the bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act, bringing the historic bill one step closer to becoming law. The bill guarantees basic rights and freedoms for same-sex and interracial couples. Despite overwhelming support for the bill among Wisconsinites and bipartisan backing from Republicans in Congress, Representatives Scott Fitzgerald, Glenn Grothman, and Tom Tiffany joined Senator Ron Johnson in voting against the commonsense measure.   Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director: “Wisconsin families are incredibly lucky to have elected leaders like Senator Tammy Baldwin fighting for their basic freedoms and rights. The bipartisan Respect

Contact: Nada Elmikashfi, 608-266-5342 MADISON – Today, Minority Leader Greta Neubauer (D – Racine) announced the appointment of Representative Francesca Hong (D – Madison) to the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). The Board provides WEDC with strategic leadership and operational oversight, representing statewide public and private economic development interests. Representative Hong replaces Representative and former Minority Leader Gordon Hintz (D – Oshkosh). Representative Hong released the following statement: “Thank you to Leader Neubauer for giving me the opportunity to serve on the WEDC Board and to Representative Hintz for his past leadership. The economic well-being

MADISON, Wis. — As the Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 115th Fighter Wing busily continues to convert to the F-35 Lightning II aircraft, the base broke ground on a new medical readiness building. While the medical readiness building was originally programmed in 2013, long before the aircraft conversion process began, it just recently received the final approval. Ground was broken for the facility Nov. 7. “At one point in the design process we almost lost the project to 2026,” said 1st Lt. Cory Corson, the contracting officer’s representative assigned to the 115th Civil Engineer Squadron. “With all the F-35 projects going

Madison, Wis. – Department of Safety and Professional Services Secretary-designee Dan Hereth has announced appointments to the Wisconsin Advisory Council on Building Sustainability. This new advisory council will work closely with the Commercial Building Code Council, Uniform Dwelling Code Council, and Plumbing Code Advisory Committee to identify code updates that will expand opportunities for the construction industry to transition toward sustainable materials, systems and practices more quickly and affordably.  Appointees include the following: Ben Austin, sustainability lead at J.H. Findorff & Son, a commercial contractor in Madison.  Megan Dyer, associate director of GuideHouse energy, sustainability, and infrastructure segment; works with utility

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was recently notified by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) that a farm-raised deer on a deer farm in Lincoln County tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD). As a result of this new detection, a baiting and feeding ban will go into effect starting Dec. 12, 2022. State law requires that the DNR enact a ban on feeding and baiting of deer in counties or portions of counties within a 10-mile radius of a farm-raised or free-roaming domestic or wild animal that tests positive for CWD. This

APPLETON, Wis. – During the week of December 5, 2022, investigators from the Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group – Drug Unit (LWAM) as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), located and recovered the largest fentanyl seizure in LWAM history. LWAM and DEA led the investigation that resulted in the seizure of approximately 12 pounds, around 54,000 pills, of suspected fentanyl, with a street value in excess of $500,000. A firearm was also seized. “Fentanyl is incredibly dangerous and has fueled the recent rise in overdose deaths in Wisconsin,” said Attorney General Kaul. “Thanks to the hard work of

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) hosted a roundtable discussion, COVID-19 Vaccines: What they Are, How They Work, and Possible Causes of Injuries, to shed light on the current state of knowledge surrounding the vaccine and explore the path forward. The experts and medical professionals who joined Sen. Johnson at the roundtable discussed the scientific background of the coronavirus, functionality of the vaccine, failures in the pandemic response, early treatment drugs, adverse reactions, vaccine injuries and plans for future research and response. Sen: Ron Johnson at yesterday’s panel: “I do want to point out the complexity of what we’re dealing

Waukesha, Wis. (December 8, 2022) – The Waukesha County Police Chiefs Association announced onDecember 7, 2022, their endorsement for Judge Jennifer Dorow for a seat on the Wisconsin SupremeCourt.“The Waukesha County Police Chiefs Association is pleased to support Judge Dorow as candidate forthe Wisconsin Supreme Court,” said Dan Neumer, president of the Waukesha County Police ChiefsAssociation and Police Chief and Administrator. “We have worked closely with Judge Dorow for manyyears at the Waukesha County District Attorney’s Office and as a Waukesha County Circuit Judge. Weneed leaders on the Wisconsin Supreme Court who represent the values of the citizens of WaukeshaCounty

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement in response to the passage of H.R. 7776, the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023:  “Today, I proudly voted in favor of the FY23 National Defense Authorization Act to provide necessary funding for our military. As a veteran, I understand the importance timely funding plays in maintaining military readiness,said Congressman Scott Fitzgerald.This legislation not only provides a 4.6% pay raise and cost-of-living adjustments to our servicemembers and their families, but also establishes comprehensive reviews of assistance provided to Ukraine, provides robust funding that supports Wisconsin

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, today voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  The NDAA is the legislative vehicle that authorizes all programs and spending for the Department of Defense, and as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Gallagher is responsible for helping draft this legislation. Following the the bill’s passage, Rep. Gallagher released the following statement. “President Biden proposed a real defense cut at the same time our military is entering a window of maximum danger. That is completely