Rep. Quinn: HOPE Agenda & Meth Summit

This week, the Assembly passed 9 bills from the HOPE Agenda – a package of bills that are aimed at combatting heroin and opioid addiction. Opiates have been a scourge to our state for many years, and it is high time that we as the legislature took action to help those who are addicted. To find out more about the bills we passed look here.

However, another drug is ruining lives in Northern and Western Wisconsin – methamphetamine. I attended a meth summit this week in Trego. Over 250 people joined Attorney General Brad Schimel to talk about the effects meth has had on our state, and will continue to have if we do nothing. Attorney General Schimel has taken up the cause and is committed to helping our communities fight this epidemic. Did you know that between 2011 and 2015, meth cases have increased 349%?

I have worked with Senator Sheila Harsdorf and Representative Adam Jarchow to sit down with local officials and begin work on a plan to combat this scourge. We cannot afford to do nothing, and I am eager to get to work.

This week's featured bills or proposals that I am supporting:

• AB 195: This bill, authored by Rep. Ballweg, creates a refundable individual income tax credit that may be claimed by the parent of a stillborn baby.
• A letter urging the UW System to research new and creative ways to utilize milk. Creating new demand could bolster milk prices and help our struggling farmers.
• AB 191: Authored by Rep. Kuglitsch, this bill allows the use of personal delivery devices on sidewalks and crosswalks. Watch a video of these devices in action here.

Reminder: The Joint Committee on Finance is holding listening sessions around the state to get public input about Governor Walker's budget. The session that is closest to our district will be on April 18th, at Spooner High School, 801 Co. Hwy. A, Spooner, WI 54801, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Thank you to all who have written or called to voice their opinions or ask questions. My office is always open, and your feedback truly helps guide my thinking.

State Capitol Room 323 North - PO Box 8953, Madison, WI 53708. (888) 534-0075. Email: Rep.Quinn@legis.wisconsin.gov.