Rep. Robyn Vining Congratulates Rep. Alex Joers on Passage of Healthy Food Incentive Bill

MADISON–Last Friday, Governor Evers signed 44 bills into law, one of which was authored by freshman Rep. Alex Joers and emerged from the Speaker’s Task Force on Childhood Health. Rep. Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa), who serves as Vice-Chair on the Speaker’s Task Force on Childhood Health, released the following statement:

“I want to congratulate Rep. Joers for his work on 2023 Wisconsin Act 201, the only bill from the Speaker’s Task Force on Childhood Health that passed both the Assembly and Senate and was signed into law. 2023 Wisconsin Act 201 doubles the purchasing power for Wisconsin families receiving federal food assistance when buying healthy, locally-grown produce.

“During our Task Force hearings, we heard testimony from experts across Wisconsin that many factors contribute to the health of children, one of which is improving access to quality, affordable fresh foods like fruits and vegetables. It is difficult to get a bill passed in a divided government, and even more challenging for a bill to be signed into law during its first session of introduction. Rep. Joers was able to craft a bill with bipartisan support that expands access to healthy foods for children and their families while supporting our local farmers. Rep. Joers, and his Legislative Assistant Sophie Coronelli, thoughtfully drafted this bill that fulfills part of the mission that I set as our north star for this Task Force–to ensure that every child in Wisconsin has access to healthy food. Democratic policies are popular, serve people well, and can be introduced, earn bipartisan support, and be signed into law–Rep. Joers has shown us this again with his work on this bill!

“Every child in Wisconsin deserves access to healthy food, and the opportunity to lead a healthy lifestyle filled with love and play. When our children have access to nutritious foods and physical activity, they have better mental health and educational outcomes, and an overall increased sense of well-being. Thanks to Rep. Joers’ leadership, 2023 Wisconsin Act 201 will improve the health of our children, and move Wisconsin forward, together.”

Rep. Vining represents the 14th Assembly District, which includes parts of Wauwatosa and West Allis. For more information, visit Rep. Vining’s website here. 

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.