Bill Signings

I had the tremendous honor this week of having the governor sign two of my bills into law.

The first, Assembly Bill 134, commits $5.2 million in Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program funding to help complete several high priority water infrastructure projects throughout our state parks system.

I am pleased that nearly $1.4 million of that total is going toward replacing the large toilet and shower facility at the Tennison Bay Campground at Peninsula State Park. At more than 50 years old, this washroom is in desperate need of being upgraded.

The remaining portion of the $5.2 million will be used to replace water fountains, water lines and toilet systems at other state parks.

This funding builds off the momentum we started the previous session when we passed a comparable bill I authored that set aside $4.5 million for similar projects. As part of that legislation, Peninsula State Park received almost $1.3 million to install new drinking fountains and construct new vault toilets and a dump station.

With clean water being so vital to human health, we need to be doing all we can to protect the 17 million people who visit our state parks system every year.

My second bill that was signed into law, Assembly Bill 67, requires the Department of Public Instruction to include the percentage of students participating in the arts on the annual school and school district accountability report cards.

 The arts data will be added to the report cards for informational purposes only and won't be considered in a district’s accountability calculations. Nevertheless, I still believe it is important for the state to provide this transparency so local communities will be more inclined to better understand and support what their schools are offering. 

When school districts face budget challenges, the arts are frequently the first courses to be cut. However, study after study has proven that students who participate in the arts in school experience better pupil attendance and greater achievements in other subjects. I am hoping that schools will use the report card information internally so they may compare their involvement with other districts and make appropriate decisions.

 If our students begin to lose interest in the arts, we risk the chance of negatively impacting our economy, as well as our state’s culture and creativity.

Supporting Farmers 

I was proud to participate in a press conference this week where my legislative colleagues and I announced our top agriculture priorities for the remainder of the session and unveiled a number of bills that are designed to support farmers.

The package of legislation includes a targeted tax credit for smaller farms, an increase in dairy processing grants, a new research effort for greater exports, a sole proprietor tax credit, tuition assistance for farm business management classes, truth-in-labeling and new research positions at the UW-Extension in Madison.

We have worked with farmers and agricultural producers from around the state to gather their ideas on how to best address their needs, and this group of bills is a reflection of that. The legislation is intended to provide both immediate relief to farmers and an opportunity for long-term growth for processors.

Agriculture contributes more than $100 billion to our economy each year and makes up close to 11 percent of our workforce, so it is critical that we do whatever is in our power to strengthen this industry. However, I feel it is important that we tackle the challenges facing our farmers in a way that doesn’t unnecessarily grow the size of government.

The governor also recently introduced a number of farm bills that are going through the normal legislative process, which allows for public input. I look forward to collaborating with the governor so we can put forward the best possible solutions to help our farmers and the agriculture industry as a whole.

It is our intention to consider all of these bills before the conclusion of the current legislative session.

If you are interested in watching the press conference, please click here.

Washington Island Recognition 

I recently had the great honor of receiving the Champion of Electric Cooperative Award along with Sen. Andre Jacque.

The award, which came from the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, recognized our work in securing $2 million in the 2019-21 state budget for disaster relief for Washington Island. Many of you will remember when Washington Island lost power in 2018 after ice shoves damaged the only submarine cable that supplied electricity to the town.

The natural disaster had caused the average monthly electricity bill for residents to increase by nearly $20 for the next 30 years. However, with the funds that we were able to provide to the island through the budget, that amount is now cut in half.

One of the most impressive aspects of this effort was the manner in which co-ops from around the state banded together to assist the island with obtaining this aid.

I strongly believe the $2 million in disaster relief funding will help our neighbors recover from the unfortunate incident that placed so many hardships on them.

The award was presented by the Washington Island Electric Co-op, who also provided backup generators to restore power to homes and businesses after the natural disaster. 

Upcoming District Events

What: Candlelight Hike
Where: Newport State Park, 475 Cty Hwy NP, Ellison Bay
When: Saturday, Feb. 8, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Details: "Hike this easy 1.2-mile candlelit trail. Meet at parking lot 3. Enjoy a bonfire, hot cocoa and cookies at the shelter building after. Cancelled in the event of extreme weather. Start at the picnic area in parking lot 3. State park sticker required."

What: Miss Door County Pageant
Where: Southern Door Auditorium, 2073 Cty DK, Brussels
When: Saturday, Feb. 8, at 4 p.m.
Details: "Five contestants will compete for the title of Miss Door County. The 2020 pageant will be emceed by Kimberly Sawyer, former Miss Wisconsin 2010 and Miss Door County 2008 and her sister Katie Helscher, former Miss Door County 2009. Current Miss Wisconsin Alyssa Bohm will make an appearance. $16/ticket."

What: Luxemburg Racing Show
Where: Kewaunee County Fairgrounds, 625 Third St., Luxemburg
When: Saturday, Feb. 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Details: "The Luxemburg Racing show is returning to the Kewaunee County Fairgrounds. Attendees will find vendors with racing equipment, parts, supplies, and more. Admission for the Luxemburg Racing Show is $4.00 for adults and kids 12 and under are FREE."