Washington Island Budget Motion

I am extremely happy that the Joint Committee on Finance has voted to approve one of my budget motions that will defray a portion of the costs Washington Island incurred during a natural disaster event in 2018.

My budget motion specifically requests that the state provide the island with $2 million from the Wisconsin Disaster Fund to help cover part of the $4.1 million in expenses that resulted from ice shoves critically damaging the only submarine cable that supplies electricity to the island community.

My budget motion also requires a cost share of 30 percent from the town on all reasonable and necessary costs documented by the island’s co-op utility between June 27, 2018 and April 30, 2019.

I am grateful for the Joint Finance Committee’s decision to earmark this much-needed funding in the state budget. At this moment, the disaster has caused the average monthly electricity bill for a Washington Island resident to increase by nearly $20 – or more than 40 percent – for the next 30 years.

By providing the town with the $2 million in relief funds, we will cut that increase in half. That will go a long way toward helping these people recover from the unfortunate incident that placed so many hardships on them. 

 Tourism Spending Increase

I am pleased to share with you that the Joint Committee on Finance voted this week to spend an additional $1.6 million on tourism marketing over the next two years, which is a 42 percent increase from what’s in the current state budget.

While Wisconsin may not spend as much on tourism as other states like Michigan, we have a lot of talented people working in the industry who ensure that we as taxpayers get a great return on our investment. Throughout Wisconsin, direct tourism spending last year increased 4.86 percent to $13.3 billion, marking the ninth straight year of positive gains in tourism.

I know I am not telling you anything new, but tourism also plays an integral role in our district’s economy and quality of life. During 2018 alone, Door County brought in $366.6 million in director visitor spending and Kewaunee County recorded $23.5 million. The investments we are making in tourism are clearly working.

I am hopeful that a portion of the latest increase in tourism funding will go toward my legislation that establishes a creative economy development initiative grant program.

My proposal will provide $500,000 over the biennium to the Department of Tourism’s Arts Board to administer as creative economy grants to non-profits, businesses, local governments and business development associations.

This legislation will greatly help out our community and others across the state by requiring eligible organizations and individuals to focus on promoting at least one of the following: workforce training; arts education; economic development; job creation; or people or groups whose products or services have an origin in artistic, cultural, creative or aesthetic content.

To ensure the money is being spent wisely and effectively, my bill calls on the Arts Board to develop an evaluation matrix and to report their findings to the Joint Finance Committee by May 1, 2021.

Applicants will have their own skin in the game as well. In order to qualify for a grant of up to $40,000 through the program, all entities must secure a two-to-one match of non-state funds for their respective projects.

The Assembly version of the legislation, known as AB 66, has already received a public hearing in front of the Assembly Committee on Community Development and is ready to be voted on by the full Assembly.

The Senate Committee on Local Government, Small Business, Tourism and Workforce Development still needs to hold a public hearing and vote on the Senate companion, SB 82, before it can be considered by the full Senate.

If the Senate passes the bill without making any amendments, it can be sent directly to the governor to be signed into law. 

Legislation Making a Difference

As a lawmaker, one of the best feelings in the world is to have one of your bills signed into law. However, there is no greater moment in your legislative career than learning that your work has made a real difference in your community.

Because of legislation I drafted and got passed last session, the Baileys Harbor Town Board was recently able to vote in favor of naming the Peninsula Pulse as the official town newspaper.

Before my Assembly Bill 731 was signed into law in April of 2018, free newspapers were not legally allowed to be compensated for publishing legal notices.

My legislation removed the paid subscription requirement if the newspaper meets all the news and circulation benchmarks in current statutes and is the only qualified print outlet published in the municipality.

I am thankful that the Peninsula Pulse is now able to start collecting revenue for publishing legal notices. Not only will this help a business serve the community better, it will also keep our friends and neighbors more informed on local issues, which benefits the entire district as a whole.

Upcoming District Events!

What: Door County Festival of Nature
Where: Ridges Sanctuary, 8166 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI 
When: Saturday and Sunday, May 25 and 26, at various times
Details: "A celebration of the natural beauty of Door County. Field trips and nature activities for all ages. Cost varies based on type and length of field trip. Visit ridgessanctuary.org for more information."

What: Baileys Harbor Farmers Market
Where: Baileys Harbor Town Hall, 2392 County Hwy F, Baileys Harbor, WI
When: Saturday, May 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Details: "Browse locally made & grown products from Door County farmers & artisans featuring everything from produce to handmade clothing. Come hungry and grab lunch or dessert from a food vendor with ready-to-eat items. Rain or shine."

What: Car Show & Brat Sale
Where: Country Walk Shops, 508 Country Walk Drive, Sister Bay, WI
When: Saturday, May 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Details: "Featuring a brat fry and beer, 50/50 raffle for cash and prizes, and a kids race car model making. Benefits the Lions to support the local community. Open to the public."