Current Legislation

The Assembly is in recess until after the holidays, but our committees are very busy getting bills ready for when we return to session in January. I have three bills of my own that will receive public hearings next week. Hopefully, after the hearings they will be passed by their committees and then move onto the floor for debate. If all goes well, they will be signed into law by the Governor this spring. For the sake of brevity, I will talk about two of them now and discuss the third in my next e-update.

The first bill, AB 174, would limit the civil liability of private campgrounds for injuries or property damage suffered by campers engaging in normal camping activities. Private campgrounds play an important role in the tourism industry in our area, and camping carries certain inherent risks. This bill would protect the owner from being sued if, for instance, a camper trips on a rock while camping and suffers an injury. If the owner has acted in a negligent manner, he is still liable- this refers only to normal camping activities. Other risky activities, such as horseback riding, are already covered in this manner. Our public campgrounds also already have this protection in place. This law will remove an unnecessary burden from our campground owners and help to assure their financial viability.

The second bill, AB 519, deals with emergency personnel who also serve in local government. Under current law, a firefighter, EMT or First Responder who earns total compensation above $15,000 is barred from serving in elected office in that city, town or village. At a time when it is difficult to find emergency personnel, as well as qualified, willing people to serve in public office, this seems unwarranted. The threshold has not been raised since 1995, so this law would raise that ceiling to $25,000. The current law has caused problems in Algoma, as well as other municipalities around the state.

These types of laws may not directly affect the life of every citizen of our area, but collectively they help assure that we are all treated fairly by our government and our courts. That is my most vital role.

Harbor Assistance Program

At the public hearing this week, I supported accommodating Bay Ship’s expansion plans by closing First Avenue. Bay Ship is the premier employer in our area and contributes greatly to the marine character of our city. I applaud Mayor Birmingham and the City Council for their decision to slow the process and examine this project more slowly, since it will have far-reaching effects. It needs to be done right. In the end, the benefits to our area will far exceed the inconvenience it causes. I am very proud that Sturgeon Bay is the home of Bay Shipbuilding.

Algoma Community Access Television

Last week, I was given the opportunity to discuss current issues concerning the Capitol and 1st Assembly District with Community Access Television. If you have a moment to listen in, please follow the linked image below to the program on Algomatv.com.

Blue Books Available

If you would like a complimentary copy of the 2015-2016 Wisconsin State Blue Book, please follow the proved link:

          http://legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/01/kitchens/constituent-services/ 

The 2015-2016 Blue Book is also available online:

          http://legis.wisconsin.gov/lrb/publications/wisconsin-blue-book/

In Closing...

Thank you for taking the time to read over my E-Update. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact my office.

Representative Joel Kitchens