Hello and welcome back to the latest edition of my E-update!  A lot has happened here at the Capitol since my last E-update that I would like to share with you. 

End of Session

It was a beautiful spring day as I left the Capitol this morning after an extremely busy week. We put in 18-hour days, but supposedly we have completed our business for this session.  It felt a little like college finals week as we worked through the night.  There is a very steep learning curve for a rookie legislator, but I am very proud of what I have been able to accomplish.  This week seven of my bills were passed by the Assembly.  They deal with important issues facing our state, particularly in the areas of education and mental health.  I believe that the quality and quantity of legislation that I have advanced along with the funding that we were able to secure for Kewaunee Harbor, the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund, and the Harbor Assistance Program add up to a very good first-term record upon which to build.

I am far wiser about the legislative process than I was a year ago, and I know that, if I am fortunate enough to be returned for the next session, I will put this knowledge to use in representing our area.  I have built relationships with my colleagues and various department personnel that will be invaluable in advancing the interests of the 1st Assembly District going forward.

My office will continue to work on legislation through the coming months, so that bills will be ready for introduction when the Assembly reconvenes in January.  We rely heavily on community members to bring us their concerns and tell us how the government can better serve you.  I will continue to hold listening sessions and to make myself as available as possible for conversations.  Please continue contacting my office to schedule a time to meet.

Wisconsin Cares Legislative Package

Yesterday, my colleagues in the Wisconsin State Assembly and I voted to pass the Wisconsin Cares Legislative Package which will assist the elderly in Wisconsin struggling with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias.  This package was made up of 10 bills brought forward by the Speaker’s Task Force on Alzheimer’s and Dementia.  These solutions derived from a number of public hearings held throughout the state and will promote quality care and controlling costs.  Many came together to develop these bills including experts, caregivers, state officials, and community members.

The package includes legislation that will invest $1 million in respite care, expand the number of Dementia Care Specialists, educate caregivers and employers about Alzheimer’s and dementia, and increase dementia training for mobile crisis teams.

Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia are serious issues that have a lasting and devastating impact on the individuals diagnosed and their families.  Most can relate in some manner to watching a loved one slowly decline in health and ability due to these conditions.

The Wisconsin Cares Package passed the Assembly unanimously and joining my Republican and Democrat colleagues to pass this legislation will rank as one of my prouder moments this session.

Special Privilege on the Assembly Floor

I introduced my intern, Bjorn Johnson (center), on the floor of the Assembly.  He is shown here with my aide, Reid Rasmussen, and me in the Assembly parlor.  It is great to have a resident of the district in the office and he is doing a terrific job.  Bjorn has been a great addition to my staff these past few weeks, and he has helped keep my office operating smoothly by answering phone calls and constituent mail.  Now that we are finished with session, he will be assisting me in researching and developing legislation to propose in the future.

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