Lakeshore Business
Association Constituents Visit Capitol
Last week I had the privilege of having constituents of the 1st Assembly
District visit me in my office. These constituents are part of the
Lakeshore Business Association. We had a great discussion on the issues
affecting the beautiful lakeshores in our district. I always enjoy
having constituents visit me in Madison! If you ever want to stop by
please let my office know!
Wisconsin Works for Everyone Proposal
Earlier this week, Governor Walker announced his “Wisconsin Works for
Everyone” reform package. Building on our past successes, as well as those
of the Thompson administration, this is the next step towards welfare reform
in Wisconsin. Wisconsin has been a national leader on this issue and I am
happy to continue to make it a priority.
Breaking down workplace barriers and incentivizing employment is a crucial
step towards helping our unemployed. Additionally, providing workplace
training is critical in breaking the cycle of generational poverty and
reducing dependency on government.
Earlier this month I attended a press conference where it was announced that
Wisconsin has been awarded $2 million through the New Skills for Youth
Grant. This grant will build on the “Wisconsin Works for Everyone” proposal
in order to train employees for skilled, family-supporting jobs.
I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue to address
Wisconsin’s workplace needs and further reform our welfare system to benefit
all.
Updated Budget Numbers, Transportation
Solution, and Tax Relief Plan
Last week the non-partisan
Legislative Fiscal Bureau
released a
memo
which indicated updated revenue projections.
According to the information released by the Legislative Fiscal Bureau,
the State of Wisconsin will start out the next fiscal year with $2
billion in increased revenues. This is great news for Wisconsin
and this additional revenue can now be used for things like K-12
education and other vital issues. I will be advocating that the revenues
be spent wisely and effectively.
In light of the Legislative Fiscal Bureau memo which noted additional
revenue over the next biennium, Assembly Republicans have taken the lead
on transportation funding. One of my main priorities this session was to
find a sustainable funding solution for our states transportation fund.
Transportation is the backbone of our economy and we need a common-sense
conservative approach to ensure its solvency. The ability to provide a
sustainable solution for our transportation fund, while at the same time
not increasing the burden on taxpayers is vital. Wisconsin taxpayers
will see an additional tax cut of at least $300 million to offset any
increase in fees or taxes for transportation.
As the Vice-Chair of the Assembly Committee on Education, I also will be
advocating that additional funds be put towards K-12 education to
continue our strong tradition of great schools. I am proud of the
leadership our caucus has shown and I look forward to working with my
colleagues to continue building on this great first step.
In Closing...
Thank you for
taking the time to read my E-Update. If you have any questions, do not
hesitate to
contact my office. Chris and Stamena look forward to working
with you.
Have a great weekend,
Representative Joel Kitchens
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