Rep.
Kitchens Hires New Staff
Hello
and welcome back to the newest edition of my E-Update! As the new
legislative session begins here in the Capitol, my office is also undergoing
new beginnings. In the past two weeks I have hired Chris Borgerding and
Stamena Ivanov. Chris will be serving as my Research Assistant and Stamena
will be the Legislative Assistant.
Chris, originally from Madison, Wisconsin has lived his entire life 10 miles
from the Capitol. He received his B.A. in Political Science in 2013 from the
University of Wisconsin-Madison. Previously, Chris worked as a Policy
Advisor for State Representative John Nygren, Co-Chair of the Joint
Committee on Finance. When outside of work, you’ll generally find Chris
spending hours swimming, biking, or running as he regularly participates in
triathlons and other endurance races. He has an avid appreciation for the
outdoors and regularly visits the 1st Assembly District to take
in our beautiful natural resources.
Stamena has
lived all over the country in six different states and came to Wisconsin to
attend college. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison with
a B.A. in Political Science in 2015. She previously worked for the
Republican Party of Wisconsin, campaigning to elect Republican legislators.
She is excited to put her skills to use serving the constituents of the 1st
Assembly
District. Stamena spends her winter weekends skiing and learning to cook,
and is already looking forward to a summer fishing trip to the 1st Assembly
District.
Chris, Stamena,
and I are committed to continuing to provide exceptional service to my
constituents in the 1st Assembly District. We will be professional
and prompt in answering your questions or assisting you in your dealings
with state government. Whenever possible, we will contact you personally to
discuss any concerns you may have. Please stop by my office when you are in
Madison. We are there to serve you.
Inauguration
Last week, I had the privilege of being sworn into my second term here
at the Capitol. As we begin the 103rd Wisconsin State Legislature I wanted
to take this time to thank you for putting your trust in me. You are my
top priority here in Madison. We face many unique challenges in the 1st
Assembly District and I rely on you for input on the issues that are
most important to you.
I look forward to building on the successes of the past legislature.
During this session we will complete the rule-making process whereby new
rules for manure management specific to the Karst region will be
written. I will continue to make education one of my top
priorities to assure that we continue Wisconsin's proud tradition of
having great schools. We will continue to demand efficiency from our
departments, so that we can bring much needed relief to the taxpayers of Wisconsin. I
encourage you to continue using my office as a resource and know that my
staff and I are here to assist you with any issues that may arise.
Here are is a picture from the inauguration ceremony. Did you know that
the
the
Bible being used to swear us in was used to swear in the very first
Governor of Wisconsin, Henry Dodge in 1836?
I also signed the Oath of Office Book, which has been used since the
1870's and includes the signature of every member of the assembly since.
It truly was a humbling experience!
State of the State
On Tuesday afternoon I listened to
Governor Walker give his State of the State address to the joint session
of the Wisconsin State Legislature. Governor Walker shared his vision
for Wisconsin, and the state of our state is strong!
Wisconsin continues to maintain a strong financial foothold while our
economy and jobs climate continues to improve. In the last 6 years, we have
decreased taxes by nearly $5 billion, putting taxpayer money back into
taxpayer pockets. Wisconsin’s unemployment rate also continues to decline,
and is now the lowest it has been in more than 15 years. It is evident that our reforms are working.
With that said, there is still much for us to do to make the lives of
Wisconsin taxpayers better. Freeing individuals from regulatory burden and
making government as efficient and effective as possible remains crucial.
I look
forward to continue working for you and to be your voice on the economy,
the environment, education and other important state issues.
Back the Badge Bill
Last week a
bill that I co-authored with Representative David Steffen (R-Howard) was
released for co-sponsorship. This important legislation would expand the
definition of a hate crime to include law enforcement officers. Here in
Wisconsin, if something is a hate crime, there are penalty enhancers which
allow for additional fines or imprisonment. This
proposal is a way for us to support our brave men and women of law
enforcement.
Over the
past couple years we have seen increased hostility and targeted attacks
towards members of our law enforcement. From 2015-2016 there was a 163%
increase in attacks against law enforcement. This troubling development must
be dealt with. It is important that we do all that we can to protect those
that give their lives to protect us.
This bill
has received support from a wide range of law enforcement entities in
Wisconsin. This proposal sends a message to criminals everywhere that here
in Wisconsin, we 'back the badge'.
Special Session
Last week
Governor Walker called a special session for the Wisconsin State
Legislature in order to act on the fight against opioid abuse. Over the
past few years we have passed many pieces of legislation to help combat
this epidemic. It is important that we continue to fight and draw
attention and awareness to opioid abuse.
Currently, heroin and opioid abuse is a problem that not only plagues
Wisconsin, but the entire nation. Throughout the presidential campaign it was brought up
constantly. Shockingly, more people die from drug
overdoses than from car accidents. This is an issue that touches
everyone, Republican and Democrat alike.
I look
forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the
isle to contain and end this epidemic.
New Skills Youth Grant Announcement
Earlier this week
I was at Apache Stainless Equipment Corporation in Beaver Dam with State
Superintendent Tony Evers and Department of Workforce Development
Secretary Ray Allen for the presentation of a $2 million check from JP
Morgan Chase. It will be used to better introduce our young people to
the opportunities available to them in industry and to foster
partnerships between businesses and schools. I have written a bill to
establish a pilot program to accomplish these goals and this grant will
facilitate the implementation and expansion of that program.
I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue to provide
high-quality career focused programs.
In Closing...
Thank you for
taking the time to read my E-Update. In addition, I recently created a
Twitter account, please follow me at
@RepKitchens. If you have any questions, do not
hesitate to contact my office. Chris and Stamena are looking forward to
getting acquainted with you all!
Have a great weekend,
Representative Joel Kitchens
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