December 15, 2017

 

Blue Ribbon Commission on Education!

 

 

 

It is such an honor to be entrusted with Co-Chairing the Blue Ribbon Commission on School Funding with Sen. Olsen (R-14).  Wisconsin's current funding formula was created in the 1970's and no longer reflects the diverse needs of our modern school systems.  It is my hope that this commission will result in a more fair and adaptive formula that will benefit every school in Wisconsin, regardless of whether it is located in an urban or rural district.  To that end, we will be holding multiple public hearings throughout Wisconsin in order to get a better understanding of each region's needs.

 

 I feel this commission is greatly needed and will lead Wisconsin towards a school funding formula that will ensure all of our students will have access to the opportunities and resources that they both need and deserve.  I can't wait to see what innovations in our school funding program will be produced by this commission's efforts. 

 


 

Public Hearing for my Transfer of College Credits Bill

 

 

I am deeply grateful and impressed by all those who testified in favor of my Transfer of College Credits bill, Assembly Bill 559, at the Assembly Colleges and Universities Committee public hearing.  As anyone who has ever attended a university can attest, the cost of higher education can be an incredible burden on any family's finances. 

 

Many high schools throughout Wisconsin offer college level course programs that do not, for one reason or another, fall into the category of AP.  The courses taught through these programs are often times very similar in content as their AP counterparts, but under the UW system's current credit transfer program, only the high school courses designated as AP can be accepted for credit.  This puts high school students who have worked hard to prepare for college but were not offered AP courses at an unfair disadvantage.

 

This bill was designed, with input from the UW system, to address this issue by offering incoming students who have taken non-AP college level courses the opportunity to take an exam that will demonstrate their proficiency in that subject area, thus providing a way to earn college credit for that course.  This will allow them to have equal footing with their peers, who already receive college credit for AP courses, by giving all students the chance to earn credit where credit is due.

 


 

Touring Willow Tree

 

 

 

 

I had the privilege of touring the Willow Tree Cornerstone Child Advocacy Center located in Green Bay.  The caring and professional staff at Willow Tree work to provide a safe, home-like facility designed to help victims of child abuse and their families cope with and heal from the trauma such abuse can cause.

 

The services provided by Willow Tree include child forensic interviews, advocacy services, medical care, and counseling for victims of abuse.  I believe it is important for all these services to be provided in one location so that the child involved will have the ability to discuss the abuse they have experienced with all concerned parties on one occasion, rather than reliving the trauma repeatedly by having to discuss it separately with the doctor, the investigator, and then finally a counselor.

 

I truly believe that Willow Tree Cornerstone Child Advocacy Center is a great resource for our community and I look forward to seeing them grow to one day be able to help all of the children and families in Wisconsin who have been affected by the trauma of abuse.

 


$15 Million in Information Technology Grants Available to Schools!

I was incredibly pleased to see Governor Walker's announcement about the availability of $15 million in Technology for Educational Achievement (TEACH) Information Technology Infrastructure grants.  With these grants, rural school districts will be able to procure resources that will increase and upgrade technology in the classroom.

A list of eligible school districts is provided on the TEACH website along with the grant application materials.  I strongly encourage any interested and eligible school districts to follow the link for more information.


Upcoming District Events!

What: Traditional Barn Dance
Where: Institute Saloon, 4599 Hwy 57, Institute, WI
When: December 16, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Details:
"Join for a fun time and some great exercise. Beginners welcome, no partner needed. $5 suggested donation."

What: Winter Market at the Oasis
Where: Prince of Peace Church, 1756 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay, WI
When: December 16, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Details: "Featuring indoor vendors with garden produce, meats, canned goods, crafts and more."

What: Winter in the Village
Where: Lakehaven Hall, 96 Ellis St., Kewaunee, WI
When: December 16-17, Saturday from 1:00pm - 8:00pm and Sunday from 11:00am - 8:00pm
Details: "Enjoy the beauty of season with a variety of Christmas displays at Lakehaven Hall.  Stroll through different decorations, Christmas villages and warm up at the fire"


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. Joe and Stamena look forward to working with you. Also, if you would like a State of Wisconsin 2017-2018 Blue Book or 2017 State Highway map free of charge, just send us an email!

                                Have a great weekend,                   

             Representative Joel Kitchens

 

 

     

As always, if you have any comments or thoughts regarding the subject of this
E-Update, please feel free to contact me.

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State Capitol Room 10 West - PO Box 8952, Madison, WI 53708
(608) 266-5350
Email: Rep.Kitchens@legis.wi.gov