Governor Signs Clean Water Access Bill into Law!

The signing of the my Clean Water Access bill is one of the highlights of this session for me. While the water contamination issues plaguing Northeast Wisconsin have no simple fix, this bill provides vital and immediate assistance to those affected today. I know many counties and families across the state are eager to take advantage of the benefits it provides. I want to thank my conservation departments, as well as all the non-profit groups and farmers who supported this bill. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Senator Cowles (R- Green Bay) for his tireless efforts to support this bill as its Senate author.

Two More Great Bills Signed into Law!

I am very pleased that the Montessori Teacher’s License Bill has been signed into law by Governor Walker.  Wisconsin has been struggling with a teacher shortage over the last few years, especially in rural areas, and this bill is another great step in solving this problem.  I would like to thank Sen. Olsen (R- Ripon) for co-authoring this important bill, which plays a small but vital role in tackling our teacher shortage and will send a message that Wisconsin is actively working to address the needs of our schools and our children.

Another great bill of which I was the second author, which was signed into law this week is the Parks Revitalization Act. This bill allows the DNR to spend up to $4.5 million in un-obligated stewardship funds from fiscal year 2016-2017 to complete critical water infrastructure projects in Wisconsin's pristine state parks.  Having one of the largest visitor frequency numbers, Peninsula Park is one of the state parks that will be given priority in fund allocation, allowing the park to provide up to date guest facilities, such as restrooms and water fountains, that meet the high standards our community deserves and tourists expect.

Public Hearing on AB 522

I was incredibly pleased, both as one of the bill authors and a veterinarian and pet lover, by the public testimony provided during the Assembly Health Committee's public hearing on AB 522.  This bill is designed to allow emergency response personnel to apply critical first aid to sick or injured pets and police K-9s found on the scene of an emergency without fear of adverse legal repercussions.

The committee heard great testimony from representatives of the Marquette County Sheriff's Department and the Fox Valley Animal Referral Center who were able to shed light on the potential hazards K-9s officers face every day.  Police K-9s provide important support in criminal investigations, often at great risk to their health and it is morally imperative that our state return that commitment.

K-9 officers Bane and Blackjack sharing their opinions with the committee!

The Foster Forward Initiative

I was immensely excited to join my colleagues on the Speaker's Task Force on Foster Care to announce our Foster Forward initiative, a package of 13 bills we have crafted to improve the child welfare system in Wisconsin.  These bills were designed after the task force held 6 public hearings all throughout the state in order to receive input from experts, parents, and those directly involved in the state's foster care system.

As the Chairman of the Assembly Children and Families Committee, I feel confident that this package of bills will go a long way towards the task force's goals of improving the child welfare system, providing resources to support families that will prevent the removal of a child from the home, and creating options to assist youth who have aged out of the foster care system that lack the necessary resources to take care of themselves.

I look forward to watching these bills move through the legislative process, as they will no doubt create a better future for the most vulnerable members of our community.