During this week's Blue Ribbon Commission public hearing in De Pere, we were fortunate enough to  hear a very insightful presentation from community business leaders, such as representatives from Schreiber Foods and Foth, who emphasized the importance of local businesses engaging with school districts to create programs that will prepare our students to enter the workforce.  As the Co-Chair along with Sen. Luther Olsen, I would like to thank Foth for generously offering us a beautiful space to host this latest hearing.

Educators from around the area presented equally intriguing information relating to increasingly changing student body demographics and the ways in which these changes have affected their district's funding needs.  Click here to  view a wonderful video on the hearing from Fox11 News, and be sure to check out the Blue Ribbon Commission website to keep up to date on upcoming hearings.

The next public hearing will held in Fennimore on April 9.

Save Our Pets Bill Signing

I was incredibly pleased, both as one of the bill authors and a veterinarian and pet lover, by the Governor's signing of my Save Our Pets Bill.  This bill was 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.

  Prior to this change in law, EMS personnel were unable to provide first aid to injured animals on the scene. This causes great distress to the families who are watching a beloved pet lay in pain after a fire or household accident and disturbs first responders who are forced to sit idly by without being able to offer any help they could easily administer.

In addition to house hold pets, Police K-9s will benefit greatly from this bill.  These brave animals provide important support in criminal investigations, often at great risk to their health and this bill ensures that our state will return that commitment.

I would like to thank my co-author, Representative Considine, as well as our Senate author, Senator Cowles, for their collaborative efforts on this important bill.

WDOR Interview

I was delighted to once again have the opportunity to receive direct feedback from constituents live on WDOR this week.  Your input is essential to my role as the voice of the 1st Assembly District, and I am grateful for every opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about the latest issues impacting our community.

Be sure to tune in for my next radio interview on April 16 for another chance to catch me live on the air!

Happy Easter!

Ever since the founding of our nation, we have always put a unique spin on the many holidays and customs brought to our shores, and the traditions surrounding Easter have proved to be no exception.  As early as the 1700's, German immigrants settling in Pennsylvania celebrated Easter by encouraging their children to build nests for the "Osterhase," an egg-laying rabbit.  Eventually this tradition spread across the country and evolved into the modern day Easter Bunny, who leaves a nest full of candy and eggs in colorful baskets for children.

Whether your weekend plans include a visit from the Easter Bunny, or just involve spending time together with loved ones, I wish you and your family the happiest of Easters!

Upcoming District Events!

What: Teen Game Day
Where: Donald and Carol Kress Pavilion, 7845 Church St, Egg Harbor, WI
When: March 31, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Details: "The second floor Great Hall turns into a gaming hub with games such as D&D, Jenga, Wii, and more. For ages 13-18. Free."

What: Jacksonport Easter Egg Hunt
Where: Lakeside Park, Hwy 57, Jacksonport, WI
When: March 31, 11:00am
Details: "Easter egg hunt for children 2-10 years of age. Registration is at 11:00am and the egg hunt starts at 11:30am. Parents can assist younger children. Prize selections will follow the hunt. Featuring the Easter Bunny and face painter, Lynn Thorp."

What: Easter Egg Hunt
Where: The Hollyhock House and Gardens, 1408 Dodge St, Kewaunee, WI
When: March 31, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Details: "Free to children 12 and under. The hunt for eggs begins at 1:15pm and will continue until all eggs are found.  Lakeshore Community Food Pantry will be accepting non-perishable food donations in exchange for raffle tickets."