April 6, 2018

 

Producer-Led Watershed Bill Signed Into Law!

 

I am delighted that Governor Walker has signed my Producer-Led Watershed Grant Bill, which I authored with Senator Rob Cowles (R- Green Bay). This important bill will increase the amount available for Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grants given out by DATCP by $500,000 each year in the 17-18 and 18-19 fiscal years.

 

Farmers are great problem solvers and they will play a vital role in addressing our water quality concerns. Grants such as these will allow farmers to explore new technologies and innovative processes available for land and water conservation that they otherwise would not be able to access. This bill is part of my continued effort to bring the agriculture and conservation communities together in working toward the common goal of protecting our ground and surface water. I believe this is another big step forward in providing producer-led groups the tools needed to have a positive impact on our water quality.

 


Environmental Wins From This Session

      

As the session winds down, I would like to take a moment to share some of the wonderful progress I have been able to make in Madison to protect our natural resources.  I invite you to click here to watch my brief video explaining some of the exciting bills I am confident will have a positive impact on the quality of water available within the 1st Assembly District.


College Credit Transfer and School Report Card Bills Signed Into Law!

 

Here is Jenna Seiler taking time out of her busy college schedule to testify on the merits of my

College Credits for High School Students Bill back in December! Thanks Jenna!

 

 With the Governor signing both my College Credits for High School Students Bill and my School Report Card Bill into law this week, Wisconsin is making great strides in improving access to quality education at all levels from Kindergarten through college.

 

The Transfer of College Credits for High School Students bill will allow students who have taken college level courses in high school and mastered the material to get the credits they deserve. The bill directs the Board of Regents to establish policies for those credits and if the credits are not transferable, allow the student to take an examination to determine their competency in the material, alleviating some of the potential debt that the average Wisconsin college student might accrue.

 

The School Report Card Publication Date Bill is necessary to improve the system in which we evaluate the effectiveness of schools throughout the entire state.  Since annual testing in our schools moved up from the autumn to the spring several years ago, the existing timeline makes it impossible for DPI to submit completed accountability reports. The deadline adjustment created under this bill will be a benefit to the department and to all of Wisconsin's school districts.

 

I believe that these bills will go a long way to ensure Wisconsin's students receive the best possible education we can provide, and I am proud to have authored and advocated for this legislation.

 


The next stop for the Blue Ribbon Commission is in Fennimore.  My Co-Chair, Sen. Luther Olsen (R-Ripon), and I are excited to hear presentations from representatives of the local public school districts as well as CESA 3 and members of the public!

Monday, April 9, 2018

2:00 PM

Fred W. Lenz Conference Center

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

1800 Bronson Blvd.

Fennimore, WI 53809

 

You can keep up to date on everything related to the Blue Ribbon Commission by checking out our website!

 Blue Ribbon Commission website

 


Upcoming District Events!

What: Algoma Bird Celebration
Where: Algoma Youth Club, 620 Lake St., Algoma, WI
When: April 7, 9:00am - 2:00pm
Details:
"The City of Algoma is designated as a "Bird City" in Wisconsin and you're invited to celebrate, while enjoying educational displays, vendors and food."

What: LEGO Kids' Club
Where: Sturgeon Bay Library, 107 S. 4th Ave., Sturgeon Bay, WI
When: April 7, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Details: "Kids (K-4th grade) are welcome to build unique creations with thousands of LEGOs. Many of the creations will be on display all month in the children's area of the library. Free."

What: Stories & Fun
Where: Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Library, 2323 Mill Rd., Sister Bay, WI
When: April 6, 10:30am
Details: "Young children and their families are invited to enjoy stories and fun. Stay for crafts and fun projects to take home."


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 looks 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.

If you would like to be removed from future mailings, email me and ask to unsubscribe.

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