Governor Scott Walker Announces Broadband Expansion Grants for Liberty Grove and Kewaunee County

Yesterday (April 12, 2018), Governor Walker announced $7.68 million in Broadband Expansion Grants for 46 rural communities throughout Wisconsin, including here in the 1st Assembly District. The Town of Liberty Grove and Kewaunee County will use these grants to fund the construction of four new wireless towers to provide residents and visitors with better high-speed Internet access. I am thankful to Governor Walker for approving the largest investment in state history for broadband expansion because rural Wisconsin depends on fast, reliable Internet. 

Thank you and End of Session Video

Due to Wisconsin's current campaign laws, this will be my last legislative e-update until the end of the 2018 fall election season. I still encourage residents of the 1st Assembly District to contact me with any issues they have for the rest of the year.

Therefore, I would like to say thank you to all of the residents of the 1st Assembly District for the privilege of working for you at the Wisconsin State Capitol and serving as your state representative!

With the 2017-18 Wisconsin legislative session completed, I would like to take a moment to share with you some of the wonderful progress we have been able to make in Madison for the 1st Assembly District. I invite you to click here or on the picture to watch my brief video explaining our big accomplishments this past session.

Local Constituent Recognition and AB-731 Bill Signing

Congratulations to Roen Salvage of Sturgeon Bay on signing a new $1.9 million dollar contract for a marine construction project in Superior, Wisconsin. This contract was made possible by a bill I co-authored last session that prohibited local governments from requiring Project Labor Agreements (PLA) on taxpayer-funded projects. Previously, Superior routinely required that contractors sign a PLA, which forced them to hire union workers from Superior for the project. This practice favored large out-of-state companies and prevented companies like Roen from bidding on the project, while increasing the cost to the taxpayer. It is great to see a bill like this provide real-life benefits to our area!

 Congratulations to Charlotte Lukes and her late husband Roy of Egg Harbor on their induction into the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame at the 2018 Induction Ceremony tomorrow, Saturday, April 14 in Stevens Point. Roy and Charlotte have been conservation leaders in the 1st Assembly District and throughout the state for a long time. I always enjoyed reading their columns in the Door County Advocate, and I could not be happier for them to receive this prestigious recognition from the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame!

On Monday, April 16, Governor Scott Walker is signing AB-731, relating to qualification of newspapers to receive compensation for publication of legal notice, into law. This legislation would not have been possible without the support and innovative success of the Peninsula Pulse in Door County. With this new law, the Peninsula Pulse and Kewaunee Star-News will be able to post official meeting notices and minutes for our local government bodies.  

Public Hearing in Oshkosh

The Blue Ribbon Commission will be heading to Oshkosh on April 23rd for our next public hearing. My Co-Chair, Sen. Luther Olsen (R-Ripon), and I are excited to hear presentations from representatives of the local public school districts and members of the public!

Be sure to follow our progress as we continue to travel throughout Wisconsin to gain insight on how to improve the current school funding formula!

 Blue Ribbon Commission website

WDOR INTERVIEW!

I am excited to once again have the chance to speak with constituents on live radio.  Tune in to WDOR on April 16 at 10:20am to hear me answer questions directly from the public.  The opportunity to receive direct feedback from the public is crucial to my duty as the voice of the 1st Assembly District, and I appreciate the high level of engagement everyone has displayed throughout the previous session.

Upcoming District Events!

What: Winter Farm Market
Where: 2329 Cty F, Baileys Harbor, WI
When: April 14, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Details: "Featuring locally grown and handmade items."

What: Children's Carnival
Where: Gordon Lodge, 1420 Pine Drive, Baileys Harbor, WI
When: April 14, 10:30am - 1:00pm
Details: "Activities include a cake walk, face painting, silent auction and 50/50 raffle, and many other great carnival games provided by local businesses."

What: Bread & Booyah Event at the Belgian Heritage Center
Where: Belgian Heritage Center, 1255 County DK, Brussels, WI
When: April 22, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Details: "Join us for a traditional Belgian booyah lunch including home made bread, booyah, dessert and a beverage."

What: Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader Fundraiser
Where: Kewaunee High School Gymnasium, 911 3rd Street, Kewaunee, WI
When: May 9, 6:00pm - 8:00 pm
Details: "Third St. Local celebrities match their knowledge against fifth-grade students. Proceeds benefit Kewaunee Schools and Literacy Partners of Kewaunee County."