I am deeply honored to be given the opportunity to continue serving the constituents of the 1^st Assembly District. I would like to thank you all for the trust you have placed in my ability to continue fighting for our interests in Madison. As in my previous terms, I will work hard to ensure that we achieve and maintain important improvements in education, environmental protections, and economic development that will keep Wisconsin moving forward.

Our community is home to some of the most passionate and engaged citizens in the state of Wisconsin and it is a privilege to serve as your voice in the state legislature. If there is anything I can help you with, or if you would like to share your thoughts on an issue with me, please feel free to reach out to my office and let me know. I look forward to working with you all soon.

Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

There are a great number of things that I am incredibly thankful for this year. The love of my family and their continued good health, the birth of my first grandchild, and the great community in which I live all make me feel blessed.

When talking with people I meet who are not from the 1^st Assembly District, I realize just how fortunate I am to be a part of such a welcoming and civil community. In the current political climate, neighbors and friends may not always agree with each other or belong to the same political party but in our district, we trust in each other’s inherent goodness and extend the same respect and courtesy that we, ourselves, would expect to receive.

The fact that we are always willing to come together to work towards our common goal of improving the overall quality of life throughout our district is something we should never take for granted. It is a testament to the compassion and strength of the constituents of the 1^st Assembly District, and I am truly thankful to represent such a wonderful community.

The members of the Blue Ribbon Commission on School Funding have been busy compiling all the data we have received during the public hearings and are working together to come up with what we believe will be solid, common sense fixes to Wisconsin’s school funding formula.  My Co-Chair, Sen. Luther Olsen (R-Ripon), and I couldn’t be more pleased with the level of dedication each commission member has brought to the table.

I am confident that, once finalized, the commission’s recommendations will find vast bipartisan support within the legislature. I have had a good working relationship with governor elect Tony Evers on education issues in the past and I believe that he will appreciate the bold ideas that will be coming out of our efforts. It is my hope that the recommendations of this commission will result in increased equity and opportunity for all of Wisconsin’s students regardless of where they reside.

In the meantime, you can keep up to date on everything related to the Blue Ribbon Commission by checking out our website!

 Blue Ribbon Commission website

Door 44 Winery Groundbreaking!

I was very happy to take part in the groundbreaking for the new Door 44 winery and tasting room in Sevastopol.  Owners Steve and Maria Johnson operate Parallel 44 Winery in Kewaunee County, which has built a reputation for producing very high quality wines, which have won numerous international awards.

The tremendous growth of the wine industry in our area has been one of the most exciting developments in the local tourism industry in the past several years.  We now have numerous great winemakers and we have become a destination for wine lovers.  Surveys have shown that most of the people who go on our wine tours come to the area specifically to do the tours.  While they are here, they stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants and shop in our stores. 

I want to thank Steve and Maria for investing in our area and I look forward to the opening this summer!

Upcoming District Events!

What: Thanksgiving Day Parade
Where: Lakeside Park, HWY 57, Jacksonport, WI
When: November 22, 10:30am
Details: “Eclectic floats and characters mixed with traditional color guard, a Jacksonport fire truck, horses, and Santa.”

What: Capture the Spirit
Where: Throughout Sister Bay, WI
When: November 23 -24
Details: “The village lights up for the holidays with special decorations, caroling, Santa Claus, refreshments, extended shopping hours, art fair and cookie decorating for kids.”

What: Holly Days
Where: Throughout Egg Harbor, WI
When: November 23-24
Details: “An exciting old-fashioned winter weekend including Breakfast with Santa, an elf hunt for children, Mistle Dough shopping contest, tree lighting, caroling, horse-drawn wagon rides and more.”