Extraordinary Session

I am hopeful that with the passage of a week, we can begin to get past the rhetoric and emotion and look objectively at what happened in our Extraordinary Session.  There is no question that the appearance was horrible.  The legislation was depicted as a petty and vindictive attempt to strip power from the incoming governor and attorney general.  Like many of you, I was horrified to see Wisconsin portrayed in that light by the national media.  Lost in all of this, however, is a look at what the legislation will actually accomplish.

I hope you will take a few minutes to try to view the legislation with an open mind.  I am including a link to a press release put out by my friend and colleague, Representative (and Senator-elect) Dale Kooyenga, here.  Dale is a member of the Joint Finance Committee and a CPA and I think he explains it better than anyone I have seen.  It is pretty technical stuff, which is why it has been a challenge for us to educate the public on this package of bills.

I was quoted in the press as saying I hated the process and that I was very conflicted on how to vote, and that is true.  I worked very hard to remove or modify the portions of the legislation that I thought were overly partisan.  In the end, I thought the bills we passed actually accomplished worthy objectives and were very defensible.  I am perfectly comfortable with them being in place whether we have a Democratic or Republican administration.  On the other hand, I knew that politically this would be viewed as entirely partisan and mean-spirited.  The easiest thing to do would have been to vote “no” but I felt that I best served my district by fighting to make the legislation as good as possible.  It remains to be seen whether the benefits from these bills will outweigh the price we have paid in public opinion.  I am not at all sure of the answer to that. 

You may not agree with my decision but I hope you will appreciate that there is a very good rationale in everything that was done.  My pledge to you is that I will work with the new administration as collaboratively as possible.  We now have a split government and without compromise, we will accomplish nothing.  I have worked very well with Governor-elect Evers in the past and I expect to continue to do so in future.  I know this is what the people of my district want.

Environment Committee Chair Appointment!

I was extremely pleased to learn earlier this week that I have been appointed as chairman of the Assembly Committee on the Environment for the 2019-20 legislative session.

It’s a responsibility I will take very seriously.  We live in the state’s most beautiful region, but with its 300 miles of shoreline and thin soils overlaying dolomite bedrock, it’s also one of the most delicate.  Our economy, our health and our very way of life depend on clean water.  I want to ensure that we take the long view and always put conservation first while considering legislation that bolsters our local economy and continues to bring visitors here.

I am looking forward to working with the DNR and the newly-elected administration to do what we can to protect the environment and preserve our vital natural resources. I also vow to continue working with the agriculture and conservation communities to reach our common goal of safeguarding our ground and surface water.

Youth Suicide Prevention Capitol Briefing

The Evidence-Based Health Policy Project was at the state Capitol this week to host a presentation on the programs and policies in Wisconsin that are designed to help prevent suicide among our youth and young adults.

The groups that participated in the event were Mental Health America of Wisconsin, UW-Madison Health Services, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and the Youth Services Division of Ho-Chunk Nation.

One of the most important topics discussed during the symposium was addressing the shortage of mental health workers by enacting initiatives in middle and high schools that encourage career planning in that field.

Presenters also informed the audience that suicide rates among farmers are the highest of any profession. According to experts, stigma and a lack of education about depression are the main causes of farmer suicides. Farmers who need assistance in alleviating industry concerns can reach out to the Farm Crisis Center at www.farmcrisis.nfu.org.

Suicide is a very serious issue and we need to make sure we provide enough tools to ensure that our citizens always have somewhere to turn for help when they are struggling with their lives and mental well-being.

One of those resources is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which gives free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Those who would like more information on suicide prevention should call the lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Upcoming District Events!

What: Imagination Library Kick-Off
Where: Sturgeon Bay Library, 107 South 4th Ave., Sturgeon Bay, WI
When: Saturday, December 15, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Details: "Drop-in to sign up your child for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library (have free books sent monthly to your home, for ages 0-5). Make holiday decorations and cover them in glitter."

What: Community Dance
Where: Donald and Carol Kress Pavilion, 7845 Church St., Egg Harbor, WI
When: Saturday, December 15, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Details: "A community dance led by the Door County Folk Alliance. Come with or without a partner, singles are welcome. All dances are taught by a caller. No experience necessary. $5 donation appreciated."

What: Winter Farmers Market
Where: Baileys Harbor Town Hall, 2392 Cty F, Baileys Harbor, WI
When: Sunday, December 16, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Details: "Get a head start on your Christmas shopping while browsing great local vendors' home made wares, food, and health and beauty products."