I would like to thank you all for taking the time to read through my newsletter. Each week, I'll include information to keep you up to date with what's happening in Madison.
Happy Holidays!
I would like to wish everyone in the 1st Assembly District a merry Christmas and a very happy New Year! During the rush of travel plans and last minute holiday shopping, I hope that you all get the chance to enjoy some quiet time with your loved ones.
With 2019 just around the corner, I can't help but reflect on my goals for this upcoming session. I look forward to continuing my efforts in Madison to push for clean water and better educational outcomes for students of all ages, in addition to supporting economic growth in an environmentally responsible way. I believe these goals are essential, not only for a happy new year, but for the bright future every Wisconsinite deserves. Happy holidays to you all. I look forward to serving you in 2019.
From left to right: Rep. Quin (R-Barron), Rep. Horlacher (R-Mukwonago), myself, Sen. Vinehout (D-Alma), Sen. Olson (R-Rippon), Sen. Marklein (R-Spring Green), Dan Rossmiller, Rep. Pope (D-Mt. Horeb), and Dr. Julie Underwood catching up with each other before the rest of the members arrive.
Final Meeting!
The Blue Ribbon Commission on School Funding met on Wednesday to finalize our recommendations on how to best adjust the state’s complex education funding system to better ensure our children have the resources they need to succeed.
About two years ago we started talking about forming this bi-partisan panel, and since it was established last December, we have held nine public hearings at all corners of the state to receive guidance from parents and stakeholders on how to best put the educational needs of our children first. As Co-Chair of this commission, I can tell you that it has been an incredibly eye-opening experience.
Among the many things we learned is that school districts throughout Wisconsin are all facing similar problems, and the steps the commission has taken will help them overcome a large number of these obstacles. Some of the recommendations the commission has made are aimed at making school funding amounts and revenue limits more predictable while also addressing declining enrollment. In addition to those two issues, we have suggested solutions focused towards improving how the state funds special education, mental health services, school safety, and early childhood learning. Another important piece we touched on included recommendations designed to help eliminate the educator workforce shortage.
I would like thank each member of the commission for the countless hours they spent listening to the public and sharing their ideas on improving the state’s complex education funding system. I am tremendously proud of the way both Republicans and Democrats worked across the aisle with the common goal of helping our students become the best and the brightest in the nation.
I intend to continue this partnership as I collaborate with my colleagues in the state Legislature, as well as Governor-elect Tony Evers, to draft legislation from the commission recommendations that will make practical and much-needed fixes to the current education funding formula.
I would like to congratulate Hacienda Beer Co. in Baileys Harbor for receiving the honor of being named one of the 12 best new breweries in 2018 by Hop Culture, an online magazine based in New York City.
The announcement by Hop Culture says, “Hacienda was a complete surprise for us. The unassuming (though expertly designed) side project brewery from the team at Door County Brewing Co. in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin, impressed with extremely balanced juicy IPAs and delicate saisons. If you’re itching to try a beer like Everything Eventually or Smallish, beer from Hacienda — aka the Ham Sandwich Brewery (check out their merchandise) — can be found throughout Wisconsin."
It’s always great to see a local company succeed and I wish them nothing but the best moving forward.
What: Happy Holidays Where: Moon Bird, 12044, Ellison Bay, WI When: Saturday, December 22 at 10:00am Details:"Get a sneak peek, and enjoy holiday shopping, at the new gallery in Ellison Bay, opening April 2019."
What:Game Day Where: Donald and Carol Kress Pavilion, 7845 Church St., Egg Harbor, WI When: Saturday, December 22 at 10:00am Details:"Raid the library game stash or bring your own. Snacks provided. Appropriate for all ages."
What:Activities at Crossroads Where: Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI When: Saturday, December 22 at 10:00am Details:"10am. Family Program. "Water Play." This Celebrate Water activity is targeted at primary aged students. Participants will have hands on experience with water and should wear clothes that might get wet. Free and open to the public. 2:30pm. Kids Film. Can watching an animated film inspire environmental stewardship? Bring the kids to enjoy a classic film with a message. Held in the Collins Learning Center. Free and open to the public."
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. My staff, Adam and Joe, look forward to working with you. Also, if you would like a State of Wisconsin 2017-2018 Blue Book or 2017-2018 State Highway map free of charge, just send us an email!
