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.
Listening Sessions Rescheduled
Because of an unforeseen scheduling conflict, I’ve had to move the date of my listening sessions that originally were planned for the end of the month.
I've changed the date rather than cancel because I believe listening sessions are extremely valuable to both myself and those in the audience. These meetings provide community members with a chance to sit down with me, face-to-face, to share their thoughts on all the issues that are significant to them.
Hearing from constituents gives me the opportunity to get a better grasp of our district’s needs so I can continue to advocate for our priorities in Madison.
Listed below is the date, places and times of the upcoming listening sessions:
Friday, February 1, 2019
Kewaunee City Hall, Conference Room 401 5th St., Kewaunee, WI 54216 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Door Co. Public Library, Jane Green Room 107 S. 4th Ave., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 12 to 1:30 p.m.
Egg Harbor Library 7845 Church St., Egg Harbor, WI 542009 4 to 5:30 p.m.
I recognize that not everyone who wants to participate in one of the listening sessions will be able to attend. If that is the case, you can still have your voice heard by contacting my office at (608) 266-5350 or Rep.Kitchens@legis.wi.gov. My door is always open.
Tax Cut!
I was joined by several of my legislative colleagues this week in Green Bay to announce a plan by Assembly Republicans to help the middle class by cutting income taxes.
Using the state’s budget surplus, which has been developed over eight years of sound budgeting, our proposal would deliver $340 million in tax relief for middle-class families. The tax reductions would affect residents making less than $100,000 and families earning $150,000 or less.
The nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau estimates that median income families filing jointly would see a $310 reduction in net taxes.
I am extremely pleased that responsible budgeting practices by Republicans have allowed us the opportunity to return a significant amount of money back to you, the hard-working taxpayers of Wisconsin. What’s even better is our plan does not hurt farmers or local businesses because we are keeping the Manufacturing and Agriculture Tax Credit in place, which the University of Wisconsin says helped create 42,000 jobs over a recent three-year period.
Last week in ajoint letterto Gov. Tony Evers, I joined other Assembly GOP members in offering several different ways to work together with the new governor. We also discussed a series of topics this week during a joint caucus meeting with Gov. Evers. During his campaign, the governor was proposing the same $340 million in tax relief, but wanted to pay for it by virtually eliminating the Manufacturing and Agriculture Tax Credit. Our plan is a compromise that provides the same tax relief, but without increasing taxes on farmers and local businesses.
Like I have been saying all along, with a divided government, we will accomplish nothing if we don’t try to find common ground. I am committed to working with Gov. Evers and his administration to better the lives of all Wisconsin residents because I know that’s what my constituents want. I strongly believe the tax cut proposal is proof the legislature and governor will be able to reach across the aisle this session and collaborate on shared priorities.
Assembly Republicans are working with the Senate to finalize the tax cut legislation, which could be introduced as early as next week. Once approved, the tax cut would go into effect next year.
YouTube Channel
I’m always looking for new ways to interact with my constituents and keep them up-to-date on things that are going on in the 1st Assembly District and at the state Capitol in Madison.
I have found my Facebook and Twitter pages to be excellent resources in reaching out to the public, which is why I decided to expand my social media presence even further by creating my own YouTube channel.
On my YouTube site, you will be able to watch any of my published videos and take part in discussions by making comments on the posts. I intend for my videos to include such footage as interviews with the press, post-legislative session remarks, district events and explanations of my bills.
You can have easier access to all my YouTube videos by clicking on the subscribe button near the top-right corner of the page.
If you are having any issues navigating through my YouTube channel, please contact my office and we will be happy to assist you.
To find more information on Wisconsin's historic shipwrecks, click on the image above!
WI Historical Society Considers adding Advance Shipwreck Barge to State Register!
I am proud to share some rather exciting news out of Door County.
The Wisconsin Historical Society recently informed me that the Advance Shipwreck Barge, just east of the Sand Bay Peninsula, is being considered for nomination to the Wisconsin State Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places.
The governor-appointed Wisconsin Historic Places Review Board is expected to make a decision on all recommendations when it’s scheduled to meet on February 15.
The Advance was built in 1871 as a 141-foot long lumber barge. It was sold in 1898 to the Leathen & Smith Towing and Wrecking Company of Door County, where it was used for transporting stone from the business’s quarry.
The ship sank in 1921 when it was lightening the load of a steel steamer which had been stranded 3 miles southwest of Sherwood Point. While nearly 7,000 tons of coal were being transferred to the Advance, a strong wind forced the salvage tug to abandon both ships. The Advance then began to leak badly and the five crewman on board were rescued by the Coast Guard just before the barge hit the rocky point of Sand Bay.
The shipwrecked Advance currently sits under 8 feet of water nearly 550 feet off the eastern shore of the Sand Bay Peninsula. A 40-foot long section of the hull can be found close to 75 feet east of the wreck site.
If you would like to write a letter in support of the Advance nomination, please address the envelope to:
Wisconsin Historic Preservation Review Board c/o Peggy Veregin Wisconsin Historical Society 816 State St. Madison, WI 53706
What: Free Ice Fishing Weekend Where: Throughout Wisconsin When: Saturday, January 19, through Sunday, January 20 Details:"All day residents and nonresidents of all ages can fish without a license in all the waters of Wisconsin (except for spring trout ponds). All other fishing regulations still apply."
What:Barn Dance Where: Donald & Carol Kress Pavilion, 7845 Church Street, Egg Harbor, WI When: Saturday, January 19, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm 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 Market Where: 1715 Division Street, Algoma, WI When: Sunday, January 20, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Details:"Algoma Community Wellness Center's indoor winter market. Buy Local!"
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!
Tax Cut!
