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
I would like to give a quick reminder to everyone that I will be holding several in-district listening sessions on Friday.
I will be available to meet with constituents at the following locations and times:
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 encourage anyone to attend who would like to sit down with me and discuss the issues affecting our state. Hearing from constituents gives me the opportunity to get a better understanding of our district’s needs so I can continue to advocate for our priorities in Madison.
If you cannot attend any of the listening sessions, you can still share your thoughts with me by contacting my office at Rep.Kitchens@legis.wi.gov or (608) 266-5350.
Supporting the Arts in Schools and Business
I am proud to represent an area with one of the most active arts communities in the state. While many people may not realize it, one of the best economic development tools we have in the nation is the arts, which provide a return on investment for taxpayers that is seldom seen in other industries.
The arts lead to other societal benefits as well, such as improving creativity and communication skills, relieving stress, building self-confidence, boosting academic outcomes, and expressing one’s emotions.
To that end, I am excited to share with you that I am have introduced two bills that encourage and promote participation in the arts.
The first piece of legislation will provide $500,000 over the next two-year budget cycle to the Department of Tourism’s Arts Board to administer as creative economy grants to non-profits, businesses, local governments and business development associations.
Entities will be able to request a maximum of $40,000 in funding, but they must secure matching non-state dollars in order to receive the state grant.
To be considered eligible, organizations must also focus on promoting at least one of the following: workforce training; arts education; economic development; job creation; or people or groups whose products or services have an origin in artistic, cultural, creative or aesthetic content.
My second bill requires the state Department of Public Instruction to include the percentage of students participating in music, dance, drama and visual arts on the annual school and school district accountability report cards.
Numerous studies show that schools that offer more extensive opportunities in the arts have experienced better pupil attendance and achievements in other subjects.
The arts data would be included on the report cards for informational purposes only and not be considered in a district’s accountability calculations.
I view this change as important because further transparency on student engagement measures will help encourage local communities to better understand and support what their schools are offering. We want to make sure our students have all the information they need to better embrace their creativity and become productive members of society.
I think it’s safe to say Wisconsin and the 1st Assembly District have had a successful track record of fostering vibrant communities, and with these two proposals, I vow to keep us focused on bolstering our economic development efforts.
Meeting the New DNR Leadership Team
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with new DNR Secretary Preston Cole and Deputy Secretary Elizabeth Kluesner to discuss our shared priorities for the state for both the immediate and distant future.
Although we spoke about several topics, our main focus was on ensuring Wisconsin residents have access to clean surface and drinking water.
I informed them about a bipartisan work group I'll be leading this session that will focus on nitrates in our waters. We’ve known for some time that nitrates have been a significant issue, but what we don’t know is how to fix it.
The work group, which consists of legislators, DNR officials and UW scientists, will use science-based research to come up with answers to the nitrate problem that is negatively impacting our water.
I also told them that, as chairman of the Assembly Environment Committee, I will continue to bring the agriculture and conservation communities together to keep moving toward our common goal of protecting our ground and surface water without hurting the state economically.
I was very impressed with Cole and Kluesner’s knowledge and commitment and I am confident we will end up working well together in finding solutions.
Upcoming District Events!
What: Winter Festival Where: Clark Park, Corner of Maple St. and Spruce St., Fish Creek, WI When: February 1-3, 2019 Details:"Winter-themed carnival games for all ages, ice sculptures, music, raffles, chili cook-off, food, beverages, Fruit Loop Fun Run and more."
What:Activities at the Library Where: Donald & Carol Kress Pavilion, 7845 Church St., Egg Harbor, WI When: Saturday, February 2, 2019, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Details:"10am. Game Day. Raid the library game stash or bring your own. Snacks provided. Appropriate for all ages. 11am-12pm. Teen Talk. Discuss school, stress, friend drama, anxiety, depression, advice, and more. This is a safe space to share with others. Open to all high schoolers.
What:Groundhog Day Parade Where: Throughout Ellison Bay, WI When: Saturday, February 2, 4:00 pm Details:"3:15pm. Parade participants gather at Nicolet Bank. Build a float, decorate your car, walk your dog, or just cheer from the sidelines. 4pm. Parade Starts. Groundhog Stew follows at Mink River Basin. Free
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!
