Representatives of Clean Water Wisconsin stopped by my office this week to touch base on the nitrate work group and a host of other topics.

Nitrate Work Group Update

Since clean water is such a vital issue which we all have a stake in, I find it’s important to be as transparent as possible by keeping everyone up-to-date on the efforts of my nitrogen work group.

In that vein, I am going to outline the basic structure of the group, which boasts an impressive array of experience and resources, as well as the plans for how we intend to move forward and tackle the issue of nitrates in our water.

When I decided to form the nitrate work group, I knew it was essential that we didn’t just quickly jump into everything and write laws without first gathering science-based evidence to learn the most effective methods of eliminating this dangerous contaminant. After all, what good is legislation that sounds like a quick fix but actually accomplishes little, or worse, has unintended negative consequences?

That is why I reached out to some of the top scientists in the state and other experts in the field. As I previously did while working toward new rules for manure management in our area, I also invited conservationists and farmers to participate to ensure that all stakeholders will be involved in this discussion. We will never truly have compliance on both sides unless everyone is on board.

In addition to a bipartisan panel of legislators, here are the agencies and individuals that have accepted my invitation to participate with my nitrate work group:

We will be holding our next meeting during the second week of March, at which time we will be hearing several presentations and sharing research that has already been compiled by some of these groups. Our ultimate goal is to use the most effective existing best practices to mitigate nitrates in our water while also developing new methods to prevent further pollution. Look for more updates on my work group as we continue to tackle this issue.

If you have science-based research you feel would contribute to the work group’s efforts or know of a professional in the field who would like to share information with us, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. I intend to leave no stone unturned in our research toward solving this serious problem.

Public Notices Bill

I am excited to announce I have introduced a bill this week that will help a local business that is facing a rather unique challenge.

My legislative proposal, known as LRB-0134, would ensure the Washington Island Observer is incorporated into the state definition of a newspaper so the print news outlet can become eligible to receive payments for publishing legal notices.

I think this bill, which is supported by the Wisconsin Newspaper Association, is especially important because it will help promote government transparency by ensuring Washington Island residents have easier and more regular access to legal notices. It also creates fairness for rural newspapers by allowing the Observer to receive compensation for publishing legal notices, just like any designated newspaper of record.

Under current law, a newspaper is defined – with certain exceptions – as a publication that is published at regular intervals and at least once a week, containing, on average, 25 percent news content per issue.

The Observer is the only newspaper printed directly on the island and meets all of the state requirements except that it is only published 30 times a year instead of 52 because the population shrinks during the winter months.

But Washington Island still has close to 350 full-time households, and nearly 300 of them – or 86 percent – are Observer subscribers.

In addition, my legislation embraces new technological advancements by expanding the options a newspaper has in its obligation to send affidavits to those who requested published legal notices. The bill permits newspapers to send a copy of the affidavits in either hard copy or electronic form.

Please keep an eye out for my future weekly E-Updates to keep track of this bill and other legislation I introduce this session. You can also view the bills I am either authoring or co-authoring by clicking on this link.

Criminal Justice Reform Initiatives

I am quite proud to put my support behind several initiatives announced by Assembly Republicans this week that are expected to greatly improve various aspects of the state’s criminal justice system.

One of my top priorities as a legislator is to provide our law enforcement agencies and courts with the tools they need to ensure our neighborhoods are safe. Our reform package will help accomplish that goal because the proposals will allow for us to be tough, yet also smart on crime.”

Assembly Republicans are asking Gov. Tony Evers to include the following recommendations in his state budget request to the legislature:

• Quicker access to a fair trial: fund new assistant district attorney (ADA) positions, increase pay for ADAs and state public defenders (SPD) and increase private bar rate for county court appointments and SPD appointments
• Expand Treatment Alternatives and Diversion (TAD) programs to help offenders who suffer from alcohol and drug issues
• Invest in the retention of correctional officers
• Promote the successful transition of ex-offenders back into society through expanded worker training, reentry programs and health initiatives

Support for the GOP Assembly reform package is already strong. It has received the backing of numerous local district attorneys, public defenders, judges and members of law enforcement, as well as the State Bar of Wisconsin.

State Bar President Christopher E. Rogers released a press release shortly after the announcement, saying it’s encouraging to see support for, and recognition, that funding for the criminal justice system has to increase. He also stressed that he looks forward to working with all parties during the budget cycle and legislative session to ensure the passage of the reforms.

I am as well. My Assembly colleagues and I are hoping that Gov. Evers sees the value in our criminal justice package and includes it in his budget request.

While the governor has expressed that it is his goal to cut the prison population in half, that would result in violent criminals being released into our communities. Instead, I believe Republicans and Democrats need to come together and work toward improving the state’s criminal justice system without needlessly putting our family, friends and neighbors in harm’s way

Gov. Evers is scheduled to deliver his budget address on Feb. 28.

Meeting the New DPI Superintendent

I was fortunate enough to be able meet this week with newly-appointed State Superintendent of Public Instruction Carolyn Stanford Taylor to discuss education issues across Wisconsin.

I was excited to learn that we support many of the same priorities, including where we want to see schools go in the future, acknowledging the differences between urban and rural schools, enacting the recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Commission on School Funding and reducing the achievement gaps we have in our state.

As a father of three and a former school board president, I recognize the need and importance of a strong school system. I am committed to working with the superintendent and her staff to come up with solutions to improve educational opportunities for all of our children.

I was very impressed with Stanford Taylor’s knowledge and commitment to our students, and since we both share that same passion, I am confident will be able to accomplish many great things for our students and educators.

I look forward to collaborating with Stanford Taylor and my Assembly Education Committee colleagues this session to push for meaningful legislation that will help assist our schools with educating our future workforce.

Upcoming District Events!

What: Story Hour & Kids Yoga
Where: 8166 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI
When: Saturday, February 23, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, January 20
Details: "Experience children's literature that highlights compassion while incorporating movement and mindfulness. This session: "Yoga Friends" by Mariam Gates. Children will learn partner yoga poses. Free."

What: Ski for Free
Where: 20141 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI
When: Saturday, February 23 through Sunday, February 24, from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Details: "Borrow, free of charge, an array of ski and snowshoe equipment. Get fitted at the maintenance building. When trail conditions permit."

What: ZoupArt
Where: Kewaunee County Fairgrounds, 620 3rd Street, Luxemburg, WI
When: Sunday, February 24, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Details: "Support the Zoological Society of Kewaunee County, while enjoying soup and art."