Legislative Update

It was a rather busy week for me at the state Capitol as I testified in support of three of my bills.

The first, AB 36, would allow pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraceptive patches and self-administered oral hormonal contraceptives, including common birth control pills.

Under current state law, women can only obtain most birth control through a prescription from a physician or an advanced practice nurse who has met the necessary qualifications. AB 36 is supported by every major medical organization.

You can read my testimony on the bill by clicking here.

The second, AB 515, would ease the residency requirements for military veterans who want to take advantage of the GI Bill program in Wisconsin.

While it is always commendable to help our veterans who have sacrificed so much to protect our country, my legislation also tries to address our current worker shortage crisis by encouraging this desirable population to move to our state.

You can read my testimony on AB 515 by clicking on this link.

The third, SB 454, would ensure teachers have the framework and tools that are needed to help our students learn to read proficiently.

 You can watch the public hearing on that bill by clicking here.

Environment Committee

The Assembly Environment Committee that I chair also met this week for a public hearing and an executive session.

During the public hearing portion of our meeting, we heard testimony on two bills and three clearinghouse rules:

• AB 505: relating to aquatic plant management plans and permit exemptions
• AB 500: relating to allowing the installation of certain groundwater recharge systems
• CR 21-022: relating to the incorporation of the 2015 national ambient air quality standards for ozone
• CR 21-026: relating to requirements for wetland mitigation
• CR 21-027: relating to storm water discharge permits and small businesses

For our executive session, we recommended passage of AB 99, which makes changes to the requirements and exemptions for the disposal of materials dredged from Lake Michigan or Lake Superior by a municipality or its contractors. 

Safe Drinking Water Webinar

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will host the last of its Safe Water for All Campaign webinars on Tuesday at noon.

This particular edition is titled "Protecting The People - Safe Drinking Water For All."

The Safe Water for All Campaign was created in July to educate the public on the leading drinking water contaminants in our state and their impact on human health.

Speakers for Tuesday's event will include: Steve Elmore, director of the DNR Drinking Water and Groundwater Program; Jennifer Hauxwell, associate director of the University of Wisconsin Aquatics Sciences Center; and Jon Meiman, chief medical officer at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

You can view the webinar on Tuesday at noon by clicking here.