I would like to thank all of you for taking the time to read through my newsletter. Each week, I'll include information to keep you up to date with what is happening in Madison and the 1st Assembly District.
Improving Reading Proficiency
Just recently, I testified in support of my bill that aims to improve reading proficiency among our state’s students.
Shortly thereafter, ExcelinEd wrote an article detailing the specifics of the legislation and how it will help Wisconsin. You can read it by clicking here.
I have also been getting a number of questions from constituents asking whether the bill will result in an unfunded mandate.
The state will pay for all testing, but eventually we will need our teachers to receive training so they can better understand and implement the components of the legislation.
It is also important to point out that, if we reach our struggling readers earlier, we will end up saving more money in the long-term by keeping them out of special education, which is much more expensive.
We also know that reading proficiency is the most important factor in a person’s ability to learn, and thus be more successful later in life. As such, this is a critical area in which we must invest our financial resources.
Every 10 years, the state Legislature is constitutionally charged with drawing new district boundaries based on the most recent census data from the federal government.
To pass legal muster, the districts must be compact and contiguous. To the extent possible, they must preserve “communities of interest,” meaning that municipalities must not be split up any more than necessary. There are also federal laws regarding minority representation.
Just like any piece of legislation, the governor can also weigh in by using his veto authority. The hope and expectation is that, by including a broad range of public input, the Legislature will draw a map that will be acceptable to the governor.
Taking that into account, the Legislature has created a website that allows you to have a voice in the process.
Any Wisconsin resident can submit a redistricting plan to the state Legislature by clicking here. The deadline is Oct. 15.
To learn more about how the website works, please click on this link to watch a short video.
Wisconsin Blue Books
My office has received the official 2021-22 Wisconsin Blue Books for distribution.
If you would like a free copy, please contact my office and we will be happy to mail one to you.
The Blue Books are a great tradition here in Wisconsin, dating back to their first publication in 1853. They are full of Wisconsin history, as well as current information on state offices and various government agencies.
The feature article for this biennium’s edition is titled “Dueling Governors: How the Wisconsin Supreme Court Resolved the State’s First Political Crisis.” It details the aftermath of the controversial governor’s race in 1855 between William Barstow and Coles H. Bashford.
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 members, Adam and Henry, look forward to working with you. Also, if you would like a 2021-22 Wisconsin Blue Book or 2019-20 state highway map free of charge, just send us an email!
