Extending Stewardship Program

I was proud to announce on Earth Day that I have submitted a budget motion request to the Joint Finance Committee that would reauthorize the vital Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program for an additional 10 years.

I've heard from many of you over the past several months and your words couldn't have been any more clear: Gov. Tony Evers’ plan to renew the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program for only two years does not go nearly far enough.

I believe it is important for us to make a long-term commitment now so we can ensure we have the resources to continue with this program that has done so much over the past 30 years to benefit our state’s residents, wildlife, land and water.

The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program was created by the Wisconsin Legislature in 1989 to preserve natural areas and wildlife habitat, protect water quality and fisheries and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation. Since it was established, the program has been funded on a 10-year cycle.

To read my full statement on my budget motion, please click here.

If you are interested in listening to my interview with Wisconsin Public Radio on my reauthorization proposal, please click on this link.

I am pictured at the UW Health Transplant Clinic with program director Jill Ellefson, left, and Scott and Heidi Bader.

Donating Life

 As part of National Donate Life Month, I had the honor this week of taking a tour of the UW Health Transplant Clinic to learn more about their transplant program.

I was invited by my friends, Scott and Heidi Bader of Sturgeon Bay, who successfully underwent separate kidney transplant and donation surgeries at the facility nearly three years ago.

Heidi signed up to participate in the clinic’s Transplant Kidney Exchange Program shortly after it was discovered that Scott had entered end-stage kidney failure. Although the married couple was not a match, they were notified that Heidi was a match for someone else and a different person was a match for Scott.

Scott and Heidi are incredibly grateful to the wonderful staff at the clinic, who have become like family to them. The entire transplant process took less than eight hours and Scott felt better almost immediately.   

It’s truly a remarkable and emotional story, and I felt privileged to be able to hear their experiences as we toured the UW Health Transplant Clinic, which is a tremendously valuable resource to our state and the entire country.

I invite you to consider joining me on the organ donor registry by clicking here.

To learn more about the UW Health Transplant Clinic, please click here.

 Budget Listening Sessions

I would like to remind all of you that I will be holding several listening sessions over the next few days to get your input on the 2020-21 state budget.

I value these listening sessions because your feedback helps me better understand how you would like the Legislature and governor to prioritize spending your hard-earned tax dollars.

I will be available to meet with you to talk about the budget at the following locations and times:

Door County Library, Jane Greene Room, 107 S 4th Ave., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Saturday, April 27, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Sister Bay Village Hall, 10693 WI-42, Sister Bay, WI 54234
Monday, April 29, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Nelson’s Hall Bitters Pub, 1202 Main Road, Washington Island, WI 54246
Monday, April 29, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Algoma City Hall, 416 Fremont St., Algoma, WI 54201
Monday, April 29, 5 to 6:30 p.m.

If you are unable to attend any of these listening sessions, you can still share your thoughts with me by contacting my office.

Upcoming District Events!

What: Baileys Harbor Brown Trout Tournament
Where: Throughout Door & Kewaunee Counties
When: Saturday, April 27, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Details: "Over $8,000 in cash and prizes is up for grabs paying out to the Top 40 fish. Grab your buddies and your cold weather gear and head out on the Big Lake for the first open water fishing tournament of the year. $25/person. Free/15 & under."

What: Earth Day Work Day
Where: Newport State Park, 475 County Hwy NP, Ellison Bay, WI 
When: Saturday, April 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 
Details: "Lend a hand getting the park ready for another season. Bring work gloves, lopping shears pruners, hand saws or whatever else you may want to bring. Lunch will be provided. Meet at the park maintenance shop."

What: Skyline Trail Hike
Where: Peninsula State Park, 9462 Shore Rd. Fish Creek, WI
When: Saturday, April 27, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Details: "Naturalist led hike. Enjoying the blossoming spring flowers, migrating shorebirds, and a look at the historic girls camp site, Meenahga. This hike is about about 2 miles. Meet at Skyline parking lot. Free event however park vehicle sticker required."