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's happening in Madison and the 1st Assembly District.
Legislative Update
While summer may be winding down, activity at the state Capitol is picking up.
I had the honor this week of testifying in front of the Assembly Health Committee on AB 304, my bill that would allow women to obtain hormonal contraceptive patches and self-administered oral hormonal contraceptives – including common birth control pills – through a prescription from a pharmacist.
Under current state law, women can only get most of their birth control through a prescription from a physician or an advanced practice nurse who has met the required qualifications.
I am proposing this legislation because I do not believe that we should be putting up artificial barriers that deny women more access to their reproductive healthcare – especially when there is no medical basis to do so.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Academy of Family Physicians and American Medical Association all agree that birth control pills are so safe they should be available over-the-counter and without a prescription.
While that may be their preferred choice, only the Food and Drug Administration can make a medication over-the-counter.
Still, allowing a pharmacist to prescribe birth control will help us make great strides in decreasing the number of unplanned pregnancies in our state, saving taxpayer dollars and reducing generational poverty.
Research also shows that increased access to birth control helps diminish the number of abortions in our country. The U.S. abortion rate decreased 25 percent between 2008 and 2014, and evidence suggests that contraception and fewer unintended pregnancies played a larger role than new abortion restrictions.
Well over 60 percent of the decline in abortions occurred in states without new restrictions. We are hoping that Wisconsin will experience similar outcomes.
The Assembly Environment Committee, of which I am the chairman, also held a public hearing this week on several bills, including two that aim to prevent the spread of Lyme disease.
The two bills would require the Department of Natural Resources to sell insect repellent at every state park and forest and install signs that warn park visitors about the dangers of the tick-borne infection.
Because the average number of Lyme disease cases in Wisconsin has more than doubled over the past decade, it's imperative that we pass these bills to take the first step toward combating this painful, debilitating illness. That is why I have signed on as a co-sponsor to both bills.
The Assembly Environment Committee also heard testimony on legislation that makes changes to Wisconsin's electronic recycling program and the state's wetland mitigation banks.
If you are interested in watching the full committee hearing, please click here.
Potawatomi Tower I recently received an update from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on the status of the observation tower at Potawatomi State Park, and I would like to share that information with you.
An engineering firm has been selected by the state to do a scope of work on the 75-foot tower, which was permanently closed in the spring of 2018 after a study conducted by Forest Products Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Agriculture found it to be structurally unsound due to significant decay.
However, members of the Sturgeon Bay Historical Society also commissioned a different company, Wood Research and Development, to carry out a separate study. That review suggested the 90-year-old tower could still be salvaged through the “in-kind repair” of the observed wood decay in the tower legs with fiber reinforcements and epoxies.
Both assessments included visual inspections and different nondestructive testing of the viewing tower’s timber members.
The firm that was recently approved by the state Department of Administration will be responsible for comparing the two studies and coming up with a final recommendation on whether the structure needs to be torn down or if it can be repaired.
The DNR expects the final report to be ready in about three months. Please be on the lookout for my future e-updates because as soon as the results are released, I will be sure to pass that information along to you.
If the tower is eventually demolished, the DNR is considering the possibility of constructing two or three overlooks in the near vicinity.
On a related note, I also have some news to share about the potential for a new Eagle Tower, which was located at Peninsula State Park before it was removed in 2016 after studies found severe wood decay in that structure as well.
A second round of bids for the new Eagle Tower just recently came in, and although they were lower than what we saw in the first round, the smallest amount is still about $1 million more than what is currently available.
The DNR is working with DOA to look for funds leftover from other projects, possible grants, federal dollars or other sources to make up the $1 million difference. Because of that extra $1 million, the new tower will also need to be approved by the state Building Commission in order for it to move forward.
If the additional funds are secured soon and the Building Commission OKs the proposal, the DNR believes there is still a chance for construction to begin in late fall.
State Parks Awards
One of the best things about our area is our abundance of state parks. It's time for the rest of Wisconsin to know that as well.
Please consider joining me in helping showcase our local treasures by voting in the 2019 Friends of Wisconsin State Parks Gold Seal Awards contest.
Some of the categories for this year include the best trail to view wildlife, best rustic campsite, best handicap-accessible trail, best concessions for ice cream, best beach to build a sandcastle and best nature center for children's activities.
The contest ends on August 30 and the winning parks, forests, trails and recreational areas will be recognized with a Gold Seal Award at the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks Awards Banquet on November 10.
To vote for your favorite state park amenities, please click here. I am proud to live in a region where there are so many state parks, and I encourage you to pay them a visit so you can enjoy all their natural beauty. They truly are remarkable.
Upcoming District Events
What: Candlelight Beach Walk Where: Whitefish Dunes State Park, 3275 Clark Lake Road, Sturgeon Bay, WI When: Saturday, Aug. 17, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Details:"Join the Friends of Whitefish Dunes for a night of candlelight fun. Enjoy a hike along the shoreline and through the forested dunes. Refreshments available at the shelter building and great sales on Friends merchandise in the nature center. Free. Park sticker required.."
What: Door-Tran Annual FUNdraiser Where: Egg Harbor Fun Park, 7340 Highway 42, Egg Harbor, WI When: Saturday, Aug. 17, from 2 to 5 p.m. Details:"Unlimited go-kart rides, mini-golf, raffle, silent auction and many other indoor and outdoor activities in support of Door-Tran. Concessions available. $20/ticket at the door."
What:Soar on the Shore Where: Crescent Beach & Boardwalk, 620 Lake St., Algoma, WI When: Saturday, Aug. 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Details:"It's kites galore as Unique Flying Objects of Two Rivers, the WI KIters Club, the Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce and Friends of Crescent Beach invite you join them for a fun-filled day on Crescent Beach & Boardwalk in Algoma!"
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 Paulette, look forward to working with you. Also, if you would like a State of Wisconsin 2017-2018 Blue Book or 2019-2020 state highway map free of charge, just send us an email!
