Recession Preparation

More than two-thirds of leading economists believe a recession could hit our country by the middle of 2021. While that is still more than a year away, the Wisconsin Legislature has made it a priority to work on bolstering our budget stabilization fund so we can better prepare our state for a temporary economic decline.

Due to sound budget practices and the fiscally-responsible tax reforms we've enacted over the past several years, we have been able to grow the state's budget stabilization fund – also known as the rainy day fund – to a record-setting amount of $649 million. About 10 years ago, we had only $1.7 million in that account.

Moody's Analytics has determined that, by saving almost $650 million, Wisconsin has enough reserves to adequately manage a moderate recession. However, Wisconsin is not among the 16 states that have saved enough to sufficiently handle a major economic downturn.

Although the state Legislature has made great progress over the past decade in building up our budget stabilization fund, there is obviously more work that needs to be done. 

State law requires that when we have a budget surplus, half of that amount must be deposited into the rainy day fund at the close of the fiscal year.

For that very reason, I will remain steadfast in my efforts of being a responsible steward of your tax dollars. While predicting the exact date of a recession is virtually impossible, we know that one will come eventually. Recognizing all of that, I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that we can be better prepared for when that day arrives.

Legislative Update

Even with Christmas right around the corner, I had a busy week in Madison working on my legislative proposals and participating in committee meetings.

I am pleased that the Assembly Environment Committee, of which I am the chairman, recommended passage of a bill I co-authored that places limits on the usage of firefighting foams that contain added polyfluoroalkyl substances, more commonly known as PFAS.

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been manufactured and used in a variety of different products since the 1940s. For example, they are in non-stick cookware, many water-repellent clothing items and even pizza boxes.

PFAS are considered to be "forever chemicals" because they don't break down and can accumulate over time in both the human body and the environment. Unfortunately, experts say exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse health outcomes, including low infant birth weight, thyroid hormone disruption and cancer.

Under AB 323, firefighting foams that contain PFAS can only be used in emergency firefighting operations or testing approved by the Department of Natural Resources.

I believe this bill is important because we need to start creating a better balance between reducing the negative environmental impacts of these chemicals and giving our emergency personnel the resources they need to keep our communities safe. So far, there is not an equally effective agent to fight petroleum fires. 

While this bill only addresses firefighting foams, there are still many other products out there that contain PFAS. One of the hurdles we are running into, however, is that PFAS contamination is an emerging issue that hasn't been researched extensively until recently. Thus, we don't have the data yet that would allow us to solve the problem sufficiently.

I keep hearing that people want us to take action right away and make quick fixes. While I completely understand where they are coming from, at this point our main focus should be staying on top of everything without getting ahead of the science.

I want to be clear, however, that I'm not expecting AB 323 to be the only bill we take up this session that aims to protect our state from PFAS. I envision it being only one tool we have available in the toolbox. I anticipate more recommendations on PFAS to come out when the Water Quality Task Force I serve on releases its final report in the near future.

If you are interested in watching the entire Assembly Environment Committee meeting, please click on this link.

I was also honored to take part in an interview this week with Wisconsin Public Radio on my bill that would allow pharmacists to prescribe certain forms of birth control.

If you would like to listen to the segment, please click here. You can receive more information on the legislation by clicking on this link. 

Live Door County 

I had the privilege of attending a media conference this week to help the Door County Economic Development Corporation celebrate the launch of www.livedoorcounty.org.

The goal of the website is to bring awareness to the more than 800 job openings in Door County, as well as showcase the great lifestyle the area has to offer. 

Kelsey Fox, the workforce development specialist for DCEDC, told the crowd that even though the peninsula attracts many visitors every year, we are still experiencing workforce shortages, partly due to our aging population.

At the moment, there are hundreds of jobs available throughout Door County and many companies are offering full-time positions with competitive benefits. A large number of them are also willing to offer training.

I am thankful for all the local businesses and community members who have worked together to spotlight the incredible opportunities that Door County provides to its residents and visitors. The Live Door County campaign also received a grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to help establish the initiative. 

Because of those partnerships, we now have additional resources to market the jobs available in the county and promote the area as a potential place of residence. I highly recommend that you take a look at the website. You can do so by clicking on this link.

Upcoming District Events

What: Breakfast with Santa
Where: Brussels Community Center, 1366 Junction Road, Brussels, WI
When: Saturday, Dec. 14, from 8 to 10:30 a.m.
Details: "With an all-you-can-eat waffle, pancake and ham breakfast. Also featuring pictures with Santa and free craft activities (8-10am). $6/ages 10 & older. $3/ages 9 & younger. Save $1 off the family total with a donation of non-perishable goods."

What: Christmas Concert
Where: First Baptist Church, 2622 S. Bay Shore Drive, Sister Bay, WI
When: Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15, at 3 p.m. 
Details: "The Peninsula Singers, Door County’s premier chorale, will present their annual Christmas concert on Saturday evening December 14 at 7:00 PM at the Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church, and again on Sunday afternoon December 15 at 3:00 PM at the Sister Bay Baptist Church. Directors Mary Hall and Janet Anderson have chosen a variety of music from traditional to sacred which will be sung by the all-volunteer choir. There is no admission charge, but a free-will offering will be taken."

What: Baileys Harbor Winter Farmers Market
Where: Baileys Harbor Town Hall, 2392 County Highway F, Baileys Harbor, WI
When: Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Details: "The event features numerous artisan and handcrafted items for home and personal use plus foodie items perfect for gift-giving, holiday parties, and family enjoyment. We have something for every age and budget. Come to shop, coffee klatch, socialize, or have a quick lunch. Let us help you catch the holiday spirit and shop locally."