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Contents

March 21, 2019

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I would like to thank you all 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.

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Click on the photo above to view my testimony before the Senate Natural Resources Committee to support my Pollution Prevention Program bill. While you're watching, feel free to subscribe to my official YouTube channel.

Water Quality Updates

It was another busy week at the state Capitol, and once again protecting our state’s water was a major focus of mine.

First, I testified in front of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy on Senate Bill 91, legislation I co-authored with Sen. Rob Cowles that is designed to reduce the amount of contaminants in our state’s water by creating a system for buying and selling pollution credits through a third-party central clearinghouse.

Because Sen. Cowles’ testimony concentrated on the technical aspects of this very complex proposal, I decided to shift my attention to describing what this bill signifies to me, and that is hope and optimism.

I am hopeful and optimistic because, in this new era of a divided government, we have a bipartisan mix of more than 50 legislators who have signed on as co-sponsors to this bill. We’ve been hearing a lot lately about the importance of reaching across the aisle, but until this moment, they have only been empty words.

I believe SB 91 will be proof that the Senate, Assembly and Governor can work together when it comes to bettering the lives of all Wisconsinites. Politics should not influence something as important as protecting our natural resources and ensuring all of our citizens have clean water to drink.

I am also hopeful and optimistic because this legislation truly is a win for everyone. Because SB 91 is expected to improve water quality, save taxpayer money, provide struggling family farms with supplemental income and keep manufacturers open and thriving, groups representing agriculture, conservation, businesses and local government are all coming out in support of this bill.

I also explained that we have an obligation as lawmakers to protect our constituents and neighbors by doing everything in our power to make sure they have access to clean water. Clean water is essential to our economy and to the very health of our citizens.

I ended my testimony by making it clear that while SB 91 will help us further safeguard our state’s water, it will not be a magic bullet that will solve all our problems. However, I remain hopeful and optimistic that we will expand our efforts this session to improve water quality in Wisconsin in a bipartisan manner.

In that same vein, the Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality this week met for the first time to listen to presentations from the Department of Natural Resources; Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection; Department of Health Services; and the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey.

Some of the topics that were discussed included water cycles, DNR activities related to water, the state of current water quality programs, emerging contaminants, nutrient pollution, aquatic invasive species, fertilizer licensing, soil and water conservation on farms and health risks associated with contaminated water.

The task force will be holding several similar meetings in the near future to gather information before we go out all over the state to hear from the public on the issues they are facing. I am confident that, based on the data and research we collect, we will be able to come up with some meaningful solutions to protect every citizens' basic human right of access to clean, safe water.


Tourism Conference2019.jpgI had the pleasure of discussing Door and Kewaunee County tourism efforts with Gov. Evers, Sara Meaney, and Jack Moneypenny. Be sure to check out the rest of the pics further down this page!

Governors Conference on Tourism

It was an honor and privilege to be invited this week to speak at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism.

As a three-term member of the Assembly Committee on Tourism, I know firsthand how vital this industry is for our district and the state as a whole.

According to the latest available statistics, tourism had a $20.6 billion impact on the state’s economy in 2017, a $631 million increase from the previous year. The tourism economy also generated $1.5 billion in state and local revenue and $1.2 billion in federal taxes in 2017. Without those dollars, households would have had to pay an additional $660 to maintain existing services.

In Door County, the $358.7 million in direct visitor spending in 2017 supported 3,225 jobs and $78.5 million in labor income. Visitor spending also generated $38.5 million in state and local taxes. Total business sales from tourism totaled $456.9 million that same year.

Even more impressive, visitor spending in Door County has grown each year over the past nine years, with the county bringing in close to $100 million more than in 2009.

That’s not happening by accident, either. We have some great folks and organizations in Door County that have done an excellent job of promoting our area and coming up with innovative ways of bringing in new visitors and keep old ones coming back.

Others are starting to take note of this as well. Of the five awards handed out at this week’s tourism conference, three went to our own Door County.

Cambria Mueller, marketing manager for the Door County Visitor Bureau, was named the winner of the Rising Star Award, which recognizes those who are new to the industry and have shown leadership, commitment and passion toward tourism.

The Peninsula School of Art in Fish Creek won the Arts, Culture and Heritage Award. This award is presented to a business that showcases the arts, culture or heritage for the enhancement of the tourism experience and economic well-being of a community.

Lars Johnson, owner of Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant and Butik in Sister Bay, took home the Service Excellence Award for achieving significant success and growth by providing exceptional service to their customers and a strong, charitable involvement in their community.

I would like to congratulate these local leaders for all the time and effort they put in to making Door County a great place to live and visit.

To learn more about tourism in Door County, please click here.

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WDOR Live Interview!

 I'm fortunate to have the opportunity to discuss local and state issues with the public at large every month live on the air. During this week's segment, I was able to take calls from constituents who had questions about the budget, or just wanted to share their thoughts on some of the current budget proposals.

These radio spots are another great way for members of the community who may not have the time or transportation to come to my office in Madison to give me direct feedback.

I will be live on the air again at 10:20 am on Monday, April 15. You can catch my radio segment by tuning in to WDOR or by clicking here to listen to the live stream.

Upcoming District Events!

What: 4-H Horse and Pony Tack Sale
Where: Institute Saloon, 4599 Hwy 57, Institute, WI
When: Saturday, March 23, from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Details: "New and used horse tack will be for sale by a variety of vendors. A bake sale will also be available. Admission is free."

What: Bingo
Where: Donald and Carol Kress Pavilion, 7845 Church St., Egg Harbor, WI
When: Saturday, March 23, at 9:00 am
Details: 
"9:00 am-doors open. 10:00am-Bingo starts. Snacks and beverages available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the restoration of the Bookmobile."

What: Ukulele Society of Door County Jam
Where: Door County YMCA - Northern Door Program Center, 3866 Gibraltar Rd, Fish Creek, WI
When: Sunday, March 24, 1:00 pm
Details: "Open to all ukulele players and skill levels. Locals and tourists welcome. Free."