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Contents

April 11, 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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Please Share Your Opinion

In the next week or so, you should be receiving in the mail from me a brief survey that asks you for your opinions on the 2019-2020 state budget.

But if you don’t want to wait that long or you would like to save a stamp, you can always fill out the survey at your own convenience on my legislative website.

The biennial survey provides a great opportunity for you to communicate with me your thoughts on how state government should be spending your hard-earned tax dollars. After all, it is your money and you have a right to be involved in the discussions.

This is not something new, either. Historically, our budget proposals are largely shaped by public input. Knowing where you stand on key issues will help allow me to better advocate on your behalf as I work through the budget process with my colleagues.

It’s been an absolute honor to be able to serve you as your representative for the past four years, and I cannot wait to hear back from you so we can put together a state spending plan that continues to benefit us all.

I will also be appearing live on WDOR this coming Monday, April 15, at 10:20 am to take calls from listeners, if you have any budget questions you would like to ask directly. You will be able to listen to the radio segment live on Monday by clicking on the WDOR image below.

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Listening Sessions 

 

Another way you can share your thoughts with me on the state budget is to attend any one of the listening sessions I am holding throughout the district at the end of April.

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

Door County Library, Jane Greene Room, 107 S 4the 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 Rd., 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.

I find these listening sessions to be extremely valuable because your input help me better understand how you would like the Legislature and governor to prioritize spending your tax dollars. I look forward to hearing from you so I can continue to advocate for solutions to our district’s most pressing needs.


Observer Testimony.jpgTestifying on the merits of AB 112 before the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Legislative Updates

This week I had the pleasure of testifying in front of the Assembly Judiciary Committee on AB 112, my legislation that would incorporate the Washington Island Observer into the state definition of a newspaper so it can become eligible to receive compensation for publishing legal notices.

Current law specifies that in order to meet the state definition, a newspaper must be printed at regular intervals and at least once per week, containing, on average, 25 percent news content per issue.

The Washington Island Observer meets all of the conditions except for the one that requires an issue to be published every week. The Observer does print an edition every week during the summer months, but is forced to cut down to twice per month during the winter. From January to March, the island’s population shrinks significantly and the ferry that services the area only operates once per day.

My bipartisan bill recognizes the Washington Island Observer’s hardships and incorporates them into the state definition of a newspaper, which will help them promote government transparency by ensuring the island’s residents have easier and more regular access to legal notices.

The Wisconsin State Assembly also met this week and passed a number of bills, from changing the terminology of people with intellectual disabilities in administrative rules to closing a loophole that allows companies that move out of the state to receive a tax break for relocating.

If you are interested in seeing how the Assembly voted on each agenda item, please click here.

Observer Bill Testimony.jpgThank you to everyone who came all the way to Madison from Washington Island to give testimony in support of AB 112!

Upcoming District Events!

What: Indoor Farmer's Market
Where: 2392 Cty F, Baileys Harbor, WI
When: Saturday, April 13 , from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Details: "
Produce, Bakery, Foodie items, Meats, Eggs, Paintings, Photography, House-wears, Clothing, Jewelry and accessories for  by local craftsmen and artisans. Located in the Town Hall - use rear entrance by McArdle Library."



What: Mac & Cheese Cook-Off
Where: Wisconsin Cheese Masters, 4692 Rainbow Ridge Ct., Egg Harbor, WI
When: Saturday, April 13, at 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Details: 
"Nine chefs will compete for the title of best mac & cheese. Three area "foodies" will serve as judges. Visitors will vote for Peoples Choice. Benefits the Ellie Helm Foundation. $1/sample."

What: Barn Dance
Where: 4599 Hwy 57, Institute, WI
When: Saturday, April 13, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Details: "A community dance led by the Door County Folk Alliance. Come with or without a partner, singles are welcome. All dances are taught by a caller. No experience necessary. $5 donation appreciated."