Assembly Action

I am extremely honored that the Wisconsin State Assembly passed six of my bills during our two floor sessions this week.

Those six bills are designed to do the following:

AB 113 – Reduce the amount of contaminants in our waterways by creating a system for buying and selling pollution credits through a third-party central clearinghouse. The bipartisan bill – which is supported by a large number of industry, agriculture and conservation groups – can now be sent to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

AB 487 – Modernize the state’s psychology laws by removing barriers that make it challenging for healthcare organizations to hire psychologists, for psychologists to enter the workplace and for residents to receive mental health services. The bipartisan legislation still needs to be passed by the Senate before it can be signed into law.

AB 797 – Prohibit the sale and use of coal tar-based sealant products and sealants that contain high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). As amended, AB 797 also addresses lead in school drinking water by mandating testing and, if necessary, requiring that contaminated water sources be taken offline and replaced with clean water sources while incentivizing long-term remediation. The bipartisan bill still needs to be passed by the Senate before it can be signed into law.

AB 683 – Ensure that municipalities are receiving the correct amount of room taxes they are entitled to by requiring lodging marketplaces to remit those taxes quarterly, along with a standardized form that includes information that will allow local governments to check if those dollars are going to the right place. The bipartisan legislation still needs to be passed by the Senate before it can be signed into law.

AB 796 – Establish a nitrogen optimization pilot program where the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection will award grants to farmers or producer-led watershed groups in targeted areas for the purpose of implementing projects that limit nitrogen loading, thereby reducing nitrates in our drinking water. The bipartisan bill still needs to be passed by the Senate before it can be signed into law.

AB 685 – Help facilitate a conversation between condominium associations and unit owners through a direct negotiation conference. The goal of the direct negotiation conference is to find a resolution through an exchange of offers and counteroffers by the two sides, without the use of a third party, which will alleviate congestion in our circuit court system. The bipartisan legislation can now be sent to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

 Since I took office in 2015, I've never experienced anything like this where I've had so many significant bills passed by the Assembly in such a short period of time. I believe it validates all the hard work we've done to make Wisconsin a better place for everyone.

Because space doesn't allow for it here, I'm going to explain all of these bills in further detail in my e-updates over the next several weeks. So, please stay tuned.

Lowering Drug Costs

I am proud that the Wisconsin State Assembly also passed a bipartisan bill I co-authored that will reduce prescription drug costs while protecting local pharmacies and customers.

AB 114 provides much-needed transparency surrounding prescription drug middlemen known as Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) by regulating their business practices. This legislation requires PBMs to be licensed with the state through the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, holding them more accountable to pharmacies and patients.

In addition, the bill eliminates the use of “gag clauses,” which, under current state law, prohibit pharmacists from informing consumers that it would be cheaper for them to buy their medication with cash rather than through their insurance.

The legislation also benefits customers by preventing them from having to pay a higher share cost than the cash price. Furthermore, it requires that patients receive an advanced notice if their prescribed medication will be switched to a different one by their insurance provider.

I am glad the Assembly unanimously passed AB 114 because I believe it will help us make meaningful progress toward lowering healthcare costs. While this is just the beginning of our fight against rising prescription drug prices, I am pleased this bill creates better protections for our local pharmacies and consumers.

AB 114 still needs to be passed by the Senate before it can be sent to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.  

DNR Stamp Contest 

I want to make sure that all of our local artists are aware that the state Department of Natural Resources is holding a design contest for the 2021 Wisconsin wild turkey, pheasant and waterfowl stamps.

The competition is open to any permanent Wisconsin resident who is 18 years of age or older. Entries must be received or postmarked by July 15, 2020. Judging will take place in late July or early August.

Applicants are encouraged to review the contest rules carefully to ensure the eligibility of their entries. For more information on the competition, please click on this link.

Proceeds from the stamps will contribute to the restoration and management efforts of thousands of acres of wildlife habitat in our state. So, here is the perfect opportunity for you to showcase your artwork while also preserving our natural resources.

On a related note, Bird City Algoma is seeking submissions of local bird photos to use in a slide show that will run during its International Migratory Bird Day celebration on April 18.

Photographs must be taken in Kewaunee or Door counties by residents of those counties. Photographers of any age or skill level may participate. 

If you would like to submit photos for the slide show, please click here to learn more. The deadline is April 4.

Upcoming District Events

What: Ski for Free
Where: Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay
When: Saturday, Feb. 22, and Sunday, Feb. 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Details: "Crossroads and Door County Silent Sports lend, free of charge, an array of ski and snowshoe equipment in sizes to fit age 3 through large adult. When trail conditions permit, go to the Crossroads Maintenance Building, where volunteers will fit the equipment. Check crossroadsatbigcreek.org for current trail conditions and/or closings."

What: Kids Story Hour
Where: The Ridges Sanctuary, 8166 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor
When: Saturday, Feb. 22, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Details: "Come join us for Story Hour and hot chocolate. You will hear a Ridges staff member read a book about animals and plants that live at The Ridges and make something special to take home. The Mitten by Jan Brett. Create fabric mittens."

What: ZoupArt
Where: Kewaunee County Fairgrounds, 620 Third St., Luxemburg
When: Sunday, Feb. 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Details: "It's a day for soup and art, while helping improve Bruemmer Park Zoo. Local restaurants and home cooks provide soup, which attendees can taste from handmade bowls. Each attendee gets to take their bowl home with them after sampling the soups. The event also features a juried art show which includes art from Kewaunee County students."