Extending Stewardship Program

 I am proud to have introduced legislation this week that would extend the vital Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program to 2030 while also cutting down on borrowing and debt.

Back in early 2019, Gov. Tony Evers released a budget that renewed the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program for only two years at the most recent annual bonding level of $33.25 million. The program, which aims to preserve Wisconsin’s natural lands and waterways, had been funded in 10-year cycles since it was implemented in 1989.

When he introduced his budget, Gov. Evers said he called for the short-term reauthorization so he could create a bipartisan blue ribbon task force to study and make recommendations on the future of the program.

Here we are almost a year later and no task force has been formed. We believe it’s irresponsible to have to wait any longer. If it is not acted upon quickly, it will be impossible to have anything done this session, so we’re taking matters into our own hands. After all, we as legislators are responsible for setting both the policy and spending levels for any future renewal.

The bill I am proposing with Rep. Amy Loudenbeck (R-Clinton) would extend the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program to 2030 while also reducing annual bonding by approximately 30 percent and overall expenditures by 7 percent.

Under the legislation, nearly one-third of the proposed $31 million in total authorized yearly spending would come from segregated forestry funds, which would significantly decrease bonding for the program and, as a result, future debt.

No region of the state has benefited more from the stewardship program in preserving natural areas and increasing outdoor recreational opportunities than our district. It is imperative that we give our residents greater assurances that we will remain committed to protecting our invaluable land and water resources. However, it’s also important that we do so in a fiscally-responsible manner. I am confident our proposal does just that.

Rep. Loudenbeck and I drafted legislation in 2016 that saved the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program when it was being threatened. We were recognized by Gathering Waters: Wisconsin’s Alliance for Land Trusts as “Policymakers of the Year” for our efforts. We again worked with all of the associated interest groups in crafting this session's legislation. Find out what Gathering Waters has to say about our new bill by clicking on this link.

Floor Session

The Wisconsin State Assembly met for a floor session this week to consider and pass more than 35 pieces of legislation, including several that will help address the barriers parents are facing throughout the adoption process.

I was honored to support these bills because I believe they will go a long way toward providing vulnerable children with stable homes and parents with the resources they need. It goes without saying, but every child deserves a safe, permanent and loving place to live.

All of these bills are based on the recommendations of the bipartisan Speaker's Task Force on Adoption, which was created in 2019 and held seven public hearings across the state. After hearing from experts, parents and families on different ways to improve the system, task force members worked on solutions to reduce costs and timelines associated with adoption.

The task force also learned that more issues have been surfacing recently due to the growing opioid epidemic. From 2004 to 2014, our country reported a 500 percent increase in newborns suffering from drug withdrawal at birth.

According to the state Department of Children and Families, close to 755 youth were adopted in Wisconsin in fiscal year 2018, with about 35 percent of those adoptions occurring in Milwaukee County. Hundreds more are currently waiting to be adopted.

If you would like further details on the Speaker's Task Force on Adoption and its recommendations, please click here.

To view the complete agenda for this week's floor session, please click on this link. If you are interested in watching the full proceedings, please click here.

The Wisconsin State Assembly is also scheduled to meet for another floor session on Tuesday.

2020 Census Jobs 

I would like to make sure everyone is aware that there are still positions available to work for the 2020 Census.

 Census-taking is a crucial part of our democracy that occurs every 10 years. Census results determine the number of seats we have in the U.S. House of Representatives and how much federal funding we receive for our state's various needs.

 Census-takers, which represent the largest number of open positions, play an important role in ensuring as many Wisconsinites as possible participate in the census. We need every citizen to take part in the 2020 Census so we can collect the most precise data for our state.

Census workers can earn additional income, work flexible hours and get paid for the initial required training. Job qualifications include being a U.S. citizen, completing an application and committing to complete the training. To apply for a position, please click here.

This really is a great opportunity to work in your community, earn some extra income and help assure that Wisconsin is represented in the most accurate way possible.

Upcoming District Events

What: Free Fishing Weekend
Where: Throughout Wisconsin
When: Saturday, Jan. 18, and Sunday, Jan. 19
Details: "Take advantage of this free opportunity to introduce your friends and family to fishing.
All the waters of the state will be open to free fishing; however, all usual regulations will be in force."

What: Family Art Day
Where: Peninsula School of Art, 3900 Cty F, Fish Creek
When: Saturday, Jan. 18, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Details: "For families with children ages 3-17. Listen to snake stories, learn about animal camouflage, meet exhibiting artist Michael Velliquette, and use paper to make your own colorful animal. Free."

What: Identifying Trees in Winter
Where: Newport State Park, 475 Cty Hwy NP, Ellison Bay
When: Sunday, Jan. 19, at 1 p.m.
Details: "Horticulture expert and arborist Tom Wolfe will share his knowledge about trees and shrubs of Door County. Learn identification techniques of trees during the winter months. Meet in the Nature Center, Lot 1. State park vehicle sticker required."