Superintendents Conference

It was a great honor to be invited to speak at the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrator's annual Fall Superintendents Conference in Madison.

The majority of the discussions focused on my education priorities for the rest of the legislative session and the proposed bills that have been drafted based on the recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Commission on School Funding, of which I was the co-chair.

While many of the commission's proposals were incorporated into the state budget this past summer, I would still like to see the state Legislature address the issue of declining enrollment, which is negatively affecting more than 60 percent of our school districts across Wisconsin.

When a school district loses students, they get less funding from the state, even though their fixed costs remain the same. For instance, say a school sees a decline of 30 students in a year. They can't just eliminate a teaching position because the 30 pupils are spread out over several grades. I believe the manner in which the formula deals with declining enrollment is the biggest flaw in the current formula and is the primary reason we see so many revenue limit override referenda around the state.

Our declining enrollment bill takes these fixed costs into account and modifies the way we calculate declining enrollment adjustments to revenue limits. While some school districts may experience a loss in revenue over the first year or two, our legislation will help them see financial benefits well into the future. 

I also find it a priority this session to address the substitute teacher shortages we are facing across the entire state.

Because of a few cases around Wisconsin where retired state government employees “double dipped” by returning to work while also collecting retirement, there are severe limits on the number of days retired teachers may substitute teach. Retired teachers are ideal substitutes and schools frequently end up hiring far less qualified substitutes because of this statute.

I have drafted a proposal that would exempt retirees from these limits under certain circumstances. In order for a district to hire a retired teacher as a long-term substitute, they must demonstrate that they were unable to hire a different teacher for the full-time position. The Department of Public Instruction must also grant that school district a hardship waiver that is valid for one school year.

While we cannot tolerate double dipping, I believe we must loosen this restriction for teachers because they are responsible for educating our children and preparing them for the rest of their lives. We need to have qualified people doing that and I know my bill would help us move closer to achieving that goal.

 Billions in Tax Cuts

 I am excited to share with you that a memo recently released by the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau shows the Wisconsin State Legislature has cut taxes by more than $13 billion since 2011.

In coming up with that $13 billion figure, the Legislative Fiscal Bureau reviewed the statutory changes that have been made that directly decreased a resident’s tax liability. In the current budget alone, the tax cuts approved by the Legislature resulted in reductions of $1.2 billion in income and franchise taxes and economic development surcharges, $18 million in other general fund taxes and $1.1 billion in property taxes. 

Although we are still considered to be a high-taxed state, a report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum has found that our state's tax burden has dropped to the lowest level we've seen in nearly 50 years. By moving in that direction, our state has also become more business-friendly, which further helps us reduce our tax responsibilities. 

 While making these substantial tax cuts, we have also been able to bolster our state's rainy day fund to the tune of $649 million, the largest amount ever recorded in the history of Wisconsin. In addition to being better suited to manage economic downturns or fiscal emergencies, our robust rainy day fund also helps us secure a better credit rating.

Since I officially took office in 2015, I have vowed to be a responsible steward of your tax dollars, and I am elated that we have been able to work together to put more of your hard-earned money back into your pocket.

If you would like to read the entire Legislative Fiscal Bureau memo, please click here.

New Staff Member 

I am pleased to announce that Lea Patek has joined my office as my new legislative assistant.

A native of Merton, Lea graduated magna cum laude from Arizona State University this spring with degrees in political science and education. While at ASU, she was on the dean's list for four years. 

During her last semester, Lea interned at a public affairs consulting firm where she conducted research and wrote summaries, worked with clients, developed databases, edited written materials and devised social media plans. She also has experience in substitute teaching.

 I am more than confident that Lea will be an invaluable member of my team as I continue to push for our priorities in the 1st Assembly District.

Lea looks forward to hearing from you and helping you with any issues you are having with state government.

Elite Eight  

They did it again.

Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding of Sturgeon Bay has moved on to the Elite Eight of the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest.

Please help the local company advance to the Final Four by casting your vote here.

Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding was entered into the annual contest for their Madonna, a 124-foot ferry that will serve the Washington Island area once construction is completed in 2020. They defeated GLK Foods' Oh SNAP! Dilly Bites in the previous round.

In order to make it to the Final Four, the Madonna will need to beat out Mercury Racing’s 450R Outboard Motor. That company is based out of Fond du Lac.

Please join me in supporting our local businesses by voting for the Madonna. The deadline is Sunday at 10 p.m.

Upcoming District Events

What: Fall Art Fair & Veg Fest
Where: Settlement Shops, 9106 State Highway 42, Fish Creek, WI
When: Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Details: "Artists and artisans will present their latest creations. Also, local vendors promoting healthful living will be set up. Violinist Beth Chafey Hahn will perform early on the day."

What: AutumnFest
Where: Throughout Baileys Harbor, WI
When: Saturday, Sept. 28, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Details: "Hey Hey 5K Run. Classic auto & motorcycle show. Arts and crafts. Food and drinks. Book sale. Live music by Hillbilly Casino."

What: Fall Harvest Festival
Where: Hillside Apples, E2237 State Highway 54, Casco, WI
When: Saturday, Sept. 28, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Details: "You're invited to pick apples, pumpkins, enjoy horse-drawn & tractor wagon rides, kids games and more! It's a weekend of FREE family fun."