PFAS Hearings

Protecting our state's water from polyfluoroalkyl substances, more commonly known as PFAS, was one of the main topics of discussion during two recent public hearings in front of the Assembly Environment Committee and the Speaker's Task Force on Water Quality.

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been manufactured and used in a variety of industries around the globe since the 1940s. PFAS are considered to be "forever chemicals" because they don't break down and can accumulate over time both in the human body and the environment.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, there is sufficient research out there that shows exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse health outcomes, including low infant birth weight, thyroid hormone disruption and cancer.

While certain PFAS are no longer produced in the United States, they are still manufactured in other countries and can be imported here in such consumer goods as carpet, leather and apparel, textiles, paper and packaging, cookware, coatings, rubber and plastics.

PFAS have been of particular concern in the Marinette and Peshtigo areas, where firefighting foam containing these chemicals has been tested for many years. They accumulated in the soil and water. There is evidence of these compounds being present in the fish in Green Bay.

Because PFAS contamination is an emerging issue that hasn't been extensively researched until recently, we simply don't have all the data yet that would allow us to sufficiently tackle this problem on all sides. However, as we wait for that valuable information, we need to take the proper steps to ensure we are making meaningful progress.

Earlier this week, the Assembly Environment Committee, of which I am the chairman, held a public hearing on a bill that would place limits on the usage of firefighting foams that contain added PFAS. Under the legislation, these particular foams could only be used in emergency firefighting operations or testing approved by the Department of Natural Resources.

I decided to be a co-author of this bill because I believe it's important that we create a better balance between reducing the negative environmental impacts of these chemicals and giving our emergency personnel the tools they need to keep our residents safe. 

 But, as was pointed out during the hearing, there are still many more products that consist of PFAS, so our work is far from over. Fortunately, we received a lot of great information that will help lead us in the right direction during the recent Water Quality Task Force public hearing in Marinette. 

If you are interested in watching that hearing, please click here. You can also view the Assembly Environment Committee hearing by clicking on this link. 

Broadband Grants

I am grateful to announce that the Wisconsin Public Service Commission is now accepting applications for the next phase of the state's Broadband Expansion Grant program.

The deadline to apply for a share of the $24 million in available grant funding is Dec. 19, 2019. If you are interested in applying, you can do so by clicking on this link.

In order to be considered eligible, an applicant must be either a group operated for profit or not for profit, a telecommunications utility or a public entity that has entered into an agreement with a qualified organization or telecommunications utility.

Partnerships in underserved and unserved areas will receive the highest consideration. 

In another benefit to Wisconsin, the Federal Communications Commission recently awarded a $160 million grant to our state for the purposes of enhancing or expanding broadband coverage.

In today's world, internet access has become vital to our functioning society. Studies conclusively show that communities with adequate broadband services experience more wide-ranging economic, educational and social advantages than those that do not.

That is why I continue to fight hard on your behalf to make sure we have the needed funding to improve broadband access across the 1st Assembly District and the entire state. That has also been one of the main priorities of the Rural Wisconsin Initiative group that I serve on.

New Intern 

I am extremely pleased to share with you that Sturgeon Bay native Jenna Seiler joined my office this week as my new intern.

Jenna, a 2017 graduate of Sturgeon Bay High School, is attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison to pursue degrees in political science and psychology. Her internship is part of the political science department's program in which students can earn course credits for assisting a legislative office.

Jenna, who is an alum of Door County Youth in Government and served as the 60th youth lieutenant governor, is the daughter of Rick and Pam Seiler of Sturgeon Bay. 

Jenna has a bright future ahead of her and I am so fortunate to have her in my office helping the residents of the 1st Assembly District. 

Upcoming District Events

What: Sunflower Fest
Where: Martin Park, 207 S. Third Ave., Sturgeon Bay
When: Saturday, Sept. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Details: "A family event featuring a bake sale, silent auction, bounce house, pie eating contest, 50/50 raffle, music by Wifee & the Huzzband, and more. Formerly Corn Fest. Proceeds benefit Sunshine House."

What: LEGO Kids’ Club
Where: Sturgeon Bay Library, 107 S. Fourth Ave., Sturgeon Bay
When: Saturday, Sept. 7, from 1 to 2 p.m.
Details: "Kids (K-4th grade) are welcome to build creations with thousands of LEGOs. Many of the creations will be on display all month in the children's area of the library. Free."

What: Ukulele Society of Door County Jam
Where: Northern Door YMCA Program Center, 3866 Gibraltar Rd., Fish Creek
When: Sunday, Sept. 8, at 1 p.m.
Details: "Open to all ukulele players and skill levels. Locals and tourists welcome. For more information email dcukesociety@gmail.com. Free."