The media understandably focuses most often on the times when controversial ideas ignite fireworks.  Some would have you believe that your state government is paralyzed by partisan gridlock, but the numbers are in: the Assembly passed 371 bills during 2019-20, of which more than 94 percent had some or complete bipartisan support.  Although Republicans and Democrats in our state have starkly different visions for our state's future, the numbers prove that we overwhelmingly can and do come together when we need to.

Unfortunately, there was disappointing news this week in one area where I thought we had common ground: funding repairs for local roads.  In the state budget, Republicans set aside $90 million for a special one-time boost intended for local road repairs.  (No Democrats voted in favor of this.)  But Governor Evers, having promised that he would "fix the d*** roads," shortchanged you: he cut the program by $15 million and opened it up to all kinds of other projects.  And sure enough, we learned this week that millions of dollars have been diverted for bike paths, buses and a Milwaukee luxury ferry dock; meanwhile, eight counties got absolutely nothing.  It didn't have to be that way: 100 percent of that money, your money, was supposed to be fixing crumbling streets.

In other, lighter news: watch your mail for the arrival of your 2020 U.S. census form between March 12-20.  For the first time, you'll be able to reply online or by phone if you like.  Your participation is required by federal law, but even if it weren't, it's in your interest to participate because (among many reasons) we want to be sure that Wisconsin receives our fair share of all the things our federal taxes pay for!  Learn more here, including a sample questionnaire.  Fun fact, based on information from the census website: the combined populations of America's three largest cities (New York, Philadelphia and Boston) in the first census, in 1790, totaled 79,973 people.  They would have all been able to have a seat at our Camp Randall Stadium in Madison.

Finally, as we do regularly, Senator Devin LeMahieu and I have scheduled some in-district events where you are welcome to meet us and share face-to-face whatever you like!  We'll be at the Random Lake village office on Monday morning, March 16th, at 9:00 AM; from there we'll head up to UW-Green Bay's Sheboygan location (where we'll join Rep. Tyler Vorpagel as well) from 10:00 to 10:45 AM.  If you can't make it, don't worry; I'm always eager to hear from you via e-mail, phone or mail as well.  Best wishes on what looks to be a GORGEOUS spring weekend!

Odds 'n' Ends

• Don't forget to set your clocks forward this weekend!  Daylight Savings Time begins at 2:00 AM Sunday morning.  While you're at it, it's the right time to change batteries and press test buttons on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for the season.  Nearly 3 out of every 5 residential fire deaths in America are preventable, occurring where there is no working smoke detector present.  It's the law in Wisconsin to have working smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the basement.

• The National Weather Service needs volunteer storm spotters to help report severe weather!  They will be hosting free training to become a storm spotter on Tuesday, March 31st from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Sheboygan County Highway Department, W5741 County Rd J, Plymouth.

• Protect yourself!  Remember: the genuine federal IRS and the genuine Wisconsin Department of Revenue never e-mail people.  They never text you.  They never contact you via social media.  They never call you to threaten your arrest or cancel your Social Security Number or any such thing.  Anyone who attempts this is a criminal who is trying to harm you!  If the real IRS or DOR wants to initiate contact with you, they will mail you a letter.

Office of Representative Terry Katsma
State Capitol, Room 306 East
P.O. Box 8952
Madison, WI 53708
(608) 266-0656
Rep.Katsma@legis.wisconsin.gov|  |