I want to
begin by thanking everyone who provided input in regards to the budget
deliberations over the past six months. I was able to fight for
your thoughts and concerns by drafting over ten budget motions.
Below are highlights of the budget for the following two years.
Our state budget focuses on transforming education, growing the economy,
developing our workforce, investing in infrastructure, and
reforming healthcare.
On Wednesday
July 8, the full Assembly voted to promote several initiatives from the
Speaker’s Task Force on Rural Schools, increase funding for public
education, SeniorCare and Family Care. It also funds Department of
Natural Resources capacity grants and a full time District Attorney in
Florence County, both areas which I submitted budget motions for.
I am very encouraged that my colleagues in the Wisconsin State
Legislature voted in favor a number of my recommendations from the task
force report last session. Additionally, Republicans restored the
Governor’s proposed cuts to public education, and will increase funding
in the second year of the biennium to $250 per pupil. It is clear that
Republicans are committed to helping Wisconsin’s rural economy, as well
as our small rural schools.
Below are the recommendations that were included from the Speaker’s Task
Force on Rural Schools.
Speaker's Task Force on Rural Schools Approved
Recommendations
· Allow school districts to share certain grades without consolidation
· Increased funding for broadband
· Create a new version of the TEACH program
· Increased funding for transportation aid
· Increased funding for sparsity aid
· Allow flexibility in teacher licensing for tech-ed
In regards to the UW System, I voted to reduce the $300
million cuts to the UW System by $50 million, while providing
flexibilities and reforms that the UW System requested. Tuition will
remain frozen for Wisconsin students, which will continue to keep the
costs of education low for Wisconsin residents. This freeze will ensure
that additional costs are not shifted over to Wisconsin families and
will keep tuition costs constant for at least two more years. The
reforms and flexibilities that were given to the UW System include:
ability to pay faculty on a merit based scale, tools for chancellors to
run effective and efficient campus operations, and the removal of the
Building Commission process on certain projects.
Majority Leader Rep. Jim Steineke and Rep. Swearingen during
Assembly Floor Session
In addition to increased public education funding, Republicans also
expanded Family Care statewide and saved the SeniorCare program.
I am extremely excited that the Family Care program will be expanded
statewide, which will now include the 34th Assembly District. Prior to
this biennial state budget, Oneida, Forest, Florence, and Vilas counties
were excluded from the program. In regards to SeniorCare, Republicans
fully funded SeniorCare, which will keep prescription costs low for our
seniors on fixed incomes. This is a huge win for northern
Wisconsin!
Prevailing wage reform was another important issue that
was addressed in the state budget. Republicans reformed the state
prevailing wage laws to exempt local governments, technical colleges,
and school districts. This will help local governments and schools
to stretch their taxpayer dollars further by keeping project costs
lower. The prevailing wage laws will still be in effect for state
level projects. I was encouraged that the prevailing wage law was
largely debated, and a consensus of reform was reached by my colleagues.
During the budget process, I submitted a number of budget
motions to restore funding for Department of Natural Resources capacity
grants and conservation groups.
A number of capacity grants and conservation groups were set to lose
funding when the Governor’s budget was first released. My office worked
with a number of constituents and the Joint Finance Committee to restore
funding for the Florence County Wild Rivers Interpretive Center, the
Natural Resources Foundation, County Forest Administrator Grants, and
the Master Logger Grant.
The Wild River Interpretive Center was a priority of mine
as I worked closely with Wendy Gehlhoff of Florence County Economic
Development. The Wild Rivers Interpretive Center located in
Florence, is a very unique combination of all the natural resource
related agencies sharing space, resources and collaborating on
projects. Under one roof the Department of Natural Resources (DNR),
United States Forest Service (USFS), County Forestry & Parks, visitor
center for travelers and DNR licenses, Wild Rivers Interpretive
displays, UW-Extension, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and a public
conference room that many groups, agencies and legislators use.
My office also worked with the Joint Finance Committee and Senator Tom
Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst) to submit a budget motion to provide Florence
County with a full time District Attorney.
All of Florence County is serviced by a part time district attorney.
Currently, the part-time district attorney is responsible for all tasks
that a full time district attorney position includes. For example,
part time district attorneys must run an office, address the public,
protect victims, address law enforcement concerns, and handle juvenile
matters as well as mental health issues. In addition, the part time
district attorney must be available to the media and public, similar to
a full time district attorney.
Considering that Florence County only had a part-time District Attorney,
the state paid private attorneys to help with the workload when the
county was overburden with cases. By making the position full time, the
state would no longer need to hire a special prosecutor to assist the
county. I was proud to submit a motion to assist the Florence County DA.
Other budget motions I submitted to the JFC include;
restored funding to Wisconsin Public Radio and Television, increased
surcharges on DUI convictions to be used for the SafeRide Home Program
throughout the state, restored funding for forestry roads,
out-of-state public school tuition reform, and the Premier Resort
Area Tax for Rhinelander road infrastructure.
The budget bill passed the Assembly with a 52 – 46 vote.
If you have any further questions on the state budget,
please feel free to contact my office. |
Sayner/Star
Lake street fair GETS MARKETING BOOST WITH second year tourism grant
Wisconsin Department of Tourism presents $6,606 ceremonial check
SAYNER Wis. (July 7, 2015) – The Sayner/Star Lake second annual Street
Fair is getting even more marketing power the help of a $6,606 Joint
Effort Marketing (JEM) grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism.
The Sayner/Star Lake Chamber of Commerce will host the street fair
between the pristine waters of Plum and Star Lake on Aug. 2. The
festival features a craft show with handmade Wisconsin items, train
rides through town, local food and live music. The first year of the
festival generated an economic impact of more than $85,900 and this
year’s event is expected to generate $90,000 from traveler spending at
area hotels, restaurants, and stores.
“We are thrilled to continue to support the Sayner/Star Lake Street
Festival for a second year,” said Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett.
“Located in the heart of Vilas County, the festival is yet another
reason to visit this beautiful Northwoods hidden gem. The continued
growth of the event will create a positive economic impact in the
communities and keep people coming back.”
In fiscal 2014, the Department funded 60 Joint Effort Marketing
projects, awarding a total of more than $1.1 million dollars. Visitor
expenditures driven by the marketing from these projects will exceed $28
million dollars. In 2014, the tourism economy in Wisconsin totaled $18.5
billion, a more than five percent increase over 2013. Total business
sales in Vilas County topped $264 million in 2014, supporting more than
1,960 jobs and over $21 million in state and local taxes.
The Sayner/Star Lake Street Fair is a great way for visitors to
experience charming downtown Sayner. The fair is offers different
activities throughout day including a craft show featuring work
produced by Wisconsin artists. Additionally, the public park will be
full of children’s events, including face painting, bounce houses, train
rides around the town, and rock climbing. In addition, there will be a
classic car show and performances from local musicians. The Sayner/Star
Lake Chamber of Commerce seeks to increase the number of attendees by 20
percent this year and establish the street fair as an annual event.
Grant funds will go towards print, radio and television advertising.
"We are so excited to host the second annual Sayner/Star Lake Street
Fair. It was amazing to see all of the people come to our town and enjoy
a day full of fun activities,” said Jessica Drallmeier, with the Sayner/Star
Lake Chamber of Commerce. “We can't wait for this year and we are so
grateful to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism for the support of the JEM
grant.”
JEM grant funds are available to non-profit organizations for the
promotion of Wisconsin tourism events and destinations. The State can
fund up to 75 percent of a project's first year advertising and
marketing costs and provides support for second and third year projects,
but with decreasing amounts for funding each year until projects become
self-sustaining. For information on the JEM Program and application
materials, visit http://industry.travelwisconsin.com.
The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to market the
state as the Midwest’s premier travel destination for fun. By executing
industry-leading marketing programs, providing reliable travel
information and establishing strategic partnerships, we will play a
significant role in delivering exceptional customer service and
generating greater economic impact and jobs for Wisconsin. The portal
for traveler information can be found at: www.travelwisconsin.com.
[PHOTO CAPTION: The Sayner/Star Lake Chamber of Commerce was awarded a
tourism grant to promote the upcoming street fair.]
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From Wisconsin
Department of Tourism:
Move Over, Michigan...5 Ways Wisconsin is Winning the Tourism Game!
It's no secret there's fierce competition among Midwest states to
attract travelers. Our out-of-state visitors have a very high opinion of
Wisconsin -- in fact, when compared to our Midwest neighbors, Wisconsin
ranks #1 in:
· Affordability – Wisconsin is seen as more affordable than Michigan,
Illinois, Minnesota, and Iowa.
· Family Atmosphere – Travelers view Wisconsin as the most family
friendly, a good place for adults and kids to vacation.
· Sports and recreation – Our state parks, trails, fishing, natural
beauty, outdoor recreation, as well as professional sports beat the
competition.
· Worry free – Visitors think Wisconsin is the most worry free; our
guests feel welcome and safe here.
· Uniqueness – When it comes to showcasing different cultures, local and
ethnic foods, and interesting accommodations, Wisconsin rises above
other Midwest states.
Want the full report on how Wisconsin is winning the tourism game?
Email us and find even
more
traveler insights on our research page. On Wisconsin!
Click the image above for a Wisconsin Tourism PSA!
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Additional
rainfall this week is continuing to keep rivers and streams in good
summer paddling condition, especially in the north where the Bois Brule
and wild Pine and Popple rivers are all flowing above average, and
waterfalls at Amnicon Falls and Copper Falls state parks are roaring.
However, in the south, the lower Wisconsin River has continued to drop
and additional sandbars are now available for camping.
Word has apparently gotten out about biking in the Northern
Highland-American Legion State Forest, where thousands of bikers have
been seen this summer enjoying the many miles of paved bike trails
through the forest. Most other parks, forests and state trails are also
reporting good conditions and use this summer.
Bikers make
their way along the Crystal Lake campground section of a paved bike
trail in the Northern Highland-American Legions State Forest.
Kimberly Krawczyk Photo
Walleye, catfish, and smallmouth bass were still being caught on the
Menominee River by boaters and shore anglers alike and smallmouth were
being caught on the Oconto River. Anglers fishing Green Bay continued to
report some success for walleye off Oconto and farther south off Suamico
and along the east shore off Chaudoir's Dock.
The water temperatures On Green Bay are still slowly climbing with
smaller bays reporting 70 degrees and the Sturgeon Bay channel holding
near the mid 60-degree mark. Anglers along the Door Peninsula had mixed
success for smallmouth bass, with the best success coming for anglers
who followed alewife schools and used baits that mimicked their
appearance. Perch success continues to be spotty both on Green Bay and
Lake Michigan.
Anglers in the Sturgeon Bay area have been doing well fishing for
chinook salmon out on the bank. Anglers returning to Baileys Harbor and
Rowley's Bay reported good success with both chinook salmon and
steelhead trout.
Anglers fishing Lake Michigan out of the Kewaunee and Algoma ramps had
good luck over the past week fishing for chinook salmon and rainbow
trout. Anglers at the Manitowoc ramps have been having success fishing
for both chinook and lake trout. Anglers out of Two Rivers were also
targeting chinook salmon and reported the bite as generally best in the
early morning. The north and south piers in Two Rivers stayed busy this
weekend, with anglers catching brown trout especially in the late
evening around sunset. Trollers out of Sheboygan reported mostly rainbow
trout, while pier anglers were catching brown trout. Fishing pressure
was high in Port Washington over the holiday weekend, with boats
averaging six to seven fish, primarily lake and rainbow trout, followed
by chinook. Action slowed some out of Milwaukee and Racine this week,
but Kenosha trollers were averaging about five fish per boat, with coho
salmon and lake trout most commonly caught.
Loon chicks are swimming more independently now with their parents in
the Northwoods, Goose and crane young are nearing the size and
coloration of adults. Osprey young can be observed on their tall nests,
mainly on power poles and cell phone towers in our area. Young turkey
and pheasants are busy gobbling up insects to pack on weight and grow to
their adult size by fall. Fawns are following their mothers around; be
prepared while driving if you see a doe cross the road, there's likely
young fawns around that aren't very familiar with traffic. Bucks are
growing out their antlers and some good-sized velvet covered antlered
deer have been seen lately.
Northern roadsides are speckled with yarrow, daisies, trefoil, many
different varieties of clover, wild roses and hawkweed. Twin flower and
partridge berry are blooming if one wants to look for the tiniest of
bloomers. In the south, prairie flowers in bloom are purple coneflower,
purple prairie clover, black-eyed susan, culver's root, coreopsis, and
leadplant.
Wild strawberries are ripe for the picking and blueberries and
Juneberries are ripening in the north. Blackberries and raspberries are
just starting to ripen in the south and showing potential to produce
well if we continue to get rain.
Northern Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - Rains early on in the week brought River
levels above average for this time of year according to the USGS stream
flow rates for the Brule River. Weather faired out to be absolutely
spectacular for the Fourth of July weekend and we are expecting yet
another gorgeous week ahead. We have had a record number of campers
staying on our property so far this year. Mosquito numbers are seemingly
lower than previous years and being able to now reserve a campsite on
the property has added that peace of mind for visitors wanting to know
that they have a spot to stay. Anglers are hitting the river in hopes of
catching a few fish on the fly. Trout are more active during the
frequent insect hatches that occur throughout the summer. You can call
your local tackle shop or stop in at our office if you have any
questions on what types of flies may be hatching at a specific time.
Birds are beginning to fledge. Various species, of warblers, nuthatches,
thrushes, and other birds that have found our area a suitable place to
breed, can be seen throughout the forest tops, singing and dancing their
way around looking for food to feed their young. Cow parsnip, tall
meadow rue, and yarrow are just a few of the plants that are currently
blooming in the area. Blueberries and Juneberries are ripening so it's
time to dust off those buckets, and start doing your back exercises! In
preparation for berry season. Berries should be starting to ripen within
the next couple of weeks. Fawns are growing fast, and you will start
seeing more and more of them hanging out with mom as they are now strong
enough and fast enough to move around freely and readily on their own.
There will be a Barrens Fest July 15 from 3 to 10 pm at the
Douglas
County State Wildlife Area. Activities include: Guided hikes, trail
riding (bring your horse) and wolf calling. Demonstrations and seminars
on local history, Native American culture, natural history of the
Barrens, furbearers and their secrets, and restoring the barren
landscape in Wisconsin. Check out the Friends of the Bird Sanctuary
website for more information about this and events held there in the
future. - Edwin Koepp, visitor services associate
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Amnicon Falls State Park - All trails are open. Enjoy the beautiful
views along the Amnicon River as you hike the Thimbleberry Nature Trail.
Trails are in good condition. Pets are allowed on all trails throughout
the park, but remember that they must be leashed at all times and
cleaned up after. Due to some recent heavy rain, the water levels are
very high and the falls are roaring! Hurry out and catch the awesome
power while you can! It is illegal to jump into the waterways at Amnicon,
but swimming in the river and around the falls is allowed. We ask that
you use caution and keep in mind that water levels can change very
quickly and they are currently high, so swimming is not advised until
water levels go down. - Kevin Feind, property supervisor
Copper Falls State Park - All trails are currently open for hiking
and/or biking. Due to the frequent rain, mowing has been hindered as the
trails are wet in areas. Loon Lake has water temperatures in the low 70s
and many people are enjoying the sandy beach. The rivers are flowing at
a very good rate. Water levels are slightly up due to all the
precipitation. Waterfalls are gorgeous right now.
Spooner DNR Service Center area
Governor Knowles State Forest - The ticks have slowed down; however, the
mosquitos and deer flies are biting like crazy and it's just the
beginning. The Trade River Equestrian Campground is now open to all
campers until August 15. Hot temperatures and many bugs tend to steer
the equestrian campers away. Please note we currently have an impassible
spot on our Sioux Portage Route by mile marker 34. A group of volunteers
have been busy with miscellaneous maintenance projects for the past few
weeks and continue to do so. They have done very nice work doing
projects such as, clearing trails to building boardwalks. Remember to
contact the State Forest Headquarters at 715-463-2898 for a special
camping permit if you are interested in camping in our primitive
campsites. Permits should be obtained seven days prior to occupying the
site. - Brandi Larson, visitor services associate
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - It's a bumble bee and
butterfly's paradise out there! The roadsides are speckled with yarrow,
daisies, trefoil, many different varieties of clover, wild roses and
hawkweed. Twin flower and partridge berry are blooming if one wants to
look for the tiniest of bloomers. Wild strawberries are ripe for the
picking. Babies are hard to spot there since the undergrowth is so
thick, moms are hiding them well. It's lush out there. Camper wildlife
sightings this week: lots of deer, fawns and bucks, a beaver, and two
river otters in the Musky lake campground. We've also had reports of
wolves howling at night. Looks like the word has gotten out, it is a
bike riding dreamland up here. Thousands of bikers are enjoying the
miles and miles of paved bike trails that wind through the forest.
Riders go past campgrounds, lakes, rivers, picnic areas, vistas, and
through small towns, all on well-maintained paved trails that are
separate from roads. Even if you are not camping, there is plenty of
parking along the trail (for example, on the corner of Hwy M and N), and
no trail pass is required to ride. If you are looking to camp and bike,
the following NHAL campgrounds are along the bike trail: Crystal Lake,
Firefly Lake, Musky Lake, North Trout Lake, South Trout Lake, Plum Lake
and Big Lake. There is also a lovely seven mile paved trail that runs
from the Clear Lake Picnic area (across the road from the Carrol Lake
campground) through the Clear Lake campground and on to the Indian
Mounds campground on the southern part of the forest. Don't forget the
18 mile Bearskin State Bike Trail is also in the area, a Wisconsin State
Trail pass is required on the Bearskin. Recent rains have kept water
levels on lakes and streams fairly constant. Water levels will normally
go down slightly this time of year due to vegetation and trees taking up
water, evaporation and evapotranspiration. Water levels for boating
canoeing and kayaking are in the "good" range. Canoe sites are busy with
youth camps and visitors who like to paddle to their campsite. Boat
landings are also busy so we would like to remind people to avoid power
loading by coasting on and trimming the motor up to greatly lesson the
damage power loading can do. As expected, campgrounds were very busy for
the holiday weekend, with nearly 90 percent of campsites across the
forest occupied on Friday night! Campgrounds are not as busy as the
holiday weekend right now, but July and early August are traditionally
the busiest time of the year in our campgrounds. If you can't get a
reservation, or the campground that you want to go to is full (or fuller
than you prefer), know that there are always sites available in some of
our outlying campgrounds. Ten of the 18 campgrounds on the forest are
entirely first come-first serve and all campgrounds have some non-reservable
sites. Also, some of the outlying campgrounds rarely exceed half of the
sites occupied. You can check our
campsite availability (updated twice
daily) on our iPhone app. - Kimberly Krawczyk, visitor services
associate
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