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Serving the Northwoods Communities of Rhinelander, Eagle River, Minocqua, Phelps, Florence and Forest County. |
District Dialogue |
March, 6 2015 |
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Right to Work Legislation Supported in Assembly |
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Two weeks ago, Right to Work legislation was introduced by the Wisconsin State Senate. This legislation was debated by my Senate colleagues and passed on a 17-15 vote. The Assembly companion bill AB 61, was debated for over twelve hours in the Assembly Committee on Labor, and completed with an executive session vote. Senate Bill 44 was taken up by the the full Assembly body on March 5. Today, Right to Work legislation was passed by the Wisconsin State Assembly after 24 hours of debate with a 62-35 vote; I supported this measure.
Right to Work legislation is neither anti-union nor pro-union, this bill gives workers the individual freedom to decide whether or not they would like to belong to a union. This proposal promotes choice in the workplace and protects the freedom of workers in Wisconsin. If a worker finds value in their union, they should and will continue as a dues paying member. However, if they do not feel represented by their union, they will now have the opportunity and choice to opt out.
Additionally, contracts that are currently in place
between unions and employees must remain in place until
their expiration. Once an existing contract expires, an individual will
then be given the ability to decide if they want to continue to belong
to a union. After the Governor signs this legislation, no employee
can be terminated for refusing to join a union or pay dues. Under the
Right to Work legislation, unions can opt to negotiate on behalf of a
non-union member if they so desire. Keep in mind, voluntary labor
unions will continue to exist under this proposal.
I greatly appreciated speaking with so many residents of the Northwoods through emails, letter, and phone conversations. Thank you for all the input and opinions that you expressed to my office. |
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Committee Update: Public Hearing Held on Assembly Bill 46 |
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On Wednesday, March 4, the Assembly Committee on State Affairs and Government Operations held a public hearing to discuss three pieces of legislation.
Assembly Bill 37: Relating to: requiring certain persons to hold certificates of food protection practices in order to operate certain school lunchrooms participating in the National School Lunch Program.
Assembly Bill 38: Relating to: the issuance of retail alcohol beverage licenses for premises on which another business is conducted and the presence of underage persons on premises operating under a retail alcohol beverage license.
Assembly Bill 46: Relating to: off-duty law enforcement officers and former law enforcement officers going armed with firearms on or near school grounds.
The committee heard testimony on all three pieces of legislation during the public hearing. Most of the discussion focused on AB 46, legislation that police associations, chiefs, and sheriffs from across the state testified in support of. This bipartisan proposal is meant to provide schools with another safety tool without spending a dime of taxpayer dollars. Unlike other states, Wisconsin is unique in not allowing these trained professionals the right to bear arms while on school property.
Current law prohibits off-duty or retired police officers from carrying a concealed weapon on school grounds. Assembly Bill 46 would allow retired or off duty officers to concealed carry on school grounds if they are certified under the HR 218 training. For officer to be qualified to concealed carry on school grounds they must pass all training regiments and evaluations that active duty police officers undergo. To be clear, this legislation does not apply to all Wisconsin Concealed Carry License holders, but to only off duty and retired members of the police force.
My office was contacted by a number of police officers within the 34th Assembly District, both active and retired to support this measure. I was proud to add my name to the list of co-sponsors for this legislation.
As chairman of the State Affairs and Government Operations Committee, I plan to hold an executive session on this bill next week where I expect the measure to pass. I would like to thank all members of the Legislature and citizens of Wisconsin who traveled to Madison to testify to the committee. |
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Wisconsin Public Service Scholarship Application Deadline |
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Wisconsin Public Service Foundation is accepting
scholarship applications from students who live within the company's
service area and plan to attend technical college programs. Scholarships
are offered to students who are high school seniors. Scholarships of up
to $500 per year are awarded based upon outstanding academic
achievement, leadership in school and community activities and financial
need.
Applying is easy. For more information regarding available scholarships, and for an on-line application, visit our scholarship website. High school students can visit their guidance counselors for additional information. Deadline to apply is April 15, 2015. |
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DNR Report |
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Outdoor Report for March 5, 2015
The forest did get a few inches of snow this week, which will make for some pretty perfect conditions on the cross-country ski trails. With the "fullish" moon this weekend, a night time ski would be beautiful. Starting this weekend the temperatures will be getting into the mid to high thirties so that will have an impact on the trails. With the warmer temperatures, please start thinking about the March 15 deadline for removing ice fishing shelters on waters north of Highway 64. Don't wait until the last minute and deteriorating ice conditions. After March 15, anglers may continue to use a portable shelter but must remove it daily and when it is not occupied or actively being used. The forest still has a couple campground host spots open for the coming season. If interested please contact Joe Fieweger at 715-385-3355 ext.113. There are still campsites plowed at Clear Lake for winter campers. Portions of the roads in the Clear Lake and Crystal Lake Campgrounds are plowed for winter walking and leashed dogs are welcome. Snowshoeing should be fantastic the coming week with the sun shining and temperatures reaching in the seeming balmy 30s. The Raven Snowshoe trail is packed and has several loops. Snowshoers can park at the Clear Lake Picnic area and boat landing off Hwy J. Also popular for snowshoeing are the Fallison, North Trout and Star Lake Nature trails, these trails are not groomed, but the lots are kept open for parking. - NHAL operations and visitor services staff
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Upcoming Community Events | |
Please click the following links for upcoming community events! St Patrick's Day Craft and a Treat: March 7, Woodruff Klondike Days: March 7, Eagle River 21st ANNUAL TLF B-BALL ENTRY: March 7, Three Lakes Winterfest 2015: March 7, Florence 13th Annual "Best Ball" Ice Golf Tournament: March 7, Minocqua Boulder Junction Snowmobile Cabin Fever Party: March 7, Boulder Junction Porcupine Hike: March 7, Manitowish Waters Brothers Burn Mountain: March 7, Minocqua Steve Meyer & True Heat/Live Music: March 7, Minocqua Community Appreciation Day: March 8, Minocqua Eagle River Farmers' Market - Winter: March 11, Eagle River John McCutcheon at Campanile Center: March 11, Minocqua Preschool Storytime: March 11, Minocqua Corned Beef and Cabbage: March 12, Minocqua Nibbles N’ Knowledge – The Past, Present, and Future of Our Loons: March 12, Manitowish Waters Special Needs Night: March 12, Eagle River Peru and the Headwaters of the Amazon with Joe Bodensteiner: March 12, Rhinelander Woodruff Winter Market: March 13, Woodruff WXPR Concert Series at Nicolet College: March 13, Rhinelander Scotland's Tannahill Weavers: March 13, Three Lakes YMCA Family Night: March 13, Rhinelander Music Garden: March 14, Minocqua Kind Country/Live Music: March 14, Minocqua Winter Family Fun Day: March 14, St. Germain Community Music Festival: March 15, Rhinelander St. Patrick's Day Corn Beef & Cabbage Dinner: March 17, Woodruff After School Children’s Reading Program: March 17, Boulder Junction Mardi Gras North: March 17, Minocqua Northwoods Share's Community Dinner - Open to Everyone: March 17, Eagle River Lakeland Art League - Open Painting & Critique: March 18, Woodruff Eagle River Farmers' Market - Winter: March 18, Eagle River St Patrick's Day Luncheon & Bingo: March 19, Woodruff Northwoods Childrens Museum - Fun With Fathers: March 19, Eagle River Eagle River Pickle Ball Association: March 19, Eagle River |
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Please contact me at Rep.Swearingen@legis.wi.gov if you would like to UNSUBSCRIBE from my E-Updates |
Office of Representative Rob Swearingen Room 123 West PO Box 8953, Madison WI 53708 Office: 608-266-7141 Toll Free: 888-534-0034 |