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Serving the Northwoods Communities of Rhinelander, Eagle River,
Minocqua, Phelps, Florence and Forest County. |
District Dialogue |
January 30, 2015 |
In District Listening Sessions |
Last week, Senator Tiffany and I held four listening
sessions to meet with constituents in Eagle River, Minocqua, Rhinelander
and Crandon. All four listening sessions were well attended with
discussion centered around various state government topics. It was
great to hear from the residents in all four communities
providing their input for the upcoming state budget.
In addition,
members of the Wisconsin Valley Library Service (WVLS) attended the
meeting to discuss various library funding initiatives that their
members were in favor of. Libraries continue to be the nerve
centers of local communities and it was very nice to meet with all of the
dedicated library staff from around the Northwoods.
I want to
thank all those who attended for coming to our recent listening session in the Northwoods.
It was a pleasure to see and hear from all of you.
Rep. Swearingen and Sen. Tiffany posing with library employees and
supporters.
Representative Swearingen and Senator Tiffany at the listening
session in Minocqua.
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Governor Walker's Budget Plan for Rural Wisconsin |
Governor Scott
Walker has announced a number of his budget provisions for the rural
Wisconsin economy that he will introduce to the full Legislature in the
coming weeks. I am very encouraged by the emphasis that Governor
Walker is directing towards small town Wisconsin. The plan focuses
on transforming education, growing the economy, developing the
workforce, investing in infrastructure, and reforming healthcare. Among
the proposals, the Governor included six recommendations from the
Speaker’s Task Force on Rural Schools. It is clear that
Republicans are committed to helping Wisconsin’s rural economy, as well
as our small rural schools.
Please see the press release below.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2015
Contact: Laurel Patrick, (608) 267-7303
Governor Scott Walker Announces Plans to Grow the
Economy in Rural Wisconsin
2015-17 Budget Proposal includes support for local initiatives
Madison – Governor Scott Walker today announced plans to grow the
economy in rural parts of Wisconsin with investments in education,
broadband and technology, business growth, worker training,
transportation, and more. Governor Walker made the latest announcement
relating to the rollout of the 2015-17 State Budget at the Chippewa
Valley Rally in Madison.
“Our investments in rural initiatives are aimed at improving the
lives of the people who live in all corners of the state,” Governor
Walker said. “By investing in areas including education, transportation,
and technology, we are helping to build a better Wisconsin and more
prosperity for future generations.”
Investments included in Governor Walker’s 2015-17 State Budget:
Transforming Education:
• Provide additional resources
for rural schools by increasing funding for:
o The Sparsity Aid Program by $8.4 million over the biennium.
o The High-Cost Pupil Transportation categorical aid program by $5
million over the biennium.
o The reimbursement rate under the pupil transportation aid program for
districts transporting students more than 12 miles will be raised from
$275 to $300 per pupil.
• Promote efficiencies by
allowing school districts to enter into whole grade sharing agreements
and consolidate individual grades offered at multiple school sites into
one educational program for the grade. Whole grade sharing agreements
will allow districts to reduce costs and pool resources in order to meet
the needs of their communities.
Growing Our Economy:
• Provide $55 million in fiscal year 2017 to establish regional
revolving loan funds to be administered by regional economic development
organizations overseen by the new Forward Wisconsin Development
Authority. An additional $60 million will be added over a three-year
period to the regional revolving loan funds from funds currently
allocated to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
• Establish an agricultural producer led water-quality initiative using
$250,000 SEG annually in existing soil and water management grants for
the implementation of nonpoint source pollution abatement practices.
• Protect our lakes and rivers and improve water quality in Wisconsin by
providing $24 million over the biennium to reduce nonpoint source water
pollution through increased nutrient and runoff management planning,
contaminated sediment removal and other pollution abatement practices.
• Invest in the Confluence Project by providing up to $15 million in
matching state funds for the proposed Eau Claire area Confluence Arts
Center. Confluence Project fundraisers must raise their entire portion
of the project cost before state money will be released.
Investing in Infrastructure:
• Provide $6 million of new
funding from the Universal Service Fund cash balance to the Broadband
Expansion Grant Program. In addition, increase flexibility for the
Public Service Commission in using current funds over the biennium and
redirect unused funds from other Universal Service Fund appropriations
to the broadband expansion grant program.
• Expand the Technology for Educational Achievement (TEACH) program,
which offers broadband access to public schools and libraries at
discounted rates, by broadening existing statutory language, so more
schools can request access to multiple data lines and video links. This
initiative will be funded with up to $25 million of an E-rate cash
balance.
• Provide over $9 million SEG in FY16 and FY17 to continue to fund the
four percent increase for general transportation aids approved in the
2013-15 budget.
• Provide $145,400 SEG in FY16 and $292,200 SEG in FY17 for a one
percent increase in the department's elderly and disabled aids to
counties. The Governor also recommends renaming the program to senior
and individuals with disabilities specialized transportation aids and
updating several provisions of the program to match federal updates.
• Increase funding for Transportation Economic Assistance grants by $2
million annually. In partnership with private funding these grants,
upgrade targeted infrastructure to assist local businesses in creating
jobs or keeping existing jobs in an area.
• Ensure the safety of Wisconsin communities by providing $4 million for
dam repair, reconstruction, and removal projects.
Developing Our Workforce:
• Provide an additional $1 million in fiscal year 2015-16 and $2 million
in fiscal year 2016-17 for the Department of Children and Families to
create job programs, similar to Transform Milwaukee Jobs, in Racine and
Beloit, as well as in high-need rural areas of the state.
Reforming Health Care:
• Require DHS to seek a Medicaid waiver to create a three-county
demonstration pilot project under which dental reimbursement would be
increased for certain procedures.
• Provide disproportionate share hospital payments to Wisconsin
hospitals that see a high number of Medicaid patients.
Improving Mental Health Programs:
• Provide funding to assist counties with creating robust crisis
services programs pairing law enforcement with mental health
professionals to create a best practice model.
Protecting Wisconsin Citizens and Our Most Vulnerable:
• Provide $2 million in fiscal year 2016-17 to the Department of
Children and Families to increase services to child sex trafficking
victims, especially in rural areas of the state.
###
|
Congressman Duffy in Eagle River |
On Friday,
January 30, I attended Congressman Sean Duffy's listening session in
Eagle River. Afterwards, we both were able to tour Composite Panel
Systems (CPS) in Eagle River with owner Glen Schiffmann. It was
great to tour a world-class business located in the heart of the 34th
Assembly District.
From Eagle
River, Congressman Duffy and I attended a listening session in Florence.
It was a great opportunity to meet and talk with constituents from
around the Northwoods.
From
Left to Right: Rep. Swearingen, Congressman Duffy, Glenn Schiffman
Congressman Duffy addressing the crowd in Eagle River |
DNR License Plate Contest and ATV Grants |
DNR launches Endangered Resources license plate photo
contest on Facebook
Professional and amateur photographers have until February 8 to submit
their best bald eagle photos for a chance to see their entry soar across
the state on vehicle license plates.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Bureau of Natural
Heritage Conservation is seeking bald eagle photos to possibly be
featured on the new Wisconsin Endangered Resources license plate.
"The bald eagle symbolizes both the strength and success of the recovery
program," said DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp. "This is a special opportunity
for Wisconsin residents and visitors alike to honor those efforts by
sharing their favorite eagle photos."
Bald eagles, once listed as endangered on both state and federal
endangered species list, have since recovered after regulations were put
into place to protect the species and following a ban on the pesticide
DDT. The remarkable recovery of our nation's symbol in Wisconsin
represents the success of conservation efforts by the state and our
partners.
The contest will run from January 29 through February 8, 2015. DNR staff
will review all submitted photos. Should a submitted photo meet size
requirements for the license plate, DNR will contact the entrant to let
them know their photo was chosen. DNR reserves the right to not choose a
photo from the submissions if they do not meet size requirements.
To enter photos, go to the
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Facebook page after
January 29 and click the "License plate contest" tab. People can also
enter the contest by sharing their photos on Facebook or Twitter with
hashtag #ereagleplate. There is no limit to the number of times a person
may enter. Photographers must be at least 13 years of age and submit
only photos they have the rights to distribute. DNR employees and their
immediate families are also eligible to submit photos.
SUBJECT: ATV grant applications are now available from the DNR
Local units of government can now submit applications for the
All-Terrain Vehicle Grant Program. Counties, towns, cities, villages and
tribes are encouraged to apply for these grant dollars that can be used
to acquire, insure, develop and maintain ATV trails, areas and routes.
The Department of Natural Resources has established eligible items and
funding levels for this grant program. They are as follows:
-All-terrain vehicle trails available for spring, summer, and fall
reimbursable up to 100 percent of eligible maintenance costs. Maximum:
$600 per mile
-All-terrain vehicle trails available for winter riding reimbursable up
to 100 percent of eligible maintenance costs. Maximum: $100 per mile
-Development of ATV trails and areas reimbursable up to 100 percent of
eligible costs.
-Major rehabilitation of bridge structures or trails reimbursable up to
100 percent of eligible costs.
-Maintenance of ATV intensive use areas reimbursable up to 50 percent of
eligible costs.
Trail funds are ranked and distributed for the following purposes:
-Maintenance of existing, approved trails, areas, and routes
-Liability insurance acquisition
-Easement acquisition
-Major rehabilitation of bridge structures or trails
-Land acquisition and development of new ATV trails and areas
Please consult the ATV
Application Guidelines for information about eligible/ineligible
costs for development and maintenance projects.
The Wisconsin State Legislature made specific changes to Chapter NR 64
ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES resulting in the creation of a Hybrid Trail or
"Troutes
[PDF]," which is an all-terrain vehicle trail and route combination.
Applications are due in the regional offices by April 15, 2015, for the
following season. For questions or additional information on this grant
program, contact your
community services specialist. Any costs incurred prior to receipt
of a grant are not reimbursable and may jeopardize your entire grant.
|
Snowmobile Report |
Snowmobiling in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is the birthplace of snowmobiling and continues to offer some
of the best snowmobiling opportunities you are likely to find,
especially in northern Wisconsin. More than 200,000 registered
snowmobiles hit Wisconsin's 25,000 miles of groomed trails each winter,
making safety an important part of the ride. Ride smart from the start -
take a snowmobile safety course!
If you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1985, and are at least age 12, you
must complete a snowmobile safety certification course to operate a
snowmobile on Wisconsin public snowmobile trails and areas. Department
of Natural Resources (DNR)
recreational safety specialists recommend snowmobile operators complete
a safety course.
Snowmobile Safety Course Requirements
Any person who is born on or after Jan. 1, 1985 and who has reached the
age of 12, must have completed and received a snowmobile safety
certificate in order to operate a snowmobile in Wisconsin. The
certificate must be carried while operating the snowmobile and displayed
to a law enforcement officer upon demand.
This does not apply to the operation of snowmobiles upon lands owned or
leased by the operator's parent or guardian. Leased lands do not include
lands leased by an organization of which the operator or the operator's
parent or guardian is a member.
No person under the age of 12 may operate a snowmobile unless the person
is accompanied either by a parent or guardian or by a person over 18
years of age. Accompanied means to be on the same snowmobile as the
operator.
Other states and provinces that issue a snowmobile safety certificate to
snowmobilers will be honored in Wisconsin.
Snowmobile Safety Course Information
The snowmobile safety course consists of six hours of basic instruction
in the principles of snowmobile safety. The course is comprised of six
hours of classroom study and an optional two hours of hands-on
snowmobile operation or optional snowmobile ride simulation.
Length of Snowmobile Safety Course
This course requires a minimum of eight hours but may be longer
depending on the instructor and the student's learning ability.
Snowmobile Safety Course Availability
Courses vary depending on the area of the state and time of the year.
There is at least one class per county per year. Visit the DNR’s
enrollment
webpage to search for a recreational safety education course.
Cost of Snowmobile Safety Course
$10
Internet Snowmobile Safety Courses
Operators of snowmobiles have an online method to receive snowmobile
safety certification. The Internet courses are available at
Snowmobile
Ed and Snowmobiecourse.com.
Students MUST be 16 years of age or older in order to become certified
by these online courses.
Wisconsin Snowmobile Regulations (.pdf) |
Congratulations Eagle River Derby! |
I wanted to take a moment to congratulate the Decker
Family and the City of Eagle River on another successful World
Championship Snowmobile Derby. I was able to attend the event on
Saturday, January 17, with Governor Walker and Senator Tom Tiffany.
Great event with non-stop entertainment!
Left to Right: Rep. Swearingen, Governor Walker, Sen. Tiffany |
Upcoming Community Events |
Please click the following links for
upcoming community events!
Super Bowl-A-Rama - Eagle River Lions Club: January 31, Eagle River
Mike Roberts
Memorial Ski Race & Lessons: January 31, Florence
WinMan Moon-shoe:
January 31, Manitowish Waters
Roadhouse 139
Annual Ice Fishing Derby on Long Lake: January 31, Long Lake
Sno Skeeter Breakfast at Pea Patch Saloon: February 1, Manitowish
Waters
Northwoods Share's Community Dinner - Open to Everyone: February 3,
Eagle River
After School Children’s
Reading Program: February 3, Boulder Junction
Eagle River Farmers' Market - Winter: February 4, Eagle River
Eagle River Pickle Ball Association: February 4, Eagle River
VFW Post 8637: Friday Fish Fry: February 6, Eagle River
WXPR Concert Series at
Nicolet College: February 6, Rhinelander
Conover Sno-Buddies Chili Cook-Off: February 7, Eagle River
Chili
Ski-In/Snowshoe-In/Walk-In: February 7, Florence
Phelps
School Winter Carvinal: February 7, Phelps
Whitetail Inn Presents: Ride wtih the Champs - 33nd Annual: February
7, St. Germain
Nicolet College Presents: The Art Gypsies Trunk Show: February 6-7,
Eagle River
10th Annual Labatt
Blue USA Adult Pond Hockey Championships: February 6-8, Eagle River
Conover Lion's Club Winter Frolicks: February 8, Eagle River
Olson Memorial Library - Take your child to the library day:
February 8, Eagle River
Eagle River Farmers' Market - Winter: February 11, Eagle River
The Diamonds at Campanile:
February 12, Minocqua
WXPR Live
from the White Pine: February 12, Rhinelander
Northwoods Childrens Museum - Special Needs Night: February 12,
Eagle River
Rhinelander
Lion’s Club Fisheree & Winter Festival: February 14, Rhinelander
|
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 |