Last month I was invited to visit Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff. The visit highlighted a new fixed-wing ambulance adding to Ascension Wisconsin’s impressive Spirit Medical Transport Fleet. It is fantastic that we have these resources available in the Northwoods. Please click the picture below to watch a video of the tour.
Assembly Bill 300 Public Hearing
Assembly Bill 300, a bill that I am co-sponsor of, received a public hearing this week in the Capitol. The bill seeks to expand health insurance coverage to surviving spouses and dependents of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. In 2009, Wisconsin passed a law that expanded this benefit to firefighters who lost their lives while serving. This bill corrects an oversight that omits law enforcement officers, and extends the same benefit to them and their families. Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. This bill will help give them peace of mind knowing that their families will be taken care of. I would like to thank everyone who came out to publicly testify in support of this legislation, and I look forward to seeing the bill move through the legislative process.
The Joint Committee on Judiciary, Public Safety and Insurance held a public hearing on the bill.
Governor Evers and Legislative Democrats Propose Unconstitutional Gun Confiscation Scheme
Governor Evers and Legislative Democrats held a press conference this week to introduce anti-gun legislation that would strip law-abiding citizens of their constitutional right to keep and bear arms. The Democrats’ “Red Flag” law would require an individual who has done nothing illegal to surrender their firearms. If realized, this proposal would not only destroy the entire notion of due process, it would also set a dangerous precedent for future gun control measures. This was evident in Governor Evers’ comments that he would consider pushing for a mandatory gun buyback program.
Protecting the 2nd Amendment remains a top priority of mine. Legislative Republicans are committed to finding bi-partisan solutions to improve our mental health system, which time after time has been the root cause of gun violence. Last session, Republicans passed $100 million in school safety grants, and the legislature doubled the funding for mental health grants in schools in the 2019-2021 biennial state budget. I look forward to continue working with my colleagues to find real solutions that do not infringe on the constitutional rights of our citizens.
Aspirus Groundbreaking Ceremony in Rhinelander
Earlier this morning I had the opportunity to attend the official groundbreaking ceremony of the new addition to the Aspirus Clinic in Rhinelander. The new 21,000 sq ft. addition will increase primary and specialist health care options for the community. It is encouraging to see a more and more health services expand throughout the Northwoods. I wish Aspirus the best of luck moving forward.
Rep. Swearingen giving remarks during the groundbreaking.
Rep. Swearingen, Community and Aspirus leadership lend a helping hand to the construction effort.
The statewide fall duck hunt begins on Saturday, September 28th.
As Wisconsin hunters hit the water for the 2019 waterfowl hunting season, they are reminded to do what they can to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species.
The public can find the latest results for a wide variety of wildlife surveys conducted in 2019 on the DNR’s website. Survey results include population surveys and estimates, harvest results and wildlife observation reports for small game, big game, waterfowl, furbearer and certain non-game species.
Community Events
Please click the following links for upcoming community events!
