This past Monday was Tax Day, and I remain committed to reducing the tax burden on the hardworking citizens of Wisconsin. The Legislative Fiscal Bureau recently estimated that savings for taxpayers in the ten year period of 2011 to 2021 will be $12.667 billion. This includes reductions in property taxes, income taxes, franchise and economic development taxes, and general fund taxes.
It is my sincere belief that economic prosperity comes about when the people choose what to spend their hard-earned money on, not the government. I am proud that our efforts have resulted in the state tax burden dropping for seven straight years, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature to ensure Wisconsin continues to move forward in a fiscally responsible manner.
Legislation to Speed Up Health Insurance Appeals
This week both the Assembly and Senate Committees on Health conducted a joint public hearing on Senate Bill 26, relating to step therapy protocols for prescription drug coverage.
The bill, which has received bi-partisan support, intends to help patients get access to medication they need more quickly. The legislation provides for an appeal process to “step therapy,” a protocol that doctors must currently adhere to, requiring patients receive certain medications before they can be prescribed something else. A doctor may want to prescribe a certain medication, but the patient must first use another medication before being prescribed the doctor’s original recommendation. The public hearing saw a lot of great testimony in support of the bill from individuals living with chronic medical conditions. I am supportive of this initiative and look forward to seeing the bill move forward in the legislative process.
Wisconsin Hospital Association Legislative Day
I had a great meeting with Sandy Anderson, President of Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital and Ascension Eagle River Hospital, as well as several members of the Wisconsin Hospital Association this week during their legislative advocacy day. We had a very interesting discussion regarding the opportunities available in rural communities for expanding telehealth. As technology continues to advance, telehealth offers the possibility of virtual appointments, remote patient monitoring, and other health services. It is always exciting to see how initiatives like this can really help people in rural areas around the state.
Thanks again for stopping by!
Joint Committee on Finance Public Hearing
The Joint Committee on Finance will hold their final public hearing in Green Bay on April 24th. The committee is tasked with negotiating Wisconsin’s biennial state budget and will begin its formal deliberations after this hearing.
If you would like to attend, please see the following event info:
Wednesday, April 24, 2019 (10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)–Green Bay
University of Wisconsin – Green Bay University Union – Phoenix Rooms 2430 Campus Court Green Bay, WI 54311
I Am For the Child Day
Proud to have joined legislators, staff and members of the Department of Children and Families to help raise awareness of child abuse and neglect by wearing blue. Every child deserves a happy and healthy childhood, and we must do all we can to combat abuse and neglect.
Happy Easter
Wishing everyone a very happy Easter this weekend. I hope you can spend the day surrounded by friends and family.
Spring Turkey Hunt
Good luck to all the hunters participating in the Spring Turkey Hunt. Be safe and enjoy the outdoors!
The snow that fell last week across the north is diminishing and has disappeared where it fell in the southeast. NOAA satellite images show the rapid loss of snow from April 15 to 16. One on April 15 one shows the southeast snow band well. Then by the 16th it's gone.
Most lakes south of Highway 64 are now ice-free. There are still some flowages and lakes in the north with ice, but temperatures are supposed to be increasing this week. The ice is off of the North and South Fork of the Flambeau and soon the redhorse will be running. The river level is very high, nearing the flood stage.
Walleye are running up the major Lake Michigan tributaries such as the Oconto, Menominee, Peshtigo and Wolf rivers. There was heavy fishing pressure reported on all rivers this week. This last week was slower for anglers on the Fox River, with the slower bite attributed to cool temperatures and wind.
There was quite a bit of fishing activity on Door County's Whitefish Bay, Hibbards and Heins creeks on Saturday. Steelhead were seen in the streams that were running a little high, but clear. Steelhead fishing on other Lake Michigan tributaries was slower this week. Anglers fishing the Kewaunee River had mixed results. Suckers have begun running and anglers fishing for steelhead were catching upwards of 10 suckers. Fishing pressure on the Root River remained fairly high both above and below the steelhead facility but catches were few and far between.
Windy and cold weather had Lake Michigan waters rough, with significant waves and whitecaps and waves crashing over piers and break walls. The few anglers that were out on the Milwaukee River did not report any fish caught.
Fisheries staff anticipate that the lake sturgeon spawning run on the Winnebago System will commence at some point over the next week. Water temperatures are still a little cold, but warmer temperatures in the forecast later this week and weekend could get the fish more active.
Many areas of the state had a wet day for the spring turkey opener. The first period started Wednesday and hunters reported male turkeys have been seen moving frequently.
Deer are feeding very heavily on new growth right now. Raccoons, skunks and bear are starting to make appearances. Chorus frogs are calling. Pussy willows are starting to bloom in the swamps.
In spring, sharp-tailed grouse perform an elaborate mating dance on a matted patch of ground called a lek. The Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area is home to Wisconsin's largest population of sharp-tails. The Friends of Namekagon Barrens host sharp-tail viewing opportunities from blinds. There are limited opportunities and spaces fill rapidly. The group recently added additional viewing opportunities. There is a minimum donation of $10 per sharp-tailed grouse blind reservation. Reservations can be made through the group's website at www.fnbwa.org.
Several large raptor flights unfolded, especially on the April 16 when hundreds of red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, and sharp-shinned hawks were on the move. Loons are starting to shift northward, but some impressive counts continue on southern lakes, including 80-plus on Lake Monona this week.
Earth Day is right around the corner and this Saturday and Monday seven properties are holding Work*Play*Earth Day events. Come out and volunteer with Friends groups and help get parks ready for the busy season ahead. Then stay around and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - The forest can only hope that the mid- week rain will knock down the many big snowbanks along roadsides and get rid of much of the snow that is hanging on in the woods from last week's storm. The lakes are still ice covered, but the rivers are open for exploring. Many of the spring migrant birds are showing themselves. Flocks of juncos mixed in with a few sparrows are pushing north, with even a yellow rumped warbler hitting a window and taking a breather before taking off again. Some evening grosbeaks are still around and the redpolls are leaving the Northwoods. The robins that survived the storm can be heard claiming their territories. Sharp shinned hawks are keeping the big flocks of songbirds on the run. Cranes and turkeys can be heard calling at times. Chipmunks are busy after a long winter's nap, and the various squirrels are always entertaining. Raccoons, skunks and bear are starting to make appearances! Pussy willows are starting to bloom in the swamps...spring is on its way. - Rosalie Richter, visitor services associate
Community Events
Please click the following links for upcoming community events!
