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 District Dialogue


Serving the Greater Northwoods

Oneida - Vilas - Florence - Forest

January 17, 2020

Assembly Floor Session

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The Assembly convened for a floor session this week to vote on several bills, including a package of bills related to reforming Wisconsin’s adoption process. These bills were brought forth by the Speaker’s Task Force on Adoption, a bi-partisan committee tasked with seeking ways to make adoption in Wisconsin a more efficient process, reduce the associated costs, and ensure that children are quickly moved into permanent and stable environments. I would like to thank the Task Force and all the members of the public who provided valuable testimony. I am proud to have voted in favor of these bills and look forward to the Governor signing them into law.

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AB 559: Relating to: grounds for finding a child in need of protection or services or for terminating parental rights, right to a jury trial in a termination of parental rights proceeding, and permanency plan reviews.

AB 560: Relating to: termination of parental rights if a child has been placed outside the home for 15 of the last 22 months.

AB 561: Relating to: post adoption contact agreements.

AB 562: Relating to: the rights of a foster parent or other physical custodian of a child on removal of the child from the person's home. 

AB 563: Relating to: providing permanency plan and comments to foster parents and foster children over the age of 12 in advance of a permanency plan review or hearing. 

AB 564: Relating to: eligibility for adoption assistance. 

AB 565: Relating to: placement of a child with a relative under the Children's Code or the Juvenile Justice Code.

AB 566: Relating to: the procedure in a CHIPS or JIPS proceeding for an involuntary termination of parental rights. 

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Additionally, the Assembly attempted to override Governor Evers’ veto of Assembly Bill 76, which would have adjusted training hours for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) to align with federal requirements, ensuring that the CNA shortage in Wisconsin is addressed. I was disappointed in the Governor’s original veto of the bill, and I was disappointed again when three democrats, who had all previously supported the bill, voted against the override. It is unfortunate that these members chose to put partisan politics above ensuring the wellbeing of the most vulnerable in our state. As the Northwoods has a large aging population, it is imperative that Wisconsin adequately addresses the issue. I will continue to work with my colleagues to find solutions that move our state forward. 

Assembly Committee on Forestry, Parks and Outdoor Recreation Executive Session

The Assembly Committee on Forestry, Parks and Outdoor Recreation met for an executive session this week. The following bills were successfully voted out of the committee:

Assembly Bill 692: Relating to: funding for county snowmobile trails and areas and making an appropriation.

Assembly Bill 252: Relating to: fee waivers for state park vehicle admission receipts to pupils enrolled in grade 4 and making an appropriation.

Assembly Bill 704: Relating to: operation of motorboats by minors.

Assembly Bill 39: Relating to: a higher wild animal protection surcharge for the unlawful taking of deer.

Forestry.jpg (2)The Assembly Committee of Forestry, Parks and Outdoor Recreation during the Executive Session.

 Assembly Committee on Rules

I had the opportunity to fill in as a member on the Assembly Committee on Rules this week. The bi-partisan committee is tasked with voting on procedural matters of the Assembly, such as future debate times during floor sessions. It is always a unique opportunity to be a part of this important process. 

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The Assembly Committee on Rules meeting in the Assembly Parlor.

 Let's Minocqua 

The Minocqua Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau recently unveiled their new brand, “Let’s Minocqua”, which will now be the official destination marketing organization for the Minocqua, Arbor Vitae and Woodruff communities. To learn more about the rebranding effort, please click here to read Let’s Minocqua’s latest press release.

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Rep. Swearingen joined Chamber Staff and other community leaders during the official ribbon cutting of the new brand!

 31st Badger State Games and 57th World Championship Snowmobile Derby in Eagle River

This weekend is set to be action packed in the Northwoods with the 31st Badger State Games and the 57th World Championship Snowmobile Derby both kicking off in Eagle River! The Badger State Games will take place throughout north-central Wisconsin in January and February. Twelve area snowmobile clubs are carrying the official torch 175 miles from Wausau to Eagle River and tonight, Friday Jan. 17th, the Badger State Games will officially kick off with the cauldron lighting at the World Championship Snowmobile Derby Track in Eagle River. The Snowmobile Derby is the premier snowmobiling event in the country and highlights world-class winter athletes. 

With tens of thousands of visitors expected, hosting both these great events will showcase the beauty and hospitality of the Northwoods! Please click the following links to learn more about the Badger States Games and the World Championship Snowmobile Derby.

 

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 GO PACK GO!

Our Green Bay Packers take on the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game this weekend. The stage is set for a great game, and I know all of Wisconsin will be cheering on the Green and Gold! The game will air at 5:40 pm on Fox this Sunday. Go Pack Go!

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 DNR Outdoor Report

Published January 17, 2020

Snowmobile trails continue to be in good condition in the north on the travelwisconsin.com Snow Conditions Report. Still, some low/swampy areas continue to be hazardous, so use caution when riding. Ski trail conditions are good to excellent in the north.

Mild temps in the south have put a damper on ice fishing, but a cold front this week starting to firm ice back up. Some northern lakes have 10-12 inches of ice, but much of the ice is white/gray from mixing with snow and isn't as stable as black ice. Some anglers have begun using ATVs and snowmobiles, but be sure to check the ice thickness. Fishing was decent with good catches of walleye during low light hours, and bluegills, bass and northern being caught during the day. Most bucks are still carrying their antlers, although there are reports of some antler dropping occurring. To read the full DNR Outdoor Report please click here.

 Community Events  


 Please click the following links for upcoming community events!

 

World Championship Snowmobile Derby: January 17-19, Eagle River

 

Pete “Toad” Church Ice Fishing Derby: January 18, Florence

 

Snowshoe Event at Fern Ridge Trail: January 18, St. Germain

 

10th Annual Winter Park Community Celebration: January 18, Boulder Junction

 

Free Fishing Weekend: January 18-19, State Wide

 

Minocqua Forest Riders Chili Buffet: January 18, Minocqua

 

Ascension Northwoods Nordic Hodag Challenge Cross Country Ski Race: January 18-19, Rhinelander

 

Winter Farmer’s Market: January 25, Rhinelander

 

Roberts Memorial Ski Race & Lessons: January 25, Florence

 

Soup & Chili Cook Off: January 25, Conover

 

Blizzard Splash: January 25, Conover

 

Hiller’s Radar Run: January 31-February 1, St. Germain

 

9th Annual Snowshoe Celebration-Tara Lila: February 1, Three Lakes

 

Chili Ski-In at Lauterman Trail: February 1, Florence