This week, Governor Tony Evers gave his second annual State of the State address to a joint session of the Wisconsin Legislature. Below is my official press release reacting to the Governor’s address:
Rep. Swearingen Reacts to State of the State Address
Madison, WI – Representative Rob Swearingen (R – Rhinelander) released the following statement after Governor Tony Evers addressed a joint session of the Wisconsin State Legislature for his second annual State of the State address.
“The state of the state is strong, thanks to the work of legislative Republicans ensuring that the gains of the past decade were not reversed by the Governor’s far-left agenda. It unfortunately seems that the Governor continues to prioritize Madison and Milwaukee over the rest of the state. I remain committed to ensuring that the issues most affecting the Northwoods continue to be at the forefront of the legislative agenda.
Rep. Swearingen reiterated his support of the conservative biennial state budget that despite receiving no Democratic support in the legislature, was signed into law by Governor Evers last year.
“The budget was a major win for Wisconsin. We successfully increased access to affordable health care, cut taxes by $400 million, and made historic investments in our schools and roads. Additionally, we expanded the Broadband Expansion Grant Program by $48 million, ensuring that rural areas throughout Wisconsin have access to high-speed, reliable internet.”
During the final months of the current legislative session, Rep. Swearingen is looking forward to voting for bills that promote clean water and safe communities.
“The Northwoods continues to be the best area of the state to live, work and raise a family. I look forward to working with my colleagues in 2020 to keep moving Wisconsin forward in the right direction.”
Representative Swearingen represents the 34th Assembly District, which includes the Northwoods counties of Oneida, Vilas, Florence and portions of Forest.
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Assembly Floor Session
The Assembly convened this week for a floor session to vote on several pieces of legislation. Here are a few of the bills that were passed:
Assembly Bill 323: Related to regulating fire-fighting foam that contains certain contaminants and granting rule-making authority.
Assembly Bill 428: Related to temporary practice by physicians at camps, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and granting rule-making authority.
Assembly Bill 439: Related to waiting period for marriage after divorce judgment.
Assembly Bill 645: Related to opioid antagonist administration in jails and medication-assisted treatment availability in prisons and jails.
Assembly Bill 692: Related to funding for county snowmobile trails and areas and making an appropriation.
Assembly Committee on State Affairs
The Committee on State Affairs, which I chair, met this week to hold both an executive session and a public hearing on the following pieces of legislation:
Executive Session:
Assembly Bill 459: Related to incorporating cursive writing into the state model English language arts standards and requiring cursive writing in elementary grades.
Public Hearing:
Assembly Bill 752: Related to the revised uniform unclaimed property act.
Assembly Bill 48: Related to promissory notes of certain public bodies.
Assembly Bill 703: Related to a sales and use tax exemption for building materials that become a part of a facility for the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics Authority.
Rep. Swearingen chairing the Assembly Committee on State Affairs.
Assembly Bill 736 Receives a Public Hearing
I recently had the opportunity to testify on Assembly Bill 736 in a public hearing held by the Assembly Committee on Local Government. The legislation, which I introduced with Senator Jerry Petrowski, is meant to provide clarification to a 2015 law, Act 41, which related to town zoning authority within a shoreland area. This piece of legislation clarifies existing law and does the following two things:
First, it gives a county and a town a simple addition to their zoning options. Cities and counties can cooperate under current law to adopt a city zoning ordinance. However, it is not clear whether a town and county will agree to enforce a zoning ordinance in only part of a town, instead of the entire town. The bill defines that this procedure is allowed.
Second, the bill brings clarification to the current law on the interaction between the local regulatory authority in shoreland areas and the zoning authority in county shorelands. The provisions of the bill do not alter current law, but provide clarifications that will allow towns and counties to run more effectively and efficiently. This bill will also strengthen the eligibility of farmers for tax credits in shoreland areas that are part of the state’s farmland protection program.
I look forward to seeing the bill move forward in the legislative process.
Rep. Swearingen during the Assembly Committee on Local Government Public Hearing.
Wisconsin Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus
I had a great meeting with "Let's Minocqua" Executive Director Krystal Westfahl during the Wisconsin Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus’ annual legislative day this week. The Minocqua Chamber has officially rebranded itself as "Let's Minocqua"! Excited to see even more great promotion of the Northwoods!
Rep. Swearingen with "Let's Minocqua" Executive Director Krystal Westfahl.
Wisconsin Credit Union League
My staff met with members of the Wisconsin Credit Union League during their annual legislative day in the Capitol. Credit unions offer many valuable services to communities across Wisconsin, and I appreciate their work in the Northwoods.
Thanks again for stopping by!
ABATE
My staff met with local members of ABATE (A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments) to discuss issues related to motorcycle rights and road safety. I appreciate everyone who took the time to make the trip down to Madison.
ABATE members from around Northern Wisconsin with State Representative Mary Felzkowski.
Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner
The annual Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce Dinner was held yesterday. This is always a fun event to honor local businesses and non-profits for the great work they do throughout the community. I would like to congratulate all the award winners for their well-deserved recognition and their continued investment in the Northwoods.
Rep. Swearingen with incoming Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce President Diane Sowinski of Ripco Credit Union.
Rep. Swearingen with Don Theisen, General Manger of Trig's in Rhinelander.
Executive Director of the Rhinelander Chamber, Lauren Sackett, received the "Spirit of the Hodag" award. Congratulations Lauren!
Almost 250 people were present for the event. Great crowd and a lot of fun! I would like to thank the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce for putting on another successful dinner.
Travel Wisconsin Snow Report
To keep up to date with the snow conditions and trail openings around the state for snowmobiling, skiing and snowboarding, check out Travel Wisconsin's Snow Report.
Community Events
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