The Joint Finance Committee finished its deliberations on the 2019-2021 state budget this week. The budget proposal will now be debated and voted on by the Assembly and Senate. If approved, the budget will head to Governor Evers’ desk.
This past week JFC approved several important initiatives:
$500 million tax cut for the middle-class.
A two year extension to the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program that allows the state to purchase land for environmental protection and conservation efforts.
$1 million increase for state park and forest operations.
Extended the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program to provide assistance and support for at-risk Veterans who struggle with substance abuse.
$30 million increase in funding for Veterans care and programs.
$1.03 billion to fund the University of Wisconsin-System.
I am proud of the work done by my colleagues on the Joint Finance Committee and look forward to having a good debate on the Assembly floor in the coming weeks. This budget responsibly invests in Wisconsin and ensures that our great state continues to be one of the best places to live, work and raise a family. It is my sincere hope that the budget will receive bi-partisan support and be signed into law by Governor Evers in the coming weeks.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Luncheon
I had the opportunity to attend a World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Luncheon in Eagle River to discuss the issue of elder abuse and current challenges caregivers have in caring for our elderly population. Before this spring’s budget process began, I and my colleagues in the legislature heard from several stakeholders in the healthcare industry about what needed to be done to address these challenges. I am proud that our state budget proposal invests in our health services and caregivers. The budget includes the following:
Increase funding for nursing homes by $30 million resulting in an approximately 7% increase in nursing home reimbursement rates.
Increase funding for Personal Care Workers by $37 million.
Personal Care Workers will see an increase in their hourly wage from $16.37 per hour to $18.24 starting July 1, 2019.
Increase funding for Direct Caregivers in Family Care by $27 million.
Increase Disproportionate Share Hospital payments by $60 million which will help hospitals that serve a higher share of Medicaid patients.
Continued funding for the Healthcare Stability Plan.
I would like to thank Vilas County Social Services for organizing the event and all our great caregivers for the important work you do everyday.
Great panel discussion about the issues facing elder abuse and caregivers.
Good to see so many folks in attendance.
Flag Day
June 14th is Flag Day! Flag Day is celebrated annually on June 14th referencing back to the Second Continental Congress’s adoption of the U.S. flag on June 14th, 1777. Today, we don’t just celebrate the adoption of the United States flag, but the values that the flag represents. The idea that all men are created equal, and that we are granted unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are the foundational pillars of our freedoms.
Wisconsin in fact played a major role in getting the holiday recognized when in 1885 a grade school teacher named Bernard J. Cigrand held the first recognized observance of Flag Day in Waubeka, Wisconsin. Cigrand would go on to become the president of the American Flag Day Association and later the National Flag Day Association which helped push for the day to be recognized nationally. In 2004, Congress unanimously passed H.R. 662 that identified Ozaukee County, Waubeka Wisconsin as the origin of Flag Day.
Honoring Audrey Decker
My heartfelt condolences go out to the Decker family after hearing of the passing of Audrey Decker. Audrey and her husband Dick purchased the snowmobile Derby Track in Eagle River in 1985, home of the legendary World Championship Snowmobile Derby. Audrey and Dick later sold the track to their son, Chuck, who would go on to continue the great family tradition. Audrey’s lifelong passion for the sport and her commitment to the community resulted in her induction in the Snowmobile Hall of Fame. Audrey will be dearly missed. God bless her and the entire Decker family.
Audrey and her husband Dick. (Photo Credit: Snowgoer)
Happy Father's Day!
This Sunday is Father's Day. I hope everyone is able to enjoy the weekend!
Community Events
Please click the following links for upcoming community events!
