Assembly Committee on State Affairs Public Hearing
The Assembly Committee on State Affairs, which I chair, met earlier this week to hold a public hearing on the following pieces of legislation:
Assembly Bill 434 Relating to: the issuance by the Department of Revenue of retail alcohol beverage permits for motor vehicle racetrack grounds, authorizing caterers to make retail sales of alcohol beverages on racetrack grounds, and hours for retail sales by brewers.
Assembly Bill 443 Relating to: grant to a hospital for expanding psychiatric bed capacity.
Assembly Bill 471Relating to: grants for Next Generation 911 and granting rule-making authority.
It’s always great to see folks from around the state come out and provide testimony on legislation they find important. Thank you to everyone who attended the public hearing.
PAES Lab Tour in Woodruff
Recently, I had the opportunity to tour the Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES) lab located at the Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff. The PAES lab works in tandem with the Lakeland Star Academy to primarily help students on the autism spectrum learn life and professional skills that encourage an independent life. Please click here or on the photo below to watch a video of my tour and learn more about the great work that the PAES Lab, Howard Young Medical Center and Lakeland Star Academy are doing in the community.
Great to speak with some of the professionals involved with this program. Thank you for your hard-work and dedication to the community.
Legislative Republicans Cut Taxes By $13 Billion Since 2011
A new memo released by the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau highlights the fact that legislative Republicans have cut taxes by $13 billion since 2011. I am proud of the fact that our conservative reforms have resulted in a booming economy with the lowest unemployment rate in state history. I believe you and your family know how to spend, invest and save your own hard-earned money better than the government. Our reductions in the state income tax have saved the average median income family over $1,600 since 2013! I look forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature to ensure that Wisconsin continues to prosper.
Speaker's Task Force On Suicide Prevention Update
The Speaker’s Task Force on Suicide Prevention recently released it recommendations to the Legislature after having traveled around Wisconsin to learn from mental health care specialists, councilors, educators, and those most affected by the tragic circumstances of suicide. The bi-partisan committee's recommendations include the creation of new grant programs, better coordination between already existing programs, peer-to-peer high school programs, initiatives to help farmers and at-risk youth, and an option of interim psychologist licenses. I look forward to seeing these bills move forward in the legislative process.
If you or someone you care about needs help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text the Wisconsin HOPELINE at 741741.
Wisconsin County Forests Association Executive Director Jane Severt Retires
I had the chance to attend a retirement party for Wisconsin County Forests Association Executive Director Jane Severt this week. I've had the pleasure of working with Jane for years and she has always done a fantastic job as a steward of Wisconsin's forests. I thank Jane for her decades of service to our community and state and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
Rep. Swearingen and Rep. Jeff Mursau present Jane with a citation from the Legislation to honor her work.
Beef-A-Rama and Project North Events This Weekend
A lot of great events going on in the Northwoods this weekend with the annual Beef-A-Rama event taking place in Minocqua and the inaugural Project North festivities in Rhinelander. Both are sure to be fun events for the whole family!
Fall is officially here! Wisconsin State Parks and other DNR recreational properties around the state are hosting a full slate of events for people to celebrate and enjoy the season. Fall festivals kick off this weekend and run through early November.
Governor Evers has declared Saturday, September 28th as Hunting and Fishing day in Wisconsin to coincide with National Public Lands Day and National Hunting and Fishing Day across the country.
Community Events
Please click the following links for upcoming community events!