Today, I announced that the Assembly Committee on State Affairs will be holding a joint hearing on AB 624 and AB 625 next Thursday (October 28th).
Every 10 years the Wisconsin State Legislature is directed by the Constitution to redraw state and federal legislative districts. This is to ensure that no one is disenfranchised by increases or decreases in populations.
AB 624 is a proposal of where new state legislative districts will be established. AB 625 is a proposal of where new congressional districts will be established. These maps were crafted in accordance with Assembly Joint Resolution 80. AJR 80 outlines the Constitutional laws and guidelines used to establish the new legislative districts. In addition, this time the process included hundreds of submissions from people across the state who submitted maps via drawyourdistrict.com.
Please feel free to view the proposed map and read more information by following the link below.
Boulder Junction Fire Chief Eric Johnson will receive the First Responder of the Year Award on October 26th at the State Capitol.
Click HERE to read the full press release on my website.
Preserving the Rights of Sportsmen
Last week, Republicans in the Legislature introduced 13 bills titled the "Wisconsin Sporting Freedom Package".
As a Representative of three counties in the Northwoods, I understand the importance of this legislation. I fully support this package and I am a co-author of 4 out of the 13 bills
Many of the bills aim to deregulate and simplify licensing and permitting processes administered by the DNR. They will put common sense and science back into regulations for hunters, trappers, and anglers.
The package is critical to protect the constitutional rights of the people in Wisconsin and to maintain a way of life for many in the Northwoods.
Click on the links below read more information on each bill.
Increases the minimum number of pheasants being planted to 200,000 and would improve the identification of the properties where the pheasants are planted, increasing access to hunting.
Requires the DNR to prepare a report that identifies ways to consolidate or eliminate hunting, fishing, and trapping approvals to reduce the total number of types of licenses DNR is required to issue.
Requires the DNR to authorize the hunting of sandhill cranes by individuals who have completed a sandhill crane hunter education course and who possess the appropriate approval issued by the DNR to help manage the growing sandhill crane population in Wisconsin.
Guarantees Wisconsinites would be able to exercise their constitutional right to carry a gun under the rights already afforded to them by the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Increases transparency and accountability by requiring the DNR to create a biennial work plan that establishes priorities and goals for habitat work on lands managed by DNR and measures progress on established priorities and goals.
Requires the DNR to prepare a report that identifies public access opportunities on all lands owned or managed by DNR, land acquired under the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson stewardship program, and open managed forest lands.
Requires the DNR to make available on the Go Wild website dog training licenses. Currently, this license is not available there and that makes it harder for hunters to comply.
Requires the DNR to prepare a report that identifies opportunities for partnering with the private aquaculture industry for increased stocking of desirable sport fish in lakes and streams.
Wisconsin hunters will have an opportunity to hunt non-native bovids, some of which are already being raised on Wisconsin game farms.
State Building Commission Approves $124 million in Projects
Yesterday, the State Building Commission met to vote on several projects throughout the state. This included a very important project for the 34th Assembly District-- the Pinewood trestle bridge.
Highlights of projects approved include:
Replacing the Pinewood trestle bridge on the Bearskin Trail in Oneida County. The current 50-foot-long bridge was deemed structurally unsafe, the replacement bridge will accommodate snow grooming equipment and snowmobile activity;
Elevating modernization in seven facilities on the UW-Madison campus. The current elevators range in age from 45 to 56 years old and do not meet today’s accessibility standards;
Elevating modernization in 15 elevators at various downtown Madison DOA buildings. The current elevators are 40 years old;
Replacing the fire doors in Greenquist Hall on the UW-Parkside campus. The current fire doors are original to the classroom building constructed in 1969;
Replacing a DMA fuel storage tank that provides service to the Madison Aviation Armory. The current tank has exceeded its 30-year life expectancy;
Constructing a New Facility Maintenance Building for the Department of Military Affairs at Chippewa Falls;
Aiding in the expansion of psychiatric and behavioral health services in Eau Claire and Marathon County with two state grants. Once complete, these grants will help to expand services for residents in 29 counties;
Constructing projects on the UW-Oshkosh and UW-Stout campuses. In Oshkosh, Clow Hall, home to the nursing and education programs, will be fully renovated to modernize the classroom and lab space throughout the facility. In Stout, the South Hall student residence facility will be renovated into a modern facility with improved accessibility;
Constructing infrastructure renovation/replacement projects for UW-Madison and UW-Stout as part of the Minor Facilities Renewal Program;
Releasing Building Trust Funds to begin planning for a Secure Residential Treatment Unit and Diversion Unit at Oshkosh Correctional Institution, Phase III for the DMA Milwaukee Readiness Center, and a replacement Toilet/Shower Building at Council Grounds State Park; and
Authorizing 25 maintenance and repair projects located at various locations in eight counties across the state for the Departments of Administration, Health Services, Military Affairs, Natural Resources, Veterans Affairs, and the UW-System.
Assembly Committee on Tourism
Yesterday, the Committee on Tourism held a Public Hearing on Assembly Bill 509 and Assembly Bill 567.
AB 509: modifying the Department of Tourism's reporting duties and repealing requirements to distribute cheese, submit a financial statement and use famous residents in marketing.
AB 567: allocation of federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funds for repairs to Potawatomi State Park observation tower.
Eagle Scout Ceremony
Recently, I attended a Boy Scouts ceremony honoring David Fielhauer as he has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. It was my privilege to present him with a Legislative Citation on behalf of Senator Mary Felzkowski and myself recognizing his accomplishment.
Congratulations David!
Listening Sessions
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of joining Senator Mary Felzkowski at three listening sessions in the district.
We appreciated great conversations in Hiles, Lake Tomahawk, and Boulder Junction. Thanks to all that took the time to attend and participate!
DOT Road Construction Update
Update: Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Oneida County
Highway: US 51
Location: Bearskin Bridge to Rocky Run Road
Schedule: October 4, 2021, to the week of October 27, 2021
Project ID: 1170-16-71
Work scheduled for next week: Crews plan to complete shoulder work, some pavement marking installation, and restoration work.
Traffic impacts: One lane of US 51 is closed with traffic routed through the construction area by flaggers. Motorists should expect some delays.
Florence County
Highway: WIS 139
Location: Between the Forest County line and Fay Lake Road
Schedule: September 7, 2021, to October 2021
Project ID: 9110-72-10
Work scheduled for next week: Asphalt paving is anticipated to wrap up by mid-week. Aggregate shoulder work will be taking place late in the week followed by pavement markings.
Traffic impacts: Flagging operations during daylight working hours will be utilized to restrict traffic to one travel lane when needed. Slight delays are anticipated.
Vilas County
Highway: US 51
Location: US 51 from Woodland Drive to Vilas County M, Arbor Vitae
Schedule: October 4, 2021, to November 5, 2021
Project ID: 1170-20-72
Work scheduled for next week: Crews plan to begin asphalt removal and replacement.
Traffic impacts: One lane of US 51 will be closed, and traffic will be routed through the construction area with flaggers. Motorists should expect some delays.
Forest and Florence Counties
Highway: WIS 101
Location: From US 8 in Armstrong Creek to Woods Creek Road in Fern
Schedule: August 9, 2021, to October 29, 2021
Project ID: 9304-11-70/9304-12-70
Work scheduled for next week: Crews will work on pavement markings and thermoplastic snowmobile crossing installation.
Traffic impacts: WIS 101 is open. Traffic is reduced to a single lane with flagging during pavement markings and thermoplastic snowmobile crossing installation.
Community Events
Please click the following links for upcoming community events!
Last week, Republicans in the Legislature introduced 13 bills titled the "Wisconsin Sporting Freedom Package".
