February 13, 2013

Working for you!

Capitol Update

Welcome to my second e-news! As many of you know, former Representative Michelle Litjens gave me her mailing list, so that's why many of you are receiving this. If you don't want to get my e-news, reply with "unsubscribe" in the subject line.

My priority is serving my constituents, and I want to be of help to you and your family. If you have a problem involving a state agency, please let me know and I will do what I can to get you a clear answer. I hope you'll feel free to contact me with questions or comments on state issues that matter to you.

Keep in mind that you can express your views on any state matter by attending hearings, emailing any member of the legislature, calling a legislative office, or by sending a letter. All of these communication methods hold the same weight...you don't have to be at a hearing to have your voice heard.

Right the Rules

Student Representative Sought for UW System Board of Regents

Governor Walker is seeking applicants to be the next student representative on the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents. This must be someone who is enrolled half time or more in a UW institution, who is in good academic standing, a Wisconsin resident, and enrolled for their entire term on the Regents.

Since the Madison and Parkside campuses have recently been represented, the applicants must be from other campuses. For more information, please go to the governor's website: www.walker.wi.gov and click on the Apply to Serve button. The deadline to submit application materials is February 20th.

Regulation of Iron Mining in Wisconsin: Amendments to the Bills

The regulation of iron mining in our state took another step forward last week, as 11 amendments were added to Assembly Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1 after bipartisan discussions. As with most philosophical differences, there will never be a perfect middle ground. I'm proud of the work done by the bill's authors and the committee members who have learned about this legislation and its potential impact, asked questions, and listened to the public's views. I'm glad that they are committed to making responsible ferrous mining a possibility in our state.

On Saturday, February 2nd, I visited the potential mine site near Hurley. I had the opportunity to speak with local people about iron mining, and to see their excitement about the possibility of solid economic development in their area.  Engineers were with us to explain the ferrous mining process from inception to reclamation. For example, I learned that if mining occurs here, a company would need to provide 300 acres of wetlands to compensate for the 200 acres they would fill for the project. I also learned that the 200 filled acres are part of the current 175,000 acres of wetland in Iron County.

I was particularly impressed with very long-term vision of local folks. They talked with me about the infrastructure they already have in place to handle an increased population and business activity, including room for school-aged children, as the need arises. They understand mining is part of our state's past, they want the economic development iron mining can bring to the region and the state now, and ultimately, they see decades down the road when the mining site is reclaimed and becomes a natural draw for tourism and local enjoyment.

Rep. Murphy and other legislators use magnets to feel the magnetization of the iron ore rock.

My Madison Office