Wisconsin's unemployment continues to decline. The Department of Workforce Development released the latest jobs report, which shows the state unemployment rate dropped to 3.1 percent in May. This represents the lowest unemployment rate since October 1999. Officials at the Department of Workforce Development denote that is the second-lowest unemployment rate on record for Wisconsin and the labor participation rate continues to increase.

While these numbers indicate that Wisconsin's economy is vibrant, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done if we are to reach our goal of full employment. At this writing, there are thousands of jobs waiting to be filled on the state's employment website. Furthermore, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce released a survey of state business leaders that showed seventy-seven percent of employers report having trouble finding skilled workers. It is for this reason that Assembly Republicans will continue to invest in workforce development and training in the 2017-19 biennial budget.

Campus Free Speech

Recently violent outbursts and the suppression of free speech have, unfortunately, become prevalent on college campuses throughout the country. Some of the aforementioned protests have forced conservative lecturers to cancel speeches or spread their message under the threat of violence. Not only is this unfair to the speakers, but prevents students from hearing opinions that do not conform with the status quo on university campuses. It is imperative that the First Amendment rights of all individuals, regardless of viewpoint or political affiliation, are protected, especially at institutions of higher learning. Colleges and universities across the country have proven incapable of balancing the right to protest with the right to free expression of nonconforming ideas. Dr. Allan Bloom, a renowned scholar of twentieth century philosophy, in his groundbreaking treatise, The Closing of the American Mind, posited that institutions of higher learning contribute to closed-mindedness, the suppression of free speech, and eschewing of the nation's founding principles. According to Bloom (1987), "The unity, grandeur, and attendant folklore of the founding heritage was attacked from so many directions in the last half-century that it has gradually disappeared from daily life and textbooks" (p. 55).

In an attempt to restore free speech on college and university campuses, the Assembly passed Assembly Bill 299. This legislation requires the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents to establish a blueprint pertaining to free expression. The aforementioned blueprint establishes disciplinary measurers for individuals who violently suppress free speech. If an individual affiliated with the institution of higher learning where speech suppression through violent means occurs, is found guilty twice in the same semester, he or she will be suspended. If a student is found guilty a third time before graduation, he or she will be subject to expulsion.

Free speech is the bedrock of our republic and should be protected. There will always be room for peaceful protest, but many of the most recent outbursts have perverted the First Amendment to condone acts of violence. For example, the University of California-Berkley, a planned speech was disrupted with smoke bombs, broken windows, and a bonfire outside the student union. What is more, at New York University, a conservative speaker was hit with pepper spray on his way to an on-campus speaking engagement.

I believe Assembly Bill 299, passed by the Assembly last week, strikes an adequate balance between the dissenter's right to peaceful protest and an individual's right to espouse his or her viewpoint without the threat of violence or intimidation. While this proposal is anything but perfect, it is a much-needed first step towards the restoration of free speech at institutions of higher learning.

Wisconsin Executive Residence Tours

Public tours of the Wisconsin Executive Residence and gardens will be held every Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. from now until August 31, 2017. Tours are free and cameras are permitted. Parties of twenty or more are asked to make a reservation by calling (608) 246-5501. Parking is available directly outside the residence gates. The Wisconsin Executive Residence is handicapped accessible and handicapped parking is available upon request at the time of arrival.

The Executive Residence is located 99 Cambridge Road on Madison's northeast side in the Village of Maple Bluff.

This week in the district

This week, my staff and I had the opportunity to participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly-reconstructed, ADA compliant, Port Washington Breakwater structure. If you have yet to take a stroll along this magnificent staple of in our community, I would encourage you to do so.

Participating in the Port Washington Breakwater Project Ribbon Cutting.

Additionally, I toured Advent Lutheran Church's recently constructed columbarium, a first-class facility with an area for the public to gather by the river. A few of my constituents who are members of Advent Lutheran contacted my office seeking clarification of the definition of columbarium under state statute. They were unable to place a columbarium on their church premises, as statute considered columbarium to be a mausoleum, which would have violated local zoning ordinances. Together, members of the congregation, local leaders, and I were able to navigate through the legislative process to update the statute. As a result of our efforts, deceased congregants are able to have their final resting place in their desired location. 

Visiting the columbarium at Advent Lutheran Church.

Conversing with Paul Rushing and Kit Keller, parishioners at Advent Lutheran Church, and driving forces behind the change to state statute relating to columbaria.

Also, this week, I had the opportunity to tour Aurora Medical Center-Grafton. One of my constituents, Melinda, was the chief interior designer for this project. The tour was an excellent opportunity to view her outstanding work.

Meeting with Melinda, a constituent who spearheaded the interior design work at Aurora Medical Center-Grafton

Have a great week,

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