This week, I joined both my Republican and Democratic colleagues in voting to approve Special Session Bill 1, known as the Foxconn proposal. Special Session Bill 1 passed 59 to 30, with three Democrats, including the Assembly Democratic leader, Peter Barca, voting in favor.

After extensive deliberation on your concerns, consultation with the bill's principal author, public testimony and expert analysis, I am confident that members of the Assembly analyzed this proposal with due diligence. I am grateful for all the questions, concerns, and messages of support from constituents, as this information allowed me to better gauge public perception of this monumental proposal.

One of my top priorities upon assuming office has been to create opportunities for the hardworking people of Wisconsin to provide a better life for their children. That is usually easier said than done, but Foxconn is providing Wisconsin with a rare opportunity to invigorate our state's rich tradition of manufacturing and usher in a new age of family-supporting and good-paying jobs.

The proposed partnership with Foxconn will require 10,000 construction jobs over each of the next four years to construct a state-of-the-art campus. Upon completion of this facility, Foxconn is expected to employ 13,000 individuals earning an annual average salary of $53,875, plus benefits. In addition to the direct jobs, the project is anticipated to create more than 22,000 indirect and induced jobs throughout Wisconsin.

Foxconn and the support system it will create around transportation, housing, food supply, and entertainment, will offer countless opportunities for Wisconsin's college graduates in the decades ahead. Instead of looking for higher paying jobs in places like Minnesota and California, individuals will now have the choice of raising a family in beautiful Wisconsin with a solid career. The demand for highly skilled employees will empower Wisconsin graduates to negotiate for nationally competitive salaries right here in Wisconsin. Wisconsin workers deserve more than just jobs, they deserve careers.

This legislation provides funds to the Department of Workforce Development to facilitate worker training programs to prepare Wisconsinites for employment at Foxconn and throughout the state. Funds will be allocated to connect businesses throughout the state with Foxconn to provide services and products.

Additionally, the Foxconn legislation cuts red tape and administrative burdens to streamline and expedite the permit process with regards to environmental regulations. The bill does not change a single regulation and all land, air, water, and waste quality standards will remain intact. Foxconn will still be required to complete a federal environmental impact study, but will avoid the duplicative state process. The proposal places new standards on Foxconn with regards to wetland mitigation. The legislation actually increases the requirement from 1.2 acre replacement value to two acres that will need to be mitigated for each acre that is disturbed. The proposal additionally requests that any mitigation be done in the immediate watershed, if possible.

Foxconn's unprecedented American investment will attract businesses, skilled workers, and innovative ideas to make Wisconsin an epicenter of high-tech manufacturing unrivaled in North America. I support this legislation, not because it will increase tax revenue, but because it will increase household family incomes.

Assembly resolution condemning Charlottesville violence

The riots that occurred in Charlottesville, Virginia, earlier this month, sent a shockwave throughout the nation. As Americans, it is our solemn responsibility to reject hate, violence and bigotry in any form; it will not and must not be tolerated.

In response to these riots, I joined my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in authoring a resolution condemning the actions we saw from white supremacists in Charlottesville. As a public servant, it is my obligation to create a greater, more prosperous Wisconsin for every citizen. We must condemn these acts of violence and work together as a nation to advance the causes of liberty, freedom and opportunity.

I am heartbroken that people's lives were taken in the face of extremism. This is not the America for which our forefathers fought and perished. Now is the time to mourn and come together as a nation. I know that people of goodwill will prevail in the United States.

Coolest thing made in Wisconsin

This month, Wisconsinites have the opportunity to vote on the coolest thing made in Wisconsin. Since 2012, Wisconsin has celebrated October as manufacturing month. In celebration of Wisconsin's manufacturing history and future, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce is allowing individuals to vote on what is the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin.

Nearly 300,000, more 200,000 votes, and one winner. According to Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the 2016 Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest was immensely popular. With last year's winner, Harley-Davidson out of the running, who will take the trophy in 2017?

To determine the winner of the 2017 Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin competition, the process will be vastly different from previous years. On August 1st, individuals began nominating products made in Wisconsin. From September 4-11, Wisconsinites will have the opportunity to narrow the products down to a field of sixteen. At that point, Manufacturing Madness will begin, with the first round running from September 18-25; second round October 2-6; and final round October 10-16. This tournament-style bracket will put Wisconsin products in head-to-head battles until the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin is announced on October 16, 2017 at the State of Wisconsin Business and Industry luncheon.

Have a great week,

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