Thank you for taking the time to read this week's e-update. I always strive to include information you find interesting and informative as it relates to my work in Madison and the 60th Assembly District.
My most important goal remains serving you, my constituents. Helping you find solutions to difficult problems when it seems like the state is unresponsive is the single greatest reward for my staff and me. I take constituents' input seriously and continually work hard on your behalf.
I always have your thoughts and concerns in mind when deciding whether or not to support legislation. Furthermore, I appreciate when you take time out of your schedules to contact me.
Have a great week,
This week's survey
Fiscal responsibility and accountable government have been priorities of mine since being sworn-in. As such, I am drafting legislation that would make fiscal information for every piece of legislation and votes cast by legislators on this legislation, available to Wisconsin citizens. This legislation will bolster transparency and provide citizens with greater knowledge of how their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent or wasted.
Fiscal information is currently available for every bill, but the current system is not user-friendly and antiquated. My bill would establish a searchable database with information regarding appropriation amounts, funding sources, and legislators' co-sponsorship of each proposal.
As more information becomes available relating to this legislation, my office will keep you abreast.
Please, take a moment to answer my one-question survey relating to fiscal transparency.
Thank you to everyone who answered last week's survey question relating to the rejuvenation of Wisconsin's dairy industry. There were 105 responses, with 62 percent of respondents believing that low-interest loans for farmers were the ideal solution for improving the state's dairy industry.
The following is a breakdown of the answers given by survey respondents:
Low-interest loans for farmers: 62 percent
Tuition Assistance: 28 percent
Reclassification of non-milk and non-meat products: 47 percent
Repurposing of dairy byproducts: 42 percent
Supply management: 23 percent
None of the Above: 10 percent
Other: 18 percent
Some of the responses from those who selected "other," include:
"Let the market work itself out, not government interference."
"Address the tariffs and trade war that are killing small family farms."
"Deal with the mandatory checkoff program for farmers."
"Get government out of the agricultural business and allow the free market to choose winners and losers."
"Milk commodity prices are low due to oversupply from improved farming efficiency and thus, the supply-side market correction is in play. Small farms can survive by entering niche markets such as organics."
The following is an outstanding video featuring the Paulus family of Fredonia. It is great to see the success of their family-owned farm. I encourage all of my constituents to support our local farmers.
Legislative Session
This week, the Wisconsin State Assembly passed a number of common-sense, bipartisan initiatives. The following are some of the bills passed during this week's floor session that I cosponsored:
Assembly Joint Resolution 85--Relating to: Honoring First Responders. First responders from all 99 Assembly Districts were honored for their heroism and bravery.
Assembly Bill 186--Relating to: the operation of lemonade stands. Under current law, minors in Wisconsin are unable to operate lemonade stands without a permit. Many children have had their lemonade stands called into local police departments, who then have to investigate and potentially fine these young entrepreneurs, even on private property. This bill allows minors to operate lemonade and other types of stands, on private property, without a permit.
Assembly Bill 189--Relating to: credit transfers at institutions of higher learning. This bill increases the Universal Transfer Credit Agreement from current law of 30 credit hours to 72 credit hours. Furthermore, Assembly Bill 189 assists in streamling the transfer credit process, helping students and advisors clearly understand what classes will be accepted when transferring universities.
Assembly Bill 300--relating to: health insurance benefits for survivors of a law enforcement officer who dies in the line of duty. Assembly Bill 300 states that political subdivisions would be required to continue paying the health insurance premiums for the spouses and children of law enforcement officers and EMS who are killed in the line of duty. Political subdivisions, upon making these payments, would be able to file a request for reimbursement from the Department of Revenue. Reimbursement payments are funded by the "police and fire protection fee."
Assembly Bill 471--Relating to: Grants for Next Generation 911 funding. Under this bill, the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs can begin the process of rulemaking as it relates to providing grants to Wisconsin public safety answering points to purchase, upgrade, and maintain Next Generation 911 equipment.
First Responder of the Year
This week, the Wisconsin State Assembly honored first responders from every Assembly District. Wisconsin's 60th Assembly District is home to innumerable dedicated and hard-working first responders.
It was my distinct honor to name long-time Saukville fire chief, Gilly Schultz, First Responder of the Year for the 60th Assembly District. Gilly has devoted his career to public safety and serving our local communities as a member of the Saukville Fire Department for 44 years, including 19 as chief. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor than Gilly Schultz.
I am thankful for Gilly's commitment to public safety and tireless work on behalf of Saukville. His bravery and commitment to protecting citizens of the 60th Assembly District are honorable. He greatly deserves this recognition. I wish him well as he begins his retirement.
Gilly Schultz being honored with the 60th Assembly District First Responder of the Year Award.
60th District Events
The following are events that will be held this week in the 60th Assembly District. If you have any upcoming events that would like included, please contact my office.
One of the best ways to date with what is happening in Madison is to sign up for the legislature's notification tracking system. This service affords you with the opportunity to track legislative activities in Madison. Upon creation of a free account, you can sign up to receive notification about specific bills of committees as well as legislative activity pertaining to a subject (i.e., health care, education, etc.).
If you have any comments regarding the subject of this E-Update, please feel free to contact me.
Rep. Rob Brooks State Capitol, Room 216 North P.O. Box 8952 Madison, WI 53708 Toll-Free (888) 534-0060 or (608) 267-2369 Rep.Rob.Brooks@legis.wi.gov| |
