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Warm greetings and Happy Easter! I hope this message finds you and yours healthy, well, and ready for spring. Things have continued to stay busy both in the district and in Madison the past couple of weeks.

Recent national events have really shined a light on the importance of school safety. I've heard from many of you as a result, and for that, I thank you. In addition, I've had the opportunity to speak with administrative leadership and teachers from school districts throughout the legislative district as well as local law enforcement officers from various municipalities. One theme rings true that I believe as well - we all want our kids to be safe in school and have a safe place to learn.

This issue is so important that there needs to be an ongoing dialogue between various stakeholders, including parents, teachers, school administrators, law enforcement, and others, and after the recent conversations I've had the opportunity to have specifically related to school safety, I believe that's possible and will continue to be productive.

Last week, we passed a comprehensive school safety package that has since been passed by the Senate and signed by the Governor.

The School Safety Plan:

Creates an Office of School Safety within the Wisconsin Department of Justice to work with law enforcement and schools to establish best practices for school safety. It also provide training opportunities and other relevant resources to schools.
Provides $100 million to fund a new grant program for security upgrades to school buildings and other eligible costs.
Mandates reporting for any threats of school violence.
Allows grant funding to implement Trauma-Informed Care and Adverse Childhood Experiences in Schools.
Strengthens school safety plan requirements by requiring all schools to consult with local law enforcement and conduct on-site assessments of all pupil occupied areas.

There was a great turnout at the Wisconsin Towns Association District meeting last Friday at Three Bears Resort in Warrens (pictured below). I always appreciate the chance to hear from and speak with our local officials to stay informed and see how we can continue to work together.

Recently, I also had the outstanding opportunity to attend a Monroe County Dairy Herd Improvement Association meeting and surprise a friend that I know some of you know, Ron Mitchell, with a citation from the legislature congratulating and thanking him for being involved in farming, herd improvement, milk testing technology and program administration in Monroe County for over 50 years. (pictured below) Ron is an amazing man that has partaken in and overseen a variety of tremendous technological changes in milk testing technology and administration over his lifetime of service to agriculture in our state and Monroe County. Ron is known as someone that's not only committed to his work and getting the job done right, but also as a trusted friend, confidante, and extended family member in many ways to the people he has worked with over the years. Thank you Ron for your commitment to move agriculture forward!

Last but certainly not least, I'm pictured above with an energetic group of students from Tomah Middle School. They came down for a capitol tour last Friday. Even after needing to spend the majority of the week in Madison, I made sure I could get back to the capitol and greet them. They had some great questions and I made sure to remind them to not forget about the beautiful capitol building we're so fortunate to have as they move forward with their academic careers. Thank you students and staff!

Please continue to utilize my legislative website, legis.wisconsin.gov/
assembly/70/vandermeer, and follow Rep. Nancy VanderMeer on Facebook to communicate with me and receive up to date information and communication.

Sincerely,

Nancy VanderMeer
70th Assembly District Representative

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