Happy Fourth of July

Happy 4th of July! As John Adams wrote to his wife about Independence Day:

"I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival … It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."

Please have fun and stay safe while celebrating. 

State Legislature Passes State Budget

The Assembly voted in favor of the 2021-2022 State Budget. The biennial State Budget is the most important bill passed by the Legislature each Session it dictates state spending, taxation, and other policies every two years. 

As the Chairman of the Committee on Children and Families, I have long made childcare and the wellbeing of our children one of my top priorities. I am proud to say that the Budget passed today by the Legislature includes some of the strongest investments in childcare to date. This Budget will increase Wisconsin Shares rates allowing more families to receive federal childcare assistance. This change will help provide stability to the childcare industry ensuring that families across Wisconsin have access to childcare.

The 2021-2022 Budget, as amended by the Legislature, will keep Wisconsin on track by ensuring the State continues to spend within our means, not take out unreasonable levels of bonding and lessen the tax burden. The Budget increases access to quality healthcare by expanding the mental health capacity at North Central Health Care. This funding will allow our community to better meet the complex mental health needs faced by those with serious mental health issues and those facing serious addiction. The additional funding will allow North Central Health Care to increase the number of patients they can treat and expand their geographic reach to serve neighboring counties and allow those undergoing treatment to remain close to their families as they begin the path to recovery.

The Budget passed by the State Assembly represents a remarkable investment in the State of Wisconsin. However, more importantly, this is a Budget that invests in the people of Wisconsin. Today’s vote will provide the typical Wisconsin family $1,200 in income and property tax relief. This tax cut does not come at the expense of important services provided by the State. Due to the responsible practices employed by Republicans for years, this budget provides unprecedented funding levels for healthcare and education.

Additionally, the Legislature’s Budget funds local roads above the Governor’s recommendation and delivers $125 million for broadband expansion. These are just a few of the positive programs that are contained within the budget bill for the next two years. I truly believe that this is the compromise that the people of Wisconsin are asking for, and I urge Governor Evers to sign it.

2019-2020 Blue Books & maps (paper highway maps or laminated maps) are still available in my office! The Wisconsin Blue Book contains information on all things Wisconsin, including census information, state history, official state symbols, and everything about Wisconsin government! Contact me for your free copy today!