On Wednesday, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos announced the 16 bipartisan members of the Speaker's Task Force on Adoption, an initiative that he introduced two weeks ago. I am pleased to announce that I was chosen to serve on the committee!

This task force is extremely important to children and families in our state. Last session, when I chaired the Speaker's Task Force on Foster Care, we heard many challenges that extend into the Wisconsin's adoption program. I am looking forward to diving into those issues more in the coming weeks and months with my colleagues on the Adoption Task Force.

You can read my official statement on the news here. Stay tuned to this newsletter for more information on public hearings and policy discussions! 

WIPPS

I had the opportunity to visit with students from the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service (WIPPS) program this week! The students spend several days in Madison to learn about policy making and government in Wisconsin, then travel to Washington DC to hear about federal policy making! The seminar is a great way for young people to get involved in government and  civics. 

As part of their program, I participated on a legislator panel, in which students can ask questions about specific policy items that are being discussed in Wisconsin, or general questions about policy making! Also on the panel was Representative Katrina Shankland from Stevens Point. The students had great questions about homelessness, water quality issues, cultural education and more! 

Small Cell Legislation

While the budget process continues, we are also hearing public testimony on many other topics including homelessness, workforce development, and technology. The Assembly Jobs and the Economy Committee heard legislation this week that will enable 5G to more rapidly expand into Wisconsin by providing framework for its expansion. This technology is an exciting new opportunity for Wisconsin! If you want to learn more about AB 234, the public hearing can be viewed on WisconsinEye. 

Just a reminder that this weekend is Free Fun Weekend in Wisconsin! The Department of Natural Resource offers an annual weekend in which residents and visitors can participate in state recreational activities without a pass. June 1st and 2nd are the days in 2019 that individuals can visit state parks without a sticker, go fishing without a license, hike and bike on trails without paying fees or ride on ATV trails without a pass. The department also offers several activities for those looking to participate. For more information, visit here! 

Another friendly reminder that my 2019 Spring Survey is available online for individuals to submit. The survey mostly pertains to budget questions, so I encourage you to fill it out sooner than later! The Joint Committee on Finance will be wrapping up their edits to the budget in the next few weeks, then it will be presented to the Assembly and Senate for voting. Let me know your thoughts on the budget here. Additionally, if you would like to order guides from the Department of Tourism (optional on the back of the paper survey), feel free to fill out this form, to receive your State of Wisconsin guides!