On Saturday, November 16th, the Marathon County Public Library-Wausau Branch is hosting Button Pumpkin Mosaics in celebration of National Button Day. From 11am-1pm the library will be providing materials and instructions for making pumpkin mosaics. The event is free and open to the public. 

As part of the Bridge Clinic Community Engagement Series at The Grand, Patriot K9s of Wisconsin and the Grand Theater Wausau are hosting a viewing of To Be of Service. This documentary is about veterans suffering from PTSD who are paired with a service dog that help them cope with returning to normal civilian life. Following the showing on Sunday, November 17th  at 2pm, there will be light snacks catered by The Mint. Doors open at 1pm. 

On Saturday, November 16th the annual Fall Bazaar is happening form 8am-3pm at Rib Mountain Elementary School. Get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping with these local crafters and vendors. The event includes a bake sale and other food items will be available. 

Floor Session

This week, the Assembly met to wrap up the fall session. On Tuesday, two of the bills that I introduced were passed by the Assembly through a voice vote: 

Assembly Bill 187 would allow local health departments to charge the existing annual license fee for a pre-inspection of a micro-market. This legislation was necessary because certain counties were charging hundreds of dollars for a micro-market pre-inspection, when the annual fee for an inspection (which is the same as a pre-inspection) is $40. In reality, the inspection is minor and the amount being charged was unreasonable and burdensome. Assembly Bill 187 was passed by the Senate earlier this month, so it will now go to Governor Evers.  

Assembly Bill 287 would allow certain advanced practice providers to make determinations of incapacity; terminal illness and persistent vegetative state. These determinations would need to be made in conjunction with a physician. This legislation allows providers to work in their existing scope of practice, while ensuring more prompt and appropriate patient care. This legislation will be heard in the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services next week! 

Open House: The Wausau State Patrol announced an open house on Monday, November 18th, during which the public can learn about career opportunities and State Patrol duties. From 4-7pm at the Wausau State Patrol post, troopers and inspectors, a K9 officer and a drone pilot will be present. Citizens interested in learning more are welcome to visit and ask questions. Click here for more information! 

Supporting Substance Use Disorder Treatment

The Assembly Committee on Children and Families, which I chair, met this week to vote on two Clearinghouse Rules and hear testimony on Assembly Bill 263. 

Clearinghouse Rules are proposed changes to administrative code, which are the executive branch's rules for enforcing the law. When executive agencies propose changes to these rule, the legislature reviews the proposal and has an opportunity to weigh in. 

One rule that is in the Committee on Children and Families pertains to substance abuse counseling. State statute provides an opportunity for certain professionals (such as social workers and professional counselors) to provide substance abuse counseling as a specialty. The Department of Safety and Professional Services is in the process of modifying the rules that dictates what the requirements are for various professions to get the specialty.  

After reviewing the proposed rule, the Committee decided to request that the agency modify their proposal because we believe that the requirements are far too cumbersome. In an 11-0 vote, the committee voted to request modifications.

It's no surprise that Wisconsin (like most of the country) has a major drug crisis. As a Legislature, we have made it a priority to ensure individuals with substance use disorders receive the treatment they need. The vote in committee this week pursues that goal.  

2019-2020 Blue Books have arrived! The Wisconsin Blue Book contains information on all things Wisconsin: your elected officials; census information; the official state dog, tree, flower, etc.; government processes; and so much more! If you would like a complementary blue book, contact me for your free copy today!