A Plan for Criminal Justice Reform

On Monday, Assembly Republicans announced our plan for criminal justice reform and called on Governor Evers to include these ideas in his upcoming state budget proposal.  I was pleased to join with other Western Wisconsin legislators and local law enforcement leaders at a press conference in Eau Claire to share our plan.  These reforms will strengthen our criminal justice system by providing needed resources which will allow for a fairer and more effective administering of justice for all involved.

Our proposal ensures quicker access to a fair trial by funding new Assistant District Attorney (ADA) positions and increasing pay for ADAs and State Public Defenders (SPD), and increasing the private bar rate for county court appointments and SPD appointments.  In addition, our plan also calls for expanding Treatment Alternatives & Diversion (TAD) programs to help offenders suffering from substance abuse issues, investing in the retention of correctional officers, and promoting offenders' successful transition back into society. 

You can read my full press release on the Assembly Republican criminal justice proposal here. 

Disappointing Veto of Middle Class Tax Relief

I was disappointed earlier this week when Governor Tony Evers chose to veto Assembly Bill (AB) 4, which would have provided $340 million in income tax relief to hardworking, middle class Wisconsinites.

This tax cut would have made a big difference for a lot of folks around the 87th District and across the state, with the median income family seeing $310 in savings.  Legislative Republicans agree with the governor that taxes need to be cut for the middle class and I was hopeful that this would be an area where we could start with bipartisan cooperation between his administration and the legislature.  I still believe that using the state’s budget surplus is the best way to deliver middle class tax relief not raising taxes on farmers and manufacturers as Governor Evers wants to do.  With Wisconsin’s strong economy and a $588.5 million surplus, there is no need to raise taxes on anyone.

This upcoming Thursday, Governor Evers is scheduled to introduce his budget proposal to the legislature for consideration.  As the budget process begins I remain hopeful that we can find a way to provide needed middle class relief for Wisconsin families in a way that does not hurt our farmers and job creators.

Under the Dome

Wisconsin Technical College System Student Showcase

On Tuesday afternoon, students from technical colleges throughout Wisconsin came to the Capitol to display the great work they do. I visited the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College booth and their display on "Building Empathy Through Aging Simulation Technology." The students demonstrated aging simulation equipment used within the college's Gerontology-Aging Services Professional program.

I also visited the Northcentral Technical College booth and their display on "Criminal Justice: Excellence in the Classroom, Community." I enjoyed talking with these students about their Criminal Justice program and the hands-on learning they are able to experience.

Integrated Employment Walking Tour

As the chairman of the Labor and Integrated Employment Committee, I am always excited to see how businesses around our state are finding success with integrated employment for people with disabilities.  Yesterday, my staff and I went on a walking tour of businesses near the Capitol who employ people with disabilities.  It was great to hear what employers have to say about the value of hiring people with disabilities and to see what working in the community means to these employees.  I was amazed at the incredible work ethic and attitude these employees have.

Around the 87th

Rib Lake School District Hall of Fame

This afternoon, I attended the induction ceremony of Joshua Peterson into the Rib Lake School District Hall of Fame. Joshua is a 1998 graduate from Rib Lake High School and was honored for his valor, leadership, and accomplishments in the military. He joined the Marine Corps after high school and went on to achieve many accomplishments, finally retiring from the Marines in 2018.  Thank you, Joshua, for your service and congratulations on this well-deserved honor!

Fun on the Frozen Flambeau

Last weekend, I had a great time supporting the Ladysmith Lions Club at "Fun on the Frozen Flambeau." This event is always a favorite of mine and I appreciate all the work that so many volunteers put in to make this event a success.

Stay Up to Date

One of the best ways to stay up to date with what is going on in Madison is to sign up for the legislature's notification tracking service. This service allows you to follow legislative activity in Madison. Once you create a free account you can sign up to receive notifications about specific bills or committees as well as legislative activity pertaining to a subject area (i.e. agriculture, veterans). You can sign up for this service at notify.legis.wisconsin.gov.