Since taking office, one of my favorite things is having the many wonderful opportunities to be out in the district and local communities; meeting and talking with people, touring businesses and organizations. 

 I enjoy visiting businesses firsthand, seeing it in person, meeting the employees and giving companies a chance to showcase their businesses. Most importantly, I want to know what local businesses need state government to do to make their jobs easier. It is then up to us, as lawmakers, to turn those ideas into real and effective policy initiatives.

It also provides an opportunity sit down, listen to concerns, and have a discussion about what we can to in the Legislature to help encourage further growth of not only the businesses, but the local area as well. 

If you'd like to set up a tour of a business, or a meeting, don't hesitate contacting my office.
 

Earlier this year, national milk prices reached near their highest point ever. Driven by strong demand for
U.S. dairy products overseas as well as worries about drought that had ravaged large pieces of California's
dairy country. Dairy-related businesses collectively are a $26.5 billion piece of the state's economy, nearly
10% of the state's total output of goods and services. Milk prices have been featured in the news around here as well regarding how it can effect a farmers bottom line.

Below are some statistics from Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association,  on milk and dairy prices today compared to the last few years.

Milk

• The all Milk Price, a national average milk price announced each month by USDA, in 2015 is averaging $16.85 per hundred vs. a $20.24 average in the five years 2011-2015.

• The 2015 All Milk price is closer to the ten year average of $17.95/cwt (2006-2015).

Cheddar

• The wholesale price for Block cheddar cheese is averaging $1.61 per pound in 2015, lower than the five year average (2011-2015) of $1.81.

• The block cheddar price is closer to the 10-year average of $1.66 per pound.

Butter

• The wholesale price for butter is averaging $1.80 per pound in 2015, nearly equal to the five year average (2011-2015) of $1.82.

• The current average price is higher than the 10-year average of $1.60 per pound.

July 2015 Milk Production--US

Recently, I've had the pleasure attending several local events, as well as meeting with people in Madison. 

 Last week, I attended the  Eagle Scout ceremony in Monroe for Scouts Daniel Hauck, Lucas Neuenschwander, and Danton Studer.  These young men are part of Boy Scouts of America Troop 101, and are all recent graduates of Monroe High School.  They have been members of the troop since February 2008, and worked very hard to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, scouting's highest rank.  Each one of them completed different Eagle Scout projects; Daniel replaced and landscaped around the flagpole at the Kiwanis Youth Cabin in Monroe; Lucas' project was the restoration of Benkert-Bushnell Cemetery in Monroe Township; Danton's project was the renovation of the ceremonial fire ring and bench seating at the Kiwanis Youth Cabin in Monroe.  It was an honor for Senator Marklein and I to have been able to attend and give them some well earned recognition and congratulations.  Nice work you guys!

I also had the opportunity to participate in a "Judicial Ride-Along" in Green County with Judge Beer, and Judge Vale. The Judicial Ride-Along provided a unique opportunity to see the justice system at work--from the other side of the bench.  It was a great experience to have been able to accompany these two Green County Judges for the day on the bench—observing
them in the exercise of judicial functions and activities.   I really enjoyed seeing first hand another branch of government up close.

If you ever find yourself in Madison or your group plans to visit the State Capitol, I hope that you can stop by my office, 304 North. It is a beautiful facility full of history. I'd definitely encourage you to take a tour someday - the Capitol and surrounding area would make a great day trip for the family.

Lucas Neuenschwander (middle left), Daniel Hauck(middle), and Danton Studer (middle right), from Troop 101 in Monroe were awarded their Eagle Scout rank last week. It was an honor for Senator Howard Marklein and I to have been able to give them some recognition. These three worked hard to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Nice work!

Judicial Ride-Along with Green County Judge Beer (L) & Judge Vale (R). I spent the day on the bench observing court proceedings from a judges perspective.

Sincerely,