I hope everyone is doing well! There has been a lot happening since the last time I sent an update. I have been busy meeting with constituents and holding listening sessions in the district. In Madison, I've been working with my colleagues to improve the state and the Assembly was on the floor earlier this week. This will be a good opportunity to fill you in on what's been going on.

Joint Public Budget Hearing

On Monday, I attended a Joint Public Budget Hearing with Representatives Krug (R - Nekoosa), Kulp (R - Stratford) and Spiros (R - Marshfield) at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus. Just like all the other listening session I've held, it was well attended. Thank you to everyone that took the time to attend and share their comments and concerns. I understand how busy everyone is, so I truly appreciate you coming out.

Tuesday's Legislative Session

On Tuesday, the Wisconsin State Assembly was in session. In a bipartisan effort to prevent water pollution, I voted for Assembly Bill 15 which will ban microbeads in consumer products. Tiny, non-biodegradable plastic particles that are used in soaps and personal care products, these microbeads have been turning up in local rivers and lakes are not able to be filtered by municipal water treatment systems.  I am pleased that Republicans and Democrats came together on this important bill to help address this public health concern and keep our water clear of this harmful substance.

 I also voted for Assembly Bill 114, the Stolen Valor Bill, which would make it a crime for any person to falsely claim military service or honors with the intent to obtain tangible benefits. Perpetrators of Stolen Valor would be guilty of a class A misdemeanor, unless the false claim is intended to aid in another crime, in which case the individual would be guilty of a class H felony. For all their sacrifices, protecting their honor is the least we can do for our servicemen and women.
 

An Update on the State Budget

Rep. VanderMeer urges Joint Finance Committee to reject the proposed changes to the DATCP Board

I’m happy to report that Joint Finance Committee (JFC) leaders announced that this provision has been removed from the budget. While I will continue to advocate for several other issues on behalf of our district, I am confident that we are and will continue improving the Governor's proposed budget. 

The proposal would have changed the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Board into an advisory council, effectively removing the rule-making and policymaking power of the Board. I believe it is essential that the policymaking powers remain, as Board members are personally invested in and affected by the agricultural industry.

Since Governor Walker’s budget was proposed, I have heard many concerns from my constituents about the potential changes.  As Representative of the 70th District, largely made up of farmers and workers in the agricultural industry,  I felt compelled to send a letter with my fellow Assembly Committee on Agriculture members asking the Joint Finance Committee to reject the proposed changes.

I've also heard many concerns from many of you about the potential changes that would shift property assessment duties from local towns and villages to counties. During every listening session, support for local property assessment was vocalized repeatedly. Our local municipal leaders also offered their concerns during all of my visits with them.

Based on the feedback from many of you, I’ve made the case to many of my legislative colleagues that the changes are not feasible. I am encouraged, that as a result of these conversations, Joint Finance Committee leaders announced that this provision has been removed from the budget.

Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Board

Proposed changes to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Board have also been taken out of the budget. Similar to the change proposed for the DATCP Board, the Governor's proposal would have altered the DNR Board to be solely an advisory council.

Broadband Expansion Grants

The JFC proposed a plan that adds $6 million into the Broadband Expansion Grants, but spread that out over the next four years at $1.5 million annually. This represents a 200% increase in available funds per year to help expand broadband into unserved or under-served areas of our state.
 

 The budget process is still in the early stages and while we continue to look for ways to best invest in Wisconsin's priorities, it's important for me to hear you perspective. With your help, I am confident that we are and will continue improving the Governor's proposed budget.  I will continue to bring your comments and concerns into the process and I encourage you to remain part of this vital discussion.

Please take a moment to fill out the 2015 Budget Survey by clicking on the link below or visiting www.RepVanderMeer.com

One of the greatest parts of my job as a legislator is having the opportunity to meet with constituents from all walks of life. Recently, I had a chance to meet with a number of different groups from the 70th Assembly District. I appreciated having the chance to talk – thanks for stopping!

Wisconsin League of Conservation members

Nation Association of Social Workers members

Tavern league members

 

I just wanted to remind you that I will be hosting two more listening sessions in the next couple weeks. I want to hear what outcomes you would like to see with the proposed budget. With your help, we can work toward creating the best budget for our state and give Wisconsin citizens the future they deserve. Furthermore, it gives me an opportunity to see the budget through the eyes of my constituents of the 70th district.

I hope that you'll be able to join me at one of the following locations:

Stevens Point Listening Session

Date: Monday, April 20th
Time: 12:00-1:30pm
Location: Portage County Annex Conference Room 1
Address: 1462 Strongs Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 54481

Tomah Budget Listening Session

Date: Monday, April 27th
Time: 4:00-6:00pm
Location: Tomah City Hall
Address: 819 Superior Avenue Tomah, WI 54660

Sincerely,