Christmas at the Capitol

Last week, Governor Walker was joined by students and residents from across the state for the annual lighting of the Capitol Christmas Tree.

The beautiful, 40-foot balsam fir was donated by Jim and Debbie Ryf from the Town of Emery located in Price County in northern Wisconsin. Every year, students from around the state create ornaments adorning the tree from top to bottom. This year, student ornaments commemorate the 100th year of the Wisconsin State Capitol.

The Capitol Christmas tree is selected every year by donation on a first-come, first-serve basis. The tree must be a balsam fir grown in Wisconsin standing 35-55 feet tall.

The 2017 Capitol Christmas Tree was harvested and delivered by the Great Lakes Timber Producers Association. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this year’s Christmas tree!

Have a great weekend!

Dressember

On Thursday, my colleagues and I participated in Dressember, a movement that aims to raise awareness and funds for anti-human and sex trafficking efforts around the world. Dressember encourages women and men to wear dress clothes for the entire month of December to show support.

Human trafficking, often occurring in the form of sexual exploitation and forced labor, has become a multi-billion dollar criminal enterprise impacting every county in Wisconsin. Last session, Rep. Loudenbeck and I passed legislation that encourages venues where human trafficking is likely to occur to hang posters with the National Human Trafficking Hotline to help those in need.

More work is still needed but my colleagues and I are committed to putting an end to human trafficking in Wisconsin.

The Big Bundle Up

Winter has finally arrived and with it, frigid temperatures. Now is the perfect opportunity to participate in Wisconsin’s annual Big Bundle Up charity drive, that invites residents across the state to donate gently used winter coats, hats, mittens, scarves, snow pants and other warm winter clothing items for those less fortunate. The items are then donated to local charities.

For more information on how to participate or to find your nearest donation location visit: https://www.travelwisconsin.com/bigbundleup.