Hello,

Foster Care Bill Package Passed

    When the Speaker's Task Force on Foster Care came forward with the Foster Forward bill package, I was quick to co-sponsor all of the bills. Vulnerable Wisconsin children need to be protected, and their caregivers should be given the tools to properly support the children in their care. These bills fund mental health services, enhance safety for at-risk children, and provide general improvements to the child welfare system.

    The bill package received overwhelmingly bi-partisan support from the package's introduction through its passage by the full Assembly. One bill, AB 782, came to the Committee on Mental Health. I was happy to see the bill move forward unanimously out of committee. On Tuesday, I voted in favor of the bills on the floor.

Welfare Reform in the Assembly 

    On Thursday, the Assembly debated meaningful welfare reform. The bills accomplish four main goals: promoting accountability, encouraging personal responsibility, preventing abuse and fraud, and helping people transition off of government assistance and into the workforce.

    As our economy continues to grow, we need every able-bodied adult to get into the workforce and fill the many job vacancies in Wisconsin. This bill package includes legislation providing workforce training, so those entering the workforce are properly equipped for their job. Before the full Assembly, the bills passed along party lines. To learn more about the bills, visit this website.

Happy Belated Valentine's Day! 

    I hope you and your loved ones had a great Valentine's Day. As always, I am thankful that God richly blessed me by putting Julie in my life. Even though Valentine's Day is over, you can keep the romantic vibes alive by watching a video on how my wife and I met! She is the love of my life and I am grateful for her everyday.

Rep. Kleefisch and I, At It Again!

    Rep. Kleefisch and I serve on two of the same committees: Natural Resources & Sporting Heritage and Jobs & the Economy. Also, our offices are nearly next to each other in the capitol. In other words, we see each other a lot! 

    This week was no exception, as we had a public hearing for the Natural Resources Committee (below) and an executive session for the Committee on Jobs & the Economy (above). We heard testimony on AB 913, which expands current law so individuals can take both rough fish and catfish by hand, with a bow and arrow, or with a crossbow. Currently, catfish must be caught using a hook and line. 

    In the Committee on Jobs and the Economy, we voted on AB 759, changing the regulation of rental-purchase agreements. This bill aligns Wisconsin law with that in almost all other states, providing specific statutes tailored to rent-to-own stores and their transactions. Rent-to-own stores provide individuals with opportunities to access essential household items if they are unable to purchase them otherwise.

    As you can tell from the picture above, we enjoy discussing bills and issues together in committee. Sometimes, we even talk about one of our mutual hobbies: hunting!