Highway 23 Update

I have some great news regarding the four-lane expansion project of Highway 23! This Monday, March 25th, was the deadline for filing a claim under the statute of limitations to challenge federal approval of the project, and the Department of Transportation was notified that there has not been a claim filed.

This means that the project is now cleared to start construction beginning in late May. The full project is expected to last approximately three years and conclude in 2022.

First authorized 20 years ago in state statute, this project has been repeatedly delayed, most recently due to a court injunction in 2015.

I cannot wait for construction to begin on this project that I have fought for since I have arrived in Madison. This expansion is essential for Sheboygan County and for the safety of those who travel on this highway daily. 

As always, I encourage you to follow my updates on social media or contact my office directly with your questions. Best wishes on your weekend!

Looking at the Fine Print: Property Taxes

Over the past eight years Wisconsin Assembly Republicans have fought to keep property taxes from increasing. We have saved taxpayers over $3.5 billion through property tax relief in that time, and have completely eliminated the last remaining state-levied portion of the property tax, the Forestry Mill tax.

Additionally, tax caps were put in place in 2011 to limit the increase that homeowners would see on their tax bill. Governor Tony Evers' budget proposal lifts these property tax caps and the typical homeowner could see an additional $150 over the next two years to their family’s tax burden. 

Historically, Wisconsin’s property taxes have been high compared to other states. We have done a lot to try and help Wisconsin's homeowners keep their own money, but there is more work to be done. Please know that I will continue to fight to reduce the tax burden for all Wisconsinites.

Traveling Around the State with the Joint Finance Committee

Throughout the month of April I will be traveling throughout the state with my colleagues on the Joint Committee on Finance to hear from you, the people of Wisconsin, about which issues you feel should be addressed over the next two-year budget cycle.

The locations and schedule for the upcoming Public Hearings are as follows:

Friday, April 5, 2019 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Pontiac Convention Center
2809 North Pontiac Drive, Janesville, WI 53545
 
Wednesday, April 10, 2019 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Oak Creek Community Center
8580 South Howell Ave., Oak Creek, WI 53154
 
Monday, April 15, 2019 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
University of Wisconsin – River Falls**
500 Wild Rose Avenue, River Falls, WI 54022
**Free Public Parking Access at UW River Falls, Pay 1 Lot – North Second Street, River Falls
 
Wednesday, April 24, 2019 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
University of Wisconsin – Green Bay
University Union – Phoenix Rooms
2430 Campus Court, Green Bay, WI 54311
 

If you are not able to attend any of the public hearings, please know that there are still ways for you to get your voice heard. Written comments can be emailed to the Committee at budgetcomments@legis.wisconsin.gov or mailed to Joe Malkasian, Room 305 East, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53702.

I hope to listen and speak to as many of you as possible, and look forward to this opportunity to learn of the priorities from those throughout every part of Wisconsin.

Meeting with Lakeland University

This week I was able to meet with officials from Lakeland University in Sheboygan to get an update on the great things that the University is doing for the people of Sheboygan and Wisconsin. Thank you for having me!

Office of Rep. Terry Katsma
State Capitol, Room 306 East
PO Box 8952
Madison, WI 53708
Toll-Free (888) 529-0026 or (608) 266-0656
Rep.Katsma@legis.wisconsin.gov|  |