January 8, 2016

 

 

I had a great time earlier this week during my visit to Sheboygan Falls Middle School.  These students are filming a documentary for the C-Span StudentCam national competition and wanted to ask my opinions about tax reform.  They had some very insightful questions!  There is still time if others want to enter the competition, but I think our team is going to win.

 

Looking back at 2015, we passed a state budget with zero tax increases, held the line on property taxes, invested more money in public schools, froze tuition for in-state college students and preserved long-term care programs and SeniorCare.  In 2016, we have more work to do including our ongoing HOPE Agenda to combat addiction, our "Justice for Children" package and the Alzheimer's and Dementia Task Force.  Many people don't realize that 94 percent of the new laws this session received bipartisan support in the Assembly, and I don't expect that number to change much this spring.

 

A great example of an opportunity for bipartisanship is Senate Bill 383, a bill that Senator Devin LeMahieu and I authored with the full support of Sheboygan County law enforcement officers.  Sheboygan County District Attorney Joe DeCecco, Sheboygan Police Chief Christopher Domagalski and Sheboygan Police Captain James Veeser have worked for more than a year on an idea that is going to help communities work together more effectively in their fight against illegal drugs.  This bill received a Senate hearing this week, will receive an Assembly hearing next week and is expected to be passed into law later this spring.  I encourage you to read more details here.

 

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, stay warm during the upcoming cold snap... and GO PACKERS!!!

 


Alice in Dairyland Applications Now Available


 

 

Female Wisconsin residents age 21 and older are encouraged to apply to become the 69th Alice in Dairyland, Wisconsin's official agriculture ambassador.  Applications are due Monday, February 8th.  This one-year, full-time position starts on June 6th.  The position holder will be headquartered in Madison and will travel extensively throughout the state.  The annual salary for Alice in Dairyland is $40,000 plus benefits!

 

In this highly visible position, Alice in Dairyland cultivates media relationships, writes and delivers speeches, delivers classroom presentations and networks with industry professionals.  Position details and requirements, including application instructions, are available online from the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) by clicking here.

 

 


Cyber Protection Team Comes to Wisconsin


 

 

The National Guard Bureau recently announced that Wisconsin, in partnership with Illinois, will become the home for one of ten cyber protection teams (comprised of National Guard Soldiers) across the nation.  These Soldiers will partner with existing military, government and industry stakeholders to protect infrastructure.  They will also simulate adversaries' latest techniques and actively hunt down cyber threats to military and government networks.  Much of the team's work is expected to be applicable to state and local government agencies and even the private sector.

 

Looking for tips to protect yourself and your family?  DATCP offers dozens of consumer fact sheets, including a nearly 50-page guide intended specifically for seniors, on a host of topics ranging from computer/Internet safety, housing, money management and much more.

 

 

 

.
     

If you would like to be excluded from future mailings, simply email me and ask to unsubscribe.

Room 18 North, State Capitol ● PO Box 8952 ● Madison, WI 53708
(608) 266-0656  ●  Rep.Katsma@legis.wisconsin.gov  ●  www.repkatsma.com