Serving the Northwoods Communities of Rhinelander, Eagle River, Minocqua, Phelps, Three Lakes, Florence and Forest County.

District Dialogue

May 22, 2015

No Changes to SeniorCare in State Budget

On Thursday, May 22, the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) rejected to Governor's proposal to change the SeniorCare Program.  I applaud the work of the Republican members of the JFC to save this vital program.  SeniorCare provides less expensive prescription drugs and medications to a large number of senior citizens in the 34th Assembly District.  Please see the release below from the co-chairs of the Joint Finance Committee.  

Republicans Save SeniorCare

MADISON - On Thursday, the co-chairs of the state's budget-writing Joint Finance Committee (JFC), State Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) and State Representative John Nygren (R-Marinette), issued the following statement regarding the JFC's decision to save SeniorCare:

"When we began our work in Joint Finance this budget season, we held public hearings on the governor's proposed budget in the proverbial "four corners of the state." At these public hearings, we listened to the opinions of Wisconsin residents. Time and time again, the public shared with us their concerns with the proposed changes to our state's SeniorCare program. Now that we have heard from Wisconsinites around the state and our Republican colleagues in the Legislature, we are addressing their concerns and saving SeniorCare.

"SeniorCare is an important prescription drug program for our state's seniors. While many elderly people are limited to fixed incomes and tight budgets, SeniorCare helps them to afford the prescription drugs they need. This program is unique to our state, and it's clear that Wisconsin residents value these benefits.

"Today's decision will maintain current funding for the SeniorCare program. We believe it's critically important to make sure that this program remains affordable for the seniors who utilize it. It is for this reason that we froze enrollment fees and drug co-pays at the current levels. This decision helps to ensure that our state's elderly population will be able to continue to afford their prescription medications."
 

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MADISON – On Tuesday, the co-chairs of the state’s budget-writing Joint Finance Committee (JFC), State Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) and State Representative John Nygren (R-Marinette), issued the following statement regarding the JFC’s investment in K-12 education:

“Despite a difficult budget, our top priority is investing in public education. Our children are the future leaders of our state, and public schools are integral to the growth and success of students throughout Wisconsin. It is for this reason that we have committed to going above and beyond restoring funds to K-12 education.

“This budget, we are restoring funding by $150 per pupil in the first year and adding an extra $100 per pupil in the second year. That’s an added investment of over $200 million over the biennium. This funding increase will help ensure that our state’s public school system is strong and Wisconsin students continue to have access to high quality education.

“Budgets are about priorities; our state budget is no different. We are spending within our means to ensure a financially sustainable state. As the JFC moves forward with the budget process, we will continue to work to reduce the size of government, cut the red tape that inhibits job growth and creation, and lessen the financial burden on hardworking Wisconsin taxpayers.”
 

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Joint Finance Committee Advances Educational Technology Initiatives

Last week, the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) supported a budget motion to expand digital learning, educational technology, and broadband expansion for underserved schools throughout Wisconsin. This initiative was recommended by the Speaker’s Task Force on Rural Schools, a task force which I chaired last session.

The TEACH (Technology for Educational Achievement in Wisconsin) program was originally created under the Governor Tommy Thompson administration in 1997. TEACH was created to help schools integrate modern technology to provide digital learning practices. Currently, the TEACH program, administered by the Department of Administration, is no longer sufficiently funded. Representative Mary Czaja (R-Irma), a member of the JFC and Task Force on Rural Schools, introduced a motion to reinvigorate the TEACH program, which expands educational opportunities to rural Wisconsin regions that are lacking modern technology.

This is great news for schools in the Northwoods. Students will benefit from the expanding digital learning and technology. This was the result of more than a year of collaborations with stakeholders, legislators and the Governor, and our rural schools stand to benefit greatly.

The motion includes funding to support a state digital learning collaborative, increased access to broadband, educational technology block grants, and teacher training grants for school districts. In addition, the motion specifies that schools with a high percentage of students enrolled in free or reduced price lunch will receive priority in block grant appropriations.

Blocks grants for increased technology will allow our students in northern Wisconsin to interact on a state, national, and global level with other schools. For instance, digital learning allows students to partake in courses that may not be offered in their schools. Technology continues to expand and modernize around the globe, our students deserve the same access. I would like to thank Rep. Mary Czaja for taking this issue head-on, and working across the aisle to bring home a win for rural Wisconsin students.

The motion received unanimous, bipartisan support on Thursday, May 14. The budget deliberations will continue throughout May and June. Final passage will occur before the start of the next fiscal year, July 1, 2015.

On Tuesday May 19, the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) voted to support four initiatives from the final report from the Speaker's Task Force on Rural Schools.

The Speaker’s Task Force on Rural Schools was created during the 2013-15 legislative session to study issues pertaining to financial stability, declining enrollment, transportation needs and other rural school issues. The bipartisan taskforce submitted a report with numerous recommendations to Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) in the spring of 2014.

The Speaker's Task Force on Rural Schools before a school tour in Mauston WI in 2013.

I am very encouraged that the Joint Finance Committee voted to approve four additional recommendations from the task force report last session. For instance, sparsity aid and high cost transportation aid increased $8.4 million and $5 million respectively over the biennium. It is clear that Republicans are committed to helping Wisconsin’s small rural schools.

The JFC approved the following task force recommendations during their May 19 executive session:

· Whole grade sharing which allows school districts to share certain grades without consolidation
· Increase funding for high cost transportation aid
· Increase funding for sparsity aid
· Allow flexibility in teacher licensing

I would like thank the all members of the JFC for their hard work and dedication. I will continue to fight for my rural schools in the Greater Northwoods.

JEM Grant Presentations

Last week, the Wisconsin Department of Tourism delivered three separate Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grants within the 34th Assembly district.  The grants will be used to market events in Boulder Junction, Rhinelander, and Hazelhurst for the coming months. 

In Rhinelander, the area chamber of commerce received a $20,000 JEM grant for the 2nd Annual Boom Lake Long Jam which is scheduled for June 19-21.  This is the second consecutive year that the chamber received the highly sought after JEM grant.  The funds will be used to market the lumberjack themed event which will include activities such as log-rolling and a lumberjack show. New events to the festival include a Bloody Mary competition and canoe/kayak race.  Other activities will be featured throughout the area. 

Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce with Stephanie Klett (Wisconsin Dept. of Tourism Executive Director)

The second JEM grant was presented to Tommy O's Playhouse in Hazelhurst for the premier of the Northwoods Medieval Faire which is scheduled for September 10.  Tommy O's Playhouse received a $15,000 grant to market the event.  The Northwoods Medieval Faire will prove to be a family fun event in the heart of Oneida County.  

Stephanie Klett presenting the JEM grant in Hazelhurst.

Last, but certainly not least, the final JEM grant was presented to the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce for the White Deer Triathlon.  The chamber received $21,500 for the event which was hosted last weekend in Boulder Junction.  Participants of the triathlon kayaked/canoed a 3K, biked a 23K through beautiful Northwoods trails, and finished with a 6.5k run. 

Stephanie Klett and Rep. Swearingen with members of the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on the Department of Tourism or JEM grants, please visit their website. 

Please click the image above for a Wisconsin Tourism Public Service Announcement!

Zion Lutheran School Visits Madison

On Thursday, May 14, Zion Lutheran School visited the Wisconsin State Capitol for a tour.  It is always exciting to have schools from the Northwoods travel to Madison to tour the Capitol and learn how state government operates. Please visit again next year!

If school groups plan to visit the state Capitol this Spring, please feel free to contact my office at (608) 266-7141 and my staff will help arrange a tour and photo opportunity.

On May 20, Assembly Bill 27, a bill which would raise the maximum speed limit to 70 miles per hour, was signed by Governor Walker into law.  This legislation (now 2015 Wisconsin Act 19) gives the Department of Transportation (DOT) the discretion to raise the speed limit to a maximum limit of 70 miles per hour on roads they deem safe.  According to a Wisconsin DOT study, the department recommended the consideration that the state raise its maximum speed limits on certain Wisconsin highways. 

As you can see in the graph above, Wisconsin is the only state in the Midwest that has not implemented a maximum speed limit of 70 miles per hour.  Additionally, prior to the 1973 fuel shortages, most speed limits for rural highways were set at 70 miles per hour.

As a member of the Assembly Committee on Transportation, I supported this measure in the committee and during an Assembly floor period. 

Please keep in mind, until the Department of Transportation posts "70 mph" signage, the speed limit remain at current rates. 

I would like to congratulate Associated Bank for investing in Minocqua by building a new, state-of-the-art facility in the Northwoods.  In addition, Associated Bank has been a long time supporter of habitat for humanity  I was on hand to witness a $500 dollar check presentation, which will help local efforts in the Northwoods.  Congratulations!

Happy Memorial Day!

In 1971, Memorial Day was written into federal law as an official United States holiday with the passing of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. Once known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day has been an annual tradition that dates back to the conclusion of Civil War. The roots of this holiday began in Waterloo, New York. There, a ceremony was held on May 5, 1866 to honor local veterans who fought in the Civil War. Owners closed their businesses to commemorate both the Union and the soldiers that died defending our country and its ideals. Residents in the community followed suit by flying their flags at half-staff and gathering in cemeteries, placing flowers and wreaths on the graves of their loved ones in adoration of the sacrifices they made.

Following the first Decoration Day in 1866, communities throughout the United States began holding memorials to honor and pay tribute to the strength and courage of these heroes. In 1882, Decoration Day was officially replaced by Memorial Day to honor all those who died serving in American wars.

The annual traditions on Memorial Day are drastically different from one family to the next; however, whether it is going to a parade, visiting a cemetery or memorial, or hosting a large family gathering, this day unites Americans and allows us to celebrate a tradition we all have in common. It gives us an opportunity to pay our respects and reminds us of how grateful we are to have brave soldiers who place their lives on the line every day to protect our families and freedom. This day allows us to celebrate our triumphs across the world. We celebrate those who put an end to communism during the Cold War, silenced fascism in Japan and Germany, and continue to fight terrorism today. If it were not for our veterans and the United States military, the opportunities that we have as Americans on a daily basis might not be realistic today.

Regardless of your Memorial Day traditions, take a moment to pay respect to our veterans and current soldiers. Reach out to veterans, soldiers, friends and family members who have lost loved ones in struggle and assure them that you will always be by their side. Take a moment to reflect back on our country’s history and the moments that symbolize America’s foundation and principles. Similar to May 5, 1866 in Waterloo, New York, we will see communities across America assemble in cemeteries to place wreaths, flowers, and flags in honor of our fallen soldiers. I hope all of you enjoy this holiday and cherish the time spent with family and friends. Thank you, Wisconsin veterans, for all that you have done and continue to do for our beloved country.

God Bless.

This year I am honored to be speaking to the Phelps community at their 1:00 ceremony

To see a full listing of the Memorial Day Ceremonies, please access the following link.

Please click the following links for upcoming community events!

Paddle Fest 2015: May 22-25, Eagle River

2015 Woodruff Memorial Classic Car Show: May 23, Woodruff

Summer Launch: May 23, Land O' Lakes

Boulder Junction Lions Club Pork Steak and Chicken Dinner: May 23, Boulder Junction

Memorial Day Arts and Crafts Show and Sidewalk Sales: May 23, Eagle River

Classic Sled Roundup: May 24, St. Germain

Memorial Day Ski Show: May 24, Conover

Hazelhurst Lions Club Pancake Breakfast: May 24, Hazelhurst

Big Event Dinner and Auction: May 24, Manitowish Waters

St. Germain Flea Market: May 25 - September 7, St. Germain

Memorial Day Concert: May 25, Rhinelander

Florence Market Days: May 26 - September 29, Florence

Minocqua Farmers Market: May 29, Minocqua

RASTA Rally Mountain Bike Race: May 31, Rhinelander

NATH's 5th Annual Benefit Golf Scramble: May 31, Rhinelander

Lions Club Weekly Summer Flea Market: June 2, Boulder Junction

Flea, Craft & Farmer’s Market: June 4, Manitowish Waters

International Migratory Bird Day: June 5-6, Three Lakes

Presque Isle River Birding by Canoe: June 5, Manitowish Waters

Chamber of Commerce sponsored Town-Wide Rummage Sales: June 6, Florence

Celebrate 50 Years of WI Wild Rivers: June 13, Florence

Please contact me at Rep.Swearingen@legis.wi.gov if you would like to UNSUBSCRIBE from my E-Updates

Office of Representative Rob Swearingen

Room 123 West

PO Box 8953, Madison WI 53708

Office: 608-266-7141

Toll Free: 888-534-0034