Serving the Northwoods Communities of Rhinelander, Eagle River, Minocqua, Phelps, Three Lakes, Florence and Forest County.
District Dialogue
April 10, 2015
Spring Survey Season!
It's Spring Survey time in the Wisconsin State Legislature! I invite all of my constituents to take a moment to complete my 2015 Spring Survey that is posted on my legislative website. Click here to take my survey. The survey will allow you to provide comment on the proposed Governor's budget that is the process of being debated by state legislators. If you have any further comments or concerns on the survey or the proposed state budget, please feel free to contact my office by emailing Rep.Swearingen@legis.wisconsin.gov or by calling toll free at 888-534-0034.
In addition, the new foldable 2015 state highway maps have been delivered to my office in Madison. If anyone would like a new state highway map, please contact my office and I will send one to your home.
QR Codes have been added to the maps that can be scanned with smart phones. These bar codes have the capabilities to alert the reader on travel conditions and state attraction areas.
State Affairs and Government Operations Committee Update
On Thursday,
March 2, the
Assembly Committee on State Affairs and Government Operations, the
committee that I chair, held a public hearing to discuss three pieces of
legislation.
Assembly Bill 74: Relating to: online instruction provided by driver schools licensed by the Department of Transportation. (FE)
Assembly Bill 114: Relating to: falsely claiming military service or honors, and providing a penalty. (FE)
Assembly Bill 143: Relating to: regulation of transportation network companies, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty. (FE)
During the public hearing, most of the discussion focused on Assembly Bill 143, legislation that would create a statewide licensure for Transportation Network Companies (TNC) to operate in Wisconsin. This bipartisan legislation was authored by Representatives Tyler August (R-Lake Geneva) and Cory Mason (D-Racine), along with Senators Paul Farrow (R-Pewaukee) and Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point).
The bill creates a new license for TNC's at Department of Safety and Professional Services. To operate legally, a TNC must meet the following requirements: operate digitally, accept no street hails or cash, provide certain levels of automobile insurance, have a nondiscrimination policy, zero tolerance policy for alcohol and drug use, execute background checks on its drivers, disclose fare information, and pay an initial fee and renewal fee.
All three of these bills were largely bipartisan and approved by the State Affairs and Government Operations Committee on March 8. The full Assembly is scheduled to vote on these bills during our next floor session on Tuesday, April 14.
Spring Wildlife Hearings
Questions will serve to advise the Natural Resources Board, Conservation Congress, and the DNR. Some issues that will be discussed include eliminating otter lottery drawings, increasing the Great Lakes Trout and Salmon Stamp fee, establishing a Sandhill Crane hunting season, etc.
For more information about the public hearings please visit the DNR website. This link provides information about public hearing locations and a copy of the public hearing’s agenda.
To access this year's questionnaire, please click the following link.
Wisconsin Counties Association Visit Madison
On March 8, the Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) visited my office in Madison. WCA members from my district made the trip to discuss their concerns with the Governor's proposed budget, county road aids, and Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). Thank you for meeting with me to discuss these issues as the budget process moves forward.
Ride-Along with State Trooper Detienne
On March 27, I was invited by State Trooper Steve Detienne for a ride-a-long during a daytime shift. I saw firsthand what our state troopers do on a daily basis. I enjoyed some good conversation with Trooper Detienne as well as Trooper Larry Sparling regarding the service of the Wisconsin State Patrol.
In addition, this was Trooper Dietenne's last day in this capacity with the department as he is now going to be involved in a canine unit in the North Central Region of the Wisconsin State Patrol. I would like to wish him and his new canine partner much success in their new role.
Rep. Swearingen with Trooper Detienne
Assembly Bill 17 was signed into law by Governor Walker on March 8. This legislation, now known as 2015 Act 9, will cut governmental red tape on Wisconsin small businesses. It was a privilege to work with my colleagues on this bipartisan bill.
Please click the following links for upcoming community events!
Phelps Maple Syrup Fest: April 11, Phelps
Winter Farmer's Market: April 11, Rhinelander
Hazelhurst Lions Club Spaghetti Dinner & Sundae Bar: April 11, Minocqua
Spring Rummage & Bake Sale/United Methodist Church Of The Pines: April 11, Minocqua
Sue's 2015 Moss Basket Class: April 11, Rhinelander
Boy Scout Troop #564 Aluminum Can Collection: April 11, Boulder Junction
Youth 3-on-3 basketball tournament: April 11, Rhinelander
Rhinelander Area Community Band Rehearsal: April 13, Rhinelander
Monday Night Fitness: April 13, Minocqua
After School Children’s Reading Program: April 14, Boulder Junction
Bag toss tournament at Bucketheads: April 14, Rhinelander
The Artist's Muse 2015: April 14, Woodruff
Glayso Soccer Sign Up: April 14, Arbor Vitae
Sue's 2015 Moss Basket Class: April 14, Rhinelander
Playing in Dirt! (Pottery): April 14, Rhinelander
Coffee and Company: April 15, Rhinelander
Trig's Riverwalk Centre Blood Drives: April 15, Rhinelander
Eagle River Farmers' Market - Winter: April 15, Eagle River
Tunesmith Academy: April 15, Rhinelander
VFW BINGO: April 15, Rhinelander
Lakeland Art League - Workshop: April 15, Minocqua
Music Garden: April 16, Minocqua
Library Week Family Movie Night: April 16, Boulder Junction
Northwoods Children's Museum Fun with Fathers: April 16, Eagle River
Beginner Facebook: April 16, Rhinelander
Sustainable Forestry Conference: April 16, Florence
Nibbles N’ Knowledge – The Legacy of Gaylord Nelson: April 16, Manitowish Waters
"Live on Stage, The Rainforest": April 17, Rhinelander
The Artist's Muse 2015 Poetry Reading & Artists Reception: April 17, Woodruff
VFW Post 8637: Friday Fish Fry: April 17, Eagle River
Sue's 2015 Moss Basket Class: April 18, Rhinelander
Minocqua Home, Lifestyle & Recreation Show: April 18, Minocqua
1st Annual Pig Roast: April 18, Three Lakes
Father Daughter Dance: April 18, Land O’ Lakes
Big Sing 2015: April 18, Rhinelander
Eagle River Figure Skating Club Present: Silver Blades Ice Show: April 18-19, Eagle River
Second Annual Easter Bunny Egg Hunt: April 19, Rhinelander
Groomers Spring Fling: April 19, Three Lakes
Early Release “Build It!” Party: April 20, Boulder Junctions
YMCA Golf Lessons Start Today!: April 20, Rhinelander
No-School Special - Popcorn & a Movie: April 20, Rhinelander
After School Children’s Reading Program: April 21, Boulder Junction
Social Security Income: April 21, Rhinelander
Sue’s Patio Planter Class: April 21, Rhinelander
Glayso Soccer Sign Up: April 21, Arbor Vitae
2015 Northern Advantage Job Fair: April 22, Rhinelander
Fifth Annual Sustainability Fair: April 22, Rhinelander
Trig's Riverwalk Centre Blood Drives: April 22, Rhinelander
VFW BINGO: April 22, Rhinelander
Eagle River Farmers' Market - Winter: April 22, Eagle River
Library Neighbor to Neighbor Program Series: April 23, Boulder Junction
YMCA Girl's Night Out: April 23, Rhinelander
Northwood Childrens Museum: Family Fun Night: April 23, Eagle River
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