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

District Dialogue

March, 6 2015

Right to Work Legislation Supported in Assembly

Two weeks ago, Right to Work legislation was introduced by the Wisconsin State Senate.  This legislation was debated by my Senate colleagues and passed on a 17-15 vote.  The Assembly companion bill AB 61, was debated for over twelve hours in the Assembly Committee on Labor, and completed with an executive session vote.  Senate Bill 44 was taken up by the the full Assembly body on March 5.  Today, Right to Work legislation was passed by the Wisconsin State Assembly after 24 hours of debate with a 62-35 vote; I supported this measure. 

Right to Work legislation is neither anti-union nor pro-union, this bill gives workers the individual freedom to decide whether or not they would like to belong to a union.  This proposal promotes choice in the workplace and protects the freedom of workers in Wisconsin.  If a worker finds value in their union, they should and will continue as a dues paying member.  However, if they do not feel represented by their union, they will now have the opportunity and choice to opt out. 

Additionally, contracts that are currently in place between unions and employees must remain in place until their expiration.  Once an existing contract expires, an individual will then be given the ability to decide if they want to continue to belong to a union.  After the Governor signs this legislation, no employee can be terminated for refusing to join a union or pay dues.  Under the Right to Work legislation, unions can opt to negotiate on behalf of a non-union member if they so desire.  Keep in mind, voluntary labor unions will continue to exist under this proposal.

In regards to economic growth and development, studies have shown that wage growth in right-to-work states has grown at faster rate than non-right to work states.  When these wages are adjusted for cost-of-living, wages in right-to-work states are higher than those in forced-union states.

According to poll numbers collected from both Gallup and Wisconsin Policy Research Institute, voters nationally and in Wisconsin largely support Right to Work legislation.

I greatly appreciated speaking with so many residents of the Northwoods through emails, letter, and phone conversations.  Thank you for all the input and opinions that you expressed to my office.  

Committee Update: Public Hearing Held on Assembly Bill 46

On Wednesday, March 4, the Assembly Committee on State Affairs and Government Operations held a public hearing to discuss three pieces of legislation. 

Assembly Bill 37:  Relating to: requiring certain persons to hold certificates of food protection practices in order to operate certain school lunchrooms participating in the National School Lunch Program.

Assembly Bill 38:  Relating to: the issuance of retail alcohol beverage licenses for premises on which another business is conducted and the presence of underage persons on premises operating under a retail alcohol beverage license.

Assembly Bill 46:  Relating to: off-duty law enforcement officers and former law enforcement officers going armed with firearms on or near school grounds.

The committee heard testimony on all three pieces of legislation during the public hearing. Most of the discussion focused on AB 46, legislation that police associations, chiefs, and sheriffs from across the state testified in support of.  This bipartisan proposal is meant to provide schools with another safety tool without spending a dime of taxpayer dollars.  Unlike other states, Wisconsin is unique in not allowing these trained professionals the right to bear arms while on school property.

Current law prohibits off-duty or retired police officers from carrying a concealed weapon on school grounds.  Assembly Bill 46 would allow retired or off duty officers to concealed carry on school grounds if they are certified under the HR 218 training.  For officer to be qualified to concealed carry on school grounds they must pass all training regiments and evaluations that active duty police officers undergo.  To be clear, this legislation does not apply to all Wisconsin Concealed Carry License holders, but to only off duty and retired members of the police force.  

My office was contacted by a number of police officers within the 34th Assembly District, both active and retired to support this measure.  I was proud to add my name to the list of co-sponsors for this legislation.

As chairman of the State Affairs and Government Operations Committee, I plan to hold an executive session on this bill next week where I expect the measure to pass.  I would like to thank all members of the Legislature and citizens of Wisconsin who traveled to Madison to testify to the committee. 

Wisconsin Public Service Scholarship Application Deadline

Applying is easy. For more information regarding available scholarships, and for an on-line application, visit our scholarship website. High school students can visit their guidance counselors for additional information. Deadline to apply is April 15, 2015.

DNR Report

Outdoor Report for March 5, 2015

Woodruff DNR Service Center area

Oneida County - Snowmobile trails in the Minocqua area remain in good conditions with trails in great condition in outlying areas! Pan fishing has been improving specifically for bluegill and crappie. Travel conditions have also improved on the lakes with minimal to no slush layers. - Tim Ebert, conservation warden, Woodruff

Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest

The forest did get a few inches of snow this week, which will make for some pretty perfect conditions on the cross-country ski trails. With the "fullish" moon this weekend, a night time ski would be beautiful. Starting this weekend the temperatures will be getting into the mid to high thirties so that will have an impact on the trails. With the warmer temperatures, please start thinking about the March 15 deadline for removing ice fishing shelters on waters north of Highway 64. Don't wait until the last minute and deteriorating ice conditions. After March 15, anglers may continue to use a portable shelter but must remove it daily and when it is not occupied or actively being used. The forest still has a couple campground host spots open for the coming season. If interested please contact Joe Fieweger at 715-385-3355 ext.113. There are still campsites plowed at Clear Lake for winter campers. Portions of the roads in the Clear Lake and Crystal Lake Campgrounds are plowed for winter walking and leashed dogs are welcome. Snowshoeing should be fantastic the coming week with the sun shining and temperatures reaching in the seeming balmy 30s. The Raven Snowshoe trail is packed and has several loops. Snowshoers can park at the Clear Lake Picnic area and boat landing off Hwy J. Also popular for snowshoeing are the Fallison, North Trout and Star Lake Nature trails, these trails are not groomed, but the lots are kept open for parking. - NHAL operations and visitor services staff

All forest cross-country ski trails are in very good to excellent condition. Escanaba was last groomed on March 3. Raven, McNaughton and Madeline were groomed on March 4. The only reason they are not rated excellent condition is a small amount of leaves in the track, which naturally occurs this time of year. This weekend should be some of the best conditions of the year for consistent conditions. On average we groom until mid-March. For great track skiing March 5 through March 9 would be best. Crews will be grooming a limited amount after that and conditions will become variable once the 40 degree temperatures arrive. By variable conditions I mean fast frozen tracks in the morning and slower softer tracks in the afternoon, with klister wax and proper waxing becoming critical for traction and glide. - Dan Jacoby, forestry facilities worker

Florence DNR at the Florence Natural Resource Center

Florence and Forest counties - With 3 inches of fresh powder on the ground, the area is still looking good for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and keeping abreast of winter animal tracking skills. Ice conditions remain solid for panfishing as well. Remember, the general game-fish season is now closed. People passing Keyes Lake boat landing may see some new fish structures being built by the fisheries and county staff that will provide refuge and spawning cover once the spring thaw arrives. - Jason Cotter, wildlife Biologist, Florence

Please click the following links for upcoming community events!

St Patrick's Day Craft and a Treat: March 7, Woodruff

Klondike Days: March 7, Eagle River

21st ANNUAL TLF B-BALL ENTRY: March 7, Three Lakes

Winterfest 2015: March 7, Florence

13th Annual "Best Ball" Ice Golf Tournament: March 7, Minocqua

Boulder Junction Snowmobile Cabin Fever Party: March 7, Boulder Junction

Porcupine Hike: March 7, Manitowish Waters

Brothers Burn Mountain: March 7, Minocqua

Steve Meyer & True Heat/Live Music: March 7, Minocqua

Community Appreciation Day: March 8, Minocqua

Eagle River Farmers' Market - Winter: March 11, Eagle River

John McCutcheon at Campanile Center: March 11, Minocqua

Preschool Storytime: March 11, Minocqua

Corned Beef and Cabbage: March 12, Minocqua

Nibbles N’ Knowledge – The Past, Present, and Future of Our Loons: March 12, Manitowish Waters

Special Needs Night: March 12, Eagle River

Peru and the Headwaters of the Amazon with Joe Bodensteiner: March 12, Rhinelander

Woodruff Winter Market: March 13, Woodruff

WXPR Concert Series at Nicolet College: March 13, Rhinelander

Scotland's Tannahill Weavers: March 13, Three Lakes

YMCA Family Night: March 13, Rhinelander

Music Garden: March 14, Minocqua

Kind Country/Live Music: March 14, Minocqua

Winter Family Fun Day: March 14, St. Germain

Community Music Festival: March 15, Rhinelander

St. Patrick's Day Corn Beef & Cabbage Dinner: March 17, Woodruff

After School Children’s Reading Program: March 17, Boulder Junction

Mardi Gras North: March 17, Minocqua

Northwoods Share's Community Dinner - Open to Everyone: March 17, Eagle River

Lakeland Art League - Open Painting & Critique: March 18, Woodruff

Eagle River Farmers' Market - Winter: March 18, Eagle River

St Patrick's Day Luncheon & Bingo: March 19, Woodruff

Northwoods Childrens Museum - Fun With Fathers: March 19, Eagle River

Eagle River Pickle Ball Association: March 19, 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