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

District Dialogue

January 30, 2015

In District Listening Sessions

Last week, Senator Tiffany and I held four listening sessions to meet with constituents in Eagle River, Minocqua, Rhinelander and Crandon.  All four listening sessions were well attended with discussion centered around various state government topics.  It was great to hear from the residents in all four communities providing their input for the upcoming state budget. 

In addition, members of the Wisconsin Valley Library Service (WVLS) attended the meeting to discuss various library funding initiatives that their members were in favor of.  Libraries continue to be the nerve centers of local communities and it was very nice to meet with all of the dedicated library staff from around the Northwoods.

I want to thank all those who attended for coming to our recent listening session in the Northwoods. It was a pleasure to see and hear from all of you. 

Rep. Swearingen and Sen. Tiffany posing with library employees and supporters. 

Representative Swearingen and Senator Tiffany at the listening session in Minocqua.

Governor Walker's Budget Plan for Rural Wisconsin

Governor Scott Walker has announced a number of his budget provisions for the rural Wisconsin economy that he will introduce to the full Legislature in the coming weeks.  I am very encouraged by the emphasis that Governor Walker is directing towards small town Wisconsin.  The plan focuses on transforming education, growing the economy, developing the workforce, investing in infrastructure, and reforming healthcare. Among the proposals, the Governor included six recommendations from the Speaker’s Task Force on Rural Schools.  It is clear that Republicans are committed to helping Wisconsin’s rural economy, as well as our small rural schools.
 

Please see the press release below.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2015
Contact: Laurel Patrick, (608) 267-7303

Governor Scott Walker Announces Plans to Grow the Economy in Rural Wisconsin

2015-17 Budget Proposal includes support for local initiatives

Madison – Governor Scott Walker today announced plans to grow the economy in rural parts of Wisconsin with investments in education, broadband and technology, business growth, worker training, transportation, and more. Governor Walker made the latest announcement relating to the rollout of the 2015-17 State Budget at the Chippewa Valley Rally in Madison.

“Our investments in rural initiatives are aimed at improving the lives of the people who live in all corners of the state,” Governor Walker said. “By investing in areas including education, transportation, and technology, we are helping to build a better Wisconsin and more prosperity for future generations.”

Investments included in Governor Walker’s 2015-17 State Budget:

Transforming Education:
• Provide additional resources for rural schools by increasing funding for:
o The Sparsity Aid Program by $8.4 million over the biennium.
o The High-Cost Pupil Transportation categorical aid program by $5 million over the biennium.
o The reimbursement rate under the pupil transportation aid program for districts transporting students more than 12 miles will be raised from $275 to $300 per pupil.
• Promote efficiencies by allowing school districts to enter into whole grade sharing agreements and consolidate individual grades offered at multiple school sites into one educational program for the grade. Whole grade sharing agreements will allow districts to reduce costs and pool resources in order to meet the needs of their communities.

Growing Our Economy:
• Provide $55 million in fiscal year 2017 to establish regional revolving loan funds to be administered by regional economic development organizations overseen by the new Forward Wisconsin Development Authority. An additional $60 million will be added over a three-year period to the regional revolving loan funds from funds currently allocated to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
• Establish an agricultural producer led water-quality initiative using $250,000 SEG annually in existing soil and water management grants for the implementation of nonpoint source pollution abatement practices.
• Protect our lakes and rivers and improve water quality in Wisconsin by providing $24 million over the biennium to reduce nonpoint source water pollution through increased nutrient and runoff management planning, contaminated sediment removal and other pollution abatement practices.
• Invest in the Confluence Project by providing up to $15 million in matching state funds for the proposed Eau Claire area Confluence Arts Center. Confluence Project fundraisers must raise their entire portion of the project cost before state money will be released.

Investing in Infrastructure:
• Provide $6 million of new funding from the Universal Service Fund cash balance to the Broadband Expansion Grant Program. In addition, increase flexibility for the Public Service Commission in using current funds over the biennium and redirect unused funds from other Universal Service Fund appropriations to the broadband expansion grant program.
• Expand the Technology for Educational Achievement (TEACH) program, which offers broadband access to public schools and libraries at discounted rates, by broadening existing statutory language, so more schools can request access to multiple data lines and video links. This initiative will be funded with up to $25 million of an E-rate cash balance.
• Provide over $9 million SEG in FY16 and FY17 to continue to fund the four percent increase for general transportation aids approved in the 2013-15 budget.
• Provide $145,400 SEG in FY16 and $292,200 SEG in FY17 for a one percent increase in the department's elderly and disabled aids to counties. The Governor also recommends renaming the program to senior and individuals with disabilities specialized transportation aids and updating several provisions of the program to match federal updates.
• Increase funding for Transportation Economic Assistance grants by $2 million annually. In partnership with private funding these grants, upgrade targeted infrastructure to assist local businesses in creating jobs or keeping existing jobs in an area.
• Ensure the safety of Wisconsin communities by providing $4 million for dam repair, reconstruction, and removal projects.
Developing Our Workforce:
• Provide an additional $1 million in fiscal year 2015-16 and $2 million in fiscal year 2016-17 for the Department of Children and Families to create job programs, similar to Transform Milwaukee Jobs, in Racine and Beloit, as well as in high-need rural areas of the state.

Reforming Health Care:
• Require DHS to seek a Medicaid waiver to create a three-county demonstration pilot project under which dental reimbursement would be increased for certain procedures.
• Provide disproportionate share hospital payments to Wisconsin hospitals that see a high number of Medicaid patients.
Improving Mental Health Programs:
• Provide funding to assist counties with creating robust crisis services programs pairing law enforcement with mental health professionals to create a best practice model.

Protecting Wisconsin Citizens and Our Most Vulnerable:
• Provide $2 million in fiscal year 2016-17 to the Department of Children and Families to increase services to child sex trafficking victims, especially in rural areas of the state.

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Congressman Duffy in Eagle River

On Friday, January 30, I attended Congressman Sean Duffy's listening session in Eagle River.  Afterwards, we both were able to tour Composite Panel Systems (CPS) in Eagle River with owner Glen Schiffmann.  It was great to tour a world-class business located in the heart of the 34th Assembly District.

From Eagle River, Congressman Duffy and I attended a listening session in Florence.  It was a great opportunity to meet and talk with constituents from around the Northwoods.

From Left to Right: Rep. Swearingen, Congressman Duffy, Glenn Schiffman

Congressman Duffy addressing the crowd in Eagle River

DNR License Plate Contest and ATV Grants

DNR launches Endangered Resources license plate photo contest on Facebook

Professional and amateur photographers have until February 8 to submit their best bald eagle photos for a chance to see their entry soar across the state on vehicle license plates.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation is seeking bald eagle photos to possibly be featured on the new Wisconsin Endangered Resources license plate.

"The bald eagle symbolizes both the strength and success of the recovery program," said DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp. "This is a special opportunity for Wisconsin residents and visitors alike to honor those efforts by sharing their favorite eagle photos."

Bald eagles, once listed as endangered on both state and federal endangered species list, have since recovered after regulations were put into place to protect the species and following a ban on the pesticide DDT. The remarkable recovery of our nation's symbol in Wisconsin represents the success of conservation efforts by the state and our partners.
The contest will run from January 29 through February 8, 2015. DNR staff will review all submitted photos. Should a submitted photo meet size requirements for the license plate, DNR will contact the entrant to let them know their photo was chosen. DNR reserves the right to not choose a photo from the submissions if they do not meet size requirements.

To enter photos, go to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Facebook page after January 29 and click the "License plate contest" tab. People can also enter the contest by sharing their photos on Facebook or Twitter with hashtag #ereagleplate. There is no limit to the number of times a person may enter. Photographers must be at least 13 years of age and submit only photos they have the rights to distribute. DNR employees and their immediate families are also eligible to submit photos.


SUBJECT: ATV grant applications are now available from the DNR

Local units of government can now submit applications for the All-Terrain Vehicle Grant Program. Counties, towns, cities, villages and tribes are encouraged to apply for these grant dollars that can be used to acquire, insure, develop and maintain ATV trails, areas and routes.

The Department of Natural Resources has established eligible items and funding levels for this grant program. They are as follows:

-All-terrain vehicle trails available for spring, summer, and fall reimbursable up to 100 percent of eligible maintenance costs. Maximum: $600 per mile
-All-terrain vehicle trails available for winter riding reimbursable up to 100 percent of eligible maintenance costs. Maximum: $100 per mile
-Development of ATV trails and areas reimbursable up to 100 percent of eligible costs.
-Major rehabilitation of bridge structures or trails reimbursable up to 100 percent of eligible costs.
-Maintenance of ATV intensive use areas reimbursable up to 50 percent of eligible costs.

Trail funds are ranked and distributed for the following purposes:

-Maintenance of existing, approved trails, areas, and routes
-Liability insurance acquisition
-Easement acquisition
-Major rehabilitation of bridge structures or trails
-Land acquisition and development of new ATV trails and areas

Please consult the ATV Application Guidelines for information about eligible/ineligible costs for development and maintenance projects.

The Wisconsin State Legislature made specific changes to Chapter NR 64 ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES resulting in the creation of a Hybrid Trail or "Troutes [PDF]," which is an all-terrain vehicle trail and route combination. Applications are due in the regional offices by April 15, 2015, for the following season. For questions or additional information on this grant program, contact your community services specialist. Any costs incurred prior to receipt of a grant are not reimbursable and may jeopardize your entire grant.
 

Snowmobile Report

I wanted to take a moment to congratulate the Decker Family and the City of Eagle River on another successful World Championship Snowmobile Derby.  I was able to attend the event on Saturday, January 17, with Governor Walker and Senator Tom Tiffany.  Great event with non-stop entertainment!

Left to Right: Rep. Swearingen, Governor Walker, Sen. Tiffany

Please click the following links for upcoming community events!

Super Bowl-A-Rama - Eagle River Lions Club: January 31, Eagle River

Mike Roberts Memorial Ski Race & Lessons: January 31, Florence

WinMan Moon-shoe: January 31, Manitowish Waters

Roadhouse 139 Annual Ice Fishing Derby on Long Lake: January 31, Long Lake

Sno Skeeter Breakfast at Pea Patch Saloon: February 1, Manitowish Waters

Northwoods Share's Community Dinner - Open to Everyone: February 3, Eagle River

After School Children’s Reading Program: February 3, Boulder Junction

Eagle River Farmers' Market - Winter: February 4, Eagle River 

Eagle River Pickle Ball Association: February 4, Eagle River

VFW Post 8637: Friday Fish Fry: February 6, Eagle River

WXPR Concert Series at Nicolet College: February 6, Rhinelander

Conover Sno-Buddies Chili Cook-Off: February 7, Eagle River

Chili Ski-In/Snowshoe-In/Walk-In: February 7, Florence

Phelps School Winter Carvinal: February 7, Phelps

Whitetail Inn Presents: Ride wtih the Champs - 33nd Annual: February 7, St. Germain

Nicolet College Presents: The Art Gypsies Trunk Show: February 6-7, Eagle River

10th Annual Labatt Blue USA Adult Pond Hockey Championships: February 6-8, Eagle River

Conover Lion's Club Winter Frolicks: February 8, Eagle River

Olson Memorial Library - Take your child to the library day: February 8, Eagle River

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

The Diamonds at Campanile: February 12, Minocqua

WXPR Live from the White Pine: February 12, Rhinelander

Northwoods Childrens Museum - Special Needs Night: February 12, Eagle River

Rhinelander Lion’s Club Fisheree & Winter Festival: February 14, Rhinelander

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