Senator Tiffany, Representative Czaja, Representative Swearingen, and Representative Mursau Announce Joint Listening Sessions

Madison—State Senator Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst) will be holding joint listening sessions for constituents on January 19^th, 23^rd, 24^th, and 26^th with state Representatives Mary Czaja (R-Tomahawk), Rob Swearingen (R-Rhinelander), and Jeff Mursau (R-Crivitz).

“This is going to be a great opportunity to hear what constituents from throughout the district have to say about legislative issues and the state budget.” said Tiffany. “I am looking forward to talking with the people of the Northwoods about the upcoming legislative session.”

“I am very pleased to host listening sessions within Vilas and Oneida Counties at the end of January,” added Rep. Swearingen. “Our past listening sessions have proven to be very effective. I enjoy the one-on-one discussions with the people in my district.”

“The biennial budget will be introduced one month after the legislative session begins on January 5,” Czaja said. “We welcome input from our citizens in order to get accurate feedback and meet the needs of our region while developing the state budget.”

“I look forward to hearing directly from my constituents,” said Mursau. “These listening sessions will allow me to address questions and concerns that my constituents have with state government.”

Representative Swearingen and Senator Tiffany


Serving the Northwoods Communities of Rhinelander, Eagle River, Minocqua, Phelps, Florence and Forest County.	*District Dialogue*
	*January 9, 2015*
Swearingen Appointed to Wisconsin Building Commission
On Wednesday, January 7, Speaker Vos (R-Rochester) appointed me to the Wisconsin Building Commission. I am honored to be one of the six legislators appointed to this important committee. I look forward to working with the Governor and all other members on projects which are in the best interest of the taxpayers. The Building Commission is an eight member body chaired by the Governor, along with six legislators from both the minority and majority party, and a citizen member. The groups’ mission is to plan, oversee, and approve building projects around the state. Information for the Wisconsin Building Commission is available online at the Department of Administration website.
*Inauguration Day*
The 2015-2016 Legislative Session reconvened on Monday, January 5. It is an honor to begin my second term serving the residents of the Northwoods. During my first term I voted to lower property taxes, fought for rural schools as chairman of a special legislative taskforce, invested in worker training programs, and helped continue moving Wisconsin forward. I will continue to work on legislation that ensures that Northern Wisconsin continues to be a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. I want my constituents to know that my staff and I are here to help you with any question or concern that you may have about state government. Please feel free to use my office as a resource. The 34th Assembly District represents all of Florence County, and portions of Vilas, Oneida, and Forest counties. The Swearingen Family at Inauguration Day! Please click the image above for an Inaugural Day message!
In-District Listening Sessions
Senator Tiffany, Representative Czaja, Representative Swearingen, and Representative Mursau Announce Joint Listening Sessions Madison—State Senator Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst) will be holding joint listening sessions for constituents on January 19^th, 23^rd, 24^th, and 26^th with state Representatives Mary Czaja (R-Tomahawk), Rob Swearingen (R-Rhinelander), and Jeff Mursau (R-Crivitz). “This is going to be a great opportunity to hear what constituents from throughout the district have to say about legislative issues and the state budget.” said Tiffany. “I am looking forward to talking with the people of the Northwoods about the upcoming legislative session.” “I am very pleased to host listening sessions within Vilas and Oneida Counties at the end of January,” added Rep. Swearingen. “Our past listening sessions have proven to be very effective. I enjoy the one-on-one discussions with the people in my district.” “The biennial budget will be introduced one month after the legislative session begins on January 5,” Czaja said. “We welcome input from our citizens in order to get accurate feedback and meet the needs of our region while developing the state budget.” “I look forward to hearing directly from my constituents,” said Mursau. “These listening sessions will allow me to address questions and concerns that my constituents have with state government.” Representative Swearingen and Senator Tiffany January 23^rd 9:00-10:00 AM Eagle River City Hall 525 E. Maple St. Eagle River 11:45 AM-12:45 PM Minocqua Town Hall 3^rd Floor Board Room 415 Menominee St. Minocqua 2:00-3:00 PM Oneida County Courthouse Committee Room 2 1 S. Oneida Ave. Rhinelander Representatives Mursau & Swearingen and Senator Tiffany January 26th 1:30-2:30 PM Crandon Public Library Basement 110 W. Polk St. Crandon
Scholarships from WPS for High School Seniors
(Green Bay, WI) Wisconsin Public Service Foundation is accepting scholarship applications from students who live within the company’s service area and plan to attend technical or four-year college programs. Scholarships are offered to students who are high school seniors. Scholarships of up to $1,500 per year are awarded based upon outstanding academic achievement, leadership in school and community activities, and financial need. Applying is easy. For more information regarding available scholarships, and for an on-line application, visit: http://www.wisconsinpublicservice.com/company/scholarships.aspx High school students can visit their guidance counselors for additional information. Timeline for Applications: • 4-year College scholarships due February 1, 2015 • Agribusiness/Forestry scholarships due February 1, 2015 • High school student technical college scholarships will be accepted from March 1 to April 15, 2015
DNR Outdoor Report
Outdoor Report for January 8, 2015: For current statewide information on statewide snow conditions, log onto the Wisconsin Department of Tourism's Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). An arctic blast brought some very frigid temperatures and wind chills to Wisconsin this week, slowing outdoor activities in many locations. The state received additional snowfall in the last week as well, and snow depths range from just a couple of inches in south central Wisconsin, to more than 18 inches in some far northern counties. With night-time temperatures of 10 below or colder in the last week, some more solid lake ice has finally been forming on lakes, but recreational safety specialists continue to caution that many lakes continue to have areas of thin ice and no ice is ever completely safe. As of Jan. 8, snowmobile trails were only open in fewer than a dozen far northern counties, but trails in those areas were good to excellent on the Wisconsin Department of Tourism's Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). Snow depths are lower in the northwest and most trails in that region were closed. Cross-country ski trails were open in roughly the northern half of the state and in good to very good condition. While the south received additional snow this week, most parks and forests in the south report they were able to pack trails, but not set tracks and conditions ranged from poor to fair. More snow was falling and in the forecast for this week, so conditions could improve. Ice has formed on Lake Superior's Chequamegon Bay and a hundred or so ice anglers were having success catching brown trout and whitefish with some herring and northern pike, but activity slowed down quite a bit with the cold weather. Ice depths on lakes across the Northwoods range from 12 to 15 inches, with anywhere from 2 to 6 inches of wind-blown snow on top. Panfish had been the highlight for many anglers, with crappie and some nice bluegill found in deep water areas There was also a good amount of pressure for walleye was also seen, but action was sporadic. Ice has formed on Green Bay but was extremely rough along some areas of the west shore, with some good ice along the east shore, but also some thin ice and water along shorelines making access difficult. Some perch, bluegill, pike, and crappie are being caught at the boat landing at Oconto. Anglers at Voyageur Park on the Fox River were reporting about 4 inches of ice, some walleye being caught. There were many anglers out from Dykesville up to Bayshore and Red River parks in search of whitefish and perch but with low numbers reported. The waterfowl, turkey, pheasant and gun deer season are closed, but rabbit, squirrel, and some furbearer seasons remain open as well as archery deer hunting in metro units, which runs through Jan. 31. With fresh snow on the ground, this is a good time to check for animals tracks, including deer, coyote, fox, raccoon, otter and fisher. Snowy owls continue to dominate the birding world in Wisconsin, with more than 225 snowy owls tallied in the state this winter, compared to nearly 175 as of this time last year, which was noted as another great one for this species. With the cold snap freezing open water, eagle watching should also improve as they congregate near remaining open water below dams. Candlelight skis, snowshoes and hikes have begun at state parks, forests trails and nature centers, but a number of them that had been scheduled for this Saturday have already been cancelled or rescheduled due to cold or lack of snow. Search the DNR website for "get outdoors" for events and cancellations or call the park, forest or trail property directly to confirm events will be held.
New Capitol Office
The 34th Assembly District has moved to a new office in the state Capitol. My office is now located at 123 West. Along with the new office, as a committee chair, I am permitted one additional staff member. My new Legislative Aide, Matt Wimmer, is a recent UW-Madison graduate. Matt was born and raised in Waukesha and graduated from UW-Madison in May of 2014 with a double major in consumer affairs and communication arts. Matt previously interned for a public affairs firm in Madison and is excited to continue his career in politics. The position of Research Assistant and Committee Clerk will be appointed to Dan Perchinsky, my former Legislative Assistant. Dan is a 2012 graduate from the University of Dayton with a degree in Political Science. He has worked in my office the last two years, and has had the pleasure of working with many of you during my first term in office. Please feel free to reach out to my office with any questions regarding state government. From Left to Right: Matt Wimmer , Rep. Swearingen, Dan Perchinsky
GO PACKERS!

Upcoming Community Events
Please click the following links for upcoming community events! Amsoil World Championship Snowmobile Derby Week: January 9 - 18, Eagle River Boulder Junction Snowmobile Club Brat Fry: January 10, Boulder Junction Primetimers Snowflake Dance: January 10, St. Germain MW Town Board Meeting: January 13, Manitowish Waters Art in the Library Exhibit with Artist’s Reception: January 13, Boulder Junction Six Appeal A Cappella Group: January 15, Rhinelander Lion’s Dinner Meeting: January 15, Manitowish Waters The Woodruff Winter Market & Crafts: January 16, Woodruff Boulder Junction Snowmobile Club Breakfast: January 18, Boulder Junction
*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