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

District Dialogue

January 24th, 2014

On Wednesday, January 22nd Governor Scott Walker addressed the Wisconsin State Legislature for his fourth State of the State address.  During his address, Governor Walker laid out his Blueprint for Prosperity which is set to return over $800 million dollars in tax relief to hard-working Wisconsin taxpayers.

I am very encouraged by the tax cuts proposed in Governor Walker’s State of the State address. He maintains his dedication to the taxpayers of Wisconsin by targeting property tax and income tax relief, where more citizens will benefit. I applaud his efforts to return taxpayer dollars back to those who created the surplus.

Along with millions of dollars in tax relief; Governor Walker illustrated his willingness to invest in worker training and education. This will provide Wisconsin workers and students with the skills needed to succeed in the workplace.

If the Northwoods wants to continue to be attractive to manufacturing and other industries, we must invest more into work training. Currently, the workforce is growing older and dwindling without new workers to replace those who are retiring. By investing in worker training, more of our youth will continue to live, work, and contribute into their local communities.

If you would like to see how this new tax cut will impact you, please follow this link.  Be sure to use the Tax Saving Calculator to see on average how much you will be saving.  The link also provides an opportunity to watch the State of the State address from Wednesday. 
 

Click the image above to hear my comments from the State of the State Address.

Propane Shortage in Wisconsin

Last fall, a combination of rain and a late corn harvest led to a larger amount of propane being used for drying.  Additionally, supplies from an Iowa / Minnesota pipeline were down for about a month.  Finally, as we all know, this winter has proven to be colder than most in recent memory.  All of these contributing factors have led to a propane shortage that is being felt around the Midwest. 

The propane shortage has significantly raised the price of propane.  Governor Walker and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) have responded to help alleviate some strain.  Propane companies are now allowing more flexibility for their drivers to transport propane. Furthermore, the DOT permitted greater weight limits for trucks transporting propane. 

The Department of Energy Services suggests that consumers call their propane provider before their propane tanks are 30% or less full.  Keep in mind, it may take longer for the propane to be delivered, and this avoids the risk of completely running out. 

To visit the Department of Energy Services website for more information and tips, please click here.

Recently Governor Walker released a statement on the propane shortage, please click here to listen to his remarks.

Click here to read an article from the Lakeland Times that further outlines the extent of the propane shortage.

Speaker's Task Force on Rural Schools to Hold Public Hearing in Pepin

The Speaker’s Task Force on Rural Schools will hold its fifth public hearing on Tuesday, January 28th from 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. in the Pepin High School gymnasium. Our Task Force continues to search for solutions to problems facing rural schools including declining enrollment and transportation issues.

This public hearing in Pepin will be our first visit to western Wisconsin. I am looking forward to hearing testimony in another region of the state.  We will be hearing testimony from area superintendents and the Wisconsin Association on School Boards (WSAB).

Time will be allowed at the end of the hearing for the public to provide additional testimony.  I invite all concerned citizens, parents and taxpayers to attend so their concerns may be heard.

The Task Force is planning for one more school tour and public hearing in Benton and Cuba City in southwestern Wisconsin at the end of February.  A final report for the Speaker’s Task Force on Rural Schools will be completed in March for Speaker Robin Vos (R – Rochester).

If you would like to follow the Speaker's Task Force on Rural Schools, please click on the the image below.  The website includes testimony, meeting notices, pictures, and videos from task force public hearings. 

Recently members of our Task Force met with the State Superintendents Advisory Council on Rural Schools, Libraries, and Communities along with members of the Department of Public Instruction (DPI).  We had a solid discussion about the challenges that rural school districts are facing.  I would like to thank both groups for meeting with the Task Force.  Below are pictures from our committee meeting on January 23rd. 

Members from the Rural School Task Force and the Advisory Council on Rural Schools.

Boulder Junction Opens Community Center

On January 13th the Boulder Junction Community Center opened its doors to the public.  The brand new facility located on Highway M, is home to the Boulder Junction Library. The Community Center has space available for rent and provides offices and meeting locations for the town of Boulder Junction.  I applaud all of those who worked so hard to make this dream a reality.   

Representative Swearingen, Senator Tiffany, and members of the community cut the ribbon for the new community center and library. 

Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner

Mayor Dick Johns and Rep. Swearingen at the Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce Banquet.

Great showing at Holiday Acres!

Congratulations to all of those who received awards at this years' event!

Upcoming Community Events!

Please click on the following links for Upcoming Community Events!

Women on Snow: January 24 - 26th - Eagle River

St. Anyway - Bluegrass Folk Trio: January 24th - Minocqua
 

Fourth Annual Homemade Sled and Shovel Race: January 25th - Crandon

Rattlesnakes & Eggs Live Music: January 25th - Minocqua

SMEAR Tournament: January 25th - Florence

Cross Country Ski Lessons: January 26th - Manitowish Waters

Lakeland Locals Learn to Ski for Free: January 12th - March 2nd - Minocqua

Community Blood Drive January 28th - Conover

Eagle River Winter Farmer's Market: January 29th - Eagle River

Saint Germain Radar Run: January 31st - February 1st - Saint Germain

Flatlanders Annual Ice Fishing Derby: February 1st - Long Lake

John Santy with JJK Trio: February 1st - Nicolet College, Rhinelander

Third Annual Snowshoe Celebration - February 1st - Town of Lincoln

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 107 West

PO Box 8953, Madison WI 53708

Office: 608-266-7141

Toll Free: 888-534-0034