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

District Dialogue

February 21st, 2014

As your state representative, I wanted to ensure you had this important information regarding the propane shortage that I know is impacting many of your lives. On Monday February 17th, I co-sponsored legislation that will help middle class families pay for the high cost of propane. Assembly Bill 770 was debated on the Assembly floor yesterday and passed with a 94-1 vote. Now the legislation will travel to the Senate for further debate.

Below is our joint statement.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 17, 2014
For More Information Please Contact:
Representative John Nygren 608-266-2343

Heating Assistance Loan Program Unveiled

MADISON: A group of legislator’s introduced legislation this afternoon to create a heating assistance loan guarantee program in order to alleviate the financial burden the propane crisis has placed on Wisconsin residents. The bill will help middle-class homeowners acquire low-interest loans, guaranteed in part by the state, to purchase propane and other heating supplies.

“Thousands of people across our state understandably did not budget for this crisis and do not have enough money to pay their heating bills. While assistance is currently available for low income individuals, this bill will help ensure those in the middle class are also able to pay their propane bills and heating expenses,” said Rep. Czaja.

In January, Governor Walker declared a state of emergency due to the propane shortage and established a $3 million loan guarantee program, administered through the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) which has provided propane dealers with financing so they can quickly purchase and distribute propane to those in need. Assembly Bill 770 works by targeting assistance at consumers that don’t qualify for low income assistance through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP).

Homeowners will be able to acquire low-interest loans to purchase propane or other heating supplies that are approved by (WHEDA). Similar to the drought assistance program that currently exists, WHEDA will guarantee the loans and pay a portion of the interest rate charged. The loans cannot exceed $2,500 and to be eligible a borrower’s household income cannot exceed 200 percent of the median family income in the county in which they reside.

“Not only have people had difficulty getting propane, they also do not have the resources to pay their heating bills due to the unexpected jump in price we have seen,” commented Senator Tiffany. “Creating a loan guarantee program will help people get approved for loans in order to pay their bills on time and avoid high interest charges and penalties.”

Assembly Bill 770 was introduced on Monday and has been referred to the Joint Committee on Finance. The legislation is authored by the following legislators: Senators Tiffany, Petrowski, Darling, Harsdorf and Representatives Nygren, Czaja, Bernier, Marklein, Mursau, Murtha, Kulp, Krug, Nerison, Petryk, Swearingen, Tranel.
 

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 To listen to my floor speech on Assembly Bill 770, click on the picture below. 

This morning the Governor released a statement regarding the current propane shortage in Wisconsin.  The Division of Energy Services within the Department of Administration released an additional 500,000 dollars to the Keep Wisconsin Warm Fund.  Please read the press release below from Governor Scott Walker. 

State Donates $500,000 to Keep Wisconsin Warm Fund

Madison – Today, Governor Scott Walker announced an additional $500,000 has been released from the Department of Administration’s Division of Energy Services to the Keep Wisconsin Warm Fund (KWWF). KWWF is a statewide, non-profit charitable organization that provides energy-related crisis assistance.

“The Keep Wisconsin Warm Fund has been a valuable partner throughout the propane challenge,” Governor Walker said. “We are pleased they can leverage the additional support of the state to help address a segment of the population that clearly needs help.”

The state funding comes from Wisconsin’s federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). By law, the State must use LIHEAP funds to assist citizens at or below 60 percent of the state median income. For a family of four, 60 percent of the state median income is $47,485.

The additional state funding directed to KWWF for resident’s meeting the federal low-income eligibility requirements will allow KWWF to redeploy existing private contributions to help citizens between 61 and 80 percent of state median income who do not qualify for traditional low-income energy assistance.

“I would encourage every citizen and company in the state who is able to make a contribution to the Keep Wisconsin Warm Fund to do so,” Governor Walker said. “Even with rising temperatures, the supply and financial impacts of the propane shortage will be with us for a while. Wisconsinites coming together to help those most in need is yet another example of the fine character of the people of this state.”

Previously, the state released $1 million to KWWF in January to ensure as many people as possible can be assisted during the propane shortage. The Keep Wisconsin Warm Fund has agreed to temporarily allow an increase in their income limit for propane households from 61 percent of State Median Income (SMI) to 80 percent SMI, will allow propane households to potentially receive an increased maximum benefit of $600, and has temporarily adjusted their policy to allow propane households the ability to potentially receive two benefit payments in a year. Through KWWF, over $750,000 has already been distributed to citizens between the 60-80 percent range.
 

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On February 18th, a group of students from Nicolet Area Technical College visited the Wisconsin State Capitol for "A Celebration of Student Engagement". Several students presented research on their respective areas of expertise.  Nicolet Area Technical College along with many other technical schools, attended the event in the Capitol rotunda.  The students did a great job in Madison! 

Rep. Mursau (36th Assembly District) and I were able to meet with the students and discuss their projects.

Technical colleges, like Nicolet, provide students with real-world experience and training for future employment.  Keep up the good work! 

On Tuesday February 25th, the Department of Transportation (DOT) will host a public hearing to discuss the US Highway 51 project in Woodruff and Arbor Vitae.  Please read the press release below from the DOT for more details.

 Public meeting scheduled to discuss US 51 in Woodruff, Arbor Vitae

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is conducting a public involvement meeting to discuss the current and future needs of US 51 between 3rd Street and WIS 70 east in the towns of Woodruff and Arbor Vitae.
The meeting is scheduled to take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2014, in the library of the Arbor Vitae-Woodruff Elementary School, 11065 Old Hwy 51, Woodruff. A brief presentation is scheduled to begin at 5:15 p.m. The remainder of the meeting will follow an open house format.

WisDOT is seeking the public’s input on proposed preliminary alternatives to address the current and long-term needs of the roadway. Some of the needs identified along this section of US 51 include:

• The pavement and the curb and gutter are deteriorating.
• The storm sewer drainage system is deteriorated.
• The traffic demands of the intersections of US 51/WIS 47 and US 51/WIS 70 east are creating inefficient operations at the intersections.
• Crash data indicates safety problems with left-turning movements throughout the corridor.
• The Lakeland Sanitary District has sanitary sewer and water that is deteriorated.

An improvement project on this section of US 51 is currently scheduled to occur in 2017.
Citizens planning to attend the meeting, who are hearing impaired and require an interpreter, may request one by contacting Kristin McHugh via the Wisconsin Telecommunications Relay system (dialing 711) at least three working days prior to the meeting.

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Library Day in Madison

On Tuesday, February 11th, I had the honor to speak alongside Senator Jennifer Shilling to the Wisconsin Libraries Association and the Wisconsin Education Media and Technology Association (WEMTA).  It was great to share my own personal experiences with the group about attending the local library as a youth. 

In many of our small local town and cities, the library remains the nerve center of the community.  For many of us, the library is still used for research, reference, and basic web surfing.

I would like to thank the Wisconsin Libraries Association and WEMTA for allowing me to speak to your group.

Rep. Swearingen Speaking at the Library Legislative Day on February 11th

Rural Schools Public Hearing in Cuba City

The Task force will be hearing testimony from area superintendents and the Wisconsin Innovative School Network. 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.  I would like to thank Representative Tranel for requesting a public hearing in southwestern Wisconsin.
 
The public hearing in Cuba City will be the last stop for the Speaker’s Task Force on Rural Schools. A final report will be completed in March for Speaker Robin Vos (R – Rochester).      

To read and review testimony from the previous Rural School Task Force hearings, please view our website  The website also provides information on Task Force members, press releases, hearing notices, and pictures from previous school tours.

On Wednesday February 19th, the League of Municipalities held their Legislative Day in the state Capitol.  Rhinelander City Aldermen Alex Young and Steve Sauer visited my office to discuss pertinent issues.  It was great to meet with them!

From Left to Right: Steve Sauer, Rep. Swearingen, Alex Young.

On Tuesday February 18th the Tavern League of Wisconsin held their 30th annual Legislative Day in the Capitol.  Over 300 members attended this years event in Madison.  It was great to meet with members of the Oneida and Vilas County Tavern Leagues that afternoon. 

Pictured above is the Oneida Co. Tavern League with Rep. Swearingen. 

Please click on the following links for Upcoming Community Events!

20th Annual Lakeland Figure Skating Show  (2:00p.m. & 7:00p.m.) February 22-23, Minocqua

Owl Prowl and Night Hike (6:00pm-8:00pm) February 22, Manitowish Waters

Firefighters Ball (6:00p.m.) February 22, Florence

Annual Keyes Peak Winterfest 2014 (11:00a.m.-4:00p.m.) March 1, Florence

12th Annual "Best Ball" Ice golf Tournament (11:00am) March 1, Minocqua

Mardi Gras (5:30p.m.) March 4, Minocqua

Casino Night (6:00p.m.-9:00p.m.) March 1, Eagle River

WinMan Trails Inspiration Snowshoe (10:30a.m.-12:00p.m.) March 1, Manitowish Waters

Hazelhurst Lions Community Blood Drive (2:00p.m.-6:00p.m.) February 26, Hazelhurst

Second Squirrel Hill Pursuit & Beat the Bunny Races (9:00am) March 1, Minocqua

6th Annual Frozen Tozen Winter Fest (11:00a.m.-5:30p.m.) February 22, Boulder Junction

Winter Farmers' Market (12:30p.m.-5:00p.m.) February 26, Eagle River

Klondike Days (9:00a.m.-4:00p.m.) March 2, Eagle River

Snowmobile Cabin Fever Party (5:00p.m.-9:00p.m.) March 1, Boulder Junction

Trivia Contest (5:00p.m.-8:00p.m.) March 6, Sayner

2nd Annual Casino Night (6:00p.m.-9:00p.m.) March 1, Rhinelander

Annual Kid's Fishing Jamboree (9:00a.m.-3:00p.m.) February 23, Land O' Lakes

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