Governor Evers made it clear on the campaign trail that one of his priorities was to cut taxes for the middle class. This week Assembly Republicans introduced a proposal that would give median-income earners a tax break without raising taxes on anyone else in turn. I am hopeful that Governor Evers will consider working across the aisle to implement this common sense plan. Please see my press release below regarding the proposal:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 18, 2019
Representative Swearingen Supports Middle Class Tax Break
Madison – Rep. Swearingen (R-Rhinelander) joined Assembly Republicans to unveil a middle class tax break proposal that provides $340 million in tax relief for the hardworking citizens of Wisconsin. The plan targets individuals making less than $100,000 and families making $150,000 or less. Under the proposal the average median-income family will enjoy a $310 reduction in their net taxes.
“I was encouraged by Governor Evers’ campaign promise to cut taxes on the middle class, however I strongly disagreed with the idea of eliminating the Manufacturing and Agriculture Tax Credit to pay for it. Thanks to our strong conservative reforms of the past eight years, Wisconsin currently enjoys a $588.5 million budget surplus. The plan Assembly Republicans announced today will rightfully give that money back to the people without raising taxes on our hardworking farmers and manufacturers. This is the right thing to do for Wisconsin, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature and Governor Evers to get this done,” said Rep. Swearingen.
Rep. Swearingen serves the Northwoods counties of Vilas, Oneida, Florence and portions of Forest.
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Assembly Floor Session and State of the State Address
Tuesday, January 22nd marks the first floor period for the Assembly of the new 2019-2020 legislative session. The Assembly plans to take up Assembly Bill 1: Relating to coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Ensuring that those with pre-existing conditions are able to obtain health insurance is a top legislative priority, and I look forward to casting my vote in favor of the bill. If you would like to watch the Assembly in session, you can watch live on Wisconsin Eye at 1:00 PM.
Governor Evers will also be delivering his first annual State of the State address on Tuesday, January 22nd at 7:00PM. Like the floor session, you can watch the address live by tuning in to Wisconsin Eye.
Oneida County - County Ambassador Program Legislative Day
Had a great meeting with Representative Felzkowski, Senator Tiffany and representatives from the Oneida County – County Ambassador Program for their annual legislative day in the Capitol. We had a great discussion regarding their legislative priorities this session, including community based juvenile justice services, increasing the hourly rate of court-appointed attorneys and modernizing Wisconsin’s 911 system.
Appreciate everyone making the trip down to the Capitol!
Championship Snowmobile Derby Race
The 56th Annual World Championship Snowmobile Derby Week continues in Eagle River this weekend with the Championship Snowmobile Derby race. The race proves year after year to be the premier snowmobile event in the country. Best ofluck to everyone competing in the race!
For current statewide information on statewide snow conditions, log onto the Wisconsin Department of Tourism's Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR).
The snow drought has continued yet another week with only flurries and some far north lake affect snow reported. That could change if a snowstorm forecast for Friday into Saturday arrives and finally brings some snow to southern Wisconsin. That storm will be followed by cold temperatures just in time for the lunar eclipse on Sunday night.
Snowmobile and ski trails remain open mostly in just the northern tier of counties but conditions are still being reported good in some areas despite the lack of new snow on the Wisconsin Department of Tourism's Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). A few state properties have been able to groom ski trails on the Cross-country ski trail conditions page of the DNR website.
Ice reports continue to be highly variable with many lakes in southern and central Wisconsin still having areas of open water. A reminder that no ice is safe ice and that couldn't be more true this year with the warm ups. The colder weather should help firm up ice conditions. Ice fishing activity has picked up but many anglers report lethargic and finicky fish. Those anglers have been having success report nice catches for panfish and northern pike.
The Fox River at Voyageurs Park is mostly open and anglers fishing the lock canal earlier in the week report catching perch and small walleye open water fishing. Increasing numbers of ice shanties are showing up on some of the smaller bays of Green Bay mostly fishing whitefish and perch. Access has been difficult at many locations because of ice shoves. Anglers fishing off the east and west shores of Green Bay report catching some whitefish and perch but mostly of smaller size.
This coming weekend, Jan 19-20 is Free Fishing Weekend. Anyone can fish without a license but all other regulations apply. Both Kettle Moraine north and south are offering fishing clinics on Saturday. MacKenzie is also holding one that requires preregistration. Clinic at Devil's Lake and Richard Bong have been cancelled due to poor ice conditions. For additional clinics across the state search the DNR website for "free fishing."
The lack of snow has also lead to additional candlelight events cancellations this weekend. Events at Governor Dodge, Lake Wissota and Rib Mountain have been cancelled. Despite the lack of snow, candlelight events will go on Saturday night at the southern Kettles, Horicon Marsh and for a special fee at Heritage Hill. The Horicon Candlelight event is extremely popular and there have already been thousands of people who expressed interest in attending on social media. The Education Center will be limiting parking to families with young children and vehicles with disable parking permits. All others interested in attending are urged to take shuttles. Check the DNR website or Friends of Horicon website at www.horiconmarsh.org for details.
This weekend is also the extremely popular Eagle Watching Days at Sauk City and Prairie du Sac, with the release of three rehabilitated eagles to the wild on Saturday and opportunities to see eagles perching or soaring above the Wisconsin River, and view eagles up close indoors during live raptor shows.
New flocks of Bohemian waxwings have appeared across the north, suggesting fruit sources even farther north are waning. Other winter favorites being seen right now include various raptors such as bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, Cooper's and sharp-shinned hawks, American kestrels, and great horned owls.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - The Madeline and Raven cross-country ski trails were groomed for classic skiing and were tracked on Tuesday, Jan. 15 and are in fair to good condition. Madeline loops have a lot of debris, especially the outer loops. Tracks are not perfect with no new snow, they are a bit powdery but if the temp drops they should set nicely. Surprisingly the Red Loop, is the best loop right now, with the back of the Red being nicely tracked. Be careful because the hills are slick! Don't bring your best skis. The Raven Red loop up to the shelter, Blue and Green loops have been cut and tracked. Leafy debris on all loops. Fair/Good conditions. The Yellow loop has not been freshly groomed due to low snow conditions on the trails under the heavy conifers. Escanaba trails were groomed for classic skiing and were tracked on Monday, Jan.14. Good conditions with some thin spots under pines but no bare ground evident. Ten inches of snow on picnic table near Research Station. Weasel and fisher tracks observed today. Some debris in track but rather minor. - Dan Jacoby and Tony Martinez, park and recreation specialists
Community Events
Please click the following links for upcoming community events!
