This week, the Assembly released an alternate education proposal that addresses school funding throughout the state. Compared to today, under this plan, every school district in Wisconsin is guaranteed to get more state aid. In total, this education plan amounts to over $600 million in new money for schools and more money directed into the classroom. There will be $100 million more put in the school funding formula and a significant increase in per pupil funding with $150 per pupil in the first budget year and $200 per pupil in the second year.
Rep. Swearingen, along with Rep. John Nygren, Rep. Mary Felzkowski and Merrill School District Superintendent Dr. John Sample, discussing the Assembly Education Proposal at the Merrill School District Office
The Assembly education proposal will target aid to frugal and low-spending school districts who have managed their schools efficiently and cost effectively over the years. Levy limits, which were first established in 1993, have locked frugal school districts, especially in rural areas, into low levy limits and have not kept pace with the cost of education. Roughly 60 percent of K-12 students in the state attend a school in a school district with a levy limit below the statewide average. The plan also directs funding to increase shared service programs, whole grade sharing, consolidation aid and rural school teacher talent, all of which will greatly benefit rural schools.
I have also heard from a number of school district officials that oppose the Governor’s proposal to require schools to have their employees pay at least 12 percent of their healthcare costs to receive the school funding. Many districts are already making cost effective choices to reduce the cost of healthcare and this specific requirement would be an added burden that doesn’t take their choices into consideration. This proposal eliminates that requirement.
If you would like to see a breakdown of the additional funds being directed under this plan to schools in my district, please reference the chart below. As with any budget related item, this plan would still have to go through the process of being approved by the Joint Finance Committee (JFC), the full state Legislature and the Governor.
School District
(34th Assembly District)
Assembly Education Plan
Funding Increase (Change to Base)
Crandon
$405,682
Florence
$280,391
LUHS
$353,920
Minocqua J1
$265,984
North Lakeland
$71,848
Northland Pines
$661,889
Phelps
$49,630
Rhinelander
$1,613,891
Three Lakes
$250,156
Woodruff J1
$284,766
2017-2019 State Budget Update
As the budget process moves forward at the Capitol in Madison, I would like to provide you with a quick update. During the past month, the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) has voted on a number of budget items ranging from broadband expansion and UW-System funding to long term care and natural resources. In the coming weeks, the JFC will continue to review and vote on budget items relating to K-12 education, taxes and transportation. Once the JFC completes their review of the 2017-2019 state budget, it will then go to the full legislature for review. Below I have highlighted some of the actions that have been taken by the JFC thus far.
Library Funding
The JFC increased funding for library aids by $1.5M. The increase in funding brings library aid funding backing to pre-2011 levels.
Broadband Expansion
The Committee voted to modify the Governor’s proposed broadband expansion to match legislation that is currently pending in the Senate sponsored by Representative Romaine Quinn and Senator Howard Marklein. The provision will improve access to broadband throughout Wisconsin by providing an additional $14,000,000 SEG for broadband expansion.
Fab Labs
Rep. Mary Felzkowski authored a motion to direct WEDC to grant funding to a nonprofit organization to assist school districts with the technical aspect of establishing Fab Labs and developing curriculum. This motion, the culmination of a year’s worth of planning and execution, will help school districts hit the ground running after they receive a grant from WEDC to establish a Fab Lab. Also, the motion sets aside $100,000 in FY2017-18 and $300,000 in FY2018-19. In addition to state funds, the program will require a dollar-for-dollar match from the selected nonprofit organization. Under the motion, the grant program will sunset after FY2020-21.
Natural Resources
The Committee adopted a motion developed by Rep. Amy Loudenbeck that maintains the Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine published by DNR, but reduces the frequency of the magazine and streamlines its administration.
Prioritizing Rural Wisconsin
The Committee approved two provisions that originated as bills in the Rural Wisconsin Initiative:
AB 224 directs the Department of Health Services (DHS) to distribute grants to hospitals, health systems, and educational entities that form health care education and training consortia for allied health professionals and provide funding.
AB 227 directs DHS to distribute grants to hospitals and clinics that provide new training opportunities for advanced practice clinicians and provide funding.
University of Wisconsin System
The Governor recommended providing $42.5M over the biennium to fund the UWS based on the performance of individual campuses compared to the system as a whole. The Committee modified the Governor’s recommendation to provide $5M in the first year for grants to institutions to increase enrollments in high demand degree programs. The modification also provides $26.25M in the second year to be distributed based on the performance of individual campuses.
The Committee also continued the UW System tuition freeze for two more years.
Long Term Care Investments
The Committee invested in several programs to increase access to and improve long term care services: personal care rate increase, investments in dementia care specialists, investments in family care, increased funding for disproportionate share hospitals.
Investing in Workforce Training
JFC approved the Governor’s recommendation to invest $11.5M for Fast Forward grants which fund workforce training programs.
Next Generation 911
The Committee approved a motion to take the first step toward upgrading Wisconsin's emergency communications to Next Generation 911. This upgrade will improve the ability for Wisconsinites to contact emergency services through text messages and video conferencing.
Peer-Run Respite Centers for Veterans
To help our state’s veteran population, the Governor proposed to allocate funding to establish a peer-run respite center that provides services to veterans who suffer from mental health or addiction issues.
The Committee voted to modify the Governor’s recommendation to ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) budgets for this center in the future.
Treatment and Diversion
A motion was offered to increase funding for Treatment and Diverson (TAD) by $500,000 over the biennium. With the implementation of this motion plus the appropriations as part of Special Session Assembly Bill 2 to address the opioid crisis in Wisconsin, we have added a total of $5.8M annually to TAD in our state.
These programs are more cost effective than incarceration and, if the TAD program is completed, are proven to help over 60% of individuals suffering with an addiction to achieve long-term recovery.
Take Your Legislator to Work Day
Recently, I had the opportunity to shadow Peter Siegler, a senior at Lakeland Union High School, at his job working at McDonald’s in Minocqua through the "Take Your Legislator to Work Day" campaign. The program, which is run by the Wisconsin Board of People with Developmental Disabilities, was a great chance for me to learn all about Peter’s job duties and allowed him to share his enthusiasm for his work with me.
It is clear that Peter is a very personable guy and is well-liked by his peers. At McDonald’s, Peter showed me how he takes out the trash, stocks and cleans the drink station, and wipes down tables and seats. It’s wonderful to have a program like this so individuals with intellectual disabilities are able to find work and learn valuable skills. Big thanks to Peter and his teacher, Eric Mikoleit, for inviting me. I would also like to wish Peter the best of luck in his endeavors post high school!
Peter Siegler and Rep. Swearingen at the Minocqua McDonald's during Take Your Legislator to Work Day
The objective of “Take Your Legislator to Work Campaign” is to raise awareness about the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities and the belief that employment and careers should be the expected and preferred outcomes of all publicly funded services for individuals with disabilities. It is my belief that entering the workforce at a young age allows individuals to develop the skills that they need to succeed not only in high school and college but throughout their careers. If you would like to hear from Peter and learn more about the "Take Your Legislator to Work Campaign," please click the picture below to view the WJFW Channel 12 News coverage of this event.
Wisconsin Walleye Initiative Increasing Fish Population
The Wisconsin Walleye Initiative was developed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Governor’s office in 2013 to increase the number of in state walleye waters by expanding production of large fingerling walleye at state, private and tribal fish hatcheries for stocking in waters accessible to the public. It was recently reported that in 2016 the DNR stocked Wisconsin lakes with nearly 900,000 large walleye fingerlings (the number was just one sixth of that in 2013 when the program started).
In all, 797,815 of the 6 to 8 inch extended growth walleye were stocked in 150 Wisconsin waterbodies in 2016, up from 760,969 fish stocked in 133 waters in 2015. This year, anglers will be able to catch some of the 455,307 large fingerlings that the DNR stocked in 2013 with additional harvest opportunities in the years to come as more fish reach legal size. In addition to the fish stocked during the first year of the Wisconsin Walleye Initiative, extended growth walleye stocking totaled 719,670 fish in 2014.
This is very exciting news for the 34th Assembly District! Walleye fishing remains a favorite among anglers and plays a role in driving economic and tourism growth through dining, lodging, retail purchases, trips and tournaments. According to the American Sportfishing Association, Wisconsin remains one of the top three fishing destinations in the U.S. with resident and nonresident anglers generating an economic impact of nearly $2.3 billion per year. Support from the Wisconsin Walleye Initiative has also meant critical infrastructure improvements for the state hatchery system, including a $4.6 million investment at the Art Oehmcke Hatchery in Woodruff! If you would like to watch the WJFW Channel 12 News news coverage of this story, please click on the picture below.
I would like to thank the Governor for his commitment to the Wisconsin Walleye Initiative, which is making a positive impact not only in the 34th Assembly District but also throughout the state. Governor Walker’s proposed 2017-2019 state budget continues funding the Wisconsin Walleye Initiative at current level for both years.
WJFW Channel 12 News Story
Presque Isle Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Presentation
Last week, the Presque Isle Chamber of Commerce was awarded $9,380 in grant funds through the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant program. The funds are going to be used to promote “Wisconsin’s Last Wilderness” during Presque Isle Days. The chamber is looking to use this new festival as a way to highlight the regions assets and cultural history. Presque Isle Days will take place June 24-25 at Pipke Park and will feature a number of fun outdoor events such as lumberjack shows, a 5K and 10K run, homemade arts/crafts and lake pontoon cruises.
In 2016, the tourism economy in Wisconsin totaled $20 billion, a 3.5 percent increase from 2015. Total business sales in Vilas County during 2016 reached $273.9 million and supported 1,940 jobs and $21.8 million in state and local taxes.
Department of Tourism Regional Specialist Jeff Anderson, Rep. Swearingen, and members of the Presque Isle Chamber of Commerce at the JEM Grant Presentation
JEM grants, awarded by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, are presented to non-profit organizations. The state can provide up to 75 percent in funding of a project’s first year costs, and provide support for second and third year projects until they become self-sustaining. In fiscal year 2016, the Department of Tourism funded 57 JEM projects, awarding a total of more than $1.1 million. For more information on the JEM Program and application materials, please visit http://industry.travelwisconsin.com/.
Broadband Grant Applications for Fiscal Year 2018
The Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) is now accepting applications for Broadband Expansion Grants for Fiscal Year 2018. This grant funding will extend $1.5 million to underserved areas of the state in addition to the $40.5 million that has been allocated for broadband expansion and technology improvement as a part of the 2017-2018 biennial state budget.
Applications for the 2018 Broadband Expansion Grants are due June 30, 2017. Application instructions and additional information can be found by clicking here.
The Broadband Expansion Grant program was created by 2013 Act 20. The program provides reimbursement for equipment and construction expenses incurred to extend or improve broadband telecommunications service throughout the state. The 2015-2017 biennial budget tripled the amount of grants available every year from $500,000 to $1.5 million.
If you would like to find your internet options or find more information on broadband expansion in Wisconsin, I would encourage you click on the map below or check out the Wisconsin State Broadband Office website.
This past week brought hot and humid weather to a majority of the state, with small to large thunderstorms rolling across several counties. Water levels in some areas are still above normal but most are now at more seasonal averages. The lower Wisconsin River again has sandbars for camping.
Bluegill fishing is reported to be picking up. The warmer weather has brought water temperatures on some central Wisconsin lakes close to the 70 degrees and bluegills are starting to make beds and will be spawning soon.
The Hexagenia mayfly hatch is just starting on central Wisconsin streams--a really good time to get a big trout. Caddis, blue-winged olive, crane fly and sulfur hatches have all also been observed within the last week.
The Wolf River has seen some good white bass fishing. Perch fishing is continuing to pick up on the Upriver Lakes and Lake Winnebago, while on Southern end of Lake Winnebago the bluegill are coming into their beds with the warming water. It seems a combination of higher spring flows and abundant forage has extended the river bite for walleye on the Winnebago System, but Lake Winnebago anglers have had tougher luck with walleye, likely due to a higher amount of forage fish, such as gizzard shad, throughout the system. Bow fishers have landed more than their fill of carp in the past week on Lake Winnebago and on Green Bay.
Door County anglers fishing in the Sturgeon Bay area are reporting more smallmouth action with the warmer weather this past week, and report that fish are -present in spawning areas, including larger females. Smallmouth can be seen on beds from Sturgeon Bay up to Gills Rock.
Coho and trout were the primary catches for anglers in the Southern Lake Michigan counties this past week. Reports from Sheboygan to Kenosha reported largely good success for coho, with mixes of brown and rainbow trout, as well as king salmon thrown in. In general, waters in that area are floating between the low and mid 50 degree marks.
Fawns will begin to reunite with their does soon and we continue to urge those who come across animals in the wild to Keep Wildlife Wild. The first grouse broods have been seen and also broods of ducks. Loon chicks are hatching. Wood and painted turtles are laying eggs.
Monitoring efforts detected an overwinter minimum wolf count of 925-956 and 232 packs in 2016-17. This represents a 6.8 percent increase from the 2015-16 minimum wolf count.
If you find yourself in some of Wisconsin's deciduous woods this weekend, keep your ear tuned for the song of the vireo. Warbling vireos are a bit larger than a black-capped chickadee and often found near developed areas that also feature tall trees. They have joined the host of other summer migrants soaking up the recent heat and local insect population.
Friday evening marks the full Strawberry Moon, which is also a full moon at or near "apogee," or the point in the moon's orbit where it is farthest from Earth and visually the smallest in size.
Wolf population update
Wisconsin wolf monitoring data for 2016-17 is now available on the wolf management page of the Department of Natural Resources website. Monitoring efforts detected an overwinter minimum wolf count of 925-956 and 232 packs in 2016-17 - this represents a 6.8 percent increase from the 2015-16 minimum wolf count (866-897 and 222 packs). To view this information (found under the "reports" list) and learn more about wolves in Wisconsin, search dnr.wi.gov for keyword "wolf." Data available include the 2016-17 overwinter minimum wolf count and packs identified during the monitoring period collected with the assistance of more than 100 volunteer trackers. Volunteers contributed roughly half of the over 14,000 survey miles in 2016-17. To learn more about taking part in this monitoring program, search keyword "volunteer" and select "wolves and other mammals." Classes for new volunteers will be held in the fall of 2017. Wolf count efforts are conducted in winter when the population reaches its annual low point. Wolf pups born in spring cause population increases, followed by reductions resulting from pup and adult mortalities. Wolves remain listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act and management authority is held by the Federal government. Federal listing status restricts state management, including any lethal wolf management tools. Currently, DNR staff use non-lethal abatement in response to wolf conflicts.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - The landscape has changed dramatically since Memorial Day in the forest. The "green wall" has grown and all the birds and animals can hide easily from the casual passerby. Fawns are starting to appear, joining the many other forest and water babies under the watchful eyes of their Moms. The dainty Starflower and False Lily of the Valley are dotting the forest floor, joining the polygala, wild strawberries, and the many types of violets. Lupine, daisies and hawkweed are just starting to appear. One just needs to stop and look to see their delicate beauty. Chokecherry and highbush cranberries are blooming, and the blackberry is not far behind. The mosquitos are awaiting visitors! - Rosalie Richter, visitor services associate.
Community Events
Please click the following links for upcoming community events!
