On Tuesday, a public hearing was held in the Assembly Committee on Energy and Utilities on Assembly Bill 531, which I authored with Sen. Rob Cowles (R-Green Bay) to help propane retailers improve their businesses by contributing directly to their own program through a nationally established process.
Assembly Bill 531 will allow the Wisconsin Propane Education and Research Council (WiPERC) to establish a voluntary industry assessment program that would allow propane retailers in Wisconsin to be assessed at a rate of two tenths of one cent per gallon of odorized propane. The propane assessment, paid for by propane retailers, would provide funding for safety programs, training, consumer education, appliance and meter rebates, public service announcements and volunteer fire department training for propane burns.
Rep. Swearingen testifying on AB 531 in the Assembly Committee on Energy and Utilities with Wisconsin Propane Gas Association Representative Brandon Scholz
Currently, Wisconsin is the only state in the Midwest that does not have a state assessment program. Neighboring states such as Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, and Illinois all have programs and their propane retailers are better equipped from their training and safety programs. Similarly, in Wisconsin alone, dairy, soybeans, cranberries, beef, pork, ginseng and others all have their own assessment programs.
If passed into law, propane retailers in Wisconsin would have to pass a referendum of approval before implementing such a fee. Additionally, the rate of 2/10th of a cent per gallon cannot be increased more than 1/2 of a 10th-cent unless approved by an additional referendum by propane retailers in Wisconsin. It is important to note that if a retailer does not want to participate, then they can opt out of the assessment.
The propane assessment program is a commitment by the legislature to the propane industry in Wisconsin to help maintain their business and provide support to help them grow their business. The Wisconsin Propane Education and Research Council has 10 years of experience running the national program and they are ready to put a state funded program in place to help improve the industry statewide.
If signed into law, this will not cost the state anything and there will be no government involvement. This bill simply provides the language needed in statute to create framework to provide the private assessment.
Assembly Committee on State Affairs Update
The Assembly Committee on State Affairs, which I chair, held a public hearing this past Wednesday to discuss several pieces of legislation. AB 330, 513, and 514 were heard in the committee and AB 494 was voted out of the committee.
Rep. Swearingen during the Assembly Committee on State Affairs Meeting on Wednesday, October 11
AB 330: Relating to: The rule-making authority of certain agencies.
The bill prohibits a commission or board, including a credentialing board, that has not taken any action with respect to the promulgation of a rule in ten years or more from taking any such action in the future unless a subsequent law specifically authorizes it to do so.
AB 513: Relating to: Repealing an administrative rule of the Department of Safety and Professional Services related to music, art, and dance therapists.
This bill repeals an administrative rule of the Department of Safety and Professional Services that allowed individuals who were registered as music, art, or dance therapists prior to 2003 to be granted a license to practice psychotherapy.
AB 514: Relating to: Repealing administrative rules of the Department of Safety and Professional Services related to grants for construction career academies.
This bill repeals administrative rules of the Department of Safety and Professional Services related to grants for construction career academies, a program that was eliminated in the 2015 Biennial Budget Act.
AB 494: Relating to: Allowing local public officials to receive anything of value that the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation or the Department of Tourism is authorized to provide.
Current law allows a state public official to receive anything of value from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for the purpose of taking a trip to a foreign country primarily to promote trade or hosting individuals in order to promote business, economic development, or tourism. Current law also allows a state public official to receive anything of value from the Department of Tourism for the purpose of housing individuals in order to promote tourism. This bill allows a local public official to receive anything of value from WEDC or the Department of Tourism that a state public official is allowed to receive.
Assembly Committee on Environment and Forestry Update
The Assembly Committee on Environment and Forestry, which I am a sitting member of, met this week for an executive session to vote on four pieces of legislation. Below you can find a breakdown of the bills that were voted out of the committee.
Assembly Committee on Environment and Forestry Executive Session on Thursday, October 19
Assembly Bill 118: Relating to: disclosure of burial sites located on residential real estate and various changes relating to the preservation and disturbance of burial sites.
Assembly Bill 388: Relating to: the discharge of dredged or fill material into artificial wetlands and requiring the exercise of rule-making authority.
Assembly Bill 416: Relating to: a higher wild animal protection surcharge for the unlawful taking of deer.
Assembly Bill 484: Relating to: changing the residency requirements for town sanitary district commissioners.
State Building Commission Update
The State Building Commission met this week for our October meeting to approve a number of statewide administrative and UW-System building projects.
The Higher Education Subcommittee, which I chair, met Wednesday morning to release $2,390,000 to prepare preliminary plans and design reports for the following projects: 1) UW-Milwaukee Northwest Quadrant Renovation portion that will address critical safety and building code projects. 2) UW-Whitewater utility corridor improvement and chiller plant upgrade that will renovate the steam, chiller water, and power distribution systems to support existing buildings, a new residence hall, and future planned development.
Rep. Swearingen during the Higher Education Subcommittee Meeting
Additionally, the Higher Education Subcommittee approved various maintenance and repair projects for UW-System facilities at UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Whitewater, UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Stout and UW-Extension.
In the afternoon, the full building commission met to approve projects from both the Administrative Affairs Subcommittee and Higher Education Subcommittee. Besides the projects mentioned above, the committee approved the following items from the Administrative Affairs Subcommittee:
Lower Fox River Navigational System transfer;
Capitol heat and power plant improvement;
Mendota Mental Health Institute boiler repair;
Madison Armed Forces Reserve Center civil support team addition;
Department of Workforce Development Job Center lease.
The Full Building Commission Meeting on Wednesday, October 18
The Building Commission is a bipartisan, eight-member body chaired by Governor Walker, along with six legislators and a citizen member. The group's mission is to plan, oversee, and approve building projects around the state.
Constituent Meeting at the Capitol
Wendy Goldbach, a resident of Rhinelander and an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at Concordia University in Mequon, WI, stopped by with students to discuss occupational licensing with me last week. We had a great discussion on the topic, which is the subject of a Bill in the Assembly Committee on Regulatory Licensing Reform. Occupational therapists help individuals with disabilities, injuries, or illness maximize their independence through the therapeutic use of daily activities. Occupational therapy provides rehabilitation, habilitation, prevention, and wellness services that promote independent and satisfying lives. It is a much needed and noble profession. Wendy’s students are lucky to be learning from such a great teacher.
Rep. Swearingen meeting with Wendy Goldbach and Concordia University students during OT Legislative Day at the Capitol
Wilderness Veterans Flame Memorial Dedication Ceremony
I had the honor and privilege of attending the Wilderness Veterans Flame Memorial Dedication ceremony in Presque Isle last Saturday.
Wilderness Veterans Flame Memorial in Presque Isle
The memorial features 419 Veterans’ names etched into the walls of the memorial, as well as six flags representing the six services. It encompasses the 12 conflicts fought by the United States after the Revolutionary War.
The Wilderness Veterans Flame Memorial has three purposes:
Recognition of all six branches of military service;
Summarization of all historical conflicts in which our country has participated;
Enshrinement of individual service men and women.
I would like to thank the Winegar American Legion Post 480 and the Wilderness Veterans Memorial Flame Foundation, Inc Board President Larry Gorrilla, for coordinating such a great event. It was an honor to have Tom and Susan Holmquist speak at the ceremony. The flag at the memorial is dedicated to their fallen son, Sgt. Carson Holmquist, who lost his life serving our country.
The Mission of The Wilderness Veterans Memorial Flame Foundation (WVMFF) The Wilderness Veterans Memorial Flame Foundation embraces the essence of patriotism by garnering volunteer and financial support to erect and perpetually maintain a unique and notable veterans memorial and to provide a place for participation and education in veterans service related activities. Located in Wisconsin's peaceful Northwoods, it will be a fitting place to honor the men and women who have selflessly dedicated themselves for the freedom of all citizens of the United States of America.
Tom and Susan Holmquist Speaking at the Dedication Ceremony
Wilderness Veterans Memorial Flame Foundation, Inc Board President Larry Gorrilla
2017-2018 Blue Books Available
The 2017-2018 Wisconsin Blue Books arrived last week and are now available upon request. If you would like to request a copy of the 2017-18 Wisconsin Blue Book, please reply to this email with your name and full mailing address. Additional requests can be made by emailing Rep.Swearingen@legis.wi.gov or calling my office at 608-266-7141 or toll free at 888-534-0034. My office will be processing the requests over the next couple of weeks prior to shipping them across the 34th Assembly District.
You can view previous versions of the Wisconsin Blue Book online by clicking here.
Governor Announces Availability of Broadband Expansion Grants
DODGEVILLE – Governor Walker announced today that the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is now accepting applications for a second round of Broadband Expansion Grants for Fiscal Year 2018 that will extend $7.5 million to underserved areas of the state. This grant cycle provides additional funds recently approved in the state budget. Applications for the Broadband Expansion Grants are due at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin by January 25, 2018.
“In the new budget, I significantly increased the funds available to build out broadband facilities throughout the state,” said Governor Walker. “This additional funding will provide Wisconsin’s families and businesses with the technology and information they need to prosper in today’s global economy. The need for access to reliable, high-speed internet service is becoming an increasingly important part of life for Wisconsin’s families and businesses. We recognize that broadband access is critical for a modern commercial environment, enabling businesses to reach customers and suppliers, and permitting individuals to work from home.”
Governor Walker was joined today by PSC Chair Ellen Nowak and State Broadband Director Angie Dickison at the county offices in Dodgeville to highlight the completion of a grant project for that community. Mount Horeb Telephone Company d/b/a MHTC recently finished installation of a fiber-to-the-premises service to the business park on the east side of Dodgeville, aided in part with a state broadband grant of $55,360. The business park can now offer commercial lots equipped with an up-to-date communications facility with an internet speed of up to 1 Gbps.
“We are pleased to contribute to the development of this business park,” said PSC Chair Ellen Nowak. “The business park already had ready access to excellent highways, beneficial financial incentives and a well-educated workforce. Now, we have added a state-of-the-art communications system to the package. We are looking forward to seeing the development of the Dodgeville business park in the near future.”
State Broadband Director Angie Dickison encouraged communities to contact the State Broadband Office for more information the Broadband Expansion Grant Program. “Our office works with communities and broadband providers to promote public private partnerships to improve broadband access across our state. We’re happy to help.”
Application instructions and additional information can be found here.
#
Fab Lab Grants
Governor Walker Urges Schools to Apply for Fab Lab Grants Deadline to seek WEDC Fabrication Laboratories grant is Dec. 14
MADISON – Governor Scott Walker today announced the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is now accepting applications for the third year of its Fabrication Laboratories (Fab Labs) Grant Program, which provides funding to help public schools build or expand fab labs.
“Fab labs are a key part of our goal to make sure that every student in Wisconsin has the tools needed to succeed in school and beyond. That’s why our budget included $1 million in funding to continue to this vital program over the next two years,” said Governor Scott Walker. “As a result of our commitment, Wisconsin now has provided funding to 34 fab labs statewide and is a national leader in this initiative. I strongly encourage districts throughout the state to consider applying for a fab lab grant.”
The fab lab program supports hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) education by assisting public school districts with equipment purchases for instructional and educational purposes in fab labs. Fab labs are high-tech workshops with the latest equipment, including computer-controlled manufacturing components such as 3D printers, laser engravers and computer numerical control routers.
WEDC’s investment in the program puts fab labs within reach for schools that might otherwise not have the financial means to install such facilities.
WEDC will provide grants of up to $25,000 to public school districts or up to $50,000 to consortiums of two or more districts, for the creation and/or expansion of fab labs. The funds may be used to purchase equipment used for instructional and educational purposes by elementary, middle, junior high, or high school students. Applicants must match the amount of funding provided by WEDC.
In April, grants totaling nearly $500,000 were awarded to 21 school districts in the second year of the program. WEDC is allocating another $500,000 in this fiscal year and anticipates awarding 20 grants this time around. Grant recipients will be announced next spring.
Fab Labs Grants will be awarded through a competitive process, with applications evaluated based on readiness and long-range planning, curriculum, business and community partnerships, financial need and previous awards.
More information on the program and requests for applications can be found at InWisconsin.com/fablabs. The application deadline is Dec. 14.
“For the state’s economy to continue to grow, it is imperative that Wisconsin companies have the skilled workers they need to fill the jobs of 21st century,” said Mark R. Hogan, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state’s lead economic development organization. “Fab labs can play a key role in meeting that challenge by providing students with hands-on experience in areas such as design, engineering and complex problem-solving.”
In addition to the grant program, WEDC also is supporting the state’s fab labs by working with the University of Wisconsin-Stout to develop an online tool to increase collaboration and the sharing of resources among school districts with fab labs.
The web portal, which was developed by the UW-Stout Discovery Center with guidance from teachers statewide, allows teachers and others at fab lab schools to communicate with one another on topics such as curriculum development and implementation, equipment usage and troubleshooting, training and professional development.
Governor Walker’s fab labs announcement comes as more than a dozen state agencies and organizations are marking Manufacturing Month with events throughout October. While students in fab labs will develop the types of skills applicable to any industry, those skills are increasingly important in the evolution of next generation manufacturing.
“With 9,500 manufacturers in Wisconsin, there is, and will continue to be, a need for highly skilled workers in the industry, and we need to ensure a robust talent pipeline in the years to come,” Governor Walker said. “The Fab Labs Grant Program is just one of the many ways the state is working to address that challenge.”
#
Wisconsin Bond Rating Upgraded to AA+
Wisconsin Bond Rating Upgraded to AA+ by KBRA Bond rating agency praises sound budgeting, increased investments
MADISON – Governor Scott Walker today announced Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) upgraded Wisconsin’s long-term rating to AA+ from AA. KBRA cited sound budgeting, holding the line on taxes, greater investments in education and transportation, and economic growth in issuing the upgrade to the state’s general obligation bonds.
“We are focused on being good stewards of taxpayer dollars, and this upgrade is yet another confirmation that our reforms are working for Wisconsin,” Governor Walker said. “We proved you can budget responsibly and make strong investments in priorities like education and infrastructure, while holding the line on taxes. We are working and winning for Wisconsin.”
The following are excerpts from KBRA’s announcement:
“KBRA’s rating reflects, among other observations, that in recent years Wisconsin has consistently and accurately budgeted within its means and has prioritized a combination of tax, spending, and debt restraints that have improved the State’s reserves and liquidity.
“The State has also simultaneously pursued policies to stabilize and reduce historically high tax burdens. Meanwhile, the economy as measured by employment and income indicators, continues to grow at a healthy pace.
“These factors combined with the State’s large and fully funded pension system (which increasingly makes Wisconsin a positive relative outlier on the landscape of states and other large municipalities) have improved the State’s operational and financial flexibility. Wisconsin recently adopted a 2017-19 biennium budget that reflects this improved flexibility. In this budget the State has chosen to make sizable but affordable increased investments in transportation, education, and other policy priorities while also prioritizing financial reserves and holding the line on taxes.”
Fall colors are now peaking in far northwestern Wisconsin and throughout the central part of the state including the Door County area, according to the Department of Tourism's Fall Color Report. Fall colors are now past peak in about a dozen north central counties and leaves are dropping rapidly.
Much needed rain in the last week finally spurred on the fall Lake Michigan tributary salmon runs. The chinook spawn is going strong, with a variety of baits and methods seeing success. The chinook spawn is in full swing along Door County with salmon spotted in most marinas and in many area creeks. In the Kewaunee harbor, salmon can be seen jumping regularly and have been stacking up in corners in force and numbers, and anglers are having success with both spoons and crankbaits. Fish have been so thick at times that anglers have foul-hooked more than they have had strike. The salmon spawn is also in full force in the East and West Twin, Manitowoc, Branch and Ahnapee rivers. Chinook salmon are the most common catch but a few coho are also being caught.
In southern tributaries, those fishing the Sheboygan River reported most of the success from chinook and coho salmon along with a few brown trout. At Sauk Creek a few chinook were landed on flies and spoons. On the Root River were chinook the majority of anglers targeting and seeing success upstream of the steelhead facility and fishing with egg flies.
Walleye and yellow perch fishing continues to be productive on the Lake Winnebago System for those that haven't winterized their boats yet. Oshkosh DNR fisheries staff recently completed the annual Lake Winnebago Trawling Survey with good catches of yearling walleye, crappie, and yellow perch from strong hatches that occurred in 2016. Walleyes from the strong 2013 year class were also well represented in the survey, ranging 16-19 inches.
The American woodcock migration is now on and hunters are starting to get their first push of birds this week. The wind has blown down leaves and created better shooting opportunities for woodcock and grouse.
The recent warmth seems so to have slowed deer activity and discouraged some hunters from hitting the woods with bow in hand. Bachelor groups of bucks seem to have broken up now causing some bucks to abandon existing spots in search of new ground. There have been reports that some bucks are already starting to follow does and scrapes and rubs are being seen in the woods already.
The fall migration is in full swing at Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area with sandhill cranes numbers around 4,000- 5,000 birds. Trumpeter swans and numerous, and there are many different species of hawk around.
There continue to be reports of eagles hit by cars...please slow down when you see an eagle feeding on roadkill.
There was a ribbon cutting this week for the first phase of the Great Sauk State Trail, becoming Wisconsin's 42nd state trail. The second phase, which supporters hope will begin next year, will connect the Sauk Prairie communities with the Sauk Prairie Recreation Area and Devil's Lake State Park.
It's going to be a Spooktacular weekend at state park properties with more than a dozen properties holding Halloween or fall color activities, including candlelight, torch or jack-o-lantern lit hikes at Governor Nelson, Merrick, Mirror Lake, Devil's Lake, Copper Falls, Lake Kegonsa and Harrington Beach. Kettle Moraine North will hold non-scary Halloween nature hikes Friday and Saturday. High Cliff campers will deck their campsites out for Halloween and kids are encouraged to Trick or Treat. For all programs, search the DNR website for "get outdoors."
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - Maroons, golds and rusts are the dominant colors in the oak, birch and aspen that still have their leaves on the forest. Winds are bringing them down quickly though! As the understory and berry bushes lose their leaves, the birds and game will become more visible to the observer and hunter. It is a great time to be out in the woods. - Rosalie Richter, visitor services associate
Community Events
Please click the following links for upcoming community events!
