Last Thursday, Governor Walker signed the 2017-2019 biennial state budget into law at Tullar Elementary School in Neenah, Wisconsin.
I am proud to say that this budget makes a historic investment in public education, includes substantial funding for broadband expansion and provides tax relief for hardworking Wisconsinites. Below you will find highlights of the final budget that was signed by the Governor last week.
Governor Walker signing the 2017-2019 biennial State Budget at Tullar Elementary School in Neenah, WI
Education/Broadband
Wisconsin’s total state investment in K-12 education is more than $11.5 billion over two years. This is an all-time high in actual dollars;
K-12 schools receive a $636 million increase in state aid in this budget. This is the largest increase in a decade. $200 per pupil increase in first year and $204 increase in the second year;
Fully funds the sparsity aid program;
Expands eligibility for high-cost transportation aid so that more districts may receive aid and fully funds the program;
This budget invests $35.5 million to expand broadband in our state;
$6.5 million for school social workers, mental health services, and trauma-informed care training for school staff;
The tuition freeze for University of Wisconsin System in-state undergraduates will continue for another two years. The freeze will have cumulatively saved the average student $6,311 over four years;
Wisconsin Technical Colleges receive $5 million to help train students to fill high-demand fields.
Partial repeal of Personal Property Tax - Beginning January 1, 2018, non-manufacturing machinery, tools, and patterns will be excluded from the personal property tax;
Transportation
The budget that the Governor signed reduces overall bonding levels to just over $400M (a reduction of about $100M from the Governor’s recommendations), adding a number of reforms to reduce DOT and project costs, and increasing funding for local road aids. Highlights include:
A new fee on hybrid and electric cars to support $75M in transportation bonding;
Eliminating 200 DOT positions and using related funding to support the transportation fund;
The Committee also added a number of DOT reforms to ensure accountability for any new revenues received by the transportation fund. They include:
Federal Aid “Swap”;
Repeal of prevailing wage, effective January 1, 2018.
Workforce Training
$1 million is provided to increase Fabrication Laboratory (Fab Lab) Grants. Fab Labs provide hands-on experience to students so they can get the skills they need for jobs in the 21st century;
$11.5M for Fast Forward grants which fund workforce training programs;
Increased funding for Career and Technical Education grants by $1M.
Governor Walker issued 98 vetoes to the 2017 – 19 state budget. To review the full list of vetoes, please click here.
Dan Meyer Appointed DNR Secretary
Dan Meyer, who previously served as the State Representative of the 34th Assembly District, was appointed today by Governor Walker to be the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. I would like to congratulate Dan on his new role. I have had the pleasure of knowing Dan for many years, and I am fully confident that he will excel as DNR Secretary.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2017
Governor Walker Appoints Dan Meyer to Serve as
Department of Natural Resources Secretary
MADISON – Governor Scott Walker today announced the appointment of former Wisconsin State Assembly Representative Dan Meyer to serve as secretary of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
“Dan Meyer will be an outstanding DNR secretary,” Governor Walker said. “He understands the balance between protecting our natural resources and supporting economic prosperity in our state. As a highly respected former legislator and mayor who cares deeply about conservation, Dan will serve in the best interests of Wisconsin.”
Meyer, an avid outdoorsman, represented the 34th District in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 2001 to 2013 and was a strong advocate for the environment, specifically related to protecting Wisconsin’s lakes in the efforts against invasive species. Prior to his time in the Legislature, he served as mayor of Eagle River, Wisconsin, from 1997 – 2001 and is a former executive director of the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center. Meyer, a Vietnam era veteran, resides in Eagle River with his family.
“I am honored to serve as DNR secretary,” said Dan Meyer. “Our state is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, and we will work to responsibly protect them and ensure they remain a source of recreation, tourism, economic growth, and rich natural history now and for our children.”
Meyer’s appointment is effective today, September 25, 2017.
Beef-A-Rama
This weekend marks the annual Beef-A-Rama festival held in Downtown Minocqua. I am honored to have been invited to be a judge for a second consecutive year, and look forward to seeing everyone at the festival. For over 50 years, Beef-A-Rama has attracted thousands of visitors who come from all over the state to take part in the festivities and fun. Roasters compete against one another to cook up their signature roast beefs striving to win first place in the contest. There are plenty of events for the whole family to enjoy. From the 10K and 5K Rump Roast Run and Walk along Lake Minocqua, live music, the Prime Choice Craft Show featuring more than 70 vendors, the Beef Eating Contest, the Cow Pie Plop and of course, the famous Roaster Parade down main street. Grab a roast beef sandwich at Torpy Park and enjoy this great tradition! To learn more, please click here.
Friday, September 29th
10am-Noon Live Radio Broadcast with WRJO at the Minocqua Area Chamber of Commerce
6:00-9:00pm Lakeland Rotary Rump Roast Run registration at American Legion Hall
6:30-9:30pm Live Music The Lincoln Boys Band and Beer Garden sponsored by The Minocqua Island Business Association at Torpy Park
Saturday, September 30th
7am Rump Roast Run Registration at the American Legion Hall
7:30am Street Closure Begins
7am-8pm Shuttles Run ($3 fee per car) from Lakeland Union High School, Hribar Corporation/Truck Country, Lakeland Hawks Ice Arena & Builders First Source
8:15am Lakeland Rotary’s Calf Mile Run for Kids
9am Lakeland Rotary's Rump Roast Run
9am-3pm Live Radio Broadcast by WRJO at Torpy Park
9am-11:00am Live Music Red Ben and the Missing Miles at Torpy Park
9am-5pm Bouncy Houses for Kids on the lower level of Torpy Park
9am-5pm Prime Choice Craft Show on the lower level of Torpy Park
9am-5pm Official Beef-A-Rama™ apparel sales at Torpy Park
10am-5:00pm Henna, Face painting, Glitter Painting at Veterans Park
10am-9:00pm Lakeland Rotary Beer Garden on Chicago Street
10am-9:00pm Minocqua Lions Club Beer Garden at Torpy Park
10am-5pm Official Beef-A-Rama™ Sandwich Sales at Torpy Park
10am-12pm Live Music by Corey Carlson at the Rotary Beer Garden on Chicago Street
10am-3pm Kids’ Games, Bouncy Houses, and Face Painting in lower level of Torpy Park
10am-4pm Kraft’s Kuddly Kritters Petting Zoo at Veterans Park
