On Tuesday evening, Governor Evers unveiled his 2021-2023 biennial budget proposal, which is filled with divisive policies and drastic increases in spending. While the Governor calls his budget the “Badger Bounceback Plan”, it should really be called the “Badger Backward Budget” as it is filled with frivolous spending and non-budgetary items that will cause more harm than good for the hardworking taxpayers of the 34th Assembly District.
Governor Evers’ budget plan would effectively:
Increase spending by 9.8% or $8.1 billion
Increase taxes by $1 billion, including doubling the energy tax
Repeal Act 10
Require background checks on all firearm sales
The Badger Backward Plan is a missed opportunity to help small businesses get back on their feet and our kids back in school. As abysmal of a budget proposal as this is, we are lucky to have a fiscally responsible majority in the Legislature who will work together, gather input from across the state, and improve the budget with one that reflects the values of the Northwoods.
Nonetheless, there are some budget items that I am proud to support including rural broadband expansion. Each year, broadband expansion is a top issue in Northern Wisconsin. In order to attract new businesses to our district, increase educational opportunities, create more sustainable jobs, and connect rural communities, it’s necessary that we invest in rural broadband. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Legislature and Governor Evers to ensure broadband expansion receives its well-deserved funding.
Committee on State Affairs Update
Last week, we passed two important bills in the State Affairs Committee. The first bill is Assembly Bill 28, which changes the definition of “multijurisdictional” within state statute to include any other country or region. As Wisconsin is required by law to participate in a multijurisdictional lottery, this bill ensures that Wisconsin can continue to participate in the lottery as it expands to countries like the United Kingdom and Australia.
The second bill, Assembly Bill 32, allows certain alcohol beverage retailers to sell intoxicating liquor by the glass for consumption away from the licensed premise if the container of liquor has a tamper-evident seal. This bill ensures that small businesses can continue selling their products legally and aren’t unnecessarily punished during a time of economic hardship.
Payment Protection Program Loan Deductibility
On Tuesday, I voted in favor of the amended version Assembly Bill 2, which harmonizes the treatment of Payroll Protection Program (PPP) funds under state tax law with federal tax law. This bipartisan bill successfully passed through both houses and was signed into law on Thursday by Governor Evers.
AB2 ensures that Wisconsin does not face a $431 million state tax for accepting forgivable PPP loans. After such a difficult year financially for small businesses, now is not the time to burden them with unexpected taxes. AB2 will be the difference between many businesses staying open or closing down, and it will undoubtedly put them in a stronger position to recover from the effects of the pandemic.
Wolf Hunt Resumed!
This week, the Department of Natural Resources announced that there will be a wolf harvest season taking place next week, February 22-28. Following orders from a Jefferson County Judge, the DNR voted unanimously to resume the wolf hunt and will be issuing 4,000 licenses for a harvest of 200 wolves. The application period for a permit will be open until 11:59PM on Saturday, February 20. Hunters may apply through their Go Wild account or by visiting a participating licensed agent.
Lakeland High School Boys Hockey Team Update
(Picture Courtesy of The Lakeland Times)
Congratulations to Minocqua’s very own Lakeland High School Boys Hockey Team for an incredible season and making it to the WIAA State Boys Hockey Tournament. Unfortunately, the T-Birds lost to Superior High School on Thursday night. We are beyond proud of the Lakeland High School Boys Hockey Team and wish all the graduating seniors the best in their future endeavors!
Congratulations to Rhinelander's Quinn Lamers!
Spectrum 1 Scholar Athlete Winner
(Picture Courtesy of Spectrum 1 News)
Congratulations to Quinn Lamers from Rhinelander High School for earning a $1,000 scholarship from the Spectrum 1 Scholar Athlete Program. Quinn has been a tremendous athlete at RHS over the past four years and we wish him the best of luck in his academic pursuits in the future. For the full profile on Quinn’s remarkable athletic and academic career, click here.
Travel Wisconsin Winter Trail Condition Report
Snowmobile trails across Assembly District 34 are groomed and looking excellent!
Pick Up Your Tax Forms at Rhinelander District Library!
Tax forms must be requested for curbside pickup only this year at your Rhinelander District Library! Forms may be requested by calling 715-365-1070 to request the forms you need and to make a curbside pickup appointment. Please do not ask the library staff to get you forms by stopping by the library building. The library is still closed to the public. You must call to make a curbside pickup appointment.
Community Events
Please click the following links for upcoming community events!
On Tuesday evening, Governor Evers unveiled his 2021-2023 biennial budget proposal, which is filled with divisive policies and drastic increases in spending. While the Governor calls his budget the “Badger Bounceback Plan”, it should really be called the “Badger Backward Budget” as it is filled with frivolous spending and non-budgetary items that will cause more harm than good for the hardworking taxpayers of the 34th Assembly District.
Last week, we passed two important bills in the State Affairs Committee. The first bill is Assembly Bill 28, which changes the definition of “multijurisdictional” within state statute to include any other country or region. As Wisconsin is required by law to participate in a multijurisdictional lottery, this bill ensures that Wisconsin can continue to participate in the lottery as it expands to countries like the United Kingdom and Australia.
On Tuesday, I voted in favor of the amended version Assembly Bill 2, which harmonizes the treatment of Payroll Protection Program (PPP) funds under state tax law with federal tax law. This bipartisan bill successfully passed through both houses and was signed into law on Thursday by Governor Evers.
This week, the Department of Natural Resources announced that there will be a wolf harvest season taking place next week, February 22-28. Following orders from a Jefferson County Judge, the DNR voted unanimously to resume the wolf hunt and will be issuing 4,000 licenses for a harvest of 200 wolves. The application period for a permit will be open until 11:59PM on Saturday, February 20. Hunters may apply through their 
