On Tuesday, the Assembly voted unanimously on Special Session Senate Bill 1, which directs Governor Evers to modernize the state’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) computer system. After the Governor spent nearly a year of diverting blame to outdated computer systems, it’s time that the Assembly steps in to fill in the gaps where the Governor’s leadership has failed, namely for unemployed Wisconsinites.
This legislation requires the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to issue a request for proposal within 30 days of the effective date of the bill and requires DWD to begin the computer upgrade project no later than June 30, 2021. This bill also ensures that federal funding be exhausted before tapping into state dollars.
In addition, this amended piece of legislation includes several common-sense provisions from the Coronavirus Relief Bill that Governor Evers vetoed last month:
Exempts UI one-week waiting period through March 14
Includes civil liability exemption language that would protect schools, businesses, and local governments from frivolous lawsuits
Provides more relief to those who lost jobs through no fault of their own, including benefit charging, work-share, and extended benefit provisions
On Thursday, Governor Evers signed the bipartisan, amended version of Senate Bill 1 into law.
Small Business Development Committee Hearing
On Thursday, the Assembly’s Committee on Small Business Development held their first public hearing of the new legislative session. The topic of discussion was Clearing House Rule CR 20-025, which has to do with cosmetology licensure, continuing education, and practice outside of a licensed establishment. Thank you to all the speakers for providing their testimonies!
COVID-19 Vaccine Registry
On March 1, the Department of Health Services will be unveiling a COVID-19 Vaccine Registry that will allow Wisconsin residents to register for and schedule vaccinations as they become available locally. Those who are not eligible or unable to get an appointment have the option of being placed on a wait list.
Here is the link to the COVID-19 Vaccine Registry.
That's a Wrap on Wolf Season!
. . . And just like that, Wisconsin's wolf season is over!
At 4:00pm on Wednesday, the Department of Natural Resources reported that hunters had registered 182 wolves since Monday, February 22. Wolf hunters across the state had a successful hunt, exceeding quotas in all six zones. Although this year's hunt was shorter than in years past, I am glad that the DNR acted swiftly and reenacted this year's wolf season.
Three Lakes High School Girls Basketball Team
Congratulations to the Three Lakes High School Girls Basketball Team on an incredible season. The Blue Jays made it to the Division 5 State Finals where unfortunately they were defeated by Assumption High School.
We are beyond proud of each and every one of you on having such a phenomenal season and wish all graduating seniors the best of luck in their future endeavors!
Congratulations to Lake Tomahawk Fire Chief Mike Carlin!
Congratulations to Lake Tomahawk’s Fire Chief Mike Carlin for being recognized by the Wisconsin Society of Emergency Services as Instructor of the Year. Chief Mike Carlin is currently an Adjunct Fire Instructor at Nicolet College in Rhinelander. Thank you for all that you do to keep our Northwoods communities safe!
For a more in depth profile of Chief Mike Carlin, here is the link to the WJFW story.
Travel Wisconsin Winter Trail Conditions Report
Despite the "warmer" weather, snowmobile trails across Assembly District 34 are groomed and looking good!
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, the Assembly voted unanimously on 
On Thursday, the Assembly’s Committee on Small Business Development held their first public hearing of the new legislative session. The topic of discussion was Clearing House Rule CR 20-025, which has to do with cosmetology licensure, continuing education, and practice outside of a licensed establishment. Thank you to all the speakers for providing their testimonies!
On March 1, the Department of Health Services will be unveiling a COVID-19 Vaccine Registry that will allow Wisconsin residents to register for and schedule vaccinations as they become available locally. Those who are not eligible or unable to get an appointment have the option of being placed on a wait list.
Congratulations to the Three Lakes High School Girls Basketball Team on an incredible season. The Blue Jays made it to the Division 5 State Finals where unfortunately they were defeated by Assumption High School. 
Congratulations to Lake Tomahawk’s Fire Chief Mike Carlin for being recognized by the Wisconsin Society of Emergency Services as Instructor of the Year. Chief Mike Carlin is currently an Adjunct Fire Instructor at Nicolet College in Rhinelander. Thank you for all that you do to keep our Northwoods communities safe!
Despite the "warmer" weather, snowmobile trails across Assembly District 34 are groomed and looking good!