Emergency Order Update

On Thursday, I voted in favor of Senate Joint Resolution 3, which effectively terminated the Governor's emergency order. 

The decision to terminate Governor Evers’ emergency order is not a decision I take lightly. It is a constitutional issue in which the Governor abused his executive power by violating Wisconsin state statute each time he extended the original emergency order. This should not be a partisan issue – it is a constitutional issue.

In Wisconsin Statutes: 323.10, it clearly states that “…A state of emergency shall not exceed 60 days, unless the state of emergency is extended by joint resolution of the legislature.”

The Governor has chosen to break this statute and work independently of the legislature, despite the legislature inviting the Governor to work together three separate times. We are a nation of laws and the Governor is not above the law.

Here is the letter I signed from Republican members of the Assembly to Governor Evers. 

Revenue Projections

We have some positive news about our state’s revenue outlook!

Recently, the Legislative Fiscal Bureau released updated projections (PDF) showing that general fund tax collections over the next three years will be over $1 billion higher than the Department of Administration previously estimated. In addition, our rainy day fund will increase by $232 million to almost $1 billion, which is the highest in our state’s history and approaches the ceiling allowed by state law.

Because of our prudent fiscal management over the past ten years, Wisconsin will remain fiscally sound despite the drastic impact of the pandemic. It is important that we continue to work together to keep our businesses open, help our economy recover safely, and keep Wisconsin moving forward.  

Republicans Are Lowering Your Taxes!

Governor Evers loves raising our taxes. In his first budget, he raised taxes by over $1 billion. Fortunately, responsible Republicans in the State Legislature were able to craft a budget that cut taxes by $412 million. We are hoping that the next budget proposal Governor Evers sends us does not include massive tax spikes.

Travel Wisconsin Winter Trail Condition Report

Mother Nature provided a blanket of white gold for us this week! With an average of 6-12 inches of snow across the district and groomed trails, this should be another great weekend of snowmobiling!

For the latest snow report, visit the Travel Wisconsin Snow Report Webpage.

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.