In a 4-3 decision with Justice Brian Hagedorn delivering the majority opinion, he wrote:
“The question in this case is not whether the Governor acted wisely; it is whether he acted lawfully. We conclude he did not.”
In her explanation of the separation of powers, Justice Rebecca Bradley added:
“Accordingly, this court does not consider the prudence of particular measures to address the pandemic; such policy decisions rest with the legislature, not the judiciary. This case is about who has the power to make those decisions. The Wisconsin Constitution answers that question – it is the legislature’s duty to make the laws that govern our lives, the governor’s duty to execute them, and the judiciary’s duty to ensure they comport with the constitution.”
While I am happy at the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the separation of powers and rule of law, my stance on mask wearing has not changed. If a business, school, or facility has its own mask policy, the right thing to do is comply. However, it is not the government’s job to mandate mask wearing and consequently punish those who do not wear masks.
State Affairs Committee Update
On Wednesday, the Assembly Committee on State Affairs held a public hearing where we listened to testimonies on two bills. The first bill, Assembly Bill 61, expands the purposes for which proceeds from the sale of state-owned property controlled by the Department of Natural Resources may be spent. This bill would effectively get rid of restrictions and limitations on land that the DNR can purchase using proceeds from land they previously owned.
The second bill, Assembly Bill 92, would provide a grant to a hospital in order to expand its psychiatric bed capacity. As mental health has become an even more prevalent issue amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, this bill would allow the Building Commission to award a grant of $15 million to an Eau Claire area psychiatric hospital to expand their capacity by 22 beds.
As always, I appreciate everyone who took time out of their day to testify and show their support for these two bills.
Federal Aid Press Conference
On Tuesday, I participated in a press conference with several of my colleagues in Madison to respond to the Governor’s veto of Senate Bill 183. SB183 would have provided legislative oversight of the $3.2 billion in federal stimulus funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and given Wisconsinites a say in how federal aid should be allocated.
Although the Governor has full control over how the money is spent, our priorities that we hope he considers include expanding broadband access, small business assistance, and investing in our rural communities.
DHS Update
Beginning next Monday April 5, every Wisconsinite age 16 and older will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
On Tuesday, the Department of Health Services announced that vaccines will become available at more locations across the state. Due to an increase vaccine supply, nearly 600 participating pharmacies throughout Wisconsin will begin offering COVID-19 vaccinations. Amongst this group includes providers such as Costco, CVS, Hy-Vee, Walmart and Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services, which includes some Hometown Pharmacies.
To learn more about vaccine eligibility, please visit the DHS website.
For an interactive map showing locations of vaccine providers across the state, please click here.
UW-Madison Tour
As members of the State Building Commission, Rep. Wittke and I had the opportunity to tour several facilities on the UW-Madison campus. We first toured the College of Engineering, which is one of the fastest growing departments on UW’s campus, alongside Dean Ian Robertson.
Pictured here with Rep. Wittke and Dean Ian Robertson from the College of Engineering.
Next, we toured the Mosse Humanities Building accompanied by Dean of the College of Letters and Sciences, Eric Wilcots.
Rep. Wittke and I with Dean Eric Wilcots from the College of Letters and Sciences.
These types of tours are important because they give us a first-hand look at the improvements that the UW System wants to make on their campuses. Thank you UW-Madison, the College of Engineering, and the College of Letters and Sciences for giving us a tour of your facilities.
Listening Sessions
This past weekend, I joined Senator Felzkowski in Florence to discuss the proposed state budget as well as other issues with local residents. Thank you to everyone who attended and provided valuable input.
Pictured with Sen. Felzkowski and constituents in Florence County
If you couldn't make it to any of our listening sessions, don't fret. There are more opportunities to engage with your elected officials in the coming weeks.
The Joint Finance Committee will be holding several other public hearings during the month of April. The public hearing schedule is:
Friday, April 9, 2021 at UW-Whitewater, Whitewater, WI
Wednesday, April 21 at the Hodag Dome, Rhinelander, WI
Thursday, April 22, 2021 UW-Stout, Menomonie, WI
Wednesday, April 28, 2021, Virtual
If you would like to submit a comment to the Joint Finance Committee, you can do so by clicking this link or by emailing Budget.Comments@legis.wisconsin.gov.
United Airlines Flights to Chicago
Congratulations to Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport as they will begin to offer express flights to Chicago O’Hare this summer.
In a press release on Tuesday, Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport announced that beginning on July 1, Daily United Express jet service will offer flights from Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport (RHI) to Chicago (ORD).
Tickets will be available soon at united.com or by contacting your local travel agent.
I am glad that Rhinelander – The Gateway to the North – will now be more connected to other Midwestern centers of commerce.
Happy Easter!
From my family to yours, I would like to wish every one of you a very Happy Easter!
Community Events
Please click the following links for upcoming community events!
Yesterday, the 
On Wednesday, the Assembly Committee on State Affairs held a public hearing where we listened to testimonies on two bills. The first bill, 
Beginning next Monday April 5, every Wisconsinite age 16 and older will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Congratulations to Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport as they will begin to offer express flights to Chicago O’Hare this summer.
From my family to yours, I would like to wish every one of you a very Happy Easter!