Last month, the Joint Committee on Finance accepted an invitation from Rep. Callahan and I to hold a public hearing at Rhinelander School District's newly built Hodag Dome. The public hearing will take place this Wednesday, April 21 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
I am proud to have the opportunity to host Co-Chairs Rep. Mark Born, Sen. Howard Marklein and the other members of the state's budget writing committee in my hometown of Rhinelander.
Additionally, 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
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.
Prioritizing Federal Relief Funds
Following the Governor’s veto of the Truth in Spending Act, which would have given the Legislature oversight of federal aid from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Republicans put together a federal aid package that we hope the Governor strongly considers. The goal of this federal aid package is to direct the Governor to allocate funds fiscally and appropriately and ensure that the real priorities of citizens statewide are met.
On Tuesday, the Legislature convened to discuss this federal aid package that prioritizes helping small businesses, investing in broadband expansion, and boosting Wisconsin’s tourism industry among other things. The following is a list of items covered in the federal aid package:
Aid to Households: $1 billion to provide a 10 percent payment to all property taxpayers
At a time when Wisconsinites need help the most, the Governor should do the right thing, listen to the priorities of his constituents, and sign this federal aid package into law.
Holocaust Education Bill
Picture Courtesy of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/ Milwaukee Jewish Federation
On Tuesday the Assembly unanimously passed Assembly Bill 55, which would require Wisconsin schools to incorporate the Holocaust and other genocides into the state model social studies standards and require instruction on the Holocaust and other genocides for students in grades 5-12. AB55 has reached the Governor's desk and will soon become law.
I am proud of my colleagues in the Legislature for coming together to pass this bipartisan bill. As legislators, we must play our part to teach history and never forget.
To watch a video on the Holocaust education bill and why it's so important, please click this link.
Rhinelander District Library Opening Soon
Picture Courtesy of Wisconsin Historical Markers
The Rhinelander District Library will be open to the public beginning on Monday, April 19, 2021.
The hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Please visit the library website or Facebook page or call the library at (715) 365-1070 to check for other available services before visiting.
Tax Day Update
The filing deadline for both Federal and Wisconsin taxes has been extended until May 17, 2021.
ATV/UTV Trails Are Beginning to Open
All trails in Forest County are now open. Florence County ATV trails are set to open next Friday, April 23. Trails in Oneida and Vilas counties are expected to open in the next couple weeks.
Hope you can enjoy the beautiful weather on your ATV!
Get Ready for Spring Turkey Season!
Spring turkey season is just around the corner!
The 2021 Youth Turkey Hunt will be on April 17-18 and Period A begins the following Wednesday, April 21.
For more information about spring turkey season, visit the DNR website.
Community Events
Please click the following links for upcoming community events!
Following the Governor’s veto of the 
The filing deadline for both Federal and Wisconsin taxes has been extended until May 17, 2021.
All trails in Forest County are now open. Florence County ATV trails are set to open next Friday, April 23. Trails in Oneida and Vilas counties are expected to open in the next couple weeks. 
Spring turkey season is just around the corner!