On behalf of my family in Rhinelander and my staff in Madison, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! This year has certainly been challenging due to the pandemic, but I hope you can spend the holiday season surrounded by friends and family in a safe manner. It is truly an honor to be your voice in Madison, and I look forward to continuing to fight for the Northwoods in 2021. Please click the picture below to watch a video of my full holiday message from the State Capitol.
Research Assistant Joe Mesec (Left), Rep. Swearingen, and Legislative Assistant Taylor Corkrin (Right)
DWD put 77.6 percent of individuals into adjudication on their initial UI claim to the state.
As of October 10, 2020, there were 96,623 individuals with claims in adjudication.
DWD was responsible for 11 of the 13 weeks (84.6 percent) that it took, on average, to resolve the initial claims of the random sample of 250 individuals.
The most common issues that accounted for time elapsing involved instances when DWD had not resolved issues even though it had the information to do so and because it had not requested information it needed from individuals and employers.
Governor Evers and his administration have failed the tens of thousands of Wisconsinites who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. The latest audit gives the public a revealing look at the disastrous mismanagement in processing Unemployment Insurance claims. Many people have yet to receive their money and are waiting for the administration and DWD officials to get their act together.
DWD should have immediately extended call center hours, transferred state employees to assist as allowed by April’s COVID relief legislation or even required employees to work overtime. The lack of urgency to help the unemployed is inexcusable and unconscionable.
The Joint Legislative Committee on Audit held a hearing to review the recent audits of DWD. You can watch the committee proceedings on Wisconsin Eye.
Assembly Republicans are demanding change. We have proposed legislation to require the elimination of the backlog within 30 days, an increase in call center hours to 12 hours per day, 7 days per week, and a reduction of the salaries of DWD bureaucrats if these issues don’t get resolved.
Committee Assignments
Recently, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos announced the Assembly standing committees and their chairs and vice-chairs for the 2021-2022 legislative session. I am honored and privileged to be re-appointed as Chair of the Assembly Committee on State Affairs. I look forward to working with my fellow committee members (which we will know soon) on key legislative issues that impact Wisconsin residents. State Affairs is an all-encompassing committee that handles a wide variety of legislative proposals.
Additionally, I have also been appointed as the Vice-Chair of the Assembly Committee on Tourism, Vice-Chair of the Joint Survey Committee on Tax Exemptions, and I have been re-appointed to the State Building Commission.
The Building Commission is an eight-member body chaired by the governor, along with six legislators from both the minority and majority party and a citizen member. The groups' mission is to plan, oversee, and approve state-owned building projects around the state. I also look forward to working with the Building Commission members on projects that are in the best interest of the taxpayers, and I am honored to be one of the six legislators appointed to this important committee.
The Assembly Committee on State Affairs during an Information Hearing
Rhinelander High School Interviews
This past month, I had the opportunity to have a discussion with three Rhinelander High School students from Mr. Losch's AP US Government and Politics class on the importance of youth involvement in politics and civic engagement. Much of the conversation focused on the most recent campaign cycle and social media's role to engage more youth in the voting process. I was also interviewed by Ty Welk (not pictured) of the same class. Thank you for giving me this opportunity!
I had a fantastic time attending the Three Lakes Village Market this past Saturday! It was great catching up with friends and participating in Christmas festivities. The Three Lakes Chamber of Commerce did a great job setting up this event, which included an appearance by everyone's favorite man in red as well as ice skating and horse-drawn wagon rides.
The horse-drawn wagon rides were a big hit this year!
Amy Swearingen (Left), Rep. Swearingen, Roger Brisk, Jackie Walker (Right)
Many took part in ice skating at the village skate rink.
Josh Pike (President of the Three Lakes Chamber), Rep. Swearingen, Collette Sorgal (Executive Director of the Three Lakes Chamber)
Lights in the Northwoods
Another spectacular display of Lights in the Northwoods this Christmas season. I encourage everyone to go out and experience the festive lights this year. The lights will remain on throughout the Holidays 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm with limited staffing from December 21st until January 3rd. Bring the family and enjoy the lights and holiday festivities! For more information, please click here. Also, new this year, there will be Fireworks at Hodag Park on January 1st from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm. For more information, please click here.
Snowmobiling in the Northwoods
We are all hoping for a fresh snowfall so winter enthusiasts can take full advantage of the winter activities in the Northwoods. In a recent article by Travel Wisconsin, they have put out the Top 6 Snowmobiling Spots in the state. Fortunate enough, we in the Northwoods don't have far to travel since 5 out of the 6 are in our area. For more information on where to go and what to see please click here.
Community Events
Please click the following links for upcoming community events!
