On Monday, my legislative colleagues and I took the oath of office. This marked the beginning of the 105th Legislative Session. It is my distinguished honor to represent the 34th Assembly District. As 2020 was an unprecedented year, there will be many difficult issues to tackle this year. I can't wait to get back to work!
Passing COVID-19 Relief
Overall, AB 1 has 44 provisions and will reallocate $100 million in funding from existing expenditures to help combat the pandemic.
Specifically, the COVID Relief Bill will do the following:
Ensure access to medications, vaccines, and testing
Provide assistance to hospitals, frontline medical workers, and first responders
Requires DWD to eliminate the Unemployment backlog
Allow for an “essential visitor” to ensure families can safely visit their loved ones in nursing homes and assisted living facilities
Give parents the ability to transfer students to schools that offer in-person learning
Require a vote by local school boards every 2 weeks if they wish to remain virtual
Protects schools and businesses from frivolous lawsuits
Legislative oversight of any new federal COVID funding
Reduce the ability for health officers to make sweeping, unnecessary closures without elected officials having input
Creates an “all-hands-on-deck” approach to improve vaccination distribution
COVID-19 Relief
Condemning Political Violence
Yesterday, Assembly Resolution 4 was introduced. This resolution, introduced by Assembly leadership, openly condemns political violence in a bipartisan manner.
This comes in the wake of violence on Capitol Hill this week. The actions that occurred were lawless and inexcusable. Destruction of federal property, bodily harm, and attacking our members of Congress, is an assault on the very fabric our nation. I sincerely hope that the president continues to condemn these actions and puts a stop to the violence. Our elected officials must be able to freely and safely represent their constituents.
"Political violence in any form has no place in the American system of government and should never be tolerated." -AR4
Staff Changes
A new session brings changes to my office. This session is no different, as I have to say goodbye and congratulations to Joe Mesec. Joe has been my Research Assistant and in charge of my office for the past three years. It has been fulfilling to watch Joe grow with his job as he worked with constituents all across the 34th Assembly District. As much as I hate to see Joe leave, I am excited for him to start his new role in Majority Leader Jim Steineke’s office just across the hall.
Best of luck, Joe!
I would also like to take this opportunity to introduce Taylor Corkran, as he will be serving as my new Research Assistant. Taylor is a native of Ripon, WI and graduated from Ripon College with a degree in Politics and Government. Taylor also proudly serves in the Wisconsin Army National Guard. He is looking forward to working with the constituents of the 34th Assembly District in his new role. In addition, he an avid outdoorsman and is excited to get familiar with the district while fishing and hunting in the north woods.
Welcome to the office, Taylor!
Travel Wisconsin Winter Trail Condition Report
Mother nature has not been kind this year to those of us that enjoy winter outdoor recreation. But we have finally caught a break! Rhinelander area trails open tomorrow! Have fun and be safe on the trails!
Recently, my office has been experiencing problems with our communication systems, both telephone and email. Please feel free to reach out to my office again if you think we may have missed you. I apologize for the inconvenience.
Contact my office.
Office of Representative Rob Swearingen Room 123 West PO Box 8953, Madison WI 53708
