Welcome back to my regular e-updates. It is and will continue to be an honor to serve as your voice in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Since June, I have been unable to send you updates due to a state law prohibiting mass communication during election season. Now that Election Day has passed, I can continue to share important information with the Northwoods about the issues facing our state.
Please continue to use my office as a resource to share your thoughts or concerns by reaching out at Rep.Swearingen@legis.wi.gov or by phone (608) 237-9134.
Wisconsin Deer Season is Here!
The start of deer season has once again arrived. Hunters throughout the Northwoods and Wisconsin have the opportunity to harvest the big one as the 2020 gun season runs from November 21st to November 29th. Reports from across the state indicate good deer numbers with lots of opportunities for hunters.
Haven’t purchased your license yet? Buy online in minutes at GoWild.Wi.Gov. Or purchase at a participating license agent. I recommend you call ahead to verify the hours and availability of license services. Please note: DNR service centers remain temporarily closed to the public at this time.
Good luck, hunters, and stay safe!
Continuing to Fight COVID-19
This week, Assembly Republicans unveiled policy initiatives to help address the COVID-19 surge. The package of ideas includes building a robust testing system; doubling the number of contact tracers; assisting the healthcare industry; ensuring efficient distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine; requiring Unemployment Insurance reform and assisting small businesses. Our goal is to find a consensus so the legislature can act on a bipartisan package in order to better utilize the CARES Act funding that expires at the end of 2020.
Statewide Election Review
Recently, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos announced that he was directing the Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections to use its investigatory powers under Wis. Stat. 13.31 to immediately review how the election was administered and to find any and all election irregularities. In the coming weeks, the committee, which I am not a member of, will be holding the first in a series of public hearings to oversee the administration of the general election.
With concerns surfacing about mail-in ballot dumps and voter fraud, we all deserve to know that our votes were counted. Most Wisconsinites agree that should be no question as to whether the election was fair and legitimate, and there must be absolute certainty that the impending recount finds any and all irregularities. I fully support the efforts of Representative Ron Tusler and the Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections and stand committed to fighting any fraud or irregularities that may exist. Our state and country prides itself on election integrity and we must ensure our state's system stayed true to this value during this election.
Representative Tusler's office has been working diligently to document cases of fraud or irregularities witnessed by Wisconsinites; these issues will be explored at length by committee members. To best protect our elections' integrity and ensure every legal vote counts, the Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections needs specific and actionable information sent to the following email address: election.complaints@legis.wi.gov. We would recommend that a complaint, concern, or allegation, would include the following:
Specific and first-hand information regarding potential fraud/misconduct. Hearsay or news reports of non-specific events are not useful.
Detail the incident/practice being reported (what, where, when, and who).
Any supporting materials that would be helpful in vetting the allegation. This could include photographs or names of witnesses.
Contact information so the individual can be reached for clarification or additional information. If the individuals choose to remain anonymous, that is their prerogative but may limit the value of their information if it is incomplete.
COVID Testing in the Northwoods and Additional Resources
This October, the Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail System, which spans 52 miles through the towns of Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters, Mercer, Sayner, and St. Germain has been officially designated a National Recreation Trail. The honor, bestowed by the Secretary of the Interior, is given to public trails that positively represent their regions, support diverse communities, and are considered among the nation’s best trails. They must be well-managed and maintained and a clear asset to their areas. Congratulations on this recognition!
Community Events
Please click the following links for upcoming community events!
