On Tuesday, the Assembly convened in session to discuss a host of bills. The most prominent bills focused on education reform, as it relates to anti-racism and anti-sexism curricula taught in public schools, cursive writing, educational and financial transparency, civics education, and federal funding for mental health programs at public and private schools, respectively.
Assembly Bill 378: making school district and school financial information available to the public
Assembly Bill 411: anti-racism and anti-sexism pupil instruction and anti-racism and anti-sexism training for employees of school districts and independent charter schools
Assembly Bill 414: anti-racism and anti-sexism training for employees of state government and local government
Assembly Bill 420: payments to an independent charter school authorized by a tribal college
Assembly Bill 435: incorporating cursive writing into the state model English language arts standards and requiring cursive writing in elementary grades
Assembly Bill 488: requiring school boards to make information about learning materials and educational activities used for pupil instruction available to the public
Assembly Bill 561: requiring school boards to report information regarding credit recovery courses
Assembly Bill 563: required instruction in civic education in the elementary and high school grades
Assembly Bill 564: reports concerning state agency expenditure of federal coronavirus relief funds and allocating federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funding for grants to school districts, independent charter schools, and private schools for mental health programs
Additionally, the Assembly voted in favor of three bills that address issues regarding financial reimbursement for the disabled, housing and occupancy permit extensions, and a statewide urban search and rescue task force.
Assembly Bill 116: reimbursement of wheelchairs and power mobility devices for recipients of Medical Assistance who reside in a nursing home
Assembly Bill 247: extension of certain approvals and occupancy permits under the uniform dwelling code
Assembly Bill 376: a statewide urban search and rescue task force, regional emergency response teams
Each one of these bills passed in the Assembly and were messaged to the Senate, where they can now be scheduled for a vote on the Senate floor. It is unclear how many of these bills the Governor would sign into law, should they reach his desk.
Bipartisan Taiwan Friendship Caucus
On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of introducing myself to Taiwan Ambassador Bi-Khim Hsiao during the kick-off meeting of the Taiwan Friendship Caucus.
Earlier this year both houses of the Legislature, by resolution, reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening and deepening the ties between Wisconsin and Taiwan. We believe the creation of the bipartisan Taiwan Friendship Caucus allows the Wisconsin Legislature to express our commitment to our relationship with Taiwan and showcase the shared values between our people.
The purpose of the caucus is to:
Support Taiwan’s commitment to democracy, freedom, and human rights
Safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific region
Strengthen the bonds of friendship and promote a closer economic and trade partnership between Taiwan and Wisconsin
Join efforts with the local Taiwanese and Wisconsin communities, NGOs, think tanks, and universities to initiate projects to advance our relationship
2021 First Responder of the Year Award
We are now accepting applications from the 34th Assembly District for the 2021 First Responder of the Year Award. This award, created in 2019, highlights the incredible work the brave men and women of our emergency services do each and every day to keep our communities safe.
Nominees can include police officers, sheriff's deputies, firefighters or any level of emergency service personnel that exemplifies community service, selflessness, and dedication. One deserving individual will be selected from each Assembly district and invited to the State Capitol in Madison to be formally recognized on the Assembly floor during First Responder's Appreciation Month in October.
Nominations must be submitted to my office no later than Friday, October 8. Please use our online nomination form found here.
Blue Books
The long wait is over -- 2021-22 Blue Books have arrived!
These biennially published books are a valuable source of information about the State of Wisconsin, legislators, and a historical record of our state government.
If you would like a blue book, please fill out this form on our website.
Healing Patriots Parade
(2018 Presque Isle Expedition Group)
This Saturday, October 2nd, the Healing Patriots will be holding a parade in Presque Isle to celebrate the kick-off of the 2021 fishing expedition.
The Healing Patriots is a non-profit organization that helps veterans and first responders in their day-to-day life. Healing Patriots uses outdoor therapeutic opportunities, such as group fishing expeditions, to help veterans and first responders develop a positive and healthy lifestyle.
This parade is in honor of our veterans and first responders and the incredible, heroic contributions they have in our community. The parade will begin at 3:50 PM and will be followed by a Spaghetti Dinner at 5:00 PM. Then the group will stay at the Sunrise Resort over the big weekend of fishing.
Thank you all for your service and thank you to Healing Patriots for all you do!
The annual Cranberry Fest is taking place this Saturday, October 2, in Eagle River.
This event will feature arts and crafts, cranberry food sales, a bakery, and entertainment. More than 40,000 people attend this event each year and approximately 10,000 pounds of premium select cranberries will be sold this weekend.
Thanks to all the cranberry producers, vendors, entertainers, and attendees for taking part in celebrating one of Wisconsin's top agricultural products: cranberries.
For more information, please visit the Eagle River website.
Fall Color Report
Photo Courtesy of the Wisconsin DNR
Fall is officially here and there's no better place to watch the trees turn to shades of red, orange, and yellow than in the Northwoods.
Forests across the 34th Assembly District are expected to reach their peak colors in the next couple of weeks.
If you would like to know when the trees in your community will reach peak colors, please visit the Fall Color Report.
Upcoming Listening Sessions
Sen. Mary Felzkowski and I will be holding joint listening sessions throughout the 34th Assembly District next Friday, October 8th.
The listening sessions will take place in:
Hiles: 9:00-10:00 AM - Hiles Town Hall, 9193 North Main St, Hiles, WI 54511
Lake Tomahawk: 11:30 AM-12:00 PM - Raymond Sloan Community Center, 7246 Main St, Lake Tomahawk, WI 54539
Boulder Junction: 2:30-3:30 PM - Boulder Junction Public Library, 5392 Park St, Boulder Junction, WI 54512
Sen. Felzkowski and I would love to hear from our constituents and learn more about the issues you care about.
Community Events
Please click the following links for upcoming community events!
On Tuesday, the Assembly convened in session to discuss a host of bills. The most prominent bills focused on education reform, as it relates to anti-racism and anti-sexism curricula taught in public schools, cursive writing, educational and financial transparency, civics education, and federal funding for mental health programs at public and private schools, respectively.
On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of introducing myself to Taiwan Ambassador Bi-Khim Hsiao during the kick-off meeting of the Taiwan Friendship Caucus.
We are now accepting applications from the 34th Assembly District for the 2021 First Responder of the Year Award. This award, created in 2019, highlights the incredible work the brave men and women of our emergency services do each and every day to keep our communities safe.
The long wait is over -- 2021-22 Blue Books have arrived!
The annual Cranberry Fest is taking place this Saturday, October 2, in Eagle River.
Photo Courtesy of the Wisconsin DNR