On Wednesday, the Joint Committee on Finance held a public listening session at the Hodag Dome in my hometown of Rhinelander. These types of events are important because they give our constituents the opportunity to discuss issues pertinent to the Northwoods.
Special thanks to Co-Chairs Rep. Mark Born, Sen. Howard Marklein, and the members of the Joint Committee on Finance for traveling up to the Northwoods. Hopefully the weather will be better next time we hold a budget listening session in northern Wisconsin!
To watch Joint Finance Committee's press conference at the Hodag Dome, please click here.
For The People Veto
Yesterday, Governor Evers vetoed the For The People federal aid package that was sent to his desk last week. This comes weeks after the Governor vetoed the Truth in Spending Act, which would have given the Legislature oversight of federal aid from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and our constituents an opportunity to provide input on how this federal money is allocated.
Here is a list of items from the For The People package that the Governor vetoed:
Aid to Households: $1 billion to provide a 10 percent payment to all property taxpayers
I am disappointed that Governor Evers chose to veto this legislation that would have helped ALL Wisconsinites. However, I am not surprised that the Governor will continue on his go-it-alone approach, refuse to work together with the Legislature, and ignore the real needs of citizens around the state.
District Meetings
While at the budget listening session on Wednesday, Sen. Mary Felzkowski and I were able to meet with Jeff Currie of Great Headwaters Trails, Vilas County Supervisor Holly Tomlanovich, Kathy Schmitz of the Vilas County Economic Development Corp., and Jon Hollander from the Minocqua Winter Park board.
As always, it was great to discuss the legislative priorities of our constituents, including outdoor recreation and the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. Thank you to Jeff, Sue, Holly, Kathy, and Jon for taking the time to meet with Sen. Felzkowski and I in Rhinelander!
Lakeland STAR Academy Tour & Testimonies
On Tuesday, I was joined by Joint Finance Committee members Rep. Jessie Rodriguez, Rep. Terry Katsma, Sen. Kathy Bernier, Co-Chair Rep. Mark Born, and Rep. Tony Kurtz to tour the Lakeland STAR Academy in Minocqua. Lakeland STAR Academy is a one-of-a-kind school in Wisconsin that caters to students with autism, learning, and cognitive disabilities.
Special thank you to STAR Academy Director Eric Mikoleit for giving us such an insightful and impactful tour of their facility and introducing us to many of their students, faculty, and staff. Also thank you to STAR Academy student, Ronnie, who was our awesome tour guide and showed us all around his school.
On Wednesday, Lakeland STAR Academy joined us at the Hodag Dome to testify in front of the Joint Committee on Finance. They are hopeful that they can be a model for youth with autism, learning, and cognitive disabilities for schools around the state. Thank you to the Lakeland STAR Academy students and faculty for their courage to tell their incredible stories.
Congratulations to Northland Pines School District!
Congratulations to Northland Pines School District who were recently awarded Focus on Energy's 2021 Energy Efficiency Excellence Award!
Northland Pines has worked hard to reduce energy costs, which alternatively allowed them to invest more in their students and save the taxpayer's money.
Shout out to Northland Pines District Administrator Scott Foster and Director of Building and Grounds Dave Bohnen on this big achievement!
Department of Tourism Update
This year, the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is promoting "The Wonder of Wisconsin", which is aimed at helping travelers reconnect, refresh, and discover new outdoor offerings in Wisconsin.
After such a tumultuous year, this summer will be key for getting our tourism industry back on its feet. From the waterfalls of Vilas County to the Northern Highland State Forest, the 34th Assembly District has so many wonderful outdoor experiences to offer.
Do yourself a favor and spend time outdoors this summer!
To watch the Department of Tourism's Summertime in Wisconsin video, please click here.
Spring Turkey Season Begins
As of this Wednesday April 21, spring turkey season has officially begun!
The season will end on June 1, so be sure to get your turkey hunting in while you can.
Good luck to all the turkey hunters in the Northwoods!
For more information about spring turkey season, visit the DNR website.
Community Events
Please click the following links for upcoming community events!
On Wednesday, the Joint Committee on Finance held a public listening session at the Hodag Dome in my hometown of Rhinelander. 
Yesterday, Governor Evers vetoed the For The People federal aid package that was sent to his desk last week. This comes weeks after the Governor vetoed the 
On Tuesday, I was joined by Joint Finance Committee members Rep. Jessie Rodriguez, Rep. Terry Katsma, Sen. Kathy Bernier, Co-Chair Rep. Mark Born, and Rep. Tony Kurtz to tour the Lakeland STAR Academy in Minocqua. Lakeland STAR Academy is a one-of-a-kind school in Wisconsin that caters to students with autism, learning, and cognitive disabilities. 
This year, the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is promoting "The Wonder of Wisconsin", which is aimed at helping travelers reconnect, refresh, and discover new outdoor offerings in Wisconsin.
As of this Wednesday April 21, spring turkey season has officially begun!