Assembly Bill 171 would allow an organization with a Class B raffle license to conduct a paddlewheel raffle as long as the organization complies with certain requirements. AB171 would be a huge win for philanthropic groups and small-to-medium sized organizations throughout the state that depend on paddlewheel raffles for funding.
Paul Fink from American Legion and David Green from VFW WI testifying in favor of AB226
Assembly Bill 226 would require sporting events to play the national anthem at venues that are either fully or partially paid for by public funds. I'm proud that this patriotic bill will ensure that sporting venues paid for by public moneys acknowledge and honor this great nation that we all call home.
Assembly Bill 231 would allow the Department of Revenue to issue retail alcohol beverage permits for motor vehicle racetracks, thereby allowing the sale of alcoholic beverages on racetrack grounds. As attending events at racetracks are a fun, family-friendly Wisconsin tradition, this bill would essentially cut the red-tape that restricts caterers from selling alcoholic beverages on racetrack grounds.
As always, thank you to all of the individuals who took time out of their day to provide testimonies on these bills. We appreciate your commitment to making this state an even better place to live!
Election Reform Update
Picture Courtesy of The Cap Times
On Tuesday, the Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections held a public hearing on nine bills related to election reform. The bills are:
Assembly Bill 51: public notice of noncandidacy for incumbent local elected officials.
Assembly Bill 94: allowing a pupil enrolled in a home-based private educational program to serve as an election inspector
Assembly Bill 172: publication of Elections Commission meeting minutes
Assembly Bill 173: private resources used for election administration, appointment of election officials, and providing a penalty
Assembly Bill 179: absentee voting in certain residential care facilities and retirement homes and providing a penalty
Assembly Bill 198: defects on absentee ballot certificates, certain kinds of election fraud, and providing a penalty
Assembly Bill 201: absentee ballot applications, unsolicited mailing or transmission of absentee ballot applications and absentee ballots, canvassing absentee ballots, electronic voter registration, and providing a penalt
State Capitol Dome Tour
On Tuesday, I participated in a tour of the State Capitol's dome with several of my fellow legislators. Believe it or not, this was the first time I toured the dome since being elected to the State Assembly.
Rep. Tyler Vorpagel (R-Plymouth) and Rep. Clint Moses (R-Menomonie) appreciating the suspended painting at the top of the rotunda
Rep. Vorpagel, Rep. Moses, snd I admiring the view of Madison from the lighthouse on top of the dome
We are lucky to be able to work in such a beautiful building in a magnificent state. Thank you to the Sergeant-At-Arms Office for providing us with this opportunity. Our gorgeous capitol is yet another reason our state is the best in the nation.
National Tourism Week Interview
In anticipation of National Tourism Week (May 2-May 8), I participated in an interview with Spectrum News 1. Tune in next Sunday, May 9 to catch my interview on Spectrum's program "In Focus: Wisconsin" as I discuss the importance of the tourism industry in Wisconsin and how businesses have acclimated to stay open during the pandemic.
Tax Day Update
Fishing Season Begins Saturday
The 2021-2022 fishing season begins this Saturday, May 1. Keep in mind that all regulations and license requirements still apply.
You can check out the fishing forecasts using the following links:
On Wednesday, the Committee on State Affairs held a public hearing on several bills, including 
On Tuesday, I participated in a tour of the State Capitol's dome with several of my fellow legislators. Believe it or not, this was the first time I toured the dome since being elected to the State Assembly. 
In anticipation of National Tourism Week (May 2-May 8), I participated in an interview with Spectrum News 1. Tune in next Sunday, May 9 to catch my interview on Spectrum's program "In Focus: Wisconsin" as I discuss the importance of the tourism industry in Wisconsin and how businesses have acclimated to stay open during the pandemic. 
The 2021-2022 fishing season begins this Saturday, May 1. Keep in mind that all regulations and license requirements still apply.