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 District Dialogue


Serving the Greater Northwoods

Oneida - Vilas - Florence - Forest

May 14, 2021

 Assembly Floor Update

On Tuesday, the Assembly met to discuss a handful of important bills. Most notably, we voted on and passed Assembly Bill 226, Assembly Bill 173Assembly Bill 44. Assembly Bill 45, and Assembly Bill 46

 

Assembly Bill 226, also known as The National Anthem Act, would require any sporting venue or facility funded wholly or partially by taxpayer dollars to play or sing the national anthem. While I understand that patriotism cannot be legislated, it's important that we always pay our respects to this incredible nation that we all call home.

Assembly Bill 173 would prohibit the use of private resources for election administration, appointment of election officials, and provide a penalty for any such violation. As we've seen a major increase in private organizations funding election operations across the state, this bill is aimed at curbing outside influence in our elections and restoring integrity in the election process. For an update on election reform bills in the legislature, I would recommend checking out this link

 

Assembly Bills 44, 45, and 46 are all aimed at curbing elder abuse here in Wisconsin. AB44 would increase the criminal penalties for crimes against elder populations and allow elders seeking a restraining order to appear in court virtually, by telephone or audiovisual means. AB45 and AB46 would create avenues for reporting suspected financial elder abuse and allow financial institutions to delay transactions when they suspect exploitation of elderly individuals.

 

I am proud that the Assembly passed these bills, which pays respect to our great nation, addresses important elements of election reform, and protect our most vulnerable population from physical, emotional, and financial abuse. 

State of The Tribes Address

Before Tuesday's Assembly floor session, both houses of the Legislature met for the State of the Tribes Address. Every year, an honored member of one of Wisconsin's 11 tribes addresses the Legislature, Governor, and state agencies. We were joined this year by John Johnson Sr., President of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Thank you to Mr. Johnson for providing us with an insightful update on Wisconsin's tribal community. 

Budget Update

On Thursday, the Joint Committee on Finance convened to take votes on another portion of the state budget. The committee's main focus from this week was to continue to cut into government bureaucracy and invest into Wisconsin's veterans.

 

The committee eliminated 26.8 government positions, a portion of which were vacant for 24 months or longer. The Joint Committee on Finance will continue to review positions across agencies and work to limit government waste.

 

In addition, JFC made huge investments into Wisconsin's veterans. Most notably, the state's budget committee voted unanimously to invest more money into Wisconsin's veterans with a $10 million appropriation to support Veteran Nursing Homes, increased funding for veteran suicide prevention, and doubling the governor's proposal for funding county veteran services officers. 

UW-Oshkosh Tour

Pictured left to right: Rep. Bob Wittke, Rep. Michael Schraa, me, and UWO Chancellor Andy Leavitt)

Yesterday, Rep. Bob Wittke, Rep. Michael Schraa and I toured Clow Hall at UW-Oshkosh.

The Clow Hall renovation project began its first phase ten years ago and its beyond time to begin the second phase of this project. 

I was happy to tour this important project with fellow State Building Commission member Rep. Bob Wittke. I am in high hopes that the funding for this project will be enumerated through the Joint Finance Committee and financed through the Capitol Budget. Thank you Chancellor Andy Leavitt for giving us such a great tour!

National Tourism Week Interview


I was asked to participate in an interview on Spectrum News 1 program "In Focus: Wisconsin" to discuss Wisconsin's tourism industry.

 

I had a conversation with host Jason Fechner about the important role that tourism plays in the Northwoods and how businesses have adjusted the past year in order to remain open.

 

To watch my interview with  Spectrum News 1, please click here

Northland Pines Seniors Scholarship Awards


Northland Pines High School seniors receiving honors as part of the Top 10% of their class include, front row from left, Olivia Polich, Kayla Whitehead and McKenzie Mayo; and back row, Cooper Cox, Patrick Stemper, Elizabeth Gauthier, Evan Janet and Carson Powell. Not pictured is senior Allison Kieffer. The senior awards program was May 3. —Staff Photo By MICHELLE DREW (Vilas County News Review)

 

Last week, Northland Pines High School held its annual Senior Scholarship and Awards program where this year's graduates were awarded $318,180 from local and state benefactors. 

 

Congratulations to the Class of 2021 scholarship recipients. Go Eagles!

Peace Officers Memorial Day


This Saturday is Peace Officers Memorial Day and I would like to send my sincerest regards to all those in law enforcement who tirelessly served our communities to make them a safer, better place to live. Tomorrow, we honor you, your families, and loved ones. 

 Community Events  


 Please click the following links for upcoming community events!

 

Eagle River Wednesday Farmers Market, May 12-October 6. Eagle River

 

Minocqua Farmers Market, May 14-October 8, Minocqua 

 

VFW - Gyros For Heroes, May 15, Eagle River

 

RASTA Rally Mountain Bike Race, May 16, Rhinelander

 

Hodag Farmers' Market, May 29-October 16, Rhinelander