On Wednesday, the Assembly Committee on State Affairs held a public hearing on Assembly Bill 277, which has to do with the sale of alcohol beverages at the state fair park.
AB-277 creates a licensing exception allowing the retail sales of alcohol beverages at the state fair park. Under this bill, alcohol beverages may be sold without a retail license or permit at state fair park as long as the State Fair Park Board approves the exception.
I was excited to hear that the Wisconsin State Fair will be taking place this year from August 5 to August 15. I am looking forward to enjoying a brat, beer, and cream puff this summer at the Wisconsin State Fair!
State Budget Update
On Thursday, the state's budget writing committee took their first votes on the 2021-2023 biennial budget, taking out many fiscally irresponsible policy proposals put forth by the Governor.
At a time of historic surplus, the Governor's proposals would require an unprecedented level of spending ($8 billion over the biennium) and raise taxes by an estimated $1 billion. As many of you already know, policy proposals do not belong in the state budget. Rather, they deserve to be vetted through the committee process, which includes public hearings.
The Joint Committee on Finance plans to craft a budget that is reasonable, responsible, realistic and avoids the Governor's massive spending increases, huge tax spikes, and divisive policies.
Crisis on the U.S.-Mexico Border
Last week, Assembly Majority Leader Rep. Jim Steineke and Speaker Pro Tempore Rep. Tyler August visited the U.S.-Mexico border in an effort to give state lawmakers a better understanding of what is going on at our southern border.
Reps. Steineke and August met with law enforcement from multiple agencies, including local sheriffs and U.S. Border Patrol as well as ranchers and residents from the area. One of the key figures they met with was Democratic Sheriff Joe Frank Martinez, who explained to them that the border is now controlled by Mexican Cartels, not the United States government.
With everything going on at the southern border, it's unfortunate that Vice President Kamala Harris has yet to visit the border that is now her responsibility. Hopefully the Biden Administration begins to take this issue more seriously before the crisis gets even worse.
For an eye-opening look at what our two Wisconsin representatives saw at the border, please click here.
Northland Pines High School Receives National Recognition
Congratulations to Northland Pines High School, who was ranked as the 33rd best high school in Wisconsin from U.S. News and World Report. With an overall score of 92.8/100, Northland Pines has distinguished itself as one of the top high schools in the state.
Special congratulations to the administration, teachers, students and NPHS community on such a fantastic achievement.
Three Lakes High School Forensics Team Wins Gold
Pictured left to right: Coach Heather Hermanson, Mollee Gruszynski, Megan Lester, Amanda Rieck, Sara Gruszysnki, and Jasman Neumann (PC: Vilas County News Review)
Three Lakes High School Forensics team received a gold medal at the state competition last month. The team competed virtually in the group interpretation category and received a perfect 25/25 score.
Congratulations to the team members, coach and Three Lakes community on this great achievement. Way to bring home the gold to the Northwoods!
National Tourism Week Interview
It's National Tourism Week (May 2-May 8) and there's no better place to enjoy all the state has to offer than in the Northwoods.
In celebration of National Tourism Week, I participated in an interview with Spectrum News 1. Tune in this 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 adjusted to stay open during the pandemic.
ATV/UTV Trails Are Open
All trails in Forest, Florence, and Vilas counties are now open. Oneida County ATV/UTV trails are set to open this Friday, May 7.
Hope you can enjoy the beautiful summer weather on your ATV!
For more information about ATV/UTVs in Wisconsin, please visit the DNR website.
Happy Mother's Day
I would like to wish a very Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers and grandmothers in the Northwoods.
Community Events
Please click the following links for upcoming community events!
On Wednesday, the Assembly Committee on State Affairs held a public hearing on 
On Thursday, the state's budget writing committee took their first votes on the 2021-2023 biennial budget, taking out many fiscally irresponsible policy proposals put forth by the Governor. 
Last week, Assembly Majority Leader Rep. Jim Steineke and Speaker Pro Tempore Rep. Tyler August visited the U.S.-Mexico border in an effort to give state lawmakers a better understanding of what is going on at our southern border. 
I would like to wish a very Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers and grandmothers in the Northwoods.