On Tuesday, the Assembly met to address many of the issues that voters care about the most, including election reform, police funding, and broadband. We also voted on a bill that would effectively allow the Verso Paper Mill in Wisconsin Rapids to reopen, which would help stimulate the economies in Northern and Central Wisconsin.
Election Reform:
Assembly Bill 179: relating to absentee voting in certain residential care facilities and retirement homes and providing a penalty
Assembly Bill 198: relating to defects on absentee ballot certificates, certain kinds of election fraud, and providing a penalty
Assembly Bill 201: relating to absentee ballot applications, unsolicited mailing or transmission of absentee ballot applications and absentee ballots, canvassing absentee ballots, electronic voter registration, and providing a penalty
Assembly Bill 271: relating to broadcasting election night proceedings
AB179, AB198, and AB201 successfully passed in the Assembly and Senate and have been sent to the Governor's desk. AB271 has been messaged to the Senate, where they will have the final vote before it reaches the Governor.
Funding the Police:
Assembly Bill 111: relating to decreasing shared revenue payments to municipalities based on deceased funding for law enforcement officers
AB111 has passed in both the Assembly and Senate and has been sent to the Governor, where he can sign it into law or veto it entirely.
Broadband:
Assembly Bill 371: relating to the broadband expansion grant program
AB371 successfully passed in the Assembly and has been messaged to the Senate, where they will have the opportunity to send this bill to the Governor.
Verso Paper Mill:
Assembly Bill 367: relating to a loan for the purchase of the Verso Paper Mill in the city of Wisconsin Rapids
AB367 has been sent to the Senate and is now available for scheduling on the Senate floor.
JEM Grant Awards
FRONT: Rhinelander Mayor Chris Frederickson, Rhinelander Chamber Rep Linda Krebsbach, Mercer Chamber Melissa Biszak, Antigo Chamber Deena Grabowsky, Forest County Chamber Stacey Jameson, Let's Minocqua Chamber Krystal Westfahl, Rhinelander Chamber Lauren Sackett, Dept of Tourism Representative Jeff Anderson. BACK: Rhinelander Chamber Rep Diane Sowinski, Merrill Chamber Ken Neff, Three Lakes Chamber Collette Sorgel, Hurley Chamber Rita Franzoi, State Senator Mary Felzkowski
On Tuesday, Travel Wisconsin hosted a Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant presentation for three important projects in the Northwoods:
Northern Wisconsin ATV/UTV Traveler Development Project - $38,000
This project is a collaboration of the Chambers of Commerce in Langlade, Forest, Lincoln, and Oneida Counties.
Rhinelander Area Destination Branding Campaign - $39,550
This grant is awarded to the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce.
#welovethenorthwoods Northwoods of Wisconsin COVID-19 Regional Marketing Campaign - $39,550
This project is a collaboration of the Chambers of Commerce in Forest, Iron, Lincoln, Langlade, Oneida, and Price Counties.
Congratulations to the Northern Wisconsin ATV/ UTV Traveler Development project, Rhinelander Area Destination Branding Campaign, and #welovethenorthwoods Northwoods of Wisconsin COVID-19 Regional Marketing Campaign for their well-deserved recognition in making the Northwoods the best tourism destination in Wisconsin.
Spring Budget Survey 2021
Thank you to everyone who has taken time to fill out our 2021 Spring Budget Survey! We greatly appreciate hearing from each and every one of you.
If you haven't filled out the survey yet, there's still time. You can click here to fill out your survey on our website.
Travel Wisconsin Trail Report
All biking and hiking trails are now open. Please click here to view the Wisconsin Trail Report.
St. Germain Independence Day Celebration
This Saturday, June 27, the St. Germain Chamber Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their annual Independence Day Fireworks event, which will include a Freedom 5K Run/ Walk, a craft and vendor fair, kids rides, games, live entertainment, food, and a parade at 3:00pm.
For more information, please visit the Vilas County website.
On Tuesday, the Assembly met to address many of the issues that voters care about the most, including election reform, police funding, and broadband. We also voted on a bill that would effectively allow the Verso Paper Mill in Wisconsin Rapids to reopen, which would help stimulate the economies in Northern and Central Wisconsin. 
Thank you to everyone who has taken time to fill out our 2021 Spring Budget Survey! We greatly appreciate hearing from each and every one of you. 
This Saturday, June 27, the St. Germain Chamber Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their annual Independence Day Fireworks event, which will include a Freedom 5K Run/ Walk, a craft and vendor fair, kids rides, games, live entertainment, food, and a parade at 3:00pm.