It is always interesting to see how people perceive the work done in the Legislature. A good lawmaker will spend as much, if not more, time in their legislative district, connecting with constituents than they do in the Capitol in Madison. This, in addition to listening sessions, is how we find out what is really on people’s minds and help answer questions they have on state issues. Rep. Dittrich has placed a high priority on being out in the district throughout her tenure in the Wisconsin State Assembly, and continues to do so. Whether we are on the floor of the Assembly or not, constituents can be assured that she and her office team are hard at work for the people they have the honor of serving. Constituents should also know that at the beginning of each legislative session, the session calendar for the biennium is passed. The legislative session adjourns during campaign season to remove the opportunity to unduly influence the passage of bills while candidates are running for office. With these facts in mind, here is what Rep. Dittrich has been up to on behalf of the people of “The Great 38th” this week.

ELECTIONS

WEC ADOPTING AUDIT RECOMMENDATIONS

Rep. Dittrich made constituents aware of the fact that the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) suddenly announced they would be adopting some of the recommendations made in the Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB) forensic audit report that came out last fall. Apparently, those recommendations weren’t so unreasonable after all.

This is one small, positive step towards improved voter integrity in Wisconsin that would not have taken place without the leadership of the Republican legislative caucus this session.

WEC Makes Changes Based On Audit Bureau’s Recommendations

DISTRICT MAPS

WAITING ON WI SUPREME COURT

Rep. Dittrich continues to have constituents asking about the status of Wisconsin’s reapportioned legislative maps. The short answer is that we continue to wait on a decision by the Wisconsin State Supreme Court, who had their previous decision overturned and returned to them by the US Supreme Court because it violated the federal Voting Rights Act. Meanwhile, the Wisconsin high court has denied a motion by Gov. Evers attempting to justify his extremely gerrymandered maps.

Supreme Court Denies Evers Motion Justifying His Legislative Maps

KIDS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

Wisconsin's heart collectively breaks at another young life cut short too soon at the hands of his mother. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. On the 20th of this month, the Legislature will have our Joint Informational Hearing to receive the annual, statutorily-required Wisconsin Child Abuse & Neglect Report. It is one of the most difficult, heart-wrenching hearings we legislators attend all year. But it's critical to saving more young lives like little Oliver Hitchcock's. If you suspect abuse of a child in your community, visit WI Department of Children and Families Child Protective Services to learn exactly where to report it in Wisconsin.

KIDS WHO C.A.R.E.

Kudos to the Lake Mills “Kids Who C.A.R.E.” program and the adults who lead these students. Rep. Dittrich believes this is a positive way to improve culture and reduce bullying in the school environment.

Kids Who C.A.R.E.: Children Creating Positive Impact At Lake Mills Elementary School

SUMMIT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL VISIT

Rep. Dittrich enjoyed greeting the kids from Summit Elementary at the Capitol on Tuesday! She loves visiting with the students and is extremely happy that school groups are once again visiting our remarkable State Capitol.

DEERFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Rep. Dittrich had great fun with the kids from Deerfield Elementary visiting the Capitol Wednesday! The students had the opportunity to learn about the legislative process in a very real way, even getting the chance to vote on where they wanted to have their group picture taken.

STATE BUSINESS

HUNTING AND FISHING VETOES

You may not be aware of it, but a huge portion of our Wisconsin hunters and fishermen are also conservationists. They want to preserve our environment and pass on these sporting traditions to future generations.

Rep. Dittrich has been contacted by these types of constituents who are very disappointed with Gov. Evers lack of respect for this longstanding Wisconsin heritage and his vetoes of these bills.

Wisconsin Hunters Disappointed In Evers' Hunting, Fishing Vetoes

FREE SPEECH QUESTIONS AT UW SCHOOLS PROMPT CONFLICT

Apparently, the UW System’s plan to launch a student survey on free speech is what precipitated the job walk-off of UW Whitewater’s chancellor.

Now the survey has been halted after interim chancellor Henderson’s resignation.

Rep. Dittrich believes this tells you everything you need to know about free speech on our UW campuses. The representative has had multiple conversations with both faculty and students who have been bullied, harassed, and marginalized at our state universities because of their personal viewpoints, and she believes this survey needs to go forward without delay.

AROUND THE DISTRICT

NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK

The 38th Assembly district boasts some of the most incredible libraries and librarians in the state. That's why it was an extra treat for Rep. Dittrich to stop in and chat with some of them this week as she dropped off Blue Books around the district.

LAKE COUNTRY DOCKHOUNDS

Things are getting SO exciting as we draw nearer to the opening season of the Lake Country DockHounds! THANK YOU to Sonny and John for the tour Wednesday and for sharing more details on how Wisconsin Brewing Company Park will serve the community.

HDM TOWING AND TRUCK CENTER

Wednesday, we had the honor of also visiting HDM Towing & Truck Center in Lake Mills. Not only was Rep. Dittrich excited to visit this woman-owned business, but she was eager to learn about their unique business niche in our state. The cost of fuel deeply affects a business like this, which ultimately exacerbates the problem of inflation.

Thank you to Michelle and Jim for walking us through your business and explaining what challenges you face.

DANCING GOAT DISTILLERY

Thursday, Rep. Dittrich finally had the chance to visit Dancing Goat Distillery in Cambridge. This meeting was scheduled right before COVID-19 hit, but got sidelined because of the shutdown of too many businesses. Even so, this business in the 38th wasted no time in stepping up and pivoted from alcohol production to hand-sanitizer production to help combat the spread of the virus. Agriculture and sustainable practices are at the heart of making high-quality products.

Thank you to Sean and Nick for spending time with us, discussing what it takes to invest in Wisconsin and obstacles being met along the way.

SPRING NEWSLETTER

Have you received Rep. Dittrich’s spring newsletter yet? It details all that has been accomplished (and sidelined) this session. We have a few extra copies in the office. Let us know if you need one!

IN CLOSING

FINAL E-UPDATE COMING

On Tuesday, Rep. Dittrich recorded a brief summary message for her final e-update of the session next week. People can still subscribe at repdittrich.us.