BUDGET LISTENING SESSION

Rep. Dittrich's final listening session of this budget session was held this week as was the final listening session for the Joint Finance Committee.

In the coming weeks, JFC will roll up its sleeves to begin the in-depth work on our state budget this upcoming week.

Budget Update: Evers Not Talking To GOP, First Votes As Soon As Next Week

LEGISLATION MOVING FORWARD

Assembly Committee on Mental Health

The Assembly Committee on Mental Health met this week for public hearings on two reintroduced bills addressing suicide prevention. The hope is the bills will make it through the Senate and to the Governor’s desk this session.

There was broad bipartisan support behind AB 210, a suicide prevention grant program bill authored by Rep. Nancy VanderMeer and Sen. Joan Ballweg

Grateful to hear testimony from Rep. Jesse James on AB 193 which would provide grants to prevent suicide by firearm. The Assembly passed this legislation in the Assembly last session.

Signed Into Law

Bipartisan victory was also achieved this week as the Governor signed SB11 into law, requiring coverage of PTSD for law enforcement officers and firefighters under Wisconsin’s worker’s compensation benefits.

HOLOCAUST EDUCATION

Congratulations to Representative Jon Plumer and Senator Alberta Darling on having SB 69, this important bipartisan bill, signed into law by the Governor. It is a testimony to the fact that those who forget their past are destined to repeat it. May our children remember the painful lessons we have learned from history.

ACT 78 HEARING

Rep. Dittrich attended the statutorily required Act 78 hearing this week, which requires an annual report from the Dept. of Children and Families on child abuse and neglect.

Citizens can access the report online.

RESUMING NORMALCY

Wisconsinites are anxious to see life resume some normalcy after over a year of COVID-19 restrictions.

This week, restrictions were eased in Dane County.

Wisconsin State Fair announced that it will be held in August. The EAA AirVenture also announced that it will resume in late July.

Wisconsin State Fair returns for 2021 - dates set for Aug. 5-15

EAA AirVenture returns with coronavirus safety protocols

WITH HEARTFELT SYMPATHIES

Rep. Dittrich was sad to hear of the passing of Pastor Jerome Smith this week. Despite his many longstanding health issues, Pastor Smith transformed the lives of his community and this state with The Joseph Project.

FISHING SEASON

Wisconsin's unique combination of lakes, streams and rivers, easy fishing access, opportunities for action and the potential for large fish, make it one of the top fishing destinations in the nation. Share the water, take someone fishing and make memories one fish at a time.

2021-2022 Fishing Season Dates

CONSTITUENT CORNER

What a PERFECT way to end a Monday... speaking with the leaders of tomorrow! Thank you Oconomowoc Daisy Troop 20222 for welcoming Rep. Dittrich to talk about government this week.

Friday means in-district meetings for this legislator. Started the day with Opportunities, Inc. regarding disability-related employment. Then on to work on HOPE Agenda issues with Lauri of SOFA - In Your Name and Peter of WisHope Recovery.