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Friday, May 28, 2021

Memorial Day Remembrances

Rep. Dittrich Memorial Day Message

THANK YOU!

Rep. Dittrich would like to thank the Capitol Police, Madison Fire and EMS, and SSM St. Mary's Hospital for their excellent care during and after her accident in the State Capitol.

Rep. Dittrich will be limiting her engagements for the time being and while things might be a little challenging for a while working with one arm behind her back, staff is still available, as always, to take calls and answer emails.

PROTECTING WOMEN IN SPORTS ACT HEARINGS

Rep. Dittrich was joined by individuals from all around the state and nation to share facts and stories with the Assembly Committees on Education and Colleges and Universities and the Senate Committee on Human Services, Children and Families.

The bills can now move on to the next step of committee votes before being scheduled for a vote by the full Senate and Assembly.

SMALL BUSINESS GRANT RECOVERY PROGRAM

The Small Business Recovery Grant program is now accepting applications until 4:30PM on Monday, June 7. Small businesses may be eligible to receive a $5,000 pandemic recovery grant.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Project Overview

Work started Monday, May 24th on I-94 from Lake Mills to east of Johnson Creek in Jefferson County. Daily and nightly single lane closures will occur on I-94 throughout the project. Motorists are advised to anticipate delays, eliminate distractions and be alert for crews and equipment near the travel lanes.

The construction work is separated into three sections:

  • Base patching and resurfacing 11 miles of I-94 from Johnson Creek to the east county line of Jefferson County.
  • Bridge rehabilitation to both I-94 structures over the Union Pacific Railroad near the WIS 26 interchange.
  • Work includes replacing the expansion joints, minor deck repairs and bearing replacements.
    • High tension cable guard will be installed in two locations along I-94; one near Rest Area 13 near Lake Mills and the other east of Johnson Creek. Minor culvert work and grading is associated with this project.

The prime contractor for the $11.7 million project is Rock Road Companies, Inc. based out of Janesville. The project is scheduled to be completed in early October 2021 (weather-permitting).

MEDICAID EXPANSION RESPONSE

This week, Legislative Republican leaders Wisconsin State Representative Robin Vos, Representative Mark Born, Senator Devin LeMahieu, and Senator Howard Marklein responded to Governor Evers' requests to expand Medicaid in Wisconsin.

GOVERNOR'S BUDGET: RETURN TO DEFICIT

Wisconsin’s general fund balance was operating at a deficit under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) from 2000 through 2019, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau. In 2020, the fund had a positive balance -- about $1.5 million -- for the first time in decades.

Gov. Tony Evers’ proposed 2021-23 budget, much of which Republicans have on the cutting room floor, would return the fund to a deficit in fiscal years 2022 and 2023.

Politifact Rating: True

WAUKESHA COUNTY EMERGENCY ORDER LIFTED

This week, Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow signed the resolution that ends Waukesha County's State of Emergency Declaration. The County Board of Supervisors voted to pass the resolution 25 – 0. The resolution was expedited to be taken up at the May County Board meeting, instead of the June meeting as originally planned.

To clarify, the emergency declaration does not have an impact on the operations of any organizations other than Waukesha County government. All a State of Emergency Declaration does is allow the County to access state and federal funds for expenses incurred during the COVID-19 emergency response.
The resolution is not tied to any mandates or public health orders that impact residents. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Waukesha County has not issued any public health mandates or orders. All public health guidelines have been issued as recommendations, rather than orders, to allow Waukesha County businesses and organizations to serve residents in a safe, flexible way.

The significance of signing this resolution is that it means the County no longer needs to divert as many of its resources to pandemic response. This is not a change that most residents will notice in their daily lives, or even in their interactions with the County. However, it is another sign that we are returning to normal.

OLYMPIA FIELDS REVITALIZATION

Rep. Dittrich regretted that she could not be at the event on Tuesday because of her injury, however she is eager to work with local, county, and private stakeholders on this exciting project.

The Former Olympia Hotel and Resort in Oconomowoc Is Being Demolished To Pave the Way For Retail, Apartments and More