State of the State Address

On Wednesday, Governor Walker gave his annual State of the State Address to members of the Legislature. His speech focused on important issues ranging from health care to education. The Governor highlighted that employment in our state is at record levels and job opportunities are abundant. I agree that Wisconsin is doing very well.

Protecting our most vulnerable citizens is important to me. I was encouraged to hear that the Governor plans to request a permanent waiver for Wisconsin's SeniorCare Program. Our seniors deserve an affordable and reliable program to assist them with prescription drug costs. Governor Walker also called on the Senate to act on a piece of legislation that would prohibit group health plans from imposing a preexisting condition exclusion.

I was also pleased to hear the Governor's remarks on rural education. Using the unanticipated budget surplus, Governor Walker called for a $100 per pupil increase in sparsity aid for rural schools. I look forward to supporting this legislation to bring this much needed aid to our small school districts.

Each year, I have made it a priority to invite a constituent to attend the State of the State Address. This year, A.J. and Sara Christianson traveled from Lone Rock to hear the Governor's remarks. Thanks for visiting!

Agriculture Day at the Capitol

County Representatives from the Wisconsin Farm Bureau joined Senator Howard Marklein, Representative Ed Brooks, and I on Wednesday for Agriculture Day at the Capitol. Members from Iowa, Juneau, Lafayette, Sauk, Richland, and Grant Counties shared their thoughts on legislation aimed at managing our wolf population and re-purposing historic barn structures.

Other discussion points included the implementation of Act 100 that allows Wisconsin farmers to grow industrial hemp and the Governor's proposal to increase sparsity aid to our rural schools.

ABATE Visits the Capitol

ABATE, Wisconsin's Motorcycle Rights Organization, visited the capitol on Tuesday. Jerry Mann of Fennimore and Michelle Nusbaum of Monroe stopped in my office to discuss their support for two pieces of legislation regarding motorcycle licensing and data recorders in motor vehicles. Thanks for visiting!