On Monday, I took the oath of office to begin serving my fourth term as your State Representative for the 51st Assembly District. It is my greatest honor to once again be your Representative. I am humbled, and I look forward to serving as your voice this session.
Committee Appointments
I have been re-appointed to serve as Chairman of the Committee on Local Government. I will also serve as a member of the Committee on Agriculture, Committee on Environment, Committee on Mental Health, Committee on Rural Development, and the Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety.
This is my second term as Chairman of the Committee on Local Government, a committee with a strong emphasis on local and rural development. Earlier this year, I was recognized for my work on local government issues. I was named a Municipal Champion by the Wisconsin League of Municipalities and Legislator of the Year by both the Wisconsin Counties Association and Wisconsin Towns Association.
I am honored to be re-appointed chair of the Committee on Local Government. I believe my strong background in local government will prove to be valuable to the committee as we work to address the many challenges brought about from the COVID-19 pandemic.
This will be my fourth term as a member of the Committee on Agriculture and as a member on the Committee on Mental Health, Committee on Rural Development, and Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety.
Assembly Passes COVID-19 Relief Bill
Yesterday, I voted in favor of legislation that brings necessary relief to Wisconsinites as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. This Bill (AB 1), was the first bill to be introduced this session. I belief this bill is the first of many legislative measures the legislature will act on this session to get relief to Wisconsin families and frontline workers.
AB 1 has 44 provisions, including reallocating $100 million in existing expenditures to help in the pandemic response.
Here is a summary of the other provisions in the COVID Relief Bill:
Collection and reporting of public health emergency data - public health dashboard (Act 185)
Extending the elimination of copayments for COVID tests and vaccines
Coverage for out-of-network providers and protection for patients from surprise bills
Coverage for vaccinations under SeniorCare
Require DWD to eliminate the Unemployment backlog
Allow for an “essential visitor” to ensure families can safely visit their loved ones in nursing homes and assisted living facilities
Creates an “all-hands-on-deck” approach to improve vaccination distribution
We are all fighting to overcome the virus, it has impacted every one of us in some way. That is why I am glad we could pass this bill, it is the first step of many to bring relief to families, and businesses while giving the medical community essential additional resources.
COVID-19 Testing Sites
Here is a link to Upland Hills testing. All COVID-19 tests are conducted at the Upland Hills Health drive-thru. Appointments are required. Call (608)-930-8000
UW-Platteville is also offering free COVID testing at Williams Fieldhouse. Testing is available every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday in January. Testing hours are 8AM-4PM 350 Jay St. Platteville.
