State Budget Update

The state budget cycle is in full swing. This week the Legislative Joint Finance Committee held a statewide virtual listening session where members of the public where able to give their input on the priorities they would like to see included in the state budget.

Starting next week the committee will begin hearings on funding requests for state agencies. The hearings are streamed live on Wisconsin Eye. A link to the website can be found here.

Your input is incredibly valuable during the budgeting process. I want to again thank everyone that attended a budget listening session and want to encourage all of my constituents to continue contacting my office regarding the state budget. Your feedback allows me to make informed decisions on the initiatives that should be included in our state budget.

Mental Health Committee Hearing

This week the Assembly Committee on Mental Health met to hear Assembly Bill 193 (AB-193). This bill would allow the Department of Health Services (DHS) to provide grants to local governments and organizations for programs to aid in the prevention of suicide by firearm.

These programs include training staff at a firearm retailer or firearm range on how to recognize a person that may be considering suicide, providing suicide prevention materials for distribution at a firearm retailer or firearm range; or providing voluntary, temporary firearm storage. 

I am proud to co-sponsor this bill as I believe it takes meaningful steps to address this serious mental health issue and provide local entities with the resources they need to help those who are in distress.

 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

I was honored to attend the ribbon cutting of the new Blain's Farm & Fleet in Monroe, Thursday night, with Senator Howard Marklein.  The store is located at 405 W 8th Street. 

It was nice to catch up with many Monroe officials and tour this fantastic store.  Thank you to Jane Blain Gilbertson (CEO, Owner & President) for the invitation and conversation about the history of Farm & Fleet. 

Walk-in Vaccine Clinic Opening

The Monroe Clinic announced this week that they will be holding “walk-in” COVID-19 vaccine clinics from 10am-3pm every Wednesday in the month of May. These “walk-in” hours do not require an appointment and are in addition to the standard vaccine clinic schedule.

For more information, please visit Monroe Clinic’s coronavirus info page or vaccine info page.