Back to School

This week marks the beginning of the school year for most students in my district. This is always an exciting time of year, especially this year as many students return to in person learning. I want to wish the best of luck to all students and teachers on a safe and fun year!

 Bill Testimony

This week I testified on Assembly Bill 445 (AB 445) a bill I am authoring with Senator Marklein (Spring Green). This bill addresses an issue relating to unregistered vehicles in Wisconsin. This bill comes from consultation with Green County District Attorney Craig Nolen as well as Monticello Police Chief Szvon Conway. I also want to thank both Szvon and Craig for coming to Madison this week to testify on the bill.

Under current law, unregistered vehicles are allowed to operate on highways during state of emergencies, even if a declared state of emergency only affects a localized area. An example is if there is a declared state of emergency for a wild fire in Douglas County, vehicles throughout Wisconsin are allowed to operate an unregistered vehicles. This means that an officer in Green County cannot stop or cite a motorist for operating an unregistered vehicle even though the declared emergency has no impact on Green County.

With the COVID-19 pandemic along with other natural disasters related emergencies, Wisconsin has spent the significant portion of the last two years in a state of emergency. 

This creates issues for law enforcement and prosecutors, as police officers often check vehicle registrations during routine traffic stops. This is an effective tool for law enforcement and prosecutors in solving and preventing a wide range of criminal offenses.

This simple change will allow law enforcement to legally follow standard procedures even during a state of emergency. The bill still allows for exceptions, but clarifies that a motorist must be fleeing an actual emergency.

Iowa County Fair

This weekend the Iowa County Fair is being held at the county fairgrounds in Mineral Point. The Iowa County Fair has as strong community history, youth impact and economic impact on Iowa County. The fair is a great time for families to show off their animals during the many different livestock exhibits throughout the week. 

The Iowa County Fair gives fundraising opportunities to Boy Scouts Groups, Mineral Point Lions, Dodgeville Girls Basketball, Mineral Point VFW, Family Advocates, Family Resource Center, Knights of Columbus, and Mineral Point Rescue Squad. These groups raise money by assisting in the operations of the fair, working the gate, free ice cream serving, free spaghetti supper, parking, grounds maintenance, and food and beverage concession stands. The Iowa County Fair paid out over $14,000 to these groups for services for the five day event. These groups then turn these funds around and use them in other community service functions that benefit Iowa County.

I invite everyone to come out to the fair this weekend and enjoy a fun time while supporting great causes.

 Happy Labor Day!

I want to wish everyone a safe and Happy Labor Day, I hope everyone enjoys the labor weekend with family and friends!