Capitol Update |
Welcome to my second e-news! As many of you know, former
Representative Michelle Litjens gave me her mailing list, so
that's why many of you are receiving this. If you don't want to
get my e-news, reply with "unsubscribe" in the subject line.
My priority is serving my constituents, and I want to be of help
to you and your family. If you have a problem involving a state
agency, please let me know and I will do what I can to get you a
clear answer. I hope you'll feel free to contact me with
questions or comments on state issues that matter to you.
Keep in mind that you can express your views on any state matter
by attending hearings, emailing any member of the legislature,
calling a legislative office, or by sending a letter. All of
these communication methods hold the same weight...you
don't have to be at a hearing to have your voice heard. |
Right the Rules |
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Most of us would say there's too much
regulation and even outdated rules and codes in
government. Pointless or confusing regulations can be
difficult to follow, delay projects, add cost and
paperwork to otherwise simple projects, or be a waste of
time because they are duplicative. The Administrative
Code is comprised of rules that state agencies have
written over the years to enforce laws passed by the
legislature. Right now, the Code has 1,768 chapters and
is nearly 12,000 pages long. This session, the
Assembly is taking the initiative to clean up
Wisconsin's burdensome regulations. Right the Rules is
our plan to comb through all sections of Administrative Code and find
unnecessary and duplicative rules and clean up the code.
We hope you'll take time to look at the code with us
and ask questions like these:
- Does this protect the public from a threat to
health, safety or welfare?
- Does this promote or hinder job growth?
- How much does it cost to implement this item?
- Is this rule outdated?
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I encourage everyone to help in this effort. You play a
critical role in determining what regulations should be
reviewed so we can do better. Please go to the project
website and help us "Right the Rules!"
Over 8,000 visits to the site have been registered
already!
http://legis.wisconsin.gov/committee/jcrar/Pages/default.aspx. |
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Student Representative Sought for UW System
Board of Regents |
Governor Walker is seeking applicants to be the next student
representative on the University of Wisconsin System Board of
Regents. This must be someone who is enrolled half time or more
in a UW institution, who is in good academic standing, a
Wisconsin resident, and enrolled for their entire term on the
Regents.
Since the Madison and Parkside campuses have recently been
represented, the applicants must be from other campuses. For
more information, please go to the governor's website:
www.walker.wi.gov and
click on the Apply to Serve button. The deadline to submit
application materials is February 20th. |
Regulation of
Iron Mining in Wisconsin: Amendments to the Bills |
The regulation of iron mining in our state took
another step forward last week, as
11 amendments were added to Assembly Bill 1 and Senate Bill
1 after bipartisan discussions. As with most
philosophical differences, there will never be a perfect middle
ground. I'm proud of the work done by the bill's authors and the
committee members who have learned about this legislation and
its potential impact, asked questions, and listened to the
public's views. I'm glad that they are committed to making
responsible ferrous mining a possibility in our state.
On Saturday, February 2nd, I visited the
potential mine site
near Hurley. I had the opportunity to speak with local people
about iron mining, and to see their excitement about the
possibility of solid economic development in their area.
Engineers were with us to explain the ferrous mining process
from inception to reclamation. For example, I learned that if
mining occurs here, a company would need to provide 300 acres of
wetlands to compensate for the 200 acres they would fill for the
project. I also learned that the 200 filled acres are part of
the current 175,000 acres of wetland in Iron County.
I was particularly impressed with very long-term
vision of local folks. They talked with me about the
infrastructure they already have in place to handle an increased
population and business activity, including room for school-aged
children, as the need arises. They understand mining is part of our
state's past, they want the economic development iron
mining can bring to the region and the state now, and
ultimately, they see decades down the road when the mining site
is reclaimed and becomes a natural draw for tourism and local
enjoyment. |
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Rep. Murphy and other legislators use magnets
to feel the magnetization of the iron ore rock. |
My Madison Office |
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I live in Greenville, but have an
office in the State Capitol in Madison. If you are in
downtown Madison, please feel free to stop in and say
hello! Just go to the information desk in the rotunda,
and they can direct you on how to find my office, 304
North. At the bottom of each e-news, you'll see my
office contact information.
If your school is touring the Capitol building this
spring, please let me know. I'd
love to visit with you for a few minutes and take a
group photo with you.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. I look
forward to a productive and informative legislative
session!
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