Protecting Wisconsin's
Natural Wetlands |
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of visiting WOW Logistics in
Little Chute where the Lt. Governor Kleefisch and I had a productive
discussion with CEO Howard Kamerer about the need to improve
Wisconsin's wetland management. After reviewing all the facts, I
was moved to coauthor
AB 547, a bill that will maintain consistency with the
federal definitions of wetlands, improve the permitting process,
clear the way for expanded mitigation opportunities, and ensure
that Wisconsin prioritizes the protection of natural wetlands.
Artificial, non-federally regulated wetland management and
mitigation is costly, inefficient, and ineffective at improving
the ecology of Wisconsin. Current restrictions are forcing
businesses to build on good farm land in order to avoid
artificial wetland issues and the potential regulatory burden,
resulting in corporate sprawl.
Howard and other business owners and local officials traveled to
the Capitol for the December 21 public hearing on AB 547.
You can watch the Joint Senate and Assembly committee hearing
about
the bill by clicking on the photo below:
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Bringing Research
Opportunities to Wisconsin |
On Tuesday, I introduced a bipartisan bill that
University of Wisconsin faculty have requested to improve
Wisconsin's research spin-off environment.
Current law unnecessarily delays our public universities from
entering into contracts with commercial businesses or non-profit
organizations in which a University of Wisconsin System employee
has a financial interest, even when potential conflicts of
interest are disclosed and appropriately managed. This barrier
to economic growth does not provide any public good or
additional oversight. The Wisconsin economy is losing ground in
research and development business-creation. This is due to
unnecessary delays preventing entrepreneurs from starting up
businesses with patents and spin-off opportunities produced by
our public universities’ research.
Under
my bill, AB 748, Wisconsin’s conflict of interest
regulations for university employees will still be consistent
with those of other public universities, while removing the
impediments currently in place that suppress Wisconsin small
business creation. The bill will also open the door for campuses
to participate in contracts with non-profit research
corporations, which are not allowed due to current law defining
a “research company” exclusively as one engaged in “commercial
activity.” |
Merry Christmas |
On Wednesday, I had a great time taking my staff and their
significant others out for a Christmas dinner. |
A Very Merry Cintas, Too |
The State of Wisconsin is committed to creating jobs right here
in the Fox Valley. On Wednesday, Governor Walker announced that
the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is
providing the Cintas Corp. with up to $575,000 in state tax
credits to support the construction of a new facility in the
Town of Greenville–a project expected to create about 60 jobs.
Construction is now underway on a
54,000-square-foot laundry and maintenance facility near State
Highway 15 and County Highway CB. The facility, which should be
completed within a year, will provide cleaning and storage for
the company’s uniform, floor mat and towel rental services. The
building also will include a state-of-the-art operations center
for the company.
About 80 employees from the company’s existing
operation in Greenville will work at the new facility, bringing
total the employment to 140.
WEDC has authorized the company to receive the
Business Development Tax Credits over the next three years. The
amount of credits Cintas actually receives is contingent upon
the number of jobs created and the amount of capital investment
the company makes during that time.
Cintas will be the first company to be part of
the Town of Greenville’s new 250-acre tax incremental financing
(TIF) district. Greenville will use the additional property tax
revenue generated by development within the TIF district to help
fund public improvements for the new development. |
Up with Christmas Trees |
WisconsinEye,
a
non-profit, private public affairs network that covers Wisconsin
government, has compiled a video of the installation of the
Capitol Christmas tree, which was donated by Winneconne's own
Ryf family.
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The Gift of Service |
There is no greater gift than the ability to
volunteer. Fortunately the Volunteer Center of East Central
Wisconsin has compiled a volunteer guide for the holidays offers
an abundance of opportunities to volunteer in and around the
community.
The guide is available on their website
www.volunteercenter.net |
Begin the Year with a
Non-Tax Hike |
Since taxes are decreasing,
you should instead experience a hike this year by visiting one
of our beautiful state parks. The Wisconsin State Park System is
hosting First Day Hikes on New Year's Day. These hikes offer
visitors an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenated and
connected with nature. In its biggest year yet, First Day Hikes
will be happening at 17 state properties, spanning all four
corners of the State.
A 2018 Wisconsin state park
admission sticker is required for entrance to most parks for
these events and will be on sale at park offices.
Locations of the First Day
Hikes can be found by clicking the photo below:
Check out other upcoming events near us by visiting the
Wisconsin Tourism website, and if you run into me while
you’re out and about be sure to stop and say hi! |
"Like" Representative
Murphy's Facebook Page
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I have a Facebook page so I can continually engage with you on
important topics facing the state. Please like it by
clicking here! I use Facebook to update constituents more frequently on
my work in Madison and the 56th Assembly District. I look forward to
using this as another way to connect with constituents and encourage you to follow it and watch for
regular updates.
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"Like" Representative Murphy's
Official Facebook Page
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Welcome!
I live in Greenville, but have an
office at the State Capitol in Madison. If you are in
downtown Madison, please feel free to stop by and say
hello! Just go to the information desk in the rotunda,
and they can direct you on how to find my office, 318
North. At the bottom of each e-update, you'll see my
office contact information.
If your school or group plans to tour the Capitol
building, please let me know in advance. I'd
love to visit with you for a few minutes and take a
group photo.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
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