Representative Gundrum Applauds Passage of Two Local Bills

For Immediate Release                                                                                       

February 24, 2022

Contact: Rep. Rick Gundrum                                                                                    

(608) 264-8486

Madison, WI – Representative Rick Gundrum (R-Slinger) voted in favor of two bills yesterday that will make a significant impact in the 58^th Assembly District. The bills, Assembly Bill 943 and Assembly Bill 1060, were brought to Representative Gundrum’s attention recently and he issued the following statement:

“Assembly Bill 943, which I co-authored with Representative James Edming (R-Glen Flora), requires the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to contract with third parties to perform various tasks in order to dispose of cathode ray tube (CRT) glass and related waste produced from activities commenced by 5R Processors (5R) and located at properties within Rusk, Price, or Washington counties that are not owned by 5R Processors or its successors.

“From 2011 to 2016, 5R was knowingly storing hazardous waste at unpermitted facilities, transporting hazardous materials without a manifest, and concealing these violations from state regulators in Wisconsin and Tennessee. The former president of 5R was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, but the colossal amount of waste still remains, including approximately 841,000 pounds in West Bend. I appreciate the help of West Bend City Administrator Jay Shambeau and West Bend Development Director Mark Piotrowicz for their help in addressing this issue.

“Assembly Bill 1060 relates to participants in clinical research trials. I am pleased to have authored this legislation with Senator Duey Stroebel to clarify that an individual who receives a stipend, remuneration, or compensation for participating in a clinical research trial is not considered an employee of the business who is conducting the trial.

“By allowing participants to be classified as employees, it puts clinical research organizations in Wisconsin at a disadvantage compared to similar entities outside of Wisconsin’s borders. This is especially noteworthy given that Madison has recently become a preferred destination for the biotech industry. We all would like to see business investments in America’s Dairyland from new companies and organizations from outside state lines. I want to ensure that we continue to receive investment in the biotech sector and see Wisconsinites participate in life changing medical advancements.”

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