This week's survey question

This weekend, dozens of people lost their lives or were injured due to senseless violence in El Paso and Dayton. There are a number of theories as to what causes mass shooters to take out their rage on innocent bystanders in this vicious manner. I would like to hear your thoughts on the contributing factors, so I can better address these issues. 

Please, take a minute to answer my one question survey regarding gun violence.

Click here for my survey

Highway 33 and County Road I update

Instead of a survey question, I wanted to provide you with an update on the steps being taken to enhance safety at the intersection of Highway 33 and County Road I.

My office has been in regular contact with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation on this issue and will continue to provide you with updates as they become available. In the coming weeks, DOT will commence a safety audit/study of this intersection. Upon completion, they will begin the process of identifying a viable long-term solution for enhancing public safety. Early on in the process, a public meeting will be held, allowing citizens to provide input on the recommendations. DOT will then use this public input to develop a long-term solution. As more information becomes available, my office will keep you abreast.

Thank you to everyone who has provided suggestions for improving safety at this intersection. So far, my office has received input from more than 200 constituents, as it relates to this issue. All of your suggestions for improving this intersection have been compiled and shared with the DOT. It is imperative that DOT officials receive input and take seriously suggestions from citizens who are impacted by this issue, on a daily basis.

Last week, new signage was installed at the intersection of County Road I and State Highway 33, alerting motorists that there is an intersection ahead. Additionally, orange flags were mounted atop the signs to provide drivers with additional notice that they are approaching an intersection. This is the first step towards improving safety at this intersection.

I look forward to working with DOT on additional short-term and long-term solutions for improving safety at this intersection. 

Again, to reiterate, this is the first step and additional action will be forthcoming. All options remain on the table for short-term and long-term solutions. 

Please continue to send your feedback for improving the safety of this intersection, to my office. 

Survey Results

Thank you to everyone who participated in this week's survey question regarding safety at the intersection of Highway 33 and County Road I. In total, 194 individuals participated in the survey. The breakdown of options to best improve safety are as follows:

• Roundabout: 51 percent
• Flashing stop signs on County Road I: 41 percent
• Rumble strips: 33 percent
• Flashing lights atop signs to notify drivers of an intersection: 32 percent
• More clearly delineate turn lanes, with arrows, lines, and turn-only signs: 32 percent
• Other: 23 percent
• Four-way stop: 18 percent
• Speed reduction on County Road I: 12 percent

Some of the responses from those who selected "other," are as follows:

"It could be an actual stoplight, but one that only turns red for Highway 33 traffic if someone is waiting to cross on County Road I. An overpass with diamond merge lanes would also be a viable solution."

"Reduce the speed on both Highway 33 and County Road I."

"Caution, Dangerous Intersection Sign."

If you have additional suggestions for improving the safety of this intersection, please contact my office.

Town Hall Meeting

This week, I participated in a town hall meeting with United States Representative Glenn Grothman and Senator Duey Stroebel. Thank you to everyone who attended, I enjoyed listening to your thoughts on Wisconsin-related issues.

If you were unable to attend the town hall meeting but would like to share your thoughts on legislation or need assistance in dealing with a state agency, please do not hesitate to contact my office. I am more than happy to meet with constituents one-on-one, either in the district or my capitol office. 

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on important issues. 

Participating in a town hall meeting with United States Representative Glenn Grothman and Senator Duey Stroebel.

Local charity advances to top-five

The Morning Blend, a segment of WTMJ TV in Milwaukee has identified five local charities in Southeastern Wisconsin that are positively impacting the lives of citizens in their communities. 

One of the charities, Albrecht Free Clinic, provides services, via a free clinic setting, throughout the community, including to some of my own constituents. 

The mission of Albrecht Free Clinic is as follows: "To meet the medical, dental, and behavioral health needs of the uninsured, low-income, and under-insured individuals who live or work in the communities we serve, with compassion and understanding."

WTMJ TV is holding a contest to determine the charity in the Greater Metro Area. Please take a moment to read more about Albrecht Free Clinic, and make your selection, here.

What Flew Under the Radar in the Wisconsin State Budget

With the state budget now signed into law, I thought it would be interesting to highlight some of the less than glamorous budget items that largely went unreported. 

While these items pale in comparison to transportation, public education, and corrections, they are impactful in our local communities. I wanted to highlight just a few of the consequential appropriations that received little press during the budget debate. 

Technical colleges and local workforce

Wisconsin's technical colleges do an amazing job educating and training citizens for the workforce. What is more, many of the state's technical colleges partner with local employers to help prepare Wisconsinites for in-demand jobs in our local communities. 

To help expand these efforts, the 2019-21 biennial budget increased support for technical colleges by $25 million. 

Dairy Innovation Hub

There has been a lot of talk recently about Wisconsin's dairy industry--and for good reason. Not only does Wisconsin lead the nation in cheese and milk production, our state's dairy farmers also contribute more than $40 billion in economic activity, annually. 

Assembly Republicans appropriated $9 million to establish the Dairy Innovation Hub--aimed at promoting smart agriculture economics and sustainable growing practices through partnerships with University of Wisconsin System campuses throughout the state. While this is not a silver bullet, fix-all solution for reviving the state's dairy industry, it is an important step forward in helping our neighbors and local farmers. 

From behind bars to the workforce

Despite the state's record-low unemployment rate (more than 16 consecutive months below 3 percent), it is imperative that no Wisconsinite is left on the sidelines and everyone who wants a job is able to obtain one. That includes inmates who are released back into their communities, following incarceration. 

The budget made targeted investments and provided worker training classrooms at each of the state's minimum and medium-security prisons. By helping these individuals transition into the workforce, Wisconsin will cut down on recidivism rates and sustain economic growth. 

Helping Wisconsin families

While Governor Evers referred to our education budget as "kid-friendly," our budget did more for children than provide them with a first-rate education. 

In talking with local officials, I have heard that drug and substance abuse is putting a strain on many of our county health service providers. To help alleviate some of the burdens they face, the 2019-21 biennial budget provided $30 million in support to counties for fighting and combatting juvenile drug abuse.

Additionally, during my budget listening sessions, I heard from several constituents that childcare costs can be a hindrance to parents looking to re-enter the workforce. To help bridge this gap, we increased funding by $70 million to help low-income families access affordable childcare services.

60th District Events

The following are events that will be held this week in the 60th Assembly District. If you have any upcoming events that you would like included in our e-update, please contact my office.

Luxembourg Fest, August 10-11, Belgium

Belgium Village Board Meeting, August 12, Belgium

Observatory Telescope viewing and stargazing, August 9, Belgium

Saukville Farmers Market, August 11, Saukville

Bluegrass at the Village, August 11, Saukville

2019 Lake Michigan Clipper Cup, August 9, Port Washington

St. John XXIII Parish "Music on the Hill," Lunchtime Concert Series, August 9, Port Washington

Great Port Washington Camp Out, August 9-10, Port Washington

Summer Sounds in Cedarburg: Waker with Daydream Retrievers, August 9, Cedarburg 

Milwaukee Light Engineering Society Summer Train Rides, August 10-11, Cedarburg

Port Washington Beer Garden: VFW Post 7588, August 10, Port Washington

Stay up to date

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