CONSIDINE CONNECTS

Capitol Updates from State Rep. Dave Considine

April 8, 2015

Dear friend,

 

April has finally brought us closer to spring, and in the Legislature, we are one step closer to rebuilding the state budget into one that grows and strengthens our economy, protects our public education resources, and works for all Wisconsinites. Below, you'll find information on the next steps in the budget process, as well as my upcoming district office hours and two important meetings that could significantly impact our natural resources in the 81st District.

 

If you have questions or concerns on any state or legislative issues, I am always glad to listen. As your legislator, I am here to serve you, so please feel free to call my office at (608) 266-7746 or email me at Rep.Considine@legis.wisconsin.gov with your comments and input.

 

Sincerely,

 

Dave Considine

81st Assembly District

 

In this issue:

  • State Budget Update: What's next?

  • Portage & Baraboo District Office Hours - Friday, April 10th

  • Upcoming Wisconsin Conservation Congress Hearings

  • Great Sauk Trail Open House

State Budget Update: What's next?

In recent weeks, we have heard an incredible amount of testimony from constituents across Wisconsin on many different parts of the 2015-2017 state budget. Whether you have written, called, emailed, or taken the time to attend a Joint Finance hearing or Democratic listening session, thank you for making your voice heard. Your input is an essential part of the budget process, and I welcome your comments and questions.

 

Over the next 6-8 weeks, the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) will work through the bill section-by-section, holding a series of executive sessions until the bill is eventually voted out of committee in its entirety. At that point, the budget will be sent to the Legislature. It is important to remember that the budget is most heavily changed in the Joint Finance Committee, so now is a critical time to continue reaching out to the members of the committee.

 

I have been working hard to discuss your thoughts and concerns with my colleagues on JFC, and I will continue to do whatever I can to make your opinions heard throughout this process. If you have not already contacted the committee, I strongly encourage you to share your thoughts with them. To reach all 16 members of Joint Finance, you can send an email to budgetcomments@legis.wisconsin.gov.

 

Portage & Baraboo District Office Hours - Friday, April 10th

This Friday, April 10th, I will be in Portage and Baraboo to hear your thoughts, questions, and concerns at my district office hours. Please feel free to stop by anytime to discuss the budget, other legislation, or any other state issue. If you are unable to make it, you are always welcome to call my office at (608) 266-7746 or email me at Rep.Considine@legis.wisconsin.gov. My priority is to serve you!

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Le Croissant Bakery & Restaurant

235 W Pleasant St, Portage, WI 53901

(608) 742-5466

 

12:30 - 2:30 PM

Coffee Bean Connection

701 Oak St, Baraboo, WI 53913

(608) 355-9999

 

Upcoming Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) Hearings

Each year, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress holds a series of public hearings across the state. These hearings are an exceptional opportunity for citizen input on proposed rule changes, advisory questions, and other natural resources management issues. For more information on the WCC, visit www.dnr.wi.gov/about/wcc. Details for the hearings in our area are below. All hearings will be held at 7:00 PM on Monday, April 13th.

Sauk County: UW-Baraboo/Sauk County, 1006 Connie Rd, Baraboo WI 53913

Columbia County: Portage High School Auditorium, 301 E Collins St, Portage WI 53901

Dane County: Sun Prairie High School Performing Arts Center, 888 Grove St, Sun Prairie WI 53590

Iowa County: Dodgeville High School Gymnasium, 912 W Chapel St, Dodgeville, WI 53533

This year, the WCC will hold a vote on a resolution that would permit counties to recommend the hunting of albino and white deer, a group generally designated as "protected" in Wisconsin. Sauk County is home to a small but extremely valuable population of white deer, so the passing of this resolution would represent a significant blow to efforts to protect these animals. For more information on albino and white deer, visit www.protectthewhitedeer.com.

 

Great Sauk Trail Open House

On Wednesday, April 15th from 6:00-7:45 PM at the River Arts Center (105 9th St, Prairie du Sac), the Great Sauk Trail commission will host an open house to discuss planning for the trail. The evening will include a presentation of the current plan, as well as opportunities for questions and public feedback on the proposal. To see a draft plan for the trail, view previous meeting agendas, and additional information, visit www.dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/greatsauktrail.

 

 

 

April Photo Update

Check out these photos and more on my legislative website and Facebook page!

 

http://www.legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/81/Considine

 

 

Meeting with representatives of Family Advocates of Iowa County,

which provides resources to survivors of sexual assault

 

With students from the Portage Academy of Achievement on their Capitol tour

 

Speaking at the legislative panel at the Wisconsin Farm Credit Legislative Conference, hosted by the Cooperative Network

 

Proud to stand with my colleagues as we turned in over 13,000 petition signatures

in support of Wisconsin's essential SeniorCare program

 

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