CONSIDINE CONNECTS

Capitol Updates from State Rep. Dave Considine

September 4, 2015

Dear friend,

I hope you have enjoyed your summer! With so many families and educators headed back to school for another year of hard work and learning, and with the Legislature's fall session quickly approaching, I wanted to make sure you knew about the updates below. As always, please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about any state issues. I appreciate knowing your thoughts and input.

Sincerely,

Rep. Dave Considine

81st Assembly District

In this issue:

• Labor Day: Monday, Sept. 7th

• Blue Books now available!

• Wine Walks Hearing: Tuesday, Sept. 8th

• Sauk Prairie Recreation Area (former Badger Army Ammunition Plant) Update

Labor Day: Monday, Sept. 7th

This coming Monday, September 7th, is Labor Day. As we celebrate with parades, picnics, and celebrations with friends and neighbors, this is also a great time to remember and honor the sacrifices and advances made over the years by so many workers, both in Wisconsin and across the country. These workers helped to create many of the benefits we enjoy today, and they deserve our respect and support. Please note that in observance of the holiday, my Capitol office will be closed on Monday.

Blue Books Now Available!

In the fall of each odd-numbered year, legislators receive a set of Wisconsin Blue Books. These books are a great resource and contain information on just about every part of our state government, from the members of the Legislature to the Supreme Court, agriculture, education, and more. If you would like a FREE Blue Book, please send me an email at Rep.Considine@legis.wisconsin.gov or give my office a call at (608) 266-7746.

Wine Walks Hearing: Tuesday, Sept. 8th

This week, the Senate Committee on Revenue, Financial Institutions, and Rural Issues held a hearing on Senate Bill (SB) 236, the Wine Walks bill. As a coauthor of this bill, I testified in support, along with a number of local business leaders and stakeholders. The Assembly version of the bill, AB 320, is set for a hearing in the Assembly Committee on Urban and Local Affairs on Tuesday, September 8th at 10:00 AM in room 400 Northeast (State Capitol).

If you would like to share your support of Wine Walks in person at this hearing, please send me an email at Rep.Considine@legis.wisconsin.gov or give my office a call at (608) 266-7746. If you are unable to attend but want your testimony to be shared with the committee, my office would be happy to help. You can find more information on the Wine Walks bills here: Assembly Bill 320 / Senate Bill 236

Sauk Prairie Recreation Area Hearing: Thursday, Sept. 10th

The DNR will be hosting a presentation and public hearing on the master plan draft for the Sauk Prairie Recreation Area (or SPRA; also known as the former Badger Army Ammunition Plant) next Thursday, Sept. 10th beginning at 4:00 PM at the River Arts Center, 105 9th St in Prairie du Sac. As you may know, the DNR released this draft plan on August 11th, and the public comment period runs until September 25th. I highly encourage you to attend this public hearing and make your voice heard on this plan. If you cannot attend in person, you can share your thoughts with the DNR online and find the full plan draft here: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/lands/masterplanning/saukprairie/.

One major point of concern in the draft has been a proposal to allow dual-sport (on- and off-road) motorcycles to use certain trails for up to 6 days each year, and to construct an area for rockets to be launched up to 10 days per year. I admire and respect the Department’s desire to compromise on its plan for the SPRA, which at one time included the possibility of ATV trails and a public shooting range. However, as a long-time farmer and landowner in the Baraboo area, I believe it is crucial to balance what we want as consumers with what is best for the land itself, and I am concerned about the potential effects dual-sport motorcycles and rocket launching may have on the prairie. I look forward to working with you, our fellow community members, and the DNR to find a solution that lets us all enjoy the SPRA for years to come, but we cannot do this without your input.

Summer Photo Update

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

Touring the Plumbers and Pipefitters UA Local 400 Training Center in Kaukauna with two of my Assembly Democratic colleagues, Rep. Lisa Subeck (D-Madison)

and Rep. Amanda Stuck (D-Appleton).

Talking with members of the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association's Youth

Leadership Congress board. Great to see so many young people being active and

vocal in their communities!

Visiting Three Branches Vineyard in Arena with Alwyn Fitzgerald of the

Wisconsin Winery Association. Three Branches is just one of many great

local businesses that help drive our economy in the 81st District.