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Contents

  • Budget update
  • SSG Busch Memorial Highway
  • General Updates
  • Environmental/DNR Update

 

Featured

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During the June 25th Assembly floor session, I spoke on the passage of the biennial budget.

Budget Update

On July 3, Governor Evers signed the 2019-2021 biennial budget. 

It is exciting to see a budget that was formed through bipartisan efforts. The collaboration of Governor Evers and the Legislature allowed the creation of a budget that encompasses values from all sides. However, I believe that the Legislature should have included Medicaid expansion, full-funding for special education, and the replacement of lead pipes. Not all of the priorities I heard you voice were included, which is why I'll continue to fight this session for affordable healthcare and an improved transportation system.

Governor Evers' partial veto pen improved the budget by:

  • Including a 10% tax cut for working families
  • Providing nearly $100 million more to public schools 
  • Awarding a one-time $100,000 grant to support suicide prevention efforts
  • Approving $460 million for much-needed transportation projects, while keeping borrowing at the lowest level in 20 years
  • Allowing DHS  to reallocate positions for an infant mortality prevention program and an oral health program
  • Approving $48 million to expand access to broadband

 

SSG Busch Memorial Highway 

The SSG Daniel D. Busch Memorial Highway bill passed the Senate Committee on Transportation, Veterans and Military Affairs on May 30th. 

On June 20th, this bill passed the Assembly floor. I was proud to speak about SSG Busch's heroism. To watch my floor speech on the bill's passage, click here. The bill awaits a scheduled date on the Senate Floor.

General Updates
  • The Legislature will be back in session in September. In the meantime, I plan to tour local farms, meet with constituents, and visit local businesses. 
  • The Merrimac Community Festival will be on Saturday, August 3rd at Merrimac Memorial Park and Ball Park. Festival activities include: a 5K Color Fun Run with proceeds to benefit the Merrimac Charter School; Horseshoes and Bags tournaments sponsored by the Merrimac Fire Department; live music, vendors for arts, crafts and food;a kid’s craft and activity tent and the renowned Chicken Drop.   
  • ​The Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce is hiring! Click here to explore the jobs board.
Environmental/DNR Updates
  • The Speaker's Task Force on Water Quality has been traveling around the state. If you're interested in where upcoming meetings are taking place, click here.
  • The DNR is seeking public comment on a proposed administrative rule related to the agency’s Surface Water Grant program, which helps organizations and local units of government improve and protect lakes, rivers and wetlands.  The public comment period runs through July 24th. Click here for more information. 
  • Check out the DNR's Get Outdoors! web page to explore summer nature programs for all ages. Click here.