On December 17th, I had the opportunity to sing some of my favorite Christmas carols in the Rotunda of the State Capitol.
Growing Opportunities Act
On November 26th, Governor Tony Evers signed 2019 Senate Bill 188, otherwise known as the Growing Opportunities Act, into law. This bill aligns Wisconsin state law with changes made in the 2018 Federal Farm Bill. It also creates truth in labeling laws for hemp products in Wisconsin.
I am very proud to have co-authored this bill. Wisconsin has historically been an excellent place to grow and process hemp. Governor Evers signed this bill into law and in doing so created more certainty for hemp producers, processors, and consumers. I have advocated for these reforms since I was first elected, and I am happy that hemp will continue to provide opportunities for diversification for our farmers.
New boundaries are drawn for legislative districts after the Federal census, which takes place every ten years. Currently, these maps go through the legislative process the same as bills do, which can lead to a majority party drawing boundaries that are favorable for themselves. Allowing those in power to draw maps that will likely keep them in power will create an imbalance in our representation.
In this session, 2019 Assembly Bill 303 was introduced. This bill would give the responsibility of redistricting to a non-partisan service agency known as the Legislative Reference Bureau. The legislation includes a set of standards and rules that the Bureau would have to follow when drawing new maps. I am a co-sponsor of this important bill because 50 counties and 72% of Wisconsinites throughout the state have passed resolutions asking the State Legislature to take action on this issue.
Constituents should elect their Representatives, not the other way around. It is time to pass Assembly Bill 303 and create a non-partisan redistricting process in Wisconsin. To learn more about this issue, please visit Forward Wisconsin.
Seasonal Update
I hope you have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Please note, my Capitol office will be closed from December 24th – January 1st for the holiday season.
DNR Update
Winter is in full swing, and while you may be wishing for warmer weather, you can prepare for it by purchasing a 2020 Wisconsin State Park Admission Sticker! The annual admissions stickers cost $28 for Wisconsin residents.
The DNR is making $275,000 in Wildlife Restoration and Sport Fish Restoration funds available to local clubs, organizations, communities, individuals, governments, tribes, and colleges and universities. These grants are meant to recruit and retain safe, ethical hunters and anglers. If you or someone you know has a project in mind, you can apply for the R3 Grant Program by Friday, January 3, 2020.
The DNR will be holding more than 40 candlelight events across Wisconsin in January and February. The event kicks off on January 4th, 2020 at Blue Mound State Park and Mirror Lake State Park. For more details, feel free to check out the DNR Candlelight Events Calendar.
