CONSIDINE CONNECTS

Capitol Updates from State Rep. Dave Considine

April 24, 2015

Dear friend,

 

Happy belated Earth Day! Wisconsin has always been a national leader in conserving and protecting our natural resources. As a long-time farmer and landowner in the Baraboo area, I am proud to represent one of the most beautiful and environmentally rich areas in our state. I look forward to continue working with you to protect the landmarks, waterways, plants, and animals that provide invaluable health and economic benefits to so many Wisconsin families.

 

Sincerely,

 

Rep. Dave Considine

81st Assembly District

 

 


 

 

In this issue:

  • State Budget Update: JFC's Actions So Far

  • ADRC Listening Session - Thank You!

  • You're Invited: Prairie du Sac Dam Public Tours

 

State Budget Update: JFC's Actions So Far

As you know, the budget is a long, complex process. But your opinion truly matters: thanks to your hard work, two detrimental proposals have already been removed from the budget. Here are just a few highlights of the Joint Finance Committee's actions so far:

  1. Removed 14 non-fiscal policy items from the budget - including the Governor's request to eliminate the power of the DNR and DATCP boards, and his county assessment proposal. This action shows that your voices are being heard - these provisions were removed because of the dedication and outreach of citizens across our state. However, our work is not yet done: there are many other items, such as SeniorCare funding cuts and the dismantling of ADRCs, that should also be removed. You can see all 14 policy items that were removed here.

  2. Cut compensation funding to non-profits like the Citizen Utility Board, which advocate on behalf of consumers for more affordable rates. These groups are often one of the only negotiation resources available to help those in rural areas get the utilities they need at reasonable prices. My Democratic colleagues on the committee voted to maintain funding for these groups, but the reduction in funding passed on a party line vote.

  3. Eliminated the Local Government Property Insurance Fund. Although the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau confirmed that many local governments will have difficulties getting properties insured without this essential fund, the committee voted along party lines to eliminate it.

  4. Removed 13.35 Fish and Wildlife positions within the DNR. These positions lend important assistance to the DNR in its efforts to support our fish and wildlife resources. I am hopeful that before cutting any other staff positions like these, the members of the committee will work together to try and find other ways to save our state money.

For more information on upcoming JFC sessions, contact details for each committee member, and directions to sign up for email notifications on the budget, visit http://legis.wisconsin.gov/lfb/jfc. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me anytime at (608) 266-7746 or Rep.Considine@legis.wisconsin.gov.

 

 

ADRC Listening Session - Thank You!

I want to sincerely thank all those who were able to attend my listening session on ADRCs and long-term care in the state budget on Monday, April 20th. We had a very productive conversation, and your message was loud and clear: our state's ADRCs and long-term care resources like IRIS and Family Care are extremely valuable just the way they are. Sen. Erpenbach and I were glad to hear your views on this important part of the state budget. If you weren't able to come, please call my office or send me an email to let me know what you think: (608) 266-7746 or Rep.Considine@legis.wisconsin.gov.

 

 

You're Invited: Prairie du Sac Dam Public Tours

Back by popular demand! Alliant Energy is partnering again with the Sauk Prairie Area Historical Society to host public tours of the Prairie du Sac Dam. Last year, these tours provided over 900 people with the opportunity to learn more about the dam, and raised over $4,000 for the Historical Society. See details below for more information:

When: Friday, May 15th from 3:00-6:00 PM

Saturday, May 16th from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM

Sunday, May 17th from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM

 

Where: Tripp Heritage Museum, 565 Water St, Prairie du Sac

Tour reservations will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Photos will be allowed in all areas of the facility. For safety and clothing requirements, event details, and information on where to purchase tickets, please visit www.alliantenergy.com/damtours.

 

 

 

April Photo Update

 

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

 

http://legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/81/considine

 

 

Breaking ground with local school and community leaders at East Elementary in Baraboo. As part of $9.95 million in maintenance and safety update projects in the Baraboo School District, East will receive a new library media center addition.

 

I had a great time meeting with students from St. John's Lutheran during their tour of our State Capitol! To schedule a tour, visit http://tours.wisconsin.gov.

 

Proud to stand with my Democratic colleagues on Tax Day, April 15th, to advocate for more responsible use of federal funds - including accepting the federal BadgerCare (Medicaid) money that is still available to Wisconsin.

 

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