CONSIDINE CONNECTS

Capitol Updates from State Rep. Dave Considine

October 2, 2015

Dear friend,

As we move into the fall legislative session, I wanted to keep you updated on some of the key issues affecting the 81st District. As always, if you have any questions or thoughts on the news below, please feel free to let me know. You can call my office at (608) 266-7746 or send me an email at Rep.Considine@legis.wisconsin.gov. I am always glad to hear your input!

Sincerely,

Rep. Dave Considine

81st Assembly District

In this issue:

• Sauk Prairie Recreation Area Update

• Wine Walks Update: SB 236 Passes the Assembly

• Non-Partisan Redistricting Bill Introduced

• Reminder - Blue Books Are Here

Sauk Prairie Recreation Area Update

Last month, the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) held a public hearing and presentation on its draft master plan for the Sauk Prairie Recreation Area (the former Badger Army Ammunition Plant). Before the public comment period ended last Friday, Senator Jon Erpenbach and I joined almost 2,000 citizens and a coalition of 26 organizations in contacting the DNR with our thoughts on the plan.

After hearing a great deal of input from all sides of this issue, there is clearly an overwhelming amount of concern for and opposition to the inclusion of high-impact activities such as dual-sport motorcycles and model rocketry. As the DNR begins the revision process, I am hopeful that it will keep in mind our common goals of conservation and restoration and remove these activities from the plan.

You can find a copy of the master plan draft and more information on the SPRA on the DNR's website: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/lands/masterplanning/saukprairie/

Wine Walks Update: SB 236 Passes the Assembly

Thanks to the hard work and outreach of our local business owners and community leaders, the Wine Walks bill has advanced even further through the Legislature. Last week, Senate Bill (SB) 236 passed the State Assembly on a voice vote. The bill passed the Senate earlier in September, so it will now be sent to Governor Walker's desk to be signed into law. Thank you to all those who contributed their time and energy to the success of this bill! SB 236 will ensure that our communities can continue to grow their economy into the future.

Non-Partisan Redistricting Bill Introduced

Recently, my freshman Assembly Democratic colleagues and I introduced a bill to take redistricting out of the hands of legislators and give our elections back to voters. Currently, Wisconsin politicians are allowed to draw their own legislative districts - ensuring their own political safety and making it harder for voters to hold them accountable. Under Assembly Bill (AB) 328, a non-partisan state agency would draw the maps, and legislators would only have input in the final stages. It is time to rid our state of unfair gerrymandering and return to a Legislature elected by the voters in truly competitive elections, and this bill would do just that.

AB 328 is now awaiting a public hearing in the Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections. If you think citizens should have the chance to give their input on this bill, contact the committee chair, Rep. Kathy Bernier at Rep.Bernier@legis.wisconsin.gov or (608) 266-9172. You can read more about the bill here, and see coverage of this issue by the Wisconsin Radio Network, the Green Bay Press Gazette, Wausau's WSAU news, and the Kenosha News.

Blue Books Now Available

As a reminder, the 2015-2016 Wisconsin Blue Books have arrived! Blue Books are a great resource on our state government, and I am happy to provide them to residents of the 81st District at no cost to you. To request a Blue Book, please send an email Rep.Considine@legis.wisconsin.gov with your name, address, and phone number.

Fall Photo Update

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

Standing with my colleagues to advocate for AB 328,

our Non-Partisan Redistricting bill

Testifying in support of SB 236 (the Wine Walks bill) in the

Senate Committee on Revenue, Financial Institutions, and Rural Issues