I hope you are enjoying the fall colors in the 81st Assembly District this October. I have remained busy this fall, between attending committee meetings, introducing legislation, and going to events in the district.
The Assembly was in session today and will be in session tomorrow at 1PM. We took up a number of housing related bills on the Assembly floor today. As many of you know, housing challenges are very real in Wisconsin. Increasing access to affordable workforce housing deserves serious attention from lawmakers. I am disappointed that many of the housing bills we voted on this week were rushed through the legislative process. Many of the people and organizations that would be directly impacted weren’t present at the public hearings due to the rushed manner in which the bills were brought forward. In addition, many of the bills that came before me today ease regulations on builders and corporations instead of addressing real affordable housing. I am disheartened that Republicans did not take the opportunity to address this issue earlier, as they removed Gov. Evers’ housing and homelessness initiatives from the budget.
As always, please contact my office if you have any questions or concerns. Continue reading for updates on new legislation, the legislative redistricting process, tours and more.
Sincerely,
Fair Maps Update
Last week, Republicans released their legislative maps. I am disappointed to see that they are once again proposing maps that strongly favor their party and do not allow for fair competition. Throughout my time as a state representative, I have consistently heard from my constituents on this topic. We must listen to the people of Wisconsin and create fair maps, not maps that favor one side. (See the Republican's maps here.)
I also encourage you to check out the website PlanScore which explains all of Wisconsin's proposed legislative maps and if they favor a particular party. They have information on maps proposed by the nonpartisan People's Maps Commission, as well as the maps put forward by the Republican controlled Legislature.
This Thursday there will be a public hearing on the proposed Republican maps. The hearing is on Thursday, October 28th at 9AM in the Capitol, room 412 East. Please attend if you would like to share your thoughts on the proposed maps. The hearing is on two bills Senate Bill (SB) 621 regarding legislative redistricting and SB 622 regarding congressional redistricting. Find more information on the hearing HERE.
Invest in Agriculture, Grow Our Future Package
Earlier this month, I was proud to introduce the Invest in Agriculture, Grow Our Future bill package. This package includes critical investments in Wisconsin's farmers. As a long-time farmer and the ranking member of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, I know the challenges that come with farming well. I also know that the proposals we put forth would help farmers all across Wisconsin. The package includes:
SB 649 - Allocates $400,000 to the Farm to School Grant Program, and $553,300 to the Farm to Fork Grant Program
LRB 4244 - Provides $10 million to Food Security and Wisconsin Products Grant Program
SB 647 - Allocates $400,000 to the Something Special from Wisconsin program
SB 650 - Creates the Meat Talent Tuition Program, which allows DATCP to reimburse tuition costs of students enrolled in the meat processing program.
SB 646 - Authorizes 5 positions for the expansion of the Farm Center, providing regional farmer support
I look forward to a public hearing on my proposals!
Blue Books
We recently received the 2021-22 Blue Books! The Blue Book is a free resource with information on Wisconsin's elected officials, our government, statistics, and fun facts. If you would like a Blue Book, please call or email my office at (608) 266-7746 or rep.considine@legis.wisconsin.gov.
Tour of Milwaukee Transit
This fall, I toured Milwaukee Transit with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and fellow Democratic members of the Assembly Committee on Transportation Rep. Kristina Shelton, Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez, and Rep. Supreme Moore Omokunde.
I enjoyed seeing the Milwaukee Intermodal Station, where you can find the city streetcar, busses and Amtrak trains. This is also where the state Traffic Management Center (TMC) is located. I was impressed by their work to minimize traffic congestion around the state. They provide information to the state patrol and to navigation apps such as WAYS and Google Maps. After we visited the TMC, we heard from the hardworking people at Milwaukee County Transit and the many projects they are working on to improve public transit in the county. To end the tour, we went over to the Hank Aaron Trail to learn about the transformation of Menominee Valley thanks to work from community members, nonprofits, and DOT. I am encouraged by their work to improve their community, in part by creating spaces for people to walk and bike.
Innovative Efficiencies Bill Package
I was happy to introduce a bill package with my colleagues to increase efficiencies at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
The bill I introduced (AB 620) extends the road test waiver program which began during COVID-19. This program has been proven to be safe and effective. Read more about this bill HERE.
First Responder of the Year
Today, the Assembly started the floor session by honoring a first responder from each Assembly District. I was proud to recognize Police Chief Jerry Strunz of Prairie du Sac for his more than 30 years of service in our community.
Meat Processing Grants
Last week Governor Evers announced a new meat processor grant program. The program provides $200,000 annually in each year of the biennium to help meat processors expand and modernize their facilities and operation to keep pace with the supply chain.
Funds for the grant program were released on October 19th by the Joint Finance Committee. Meat processing facilities and prospective facilities of all sizes can apply for these dollars. Under the Meat Processor Grant Program, DATCP will award grants to meat processing facilities and prospective meat processing facilities of up to $50,000.
As of October 26th, 6,487,102 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Wisconsin. 57.6% of Wisconsin residents have received at least one dose, with 54.9% being fully vaccinated. Booster shots of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are now recommended for Wisconsinites over age 65, working or living in long-term healthcare facilities, and those with underlying conditions. If you received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine over two months ago you are also now eligible for a second dose. I am grateful that I received my booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine. Find more information on booster shots HERE.
If you would like to get vaccinated, you can find a vaccine provider near you at vaccines.gov or at the county health websites: Sauk, Dane, Columbia, and Iowa.
RiverFest
Earlier this month, I attended Baraboo’s RiverFest, celebrating 20 years of the Baraboo River being dam-free. I enjoyed learning more about the Baraboo River, speaking with constituents, and assisting with the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new boat dock. Thank you to all the members of our community who have worked to improve the river for all.
Taiwan Friendship Caucus
Earlier this month, I was happy to meet the Ambassador to Taiwan, Ambassador Hsiao. I met her at the kickoff meeting for the Taiwan Friendship Caucus which was created to support Taiwan’s commitment to democracy, freedom and human rights, as well as to promote a closer economic and trade partnership between Taiwan and Wisconsin.
DNR Update
As the archery and crossbow deer season is in full swing and we are approaching more hunting seasons, the DNR is working to educate hunters on treestand safety. The DNR has shared the following basic rules of treestand safety:
Always wear a full-body harness also known as a fall-arrest system. Connect to your tether line and keep your tether line short. The tether is designed to keep you in the seat, not to catch you after you fall.
Always have three points of contact while climbing into and out of the treestand: This means two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand at all times.
Always use a haul line to raise and lower your unloaded firearm or bow into and out of the stand. You can also use the haul for other things like a heavy backpack.
Use a lifeline when climbing up and down, this keeps you connected from the time you leave the ground to the time you get back down.
Additionally, I would like to mention my thoughts on the recently introduced Sporting Freedom Package. While some parts of the package seem to be positive, such as updating DNR licensing, I strongly oppose some of the bills in the package, such as creating a hunting season for sandhill cranes. (See me speaking on this subject HERE.)
Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month takes place every year beginning on September 15th. This month we uplift inspiring Hispanic and Latinx community leaders who work to move Wisconsin forward every day.
Resources
If you ever need assistance, please reach out. You can call 211 for assistance on many topic such as paying your bills, mental health resources, and more. 211 is a resource managed by the United Way of Wisconsin. Call 2-1-1 or visit their website.
Department of Corrections Helpline: The call center can be reached by members of the public Monday through Friday from 7:45am–4:30pm at (608) 240-5700.
I encourage you to reach out to my office with any questions or concerns during this time. It is important to me to hear from you on issues at the state level.
