Budget Listening Session

I will be holding a listening session focusing on the State Budget at 2pm on April 20th at Northcentral Technical College in the Center for Health Science Room 1004. State Representative Amy Loudenbeck, a member of the Joint Finance Committee, will join me for the listening session. We want to hear from you about what you think our priorities should be as we work on the State Budget. 

Please be aware that attendees will have to adhere to all COVID-19 protocols on campus including; social distancing, masking, and temperature checks upon entrance. More information about NTC's guidelines can be found here. If you can't make it, feel free to send your concerns or comments directly to my office.

Summer Sales Tax Holiday Passes the Assembly

Earlier this week, my Summer Sales Tax Holiday proposal passed the State Assembly. 

This legislation creates a one-time sales tax holiday from June 1st – August 31st, 2021 which would apply to an estimated 11,000 businesses such as: taverns, restaurants, amusement parks, movie theaters (including drive-ins), and more. These industries were among the hardest hit by the pandemic and this summer will be a make-or-break period for many of them. I will continue looking for ways to support our small businesses and their customers.

The State Assembly also approved legislation that would use new federal funds to provide economic assistance with:

• Aid to Households: $1 billion to provide a 10 percent payment to all property taxpayers
• Small Business Assistance: $200 million for small business grants
  
• Tourism Assistance: $50 million for tourism grants and $25 million for advertising grants for amusement parks
• Rural Economic Development & Farmer Assistance: $50 million for rural economic development grants and $50 million for farmer support funds
• Long-term Care Assistance: $150 million for grants for nursing homes and assisted living facilities and worker bonuses
• Strengthen Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund: Requires the use of recovery funds to keep UI taxes at the lowest tax schedule
• Local Road Funding: $308 million to give $2 million per county and $2,000 per road mile to cities, villages, and towns for road improvements
• Broadband Expansion: $500 million in broadband expansion grants
• EMS and Mental Health: $68.2 million for EMS technology upgrades and a psychiatric hospital in Eau Claire
• Debt Repayment: $250 million to pay down state debt and $250 million to pay off transportation revenue bonds
• Clean Water Investments: $61 million for water infrastructure projects

COVID-19 Vaccine Update

All Wisconsinites age 16 and over are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. However be aware that, some areas of the state may have a higher demand for vaccinations and may have waitlists. Vaccine providers will prioritize anyone previously eligible such as public-facing essential workers and people with medical conditions.

The Marathon County Community Vaccine Clinic at Northcentral Technical College's Center for Business and Industry is still operating from 11 am to 7 pm, Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please use the WI COVID-19 registry.

2019-2020 Blue Books & maps (paper highway maps or laminated maps) are still available in my office! The Wisconsin Blue Book contains information on all things Wisconsin, including census information, state history, official state symbols, and everything about Wisconsin government! Contact me for your free copy today!