Putting Wisconsin's Miner Back to Work

Mining is an important part of our state's history.  Both the miner on our state flag and Wisconsin's nickname the "Badger State" honor mining's importance to Wisconsin's history.  By reforming our state's nonferrous mining laws, mining can also become an important part of Wisconsin's future, and provide a major boost to our economy in northern Wisconsin.

Last week, I proudly cast my vote in favor of Assembly Bill (AB) 499, otherwise known as the Mining for America Act.  This bill will reform our state's nonferrous mining laws including ending the 20-year moratorium on the mining of nonferrous metals such as gold, silver, copper, and nickel.

As this bill moved through the legislative process, one concern I heard folks around the 87th District is if these reforms would weaken protections for the environment.  The answer is they do not.  Under AB 499, Wisconsin's current strong environmental protections are maintained.  Also, this bill does not give automatic approval to mining permit applications.  Each application will be reviewed by the Department of Natural Resources, and they will determine if mining could be done safely at the proposed site.  In addition, as a part of the permit review process, there will be multiple opportunities for public input.  AB 499 requires that at least two public hearings are held before a permit is issued, and additional challenges are allowed if a permit is granted.

Right now, many young people are leaving northern Wisconsin for better economic opportunities.  The reforms made by AB 499 will make it possible for good-paying mining jobs to return to northern Wisconsin.  These jobs and other economic development that would occur surrounding any mining operation, would provide the needed opportunities to encourage our youth to stay and start their families in northern Wisconsin.

AB 499 was approved by the State Assembly and is scheduled to be considered by the State Senate tomorrow.

Pole Trap Bill Clears the Assembly

I mentioned in a previous e-update my bill, Assembly Bill 464, which would reform Wisconsin's laws regarding the height of pole traps.  I am pleased to report that this bill passed the Assembly last Thursday on a voice vote and now moves on to the State Senate for further consideration.  I hope to see it on the Governor's desk soon.

Competitive Integrated Employment

Thank you to Ashley Mathy and David Pinno for coming to Madison recently to advocate for the competitive integrated employment bill that I am working on with Senator Tiffany and Representative Anderson.  Keep an eye out for more information about this great proposal soon.

Around the 87th

A Special Kind of Therapy

Recently, I met with Ben Koch from New Vision Wilderness Therapy in Medford. He explained their unique mental health treatment programs, which take advantage of the great outdoors. We had a great discussion about different ways the state can help great programs like theirs succeed. 

Northern Economic & Community Development Summit

At the end of October, I was able to attend the Governor's Northern Economic & Community Development Summit. This was a great opportunity to meet with community and business leaders from around Northern Wisconsin and hear from Governor Walker about his Rural Agenda.

DOT Public Involvement Meeting for US 63 Project

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) will hold a public involvement meeting to discuss improvements to US Highway 63 from WIS 27 to Larsen Road in Hayward. The meeting will be an informal open house with a short presentation.

Exhibits showing the plan concepts will be on display, and project representatives will be available to discuss the project on an individual basis. The public is encouraged to attend the meeting, provide input, and ask questions concerning the project.

Wednesday, November 8th
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
5:15 p.m. - Short Presentation

Veterans Community Center
10534 Main St.
Hayward, WI 54843

Stay Up to Date

One of the best ways to stay up to date with what is going on in Madison is to sign up for the legislature's notification tracking service. This service allows you to follow legislative activity in Madison. Once you create a free account you can sign up to receive notifications about specific bills or committees as well as legislative activity pertaining to a subject area (i.e. agriculture, veterans). You can sign up for this service at notify.legis.wisconsin.gov.