A Medford Idea Becomes Law

As you may have noticed in some of my previous e-updates, one of my priorities this session has been the Employment First legislation.  The idea that became this legislation started a couple of years ago at a community conversation about employing people with disabilities in Medford.  Since that event, I have worked with state agencies and many stakeholders to craft this important legislation to promote community-based employment for people with disabilities.

I am proud to say that a couple of weeks ago some of the very same people who I first met at that community conversation in Medford were with me in the Governor's Office as Governor Walker signed the Employment First bill into law as Act 178.  Under this law, Wisconsin will lead the nation in promoting community-based employment for people with disabilities.  This legislation was a truly a labor of love for many in the Medford community.  For the bill's public hearing back in January so many people in the Medford area wanted to come to Madison to support it that they had to charter a coach bus for the trip.

Seeing this important legislation signed into law one of the highlights of my time so far in the legislature, and I am proud to have worked with so many fantastic people to turn this Medford idea into law.  There are so many amazing pictures from the bill signing that day that I couldn't fit them all in my e-update.  If you would like to see more photos you can visit the Medford SOAR program's Facebook page here or by clicking their post below.

Another Two Edming Authored Bills Become Law

Recently, two other bills that I authored, Senate Bill (SB) 404 and Assembly Bill (AB) 464, were signed into law by Governor Walker.

SB 404 exempts students in a post-secondary Wisconsin institution from paying the initial $130 filing fee for creating a limited liability company (LLC).  For students, starting their own business can often be challenging, but as a state, we want to encourage these young entrepreneurs to build their businesses in Wisconsin which is why I authored SB 404 with Senator Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point).  This exemption will free up the funds for investment in the LLC itself giving these students more resources to get their small business off the ground.  SB 404 is now Act 177.

Governor Walker signs SB 404 into law.

I began working on AB 464 after speaking with the Krug family from Taylor County about some issues they were facing with protecting the birds on their game farm.  This legislation reforms Wisconsin laws regarding the height of pole traps which are used by game farms to protect their birds from predators.  This legislation brings Wisconsin law in line with what is allowed under Federal law.  AB 464 is now Act 169.

Governor Walker signs AB 464 into law.

Broadband Expansion Grant Awarded in Rusk County

No matter where I go around the 87th Assembly District, one of the things that I hear the most about is the need for improved access to reliable high-speed internet in our area.  As your state representative, I continue to work to find ways to help meet this need in our area.  This session I supported the state budget, which expands investment in Wisconsin's Broadband Expansion Grant Program.  I also worked with my colleagues to remove some barriers to broadband development and to encourage new ways to provide service such as the use of TV white space technology.

Earlier this week, Governor Walker announced the preliminary awarding of 46 Broadband Expansion Grants in the largest round of broadband grants in state history  A total of $7.68 million in grant funds will be distributed to support the over $19 million in private matching funds.  One of the grants announced is a $134,516 grant to BEVCOMM for a project in the Island Lake area of Rusk County.  This project is expected to improve services for approximately 119 homes and businesses.  I am excited about the impact that this grant will have on this area of Rusk County and hope to see more grants awarded for projects in our area in the future.

Spring Newsletter

This week many of you received my 2018 Spring Newsletter in your mailboxes.  In this newsletter, I provide an update on some of the things that I worked on this session as well as some of the many other legislative accomplishments.  As this newsletter had to be sent to print nearly a month ago, some of the items, such as the bills I discussed earlier in this e-update, had not yet been signed into law.  Also, due to the mailing costs, I was unable to send a newsletter to every household in the district.  However, if you did not receive a newsletter you can read it online on my website at RepEdming.com or by clicking the image below.

Under the Dome

Natural Resources Board Meeting

Earlier this week I attended the Natural Resources Board meeting in Madison and addressed the board regarding the problems with bear crop damage in our area.  This is a major problem for many farmers in the 87th District and I am committed to working with the board and the Department of Natural Resources to help address this issue.  I would also like to thank constituents Mike Robers, Dale Beissel, Andy Winiarczyk, and Terry DuSell for making the long trip down to Madison to share their stories with the board.

Rep. Edming speaking before the Natural Resources Board

(L-R) Terry DuSell, Dale Beissel, Rep. Edming, Mike Robers, and Andy Winiarczyk

Research in the Rotunda

Our district is full of bright young students ready to change the world.  One of the best parts about my job as a legislator is meeting with these people and learning about their accomplishments and goals.  This week, I met with UW-River Falls student Roman Alvarado from Medford, who was in Madison to present his original research regarding the Design and Construction of a Myoelectric Partial Hand Prosthesis. I am so proud of the great scientific research and advances coming out of our district.

Around the 87th

Our Lady of Sorrows School Visit
On Monday I had the opportunity to speak with the middle school students at Our Lady of Sorrow School in Ladysmith about state government.  I had a great discussion with this bright group of young people.

Taylor Electric Cooperative Meeting
This past weekend I was able to attend Taylor Electric Cooperative's Annual Meeting in Medford. It was great chatting with everyone there and I look forward to meeting with them again soon.

Sawyer County Snowmobile & ATV Alliance Banquet
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure to join members of the Sawyer County Snowmobile and ATV Alliance at their annual banquet.  Thank you to the alliance and its member clubs for the great work you do.  It is extremely important to the tourism industry in Sawyer County.