Across rural Wisconsin, better access to healthcare is one of the most pressing needs.  Recently, I joined with Senator Jerry Petrowski to introduce legislation that would help address that need, Assembly Bill (AB) 222/Senate Bill (SB) 164.

If enacted into law AB 222/SB 164 would invest $500,000 in the creation of rural wellness facilities and programs in the form of grants from the Department of Health Services (DHS).  Under the bill, at least two grants would be awarded, with individual grants capped at $250,000. In order for an eligible applicant to receive a grant under this bill, the applicant must match the grant awarded and must prove that the facility or program funded by the grant addresses community health needs.

AB 222/SB 164 is part of a healthcare package from the Rural Wisconsin Initiative (RWI).  The RWI is a group of legislators committed to making the voice of rural Wisconsin heard in the State Capitol.  To find out more about the RWI please visit www.ruralwisconsininitiative.com.

 

Capitol Happenings

Hospitals Advocates at the Capitol
Yesterday, I was able to speak with the many hospital advocates from the 87th Assembly District and the rest of the 29th Senate District.  It was great to get feedback on how state government can help them serve the citizens of Wisconsin better.

Human Services Day at the Capitol
Earlier this month, I had great visits with the folks from Sawyer and Taylor County Human Services.  I appreciate all the work they do to make our communities a great place to live!

Around the 87th District

Talking Broadband
Recently, I spoke with the 8th grade Social Studies class in Winter about rural broadband access.  We discussed legislation I co-sponsored to increase funding for broadband expansion grants and the class' survey which showed the need for more reliable internet in the Winter area.  What an awesome group of young people!

Award Winning Cabbage
Last week, I had the honor of joining Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Ben Brancel in Medford last week to recognize Medford Elementary student Sydney Sperl for being this year's state winner of the Bonnie Plants 3rd Grade Cabbage Program.  Congratulations Sydney!

Continuing to Gather Feedback on the State Budget
I continue to gather your input on the governor's 2017-19 budget proposal.  On Monday, I held another budget listening session in Medford and on Tuesday I participated in the Joint Committee on Finance's Public Hearing in Spooner.

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.

You can also follow me on Facebook to see what I have been doing in Madison and around the 87th Assembly District.