We're on the Right Track

Earlier this week, the Department of Administration released the state's Annual Fiscal Report.  This report shows that the State of Wisconsin ended the 2017 fiscal year with a $579 million surplus which was nearly $112 million dollars more than predicted.  This higher than anticipated surplus is a result of both lower than expected spending and increased revenue.  This is great news and shows that the reforms Wisconsin has made over the past several years are producing positive results.  I am committed to continuing to work with my colleagues in the legislature to promote policies that keep the fiscal state of our state strong.

A Centennial Celebration

Throughout 2017, the State of Wisconsin has been celebrating the centennial of the State Capitol. Our State Capitol building is, in my opinion, the best in the nation.  It has a rich history and a unique beauty that I encourage everyone to experience.  There are a couple of upcoming events that are part of this celebration that I wanted to share.

100th Anniversary Gala

On November 8th, the State Capitol Commemorative Commission will be holding the 100th Anniversary Gala under the Capitol dome from 6:30pm to 10pm. The net proceeds from this event will go towards the Capitol Restoration Fund.  For more information or tickets, click here.

Centennial Capitol Open House

On Thursday, November 9th, there will be a special open house from 10 am to 2 pm. Come tour the Capitol and see some areas that are not on the regular Capitol tour and take advantage of this great opportunity.

Some of the things you can look forward to during the special self-guided Open House tour are:

• Capitol's 100th Anniversary Art & Essay Contest Winner display on the 1st Floor of the Capitol Rotunda
• Self Guided Tours include main areas of the capitol as well as some unique rooms not on the normal tour
• Historic slideshows in 411 South and 412 East
• Popping into the Assembly Chambers, Senate Chambers, Supreme Court Hearing Room, Governor's Conference Room, and the North Hearing Room

Under the Dome

Trophy Deer Bill Advances

In my last e-update, I discussed the bill I authored with Senator Petrowski that would increase the penalty for poaching trophy deer, Assembly Bill (AB) 416.  I am pleased to report that the Assembly Committee on Environment and Forestry voted yesterday to recommend passage of AB 416 by the full Assembly.  I am looking forward to seeing this important legislation on the Assembly floor soon. 

For more information, you can check out my joint press release with Senator Petrowski here.

Discussing Health Care

Last week I had a nice meeting with some folks from the Wisconsin Association of Nurse Anesthetists.  We discussed some of the proposals important to their profession that are working through the legislature.  Thank you for stopping by!

United Steelworkers

It was great to see Brian Bates from Ladysmith at the Capitol earlier this week.  He was in Madison representing the United Steelworkers and we had a great discussion about the issues important to him and his industry.

2017-2018 Blue Books Available

The 2017-2018 Wisconsin Blue Books are still available upon request to residents of the 87th Assembly District.  If you would like to request a copy click here to fill out the request form.  My office will continue processing the requests over the next few weeks.

Around the 87th

Chicken Dinner for a Cause

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend the Bruce Fire Department Charcoal Chicken Dinner. It was wonderful to see everyone from the community come together to support the department. 

I also want to extend a special thank you to Chief Jim Locke, who gave me a tour of the firehouse and showed me the department's new truck. 

On the Fast-Track to Success

This week, I was happy to attend the introduction of the Operating Engineer Pre-Apprenticeship Program, through Destinations Career Academy of Wisconsin. Over 300 students from around the state attended this event, including students from Flambeau High School.

This program is a unique opportunity for high school students that allows them to prepare for their future success in the trades by earning technical college credits and complete courses required for an apprenticeship as an Operating Engineer.

For more information about this program click here.

A Harvest of Talents in Ladysmith

This past weekend, I attended the Harvest of Talents, at the Church of Christ in Ladysmith. This wonderful community event helped raise money for those in need in Rusk County. I was happy to support this great cause in our community.

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.