Thank you for taking a few minutes to read my e-update. It has been very busy the past couple of weeks with work wrapping up on the 2017-19 State Budget. As the legislature begins what is sure to be an active fall session please feel free to contact my office to share your thoughts on issues before the legislature. I look forward to hearing from you.
Advancing the Priorities of the 87th District
Since the state budget was introduced back in February, I listened to people from around the 87th Assembly District who reached out to me to share their top priorities for our state's two-year spending plan. Throughout the budget process, I took what I heard back to Madison and advocated for these priorities as the budget worked through the legislature.
When I talked with folks in the district, one of the top priorities I heard, again and again, was the need for increased funding for K-12 education. I am proud that this budget increases investments in K-12 education by over $600 million. I also heard of the need for increased funding for broadband expansion. This budget includes an additional $14 million for broadband expansion grants. I am happy to see this investment in an area that is important to the people of 87th District.
Also, during the budget process, I was made aware the need for funding to reimburse the Village of Rib Lake for costs the village incurred in the design of a safe routes to school project. I am pleased that after sharing this need with my fellow legislators this funding was added to the budget.
With a bill the size of the state budget, there are certainly some items I do not agree with. One of these items is the repeal of the prevailing wage. Had this proposal come before me in the Assembly as a separate piece of legislation, I would have voted against it. During the floor debate on the budget, I supported an amendment that would have removed this provision from the budget. Unfortunately, this amendment did not pass.
While this budget is not perfect, it advances many of priorities of the people of the 87th Assembly District which is why it received my support. Yesterday, the budget was signed into law by Governor Walker as Act 59.
Rep. Edming speaks in support of the 2017-19 State Budget on the Assembly Floor
Reforming Wisconsin's Pole Trap Law
Last week, I spoke before the Committee on Natural Resources and Sporting Heritage in support of my bill, Assembly Bill 464. This bill would reform Wisconsin's laws regulating the height of pole traps that are used by game preserves to protect their game birds. To learn more, click here to read my testimony.
Visiting the Capitol
Over the past couple of weeks, some residents of the 87th District have stopped by my office in Madison. If you are in the area please stop by Room 109 West, and hopefully, I will be available to say hello.
Marshall & Debra O'Leary
Sara Holewinski
Charles Heckel
Around the 87th
Root Beer Floats for a Great Cause
Yesterday, I stopped by the Ventures thrift store in Hayward for a root beer float fundraiser to support the victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The fundraiser was the idea of Ventures employee David and I hear that he raised over $500 for this great cause! Well done David! Also, it was great to see my friend Judge John Yackel at this awesome event.
Paying Tribute to Those Lost on 9/11
On September 11th, I was proud to play Taps at the ceremony in Ladysmith to commemorate the attack on our nation 16 years ago and remember those who lost their lives on that day. May we never forget.
Photo: Ladysmith News
Celebrating Wisconsin's Ginseng Industry
This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the International Wisconsin Ginseng Festival in Wausau. It was a great way to celebrate and learn more about Wisconsin's Ginseng industry. Did you know that 98% of the Ginseng exported from America last year was produced in Central Wisconsin?
Riding with our Veterans
Recently, I had the pleasure of joining ATV enthusiasts from the Rusk Riders ATV Club at their Veterans ATV Ride. What a wonderful way to get outside and honor our veterans.
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.
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If you have any thoughts regarding the subject of this E-Update, please feel free to contact me.
State Capitol Room 109 West - PO Box 8952, Madison, WI 53708 Toll-Free (888) 534-0087 or (608) 266-7506 Email: Rep.Edming@legis.wisconsin.gov