Budget Update

If you have seen news reports over the past few weeks you may have heard concerns about the 2017-19 State Budget not being enacted before the end of the state fiscal year on June 30th.  While this is not ideal, state government continues to operate just as it has over the past two years. That is because, under Wisconsin law, state government continues to operate under the previous budget until a new budget is enacted.

So far the legislature's budget writing committee, the Joint Committee on Finance, has acted upon a large part of the budget.  However, before the budget can come before both houses of the legislature for a vote the committee must act on a few more key areas, primarily K-12 education and transportation. Both of these issues as very important across the state and there are different opinions on how to approach these areas.

Each member of the legislature is elected by their constituents to represent them and advocate for what their communities need and want.  These needs and wants are not always the same in all corners of the state meaning that legislators may not always agree on the best course of action to take.

As budget negotiations progress, I will continue to share with my colleagues the budget priorities of the people of the 87th District and work to come to a final product that moves Wisconsin forward.  As the budget process continues please do not hesitate to continue to reach out to me and share your thoughts.

H.O.P.E. Agenda Bills Become Law

Back in January, Governor Walker called a special session on opioid abuse.  As a part of this special session, the legislature passed 11 bills aimed at fighting opioid abuse in our state and continues the work of the H.O.P.E. Agenda.  On Monday I was honored to attend the bill signing ceremony for 3 of these bills in Schofield.  The other 8 special session bills were signed in other areas around the state on Monday.

The opioid epidemic has impacted far too many people around the 87th District and the state of Wisconsin.  I am pleased that these important bills are now law.

Around the 87th

I have been very busy over the past few weeks around the 87th Assembly District.  Here is a recap of what I have been up to around the district.

Take Your Legislator to Work

Recently, I was able to join Senator Petrowski at Great Lakes Renewable Energy in Hayward for a Take Your Legislator to Work visit with Ryan Nadelhoffer.  It was fantastic to meet Ryan and see first-hand his passion for his work and dedication to his job.

Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board Inauguration

I was honored to attend the Inauguration Ceremony for the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board on July 7th. Congratulations to all of the new board members and newly elected tribal officers.

Visit to Indianhead Community Action Agency Inc.

Last week, I visited Indianhead Community Action Agency Inc. in Ladysmith and had a fantastic conversation with their CEO Jennifer Shearer and board members. They gave me an update about all of the great things their organization is doing in our community.

Congratulations Dr. Nina Gilberg

Last week, I was happy to be in Hayward to celebrate Dr. Nina Gilberg's retirement after 30 years of family practice.  Congratulations Dr. Gilberg and best wishes as you begin this new chapter in your life.

Lac Courte Oreilles Honor the Earth Pow Wow

Last weekend, I was able to spend some time at the Lac Courte Oreilles Honor the Earth Pow Wow. I truly appreciated being able to experience this amazing event and talk with so many wonderful people.

Civil Air Patrol Pancake Breakfast

On July 10th, I joined many members of the Wild Rivers Composite Squadron of the Wisconsin Civil Air Patrol at their Pancake Breakfast.  As a member of the Civil Air Patrol Legislative Squadron, I was happy to meet with the local squadron and hear about what they have been doing in our community. The Wild Rivers Composite Squadron has proudly been serving northern Wisconsin since 1973.