Thank you for taking some time to read the newest edition of my e-update. I hope you find it informative.
This week I will share some more information on the Sporting Freedom Package that I first discussed last week, as well as provide an update on the legislation that will provide property tax relief to more deserving disabled veterans. You can read about this and more below.
As always, please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you have any thoughts on issues before the legislature or if you need assistance with a state agency.
Increasing Hunting Opportunites
In last week's e-update, I shared a little bit about the Sporting Freedom Package that has been introduced to the legislature for consideration. This package seeks to improve opportunities and reduce burdensome regulations for Wisconsin sportsmen and women.
On Tuesday, a number of bills in this package received a public hearing before the Senate Committee on Sporting Heritage, Small Business, and Rural Issues. I had the opportunity to testify with Senator Rob Stafsholt in support of the bill we authored in this package, Senate Bill (SB) 609. This proposal will increase pheasant hunting opportunities in Wisconsin by increasing the number of pheasants that the Department of Natural Resources is required to produce each year at the Poynette State Game Farm and stock around the state. To learn more about SB 609 click here to read my testimony.
In addition to SB 609, a number of other bills in the Sporting Freedom Package received a public hearing this week:
SB 563 requirements for hunting non-native bovids.
SB 611 allows individuals under 18 years old to satisfy the in-person field testing requirement for the hunter’s safety program by participating in a mentored hunt.
SB 612 sets a minimum number of 100,000 brook trout that would be required to be raised by the DNR.
SB 613 consolidates or eliminates hunting, fishing, and trapping approvals that are required by the DNR.
SB 614 requires the DNR to create a biennial work plan that establishes priorities and goals for habitat work on lands managed by the DNR.
SB 615 requires the DNR to prepare a report that identifies public access opportunities on all lands owned or managed by DNR and other land areas.
SB 616 requires the DNR to make available on the Go Wild website dog training licenses.
SB 617 requires the DNR to identify opportunities for partnering with the private aquaculture industry
SB 618 requires the DNR to eliminate three rules every time they propose adding another rule.
If you would like to read a little more about this package of bills now you can click here to check out the Sporting Freedom Package website.
Bill to Help Disabled Veterans Advances
Last week, I discussed legislation that I authored that will provide property tax relief to more of our state's deserving disabled veterans. I'm pleased to report that this proposal, Assembly Bill (AB) 245, was unanimously recommended for passage by the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means earlier this week.
As I’ve traveled around the 87th District over the past few years, one of the top concerns I’ve heard from veterans is the need to increase the eligibility for Disabled Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit. With this week's action by the Ways and Means Committee, this important legislation is one step closer to becoming law.
To learn more about AB 245 you can click here to read the story from last week's e-update. You can also read my press release with my co-author, Senator André Jacque by clicking here.
Drug Take-Back Day
Drug Take-Back Day is this Saturday, October 23rd. For those not familiar, it gives people an opportunity to safely dispose of expired or unwanted prescriptions and other medications. For more information on disposal and to find a drop-off location in your area click here.
Upcoming Events Around the 87th
One of my favorite parts about serving as your state representative is getting out and interacting with constituents at many of the wonderful community events across the 87th District. Check out some of the upcoming events around the district below. Also, if you know of any other events, please contact my office and let me know, so I can include them in a future e-update and try to attend myself.
Check out some of the events coming up around the district:
Saturday, November 6th - American Legion Hall - Bruce
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
