Welcome to another edition of my e-update. It continues to be busy around the Capitol with the budget season in full swing, along with keeping up-to-date on other bills. I also remain busy around the 87th District with many different events. I look forward to sharing a bit about what I have been up to this past week.
As always, if you have something you want me to know regarding the state budget or other state issues, feel free to contact my office and share your thoughts with me. I am always happy to hear from the people of the 87th Assembly District that I am proud to serve.
I Am Looking for Your Feedback
With the state budget process underway, I will be hitting the road around the 87th Assembly District to gather feedback from the residents of the 87th on Governor Tony Evers’ 2019-2021 State Budget proposal. I will be holding my first round of state budget listening sessions next week Thursday, April 4th at four different locations around the 87th District. The feedback I receive at these listening sessions will help me to better advocate for the priorities of the 87th District as the budget process unfolds over the next few months. For more information on my listening sessions, click on the picture below to watch a short video or visit my website, repedming.com, and click "Budget Listening Sessions" at the top of the home page. I hope to see you there!
Click on the picture above for more information on my budget listening sessions.
If you are unable to attend one of these listening sessions you can also submit your feedback on the state budget proposal to me by calling (888) 534-0087 or by email at Rep.Edming@legis.wi.gov. Also, in addition to these four listening sessions, I plan on holding a second round of listening sessions at a later date.
The Fine Print in Governor Evers' Budget
So what would Governor Evers' state budget mean for your taxes, if it became law as written? According to a report by the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau, over the course of two years, this budget would increase overall net taxes by $1,082,660,300. Due to the responsible budgeting by Republicans during the last eight years, Wisconsin has an over $600 million surplus. I simply see no need to raise taxes as Governor Evers proposed.
One concern I often hear in the district is about property taxes. As you may have heard in the media, the governor's budget lifts property tax caps, which were put in place back in 2011. Under Republican leadership, property taxes on a median-valued home are lower today than they were in 2010. We have provided $3.56 billion in property tax relief and maintained strong property tax caps. By removing these caps, Governor Evers would allow property taxes on the median-valued home to rise by the largest amount in over a decade. Again, I see no need to raise property taxes on hardworking Wisconsinites like you.
I continue to review the governor's state budget proposal and have discussions with my colleagues in the legislature on how to create a state budget that works for Wisconsin and keeps taxes in check. I am hopeful that Governor Evers will realize that increasing taxes is not the way to go and come to the table and work with Republicans.
Under the Dome
Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association
On Wednesday morning, I met with representatives of the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, several of whom are constituents of the 87th Assembly District. We learned about issues important to their members and what is important to them this legislative session.
Wisconsin Civil Air Patrol
Later that afternoon, I met with members of the Wisconsin Civil Air Patrol. As a member of the Wisconsin State Legislative Squadron, I was proud to hear of their activities in the organization, why they joined, and where they saw their futures headed.
Veterans and Military Affairs Committee - Informational Hearing
As a member of the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, I participated in an informational hearing yesterday with the Departments of Military Affairs and Veterans Affairs. We heard from Adjutant General Donald Dunbar and Secretary-designee of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Mary Kolar and the hearing was very informative. To watch the hearing, click here.
Rep. Edming and DVA Secretary-designee Kolar
Around the 87th
Congratulations Cody Church!
Last Sunday, I was honored to attend the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Cody Church. What an amazing achievement it is to reach the rank of Eagle Scout. Congratulations, Cody!
Photo courtesy of The Star News
Running Tree Sugarhouse
On Monday, I toured the Running Tree Sugarhouse maple syrup production plant in Medford, which is owned and operated by Dave "Beaner" Lemke, the third generation in his family to tap the trees. I was amazed at the hard work they put into producing their organic maple syrup.
Rusk County Sheriff's Office K9 Fundraiser
The Rusk County Sheriff's Office held a spaghetti dinner to raise money for their K9 unit last Saturday evening. All the proceeds went towards their K9 equipment and training. I was happy to give my support and have some delicious spaghetti. I even got to meet a future deputy of the department.
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
