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In This Edition...


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Toll-Free: (888) 534-0087
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Rep.Edming@legis.wi.gov
Website: www.repedming.com

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A Note from Rep. Edming

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Thank you for taking the time to read this week's e-update. I am pleased to share with the people of the 87th District what I have been up to this week and provide an update on what's happening at the Capitol.

Next week, August 12 - 18, is National Safe & Sound Week, organized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The rate of worker deaths and reported injuries in the U.S. has decreased by more than 60%, but still more than 5,000 workers are killed on the job each year. As the Chair of the Labor and Integrated Employment Committee and a small business owner myself, I recognize that the safety of a company's employees should be the number one priority. I encourage you to take a look at OSHA's website, and see how your organization can participate in Safe and Sound Week 2019.     

As always, if you would like to share your thoughts or concerns on any state issues, please contact my office and let me know. I look forward to hearing from you. 

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Lower Rates, More Accessible Coverage

In February 2018, I supported a plan by Governor Walker that would allow the state to leverage federal funds to create a reinsurance program, controlling health insurance costs. This plan is now referred to as the Wisconsin Healthcare Stability Plan (WIHSP). Prior to this legislation, Wisconsin's health insurance rates in the individual market were on track to increase by 9% in 2020. However, thanks to this legislation, insurance rates were down 4.2% in 2019. This week, Governor Evers has just announced that for the second year in a row, rates will decrease. In 2020, insurance rates, on average, will decrease by another 3.2%.

According to Governor Evers, "This encouraging news further demonstrates that the individual market is stabilizing and Wisconsin residents are able to access more affordable coverage options...The WIHSP is working..." I'm glad that Governor Evers agrees with us on this. The WIHSP has led to consistent reductions in consumers' health care rates and is another example why Republicans in the Legislature and Governor Walker made the right decision and did not expand welfare. With that said, this announcement is great news, but there is still progress to be made. I will continue to work with my colleagues to look for ways to make sure Wisconsinites have access to quality, affordable health care.

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Rhinelander Timber Tour

It is no secret that Wisconsin is a leader in the forestry industry, accounting for $1.4 billion in exports each year. Forestry is the second largest industry in Wisconsin, second only to agriculture. Because our state is covered by 17 million acres of forest land, most residents of northern Wisconsin likely know someone whose livelihood relies on forestry in some way. In the 87th Assembly District, we are aware of the important economic impact forestry has on our communities. As the top employer in two counties in the 87th District, I believe it is important for me to stay up-to-date on things happening in the industry and take opportunities to learn more about the issues impacting this important part of our area of the state.

To do just that, I attended a Timber Tour in Rhinelander on Monday, hosted by the Wood Industry Collaborative. We visited an active logging site where Enterprise Forest Products was working to clean up after the recent storm. I had been looking forward to seeing these machines operate up close, and it was certainly one of the highlights of the tour. We also made stops at the Department of Natural Resources Forestry Headquarters, Ahlstrom-Munksjö, Ponsse, and Enterprise Wood Products. We ended the day with a very productive roundtable discussion at the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association. Click here to see news coverage of the tour.     

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Photo Courtesy of Wood Industry Collaborative

Under the Dome

Scouts BSA Troop 56

Last Friday, my staff was pleased to welcome Scouts BSA Troop 56 from Bruce - Weyerhaeuser. Unfortunately, I was unable to be there to show them around the Capitol. However, I think the boys enjoyed themselves and had a good time visiting our state's Capitol Building and checking out my office. Sorry I missed you.

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Upcoming Events Around the 87th 

Check out the following events happening around the district:

Do you know of any events in the district that I missed? Contact my office and let me know, so I can include it in a future e-update and try to attend myself.

 
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.