Mississippi Parkway Commission & the Great River Road

I am proud of serve as a member on the Wisconsin Mississippi Parkway Commission, which oversees the Great River Road. We all know the beauty and value of the Great River Road, our local national scenic byway. The role of the Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MRPC) is to protect and promote others to come and experience the Great River Road, while generating tourism dollars for our local communities.

This week, the National MRPC meeting was held in La Crosse. Session were held on topics ranging from the economic impact of tourism, raising local public official awareness, working with federal agencies, and discussing the corridor management plan. The Mississippi Parkway Commission is important for providing attendees with tools and knowledge to help achieve public engagement and continue to have an economic impact along the Great River Road.

Workforce Development Month

Earlier this month, Governor Evers proclaimed September as Workforce Development Month in Wisconsin. Our state has a long tradition of investing in our workforce and honoring those who live and work here. Wisconsin established the first modern apprenticeship law and the nation’s first Worker’s Compensation program in 1911. I am committed to continuing this tradition, and focusing our efforts to build a better Wisconsin for workers: not only focusing on employment, but also bolstering strong public schools, pristine natural resources, and affordable health care, which also drive our workforce. This session I introduced a bill that would create a scholarship for non-traditional students, to help students over 25 years old to attain higher workforce skills and increase their earning power.

Chronic Wasting Disease Legislation

The fall deer hunt season is approaching, but the state’s hunting industry is under threat from a resurgence and spread of a fatal neurological disease that affects deer. I recently signed on as a co-sponsor to a package of bills addressing Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). CWD continues to threaten Wisconsin’s deer herd, and infection rates have steadily risen over the last several years. The disease has been detected in 56 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties. Wisconsin’s deer are an invaluable state resource, and our state’s hunting tradition is at risk as the disease continues to spread.

The legislation that I signed on to provides funding to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to provide expanded testing kiosks, which makes CWD testing and sampling more convenient and accessible for hunters. It also provides the DNR more funding for the proper disposal of deer carcasses, which can prevent the spread of infection through direct contact or through the contamination of soil, water, or food. Finally, additional funding would be provided for the testing, management, and research of CWD so that new tests can be conducted instead of relying on outdated data.

Herb Kohl Foundation Teacher and Principal Nominations

The 2020 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation teacher and principal awards are seeking nominations. Teachers or principals must be nominated by a student, parent, fellow teacher, community member, or school administrator. The Teacher Fellowship recognizes teachers who inspire a love of learning in their students, motivate others, and provide service both in and out of the classroom. The Principal Leadership award recognizes principals who demonstrate administrative leadership, and positively influence their school’s culture.

To nominate a teacher or principal, submit an online nomination at kohleducation.org by October 8, 2019.

 

Rep. Billings in Chicago and La Crosse

Earlier this week, I welcomed the Association of Great Lake Outdoor Writers (AGLOW) along with Senator Shilling and Deputy Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism Anne Sayers.