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Welcome to my
inaugural electronic newsletter! As I begin my role here in the State
Assembly, I plan to use these updates as a way to communicate with my
constituents; giving you a glimpse within the halls of the state capitol and
also periodic updates from within the 70th district.
As your state
representative, it is important for me to hear the voices of my
constituents. Whether it is an idea you have pertaining to legislation, an
opinion you'd like heard on the state budget or perhaps even a question you
have about a state agency, I and my office want to be a resource to the
communities I serve. I'd encourage you to contact me by phone
(608.266.8366), email or
online with any
concerns you might have.
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Rep.
VanderMeer pens letter to budget co-chair requesting SeniorCare be saved
As a part
of the state legislature’s review of Governor Walker’s budget proposal,
I’ve been having conversations with constituents across the district
about what we need to prioritize in our state’s 2-year spending plan.
From Pittsville to Sparta and in towns everywhere between, I’ve had
countless conversations with supporters and concerned constituents about
the Governor’s plan.
Along the
way, one common theme that I’ve heard has been “save SeniorCare.”
That’s why
last week
I penned a letter to budget co-chair Rep. John Nygren to express my
support for this popular prescription drug program. All of us likely
have a friend or a neighbor or know someone who is able to receive their
prescription drugs at a discounted rate thanks to
Wisconsin’s
SeniorCare program. With a number of senior citizens on fixed
incomes, I think it’s critical that we preserve this program to help
ensure seniors can continue to afford their medications.
I’m happy
to report that most recently Rep. Nygren signaled that he and my
Assembly colleagues on the committee support a plan that will preserve
SeniorCare in Wisconsin’s 2015-17 budget. While I will continue to
advocate for several other issues on behalf of our district, I am
delighted to have played a role in helping keep this essential program
in place for Wisconsin’s seniors!
What's
Happening in Madison...
One of the
greatest parts of my job as a legislator is having the opportunity to meet
with constituents from all walks of life. Recently, I had a chance to meet
with a number of agricultural leaders from my district as a part of
Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Ag Day at the Capitol.
In
west-central Wisconsin, we’re fortunate to have a diverse group of
agricultural interests – everything from dairy farms (like my husband, Steve
Hall’s farm near Tomah), to potatoes, cranberries and soybeans. I
appreciated having the chance to talk – thanks for stopping!
Rep. VanderMeer meeting with area agricultural leaders as
a part of Ag Day at the Capitol.
Did you
know?? Fun facts about Wisconsin agriculture:
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Wisconsin
is ranked first in cheese, cranberries, and snap beans for processing,
and in ginseng, mink pelts, milk goats, and corn for silage, as well as
dry whey for humans, American cheese and muenster cheese.
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Agriculture contributes 354,000 jobs to Wisconsin’s economy or 10% of
the total employment!
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Dairy
contributes more to Wisconsin ($20.6 billion) than citrus to Florida ($9
billion) or potatoes to Idaho ($2.5 billion) economies.
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Farmers
receive 16 cents of each retail dollar spent on food that is eaten at
home and away from home.
Source: Wisconsin Farm Bureau
Federation
http://wfbf.com/education-ag-resources/ag-facts/
Community Calendar
Looking
for something to do this week in our area? Be sure to check out our
community calendar or
TravelWisconsin.com for more information on events taking place in
our backyard!
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What's Happening This Week in the 5th District |
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Sincerely,
State Representative Jim Steineke
Wisconsin's 5th Assembly
District |
