It has been a tumultuous and historic 14 months in the Wisconsin Assembly, and I am proud of the record this legislature is able to leave: concealed carry, collective-bargaining reform, Voter ID, and a balanced budget. Your Assembly majority took many steps to right the ship of state and bring freedom and prosperity back to Wisconsin. But you may not have heard about every legislative success we were able to deliver. Over the course of the last year, Assembly Republicans worked hard to pass bills that improve life here in Wisconsin for everyone. I wanted to take a moment to share some of those successes with you.

First and foremost, the Assembly worked to promote jobs growth, passing over 50 job bills. Since last January, Republicans have had a singular emphasis on putting Wisconsin citizens back to work. And it has been working—Wisconsin’s unemployment rate now stands at 6.9%--the lowest it has been since 2008. Wisconsin’s economic climate is beginning to improve, and thousands of public workers remain on the job as state and local governments have avoided massive layoffs thanks to the savings realized by Act 10.

That’s not all--honoring our state’s legacy of hunting and fishing, we passed the Sporting Heritage Bill, which dramatically increases recreational opportunities across the state. We ended the Earn-a-Buck program and legalized bass culling. We authorized wolf hunting and created a new Stewardship Directory, giving new information to hunters across the state. Your Assembly majority is committed to working for, and not against, Wisconsin sportsmen.

We also took great steps to reform education. I am proud to support the Governor’s Read to Lead Task Force, and voted in favor of the new school choice program in Racine.
Parents deserve to have a voice in where their children attend school, and competition in education is like mother’s milk to innovation. That’s why Assembly Republicans passed legislation allowing high schools to grant technical diplomas, ensuring that opportunities remain open for everyone, no matter their area of interest.

Protecting Wisconsin’s seniors was also a priority. I continually hear from constituents about the importance of Family Care, and I was proud, as Chair of the Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care, to work to expand Family Care in a fiscally responsible way that ensures seniors and the disabled continue to have home-based access to affordable, quality care.

These are just a few of the items the Assembly was able to pass into law. And despite what you may have heard, we haven’t done it alone: 97% of bills passed by the Assembly passed on a bi-partisan vote. Looks like Republicans, Democrats, and Independents can agree on more than the Packers after all!

Madison – Governor Scott Walker and First Lady Tonette Walker announced today that tours of the Executive Residence will begin on Thursday, April 5, 2012 and will continue until August 30, 2012. Public tours will be offered every Thursday during this time period from 1:00 to – 3:00 p.m.

“Tonette and I are proud to welcome our fellow Wisconsinites into the residence,” Governor Scott Walker said. “These tours will provide a unique opportunity for people all across Wisconsin to enjoy and appreciate this historic home.”

The guided tours will last approximately 20 to 30 minutes and will include a historical account of the rooms on the first floor of the Residence. Visitors will also have the opportunity to walk the grounds to view the stunning gardens and beautiful Lake Mendota.

“Because this is the people’s home, full of so much history, Scott and I really do encourage everyone from children to seniors to take time for a tour,” said First Lady Tonette Walker.

There will be no charge for admission. Cameras are allowed, however, backpacks or purses will not be permitted inside the Executive Residence. Parties of 20 or more are asked to call (608) 246-5501 to make a reservation.

Designed by Madison architect Frank Riley, the Executive Residence has been home to 14 governors and their families since 1949. The Executive Residence is located at 99 Cambridge Road in the Village of Maple Bluff.