Welcome back to my first legislative e-update since before the election season. It is an honor to have been re-elected to serve as your state representative. I am especially grateful for your prayers, cards, and notes of encouragement as I battled cancer earlier this year. My treatment regimen was successful, and I am very happy to share with you that I am now officially cancer-free. The entire experience has reaffirmed to me what I already knew to be true - our communities are filled with so many supportive friends and neighbors, all of whom are a tremendous blessing when tough challenges arise. With Thanksgiving only a few weeks away I have so many things to be thankful for this year. At the top of the list is the love of my family and the support I received from all of you.

 We are now looking ahead to the start of the 2015 legislative session, which   officially begins on January 5th. After the election earlier this week, Assembly Republicans expanded our majority to 63-36 seats of the 99-member chamber. This is a gain of 3 seats from last legislative session. The state Senate also expanded it's Republican majority to 19-14, along with the re-election of Governor Walker and Lt. Gov Kleefisch.

It is encouraging to see voters voice their confidence in the direction Wisconsin is heading. There are many reforms from the last legislative session that I am proud of - three rounds of tax cuts, a balanced budget, and a statewide tuition freeze just to name a few - but, I also recognize that our work is only really beginning. Wisconsin is still making it's comeback. While these election results are rewarding,  I also view it as a tremendous responsibility. Our promises and platforms are valuable only when translated into real action.

Gov. Walker and I enjoyed a tour of the Timber Producers convention in September

Building a Stronger Economy

A top priority is growing the state’s economy by improving the business climate, lowering taxes and eliminating government red tape.  This means providing assistance to small business owners to help increase efficiency as well as having shovel-ready property for business development to encourage new ventures and businesses considering relocating here from across state lines. Assembly Republicans will continue our Right the Rules initiative to prioritize government reform by eliminating unnecessary and antiquated rules.

Growing Tomorrow’s Workforce

 The students of today are the workforce of tomorrow. The Forward Agenda continues to invest heavily in education, provide new opportunities for student achievement, and continues the UW System tuition freeze for in-state undergraduates.

 The agenda asks for a systematic review of UW System courses to identify possible inefficiencies that make it more difficult for students to enroll in required classes.

 Especially important to our district and the entire northern region of the state, is that the plan acknowledges the need to implement the recommendations from the Speaker’s Task Force on Rural Schools as well as the development of Wisconsin-based academic standards and accountability measures for every school receiving state aid. 

 Improving the Quality of Life

 Assembly Republicans will also work to ensure parents have the tools they need to provide safe and healthy homes.  The plan includes support for policy initiatives that emphasize healthy early brain development as well as requiring a minimum amount of support in child support cases. The agenda also calls for proven, innovative solutions for our seniors, a greater emphasis on fighting dementia and continued support for our veterans.  In addition, there is a renewed commitment to expanding on the mental health reforms from the Speaker’s Task Force on Mental Health.

 Pathway to the American Dream

 Social safety nets and taxpayer-funded benefit programs are an important part of our country's quality of life, but those programs should help those who are truly in need. Our agenda identifies meaningful reforms that will discourage dependency and fraudulent activity.  Reducing fraud and duplicity in these programs will mean more available resources and preserve those funds for the families who are the true intended recipients.

Our efforts may involve administering all public benefit programs on the same card system, placing a photo on benefit cards as well as screening individuals on benefits for possible substance abuse problems.  

 The Forward Agenda recommends a review of regulatory licensing requirements and the creation of a self-employment training program.  The plan also addresses the need for better employment options for those who are newly released from prison, to help create a real path to independence and reduce recidivism.

 Preparing for the Future

 Rapid changes and improvements in technology mean that some current state policies and consumer protections have become outdated. Some of this is positive - we can streamline and increase access to state government services through mobile devices, making citizens' every day life just a little bit easier. But we are also mindful of the cyber security and privacy issues that come along with increased technology. Part of our agenda will be to prohibit unauthorized location tracking and bring the protection of cell phone kill switches to every Wisconsinite.

 Please give us your feedback and contribute your own ideas through the links below.

 Share your ideas at www.WisconsinAssemblyRepublicans.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WisconsinAssemblyRepublicans. #ForwardAgenda

For the second year in a row, the Christmas Tree that will stand in the rotunda of the State Capitol has been selected from our 35th Assembly District. It was announced by Governor Walker this week that Dennis and Kim Schoeneck, owners of Schoeneck Tree Farm in Pelican Lake, will supply this year's 40-foot Balsam Fir tree and also several other trees to decorate the East Wing of the Capitol and the Executive Residence. The theme of this year's tree is "Honoring Wisconsin's Veterans", watch here to see Dennis explain the special meaning to his family.

Visiting Dennis and Kim at Schoeneck Tree Farm last summer with Sen. Tiffany and Rep. Swearingen

Both our Merrill and Tomahawk girls' high school volleyball teams have qualified for the WIAA State Tournament being held this weekend in Green Bay. You can find the game schedule here. Good luck girls!

Have a great weekend,