As the legislature debates the current proposed budget the following changes are underway...

First, the Joint Finance Committee voted to keep Senior Care in its current state to ensure our seniors are supported and have adequate money for groceries and prescription medications!

Recently the JFC also restored $116 million to education funding over what Governor Walker had proposed. This will help ensure that our schools remain superior and allow our students to continue to get a top-notch education. In addition, the committee has allocated additional revenue of $100 per student in struggling school districts to ensure they are not at a disadvantage.

With a unanimous vote (16-0) the JFC passed the "Bill to Pay the Bills." This bill pays back the money owed to the segregated funds including $235 million transferred back to the injured patients and families compensation fund. By passing this bill the legislature will be saving the state money and make the structural deficit to a historic low.

The proposed funding for Technical Colleges will remain. However, there is now greater flexibility granted for the colleges. This way we will continue to advance our skilled work force while maintaining our finances.

The legislature continues to make the maintenance of our infrastructure a priority. To begin, the legislature has allocated millions back to the Department of Transportation Budget that was illegally raided of $300 million by the previous administration. If you haven't heard the JFC moved forward in approving the recommended funds USH12/18 in Dane and Rock County in the 45th District.

Governor Walker signed the Voter ID Bill into law last week. This new law will help ensure the integrity of the election process and restore confidence in voters. If you're wondering about the implementation of this law it takes effect immediately. Meaning that for the recall elections scheduled for sometime in July, voters should bring ID. Although, for those who do not yet have an ID they will be allowed to vote and will be given a reminder of the law's requirements. For the 2012 Presidential Primary elections the law will be in full effect. If you do not have an ID and do not have the adequate resources to obtain one please feel free to call my office for information.

As always my office, which is on the second floor of the Capitol in 209 North, is here to help you with all information, questions and concerns regarding legislation or simple inquiries. Feel free to contact myself or my legislative assistant, Lonna Morouney.  We are always ready to assist you in your needs. Another way to keep in touch with all the happenings at the State Capitol is to check out my website at http://legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/loudenbeck/Pages/default.aspx.  As your representative I want to hear from you, so please feel free to contact me with your concerns. Know that the constituents of the 45th Assembly District obtain the highest priority in my office and that my door is always open.