Good news from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism! Our investment in tourism is definitely paying off. According to a new report from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, visitor spending in Wisconsin jumped to $10 billion in 2011, generating $16 billion in total business sales as tourism dollars flowed through the Wisconsin economy. More than 95 million people visited the state in 2011, supporting 181,000 jobs.

For your next vacation getaway, explore what Wisconsin has to offer at www.travelwisconsin.com

DATCP/DNR Drought Information

The hot and dry weather is on everyone's mind, and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has pulled together resources for media, farmers and others seeking information about the 2012 drought.

A one-stop shop for 2012 drought information can be found as http://datcp.wi.gov/Farms/Drought_2012. At this site, you will find links to other government agencies and weather information, links to news releases on the 2012 drought as well as explanations about disaster and emergency declarations.

The DATCP site also includes links to helpful resources for farmers. The Wisconsin Farm Center can assist farmers with sourcing feed, financial planning and mediation with creditors. The UW-Extension has a range of information from personal safety to livestock care.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) also has a website with useful drought information at http://dnr.wi.gov/emergency/drought

New Wisconsin Medicare Part D and Prescription Drug Helpline

The Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long Term Care has launched its Medigap Part D and Prescription Drug Helpline. Counselors are available to assist callers age 60 and over who have questions related to prescription drug insurance, including Medicare Part D and SeniorCare. Counselors will also aid callers in exploring other coverage options for prescription drugs.

The Medigap Part D and Prescription Drug Helpline can be reached at 1-855-677-2783.

For other questions about Medicare and other insurance, please call our Medigap Helpline at 1-800-242-1060.

State Capitol and Executive Residence Tours

State Capitol: Tours are given every hour to the public until 4pm. For groups larger than 10 people, please schedule your tour in advance by calling (608) 266-0382.

State Capitol Observation Deck and Museum: The observation deck and 6th floor museum are open for the season. Hours are weekdays 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday 9 am to 4:45 pm and Sunday 12 pm to 3:45 pm.

Executive Residence: The Executive Residence, located at 99 Cambridge Road, is open to the public for tours on Thursdays, 1 pm to 3 pm through August 30th

2-1-1 Resource and Referral Service

United Way's First Call Resource and Referral Service will be integrated into the 2-1-1 Wisconsin system on July 23rd. By simply dialing 2-1-1, callers will be connected to information about health and human services in their community. This includes, but is not limited to, assistance for food, housing and shelter, education, legal, emergencies, physical and mental health, financial assistance, transportation, and state agency and program information. Calls to 2-1-1 are confidential, multilingual, staffed twenty-four hours a day, and free.