Keeping the focus on jobs, Governor Walker called another Special Session designed specifically to help job creators in Wisconsin.  The Special Session will run in conjunction with the Assembly’s planned regular session.  The schedule includes many bi-partisan bills, from bills that create access to capital, to investing in manufacturing, to tax reform.

Some of the other bills being finalized include Wetlands Regulation Reform, DNR Website Requirements (so constituents have current and complete information), and Regulating Reasonable Attorney Fees.

The final schedule is yet to be set, so I will keep you updated as the session progresses.  As always, our goal is to bring renewed prosperity to Wisconsin.

Wisconsin is called the "Badger State" due to the miners that dug out lead and galena in the 1800s.  But despite our wealth of minerals, we haven't had an active closed-pit mine in over a decade.  One of our untapped resources is a range of taconite iron that runs through our economically depressed northern counties.

The Cline Mining Group bought the mineral rights to the land several years ago and wants to build a $1.5 billion taconite mine near Mellon.  The company claims the mine could run for 100 years and supply jobs with salaries above $50,000/year, with total compensation packages of $80,000+/year.  This type of investment would be an economic game-changer for the northwoods and the whole state for generations.  Of course, with any type of mining, there are environmental considerations.

That is why this week the Senate formed a special committee on mining that includes both Republicans and Democrats.  The committee will be working on reforming our mining legislation in a way that is helpful to creating jobs, while still balancing environmental concerns.  The Assembly will handle reforms within its existing bi-partisan structure.

I am hopeful that both the Assembly and the Senate, Republican and Democrat can work together to create win-win legislation that is good for Wisconsin.
 

On a lighter note, it's that time of year again!  It's time to enjoy more of Wisconsin's natural beauty by taking in the fall colors.  The state Department of Tourism offers this map to help you and your visitors see as many brilliant trees as possible.

The map is updated on a regular basis, so check in frequently to catch the most current information.  This is a picture of what our district has to offer, which shows how we don't need to go far from home!