This week the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economy and Small Business held a public hearing in Hurley on the proposed mining legislation.  This bill will create thousands of family supporting jobs for hundreds of people and will employ northern Wisconsinites for generations.   

This hearing marked the third time the public has had an opportunity to let lawmakers know their opinion.  I believe this has been important for transparency and to make sure all issues have been discussed.  This is a far reaching bill with ramifications for generations.  Through these hearings, opposition to certain provisions within the bill have been highlighted.  Instead of rushing a vote next week, the full Assembly will instead postpone a vote till the following week after opposing views have been addressed through amendments. 

Although there is still work to be done, I believe the clear message is that this bill is needed and northern Wisconsin wants these jobs.  Wisconsin is open for jobs and we need to send a clear message that those willing to create jobs are welcome here.

Cutting Government waste not a partisan issue

This week the Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Commission released their official report.  In it they sited 18 specific areas for potential savings totaling over $450 Million, including $177 million in waste and abuse in public assistance programs, $50 million in unnecessary state spending, and $45 million in shared services.    

The commission believes their recommendations can reduce spending by local units of government by $82.6 million and state government by $373 million.  State agencies have already begun the process of implementing these recommendations after conversations with the commission last year. 

Dialing 511 provides you with free real-time travel conditions.  This toll-free number is a useful resource for drivers to get instant updates on the condition of state roadways.  It’s a step forward for road safety and a great use of technology to give people a new advantage over the weather.

As in the past I would continue to encourage you to contact my office with ideas for this next legislative session and on individual pieces of legislation.  Now more than ever your ideas and opinions need to be heard, so we can begin to get Wisconsin back to work.  As before I will continue to work across the aisle to find common ground and move legislation forward.  Please do not hesitate to contact my office at (608) 266-3404, or Rep.Ripp@legis.wisconsin.gov. 

Please share this update with your friends and neighbors within the 47^th Assembly District. If there is anyone you know who would like to be included please respond to this email with their email address. 

I want to remind everyone that my door is always open and you can always visit me at my Madison office in the Capitol (223 North).   Please do not hesitate to contact me with any issues you maybe facing.  You can call my office at 608-266-3404 or email me at Rep.Ripp@legis.wisconsin.gov.  I look forward to hearing from you.