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MACKENZIE CENTER
First, I have heard from a lot of constituents on this issue, and I wanted to say that I appreciate the feedback.
I would really like to take this opportunity to clear up some misinformation about what is happening with the Mackenzie Center. I think it’s a lot easier to work together to find a solution when we are all on the same page. From feedback I am getting in the district, here are a few points that need to be cleared up.
The MacKenzie Center is not closing down. Similarly, the DNR is not demolishing any of the Center’s buildings.
The education programs at the MacKenzie Center are not being terminated. What is being terminated is the current contract the DNR holds with the education programs contractor. This does not mean these programs are ending for good. The DNR will be sending out a new RFP this month. I will explain more about the RFP process shortly.
If you or your children have a trip planned to the MacKenzie Center for this Spring, it is NOT cancelled. The current contract with the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation does not end until August 15th. This means that they can continue offering their programs until that date.
The education programs are not being cancelled to make those funds available for a shooting range. As I said before, the programs are not being cancelled.
The decision to terminate the current contract was not voted on in the Legislature. The DNR made the decision to end the current contract, and it is within their abilities as a department to do so.
The environmental education programs will still exist there, but they are also adding training for hunting, shooting, and trapping. I asked the DNR about their rationale for this, and I think what they have to say is important. The money that funds the environmental programs and other beneficial programs around the state comes from the licenses that are given out to hunters, shooters, and trappers. If we as a state don’t invest in them, we will lose that funding. With the older population moving out of these activities, for every two hunters we lose, we only gain one back. This means that slowly, we will lose the funding for other things if don’t invest in that license side of it as well.
As far as the shooting range goes, to my understanding, shooting already occurs on the property, and this is not something new. The DNR is only wanting to add a small range in order to accommodate those people that already do this and for the increase in training for shooting, hunting, and trapping. The MacKenzie Center can be a place for everyone. I agree that this is a free resource for everyone, and the DNR is exploring how we can continue to do that, but for more people.
What is an RFP?
A Request for Proposal (RFP) is a document an organization posts to elicit bids from potential vendors. In this case, the organization is the DNR, and they are eliciting bids for a contractor that will provide the education programs at the MacKenzie Center. In an RFP process, anyone has the opportunity to submit their proposal in an open competition, or open bid. All parties have an equal opportunity to submit their proposal.
In this case, this means that the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation is also able to submit a proposal. After the bidding is closed, the DNR will review all of the bids from potential contractors. The contractor that is picked will need to provide the curriculum, educators, and the capital for the education programs. The contractor will also continue working partnerships with Friends of Mackenzie and State Game Farm.
The final RFP will address conservation education for youth, mentor training, public use, and the captive animal exhibit. The DNR is hoping to make the RFP available sometime in March. At that time, the public will be able to review the RFP proposal. Selection and Agreement with the successful contractor will occur no later than August 2013.
Why is the DNR opening the bidding process on the education programs?
I have gotten so many calls from constituents about this issue, and the message I have heard the most often is “WE LOVE THE MACKENZIE CENTER!” So, I’m sure you are all wondering why the DNR is choosing to go through this RFP process when the education programs are so valuable. I think the DNR will agree with you that the education programs are very valuable to the community. There is no doubt that these programs benefit our kids greatly. What the DNR is attempting to do is continue to provide the education programs, but at a more efficient cost to the state. In 2012, the costs to run the Center exceeded $250,000. By opening the contract up for bid, the DNR is able to see if there is anyone in the state that can offer these great programs, but at a more affordable cost to the state.
In a recent meeting with the DNR I requested that the RFP include a provision that the winning bidder work with the Friends Group to provide general environmental education programming from the end of the existing contract until such time that the new curriculum is fully implemented. They assured me that this request will be included in the RFP. It may not be the same level of programming as in the past, but it will ensure our community that there is some continuity during the transition.
I will continue to work with both sides to facilitate a dialogue between all stakeholders. I know this whole process is confusing, so please don’t hesitate to contact my office with any questions, comments, or concerns. Please know that I value the MacKenzie Center just as each of you do, and I am working to make sure it remains a great asset to our communities.
MINING BILL ON THE ASSEMBLY FLOOR TODAY
2013 Senate Bill 1(the regulation of ferrous metallic mining), passed the Senate 17 to 16 and now moves to the Assembly today.
The mining legislation has been a heavily debated issue. The current mining proposals have been in the public’s eye for over two years and citizens have been invited to participate in numerous hearings throughout the state, including one recently in Madison the end of January (please see the graphic below). We appreciate Wisconsin's natural beauty and each generation’s charge is to protect the land and water for all that come after us. As a farmer, I think about my role in the environment every day and take action by using ecologically friendly practices to make sure I leave the land better than how I found it. It is with those standards in mind that I carefully consider every bill that comes before me. I have heard from many residents on both sides of the issue, and have toured the mining area. Those that oppose the mine cite environmental concerns and those in favor believe it will bring jobs and much needed revenue to the northern area and the entire state. I don't believe the DNR would let any business, let alone a mining company, contaminate the ground water or local wetlands. I expect the DNR will be extremely vigilant in supervising any mitigation process as the consideration of this legislation has been a very public process; we all have a stake in protecting Wisconsin. SB 1 requires water quality standards to be monitored before, during, and after mining operations. The bill prohibits DNR from granting a permit unless the applicant can demonstrate that it can dispose the mining waste while still meeting groundwater and surface water standards. Citizen's voices can still be heard in contested case hearings after the permit is issued.
Our neighbors to the North are losing their young sons and daughters because they are forced to seek employment elsewhere (11.9% Unemployment in Iron County). Business is not flocking to Northern Wisconsin to employ these hardworking people. As a result, there is less revenue for their communities, their schools, their needy, and their elderly populations. I believe mining will produce hundreds of jobs, not only in the northern districts but throughout the state, boosting Wisconsin’s economy. The importance of this legislation cannot be understated; I believe mining and strong environmental standards can work together for the benefit of the Badger state.
Here is a graphic from Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch. I'm attaching it because it shares a lot of information about when and where the public was able to partake in this process.
As always, if you have any questions about this bill or any other, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
JANUARY REVENUE COLLECTIONS ANNOUNCED
The Department of Revenue has announced the revenue collections for January. The collections show an increase of 4.7% for the month over FY 12, and an increase of 3.7% to date over FY12.
This is great news for Wisconsin! Because of the hard work we did two years ago, we are now able to watch as the Wisconsin economy slowly but surely improves.
ASSEMBLY FLOOR ACTION YESTERDAY
Yesterday on the floor, the Assembly discussed four bills. I wanted to let you know what they are to keep you in the loop on what is happening week to week.
AB 12- Allows Alcohol Sales at Peninsula State Park golf course and clubhouse
This bill allows the non-profit that runs the golf course at the park to raise needed funds to continue the operation of the golf course on Eagle Harbor in Door County, meaning that no state funds would go to maintenance of the course. The alcohol agreement in this bill would bring it in line with similar agreements across the state, included Granite Peak-Devil's Lake and Rib Mountain. This bill passed on a voice vote.
AB 15- Creates a work-share program that pays a portion of state unemployment for reduced hours instead of full unemployment
This bill permits an employer to create a work-share program for employees that meet certain conditions and that are in a work unit of an employer. Work-share is a special Unemployment Insurance (UI) program that allows a business to reduce the hours of all employees in a work unit during an economic downturn instead of a complete lay off of a small group of employees. A person included in the program may generally receive partial UI benefits reflecting the reduction in the person’s normal working hours.
This bill will allow more people to continue working by allowing for a temporary reduction in hours rather than full lay-off allows these workers to remain employed and keep their skills fresh. It was passed 74-22.
AB 36- deals with modernization of the Legislative Audit Bureau
This bill modernizes the statutes governing the requirements of the Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB). The statutes currently contain more than 40 requirements for specific audits, some of which are outdated, completed, or do not reflect current legislative priorities.
By eliminating requirements for annual and biennial audits of specific state programs, the bill increases flexibility for the Joint Audit Committee to approve audit efforts that are most important and pressing. Increased flexibility will free up resources of the LAB to increase efficiency. It passed on a voice vote.
SB 2- streamlines the process for publishing bills
Under current law, the Secretary of State is required to set a publication date for new Acts within 10 working days after the date of enactment. The LRB then publishes the Act on that date, and only then does the Act become law. This bill removes the 10 day cushion of time given to the Secretary of State and directs the LRB to publish each Act on the day after the date of enactment.
This 10 day rule was set up before technology gave us the ability to post and publish quickly. SB 2 essentially removes a layer of Red Tape that doesn't make sense in the digital age. It passed 59-37.
If you have any questions about any of these bills, let me know.
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE NEXT WEEK
Next week, my committee will be having a Public Hearing on four bills. If you have any thoughts on any of the bills, please feel free to send them to my office. If you would like to testify, our meeting will be at 11am, March 12th, in GAR room on the fourth floor.
AB 21- relating to the Department of Transportation's initial costs of production for the Lions Club special registration plates
This bill decreases the amount of revenues retained by DOT for the initial costs of production for the Lions Club special plates. When the bill was first introduced, a cost was estimated for the creation of the new plate. That cost of production has actually gone down, so this bill is correcting that.
AB 25- relating to special distinguishing registration plates for motorcycles owned and leased by veterans with disabilities
This bill establishes a special plate for motorcycles owned or leased by veterans with disabilities that limit or impair the ability to walk. The plate would entitle the disabled veteran to certain parking privileges and may be personalized.
AB 55- designating and marking a specified highway route in the counties of Rock, Dane, Jefferson, Dodge, and Fond du Lac as the Rock River Trail Scenic and Historic Route
This bill directs the Department of Transportation to designate, and upon receipt of sufficient contributions from interested parties, mark a specified highway rout as the "Rock River Trail Scenic and Historic Route" to increase public appreciation of the river and the historic landmarks along the river's course.
AB 56- would create an indication of veteran status on an operator's license or identification card
This bill allows an applicant for a driver's license or I.D. issued by DOT to indicate whether he or she is a veteran and whether he or she wishes to have his or her veteran status indicated on the license or card.
This simple change to Wisconsin’s driver’s licenses and state identification cards could make day to day life a little bit easier for the men and women that have served our country and defended our freedoms. Having an individual’s Veteran status listed on their state driver’s license or identification card, could assist the person and law enforcement personnel in case of an emergency. In addition, providing this convenient designation on the Wisconsin Driver’s License diminishes the need for a veteran to constantly carry his or her DD-214, which contains sensitive information. This is a simple yet helpful way in which Wisconsin can honor our service men and women.
AMBER ALERT UPDATE
Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen is pleased to share with Wisconsin residents the new system by which they now may receive AMBER Alerts through their mobile phones. AMBER Alerts are distributed to mobile phones through the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) program, operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Mobile phone users with WEA-enabled devices receive the alerts at no cost to them when in the geographic area where an alert has been issued.
SPRING FORWARD
Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday as we “spring forward’ and set clocks ahead one hour. Daylight Saving Time is also a great time to check the things that keep us safe and ready for emergencies. ReadyWisconsin urges you to check these items:
Smoke Detectors- Check and replace batteries if needed and make sure the devices around your house are working properly. The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates that about 16 million homes in the country have smoke alarms that do not work. In most cases, the batteries are dead or missing. This is a great time to put fresh batteries in your smoke detector. You should also replace the entire smoke alarm unit every 8 to 10 years. Nearly 2,700 people die and more than 15,000 are injured each year because of fires that started in their homes.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors- Make sure you have CO Detectors and they are working. According to the Centers for Disease Control, carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States with more than 200 killed each year from overexposure to the gas.
Emergency Kits- Everyone should have a basic emergency kit in their home with supplies such as food and water to last you and your family for at least three days. Other items like a battery powered or crank radio, flashlights, first aid kit should also be included. Daylight Savings Time is a perfect time to get a kit and if you already have a kit, check it to make sure food and other items are not near or past their expiration dates.
Emergency NOAA Weather Radio- Spring brings the threat of tornadoes. Make sure you have an emergency weather radio. It’s like having a tornado siren in your home. When it goes off, go to a safe place.
OPENBOOK WISCONSIN
This Spring, the State plans to launch its expenditure disclosure website called OpenBook Wisconsin. This website is part of Governor Walker's on-going effort to make state government more transparent for the citizens of Wisconsin.
OpenBook Wisconsin will give citizens easy access to State of Wisconsin expenditures, or the amount of money we spend to do business. It includes the payments we have made for purchasing goods or services, and we currently include data about the expenditures made by state government from FY 2008 through the most current month. You will be able to search the website database by state agency, expense category and vendor by fiscal year.
If you have any more questions about this process, please just let me know and I can get you more information.
CONTACT ME
Please continue to contact my office with ideas for this next legislative session and on individual pieces of legislation. Your ideas and opinions are vital to the legislative process. Please contact my office at 608-266-3404 or email me at Rep.Ripp@legis.wisconsin.gov, or stop by my Capitol office at 223 North. I look forward to hearing from you. As always, I will continue to work across the aisle to find common ground and move legislation forward.
Please share this update with your friends and neighbors within the 42nd Assembly District and if there is anyone you know who would like to be included, please respond to this email with their email address.