.jpg)
Helpful Wisconsin Links
Unsubscribe
If you would like to unsubscribe from Representative Ripp's E-Update, please click here.
WISCONSIN ON THE RISE
We've received more great news about Wisconsin's economy! According to the latest jobs report from the Department of Workforce Development, more than 4,000 new private sector jobs were created in October, dropping our unemployment rate to an all-time low since 2008 of 5.4%. Even more impressive, private sector wages increased by 3.7%. For a better look at this jobs report, please click here.
Wisconsin was also recently featured in Forbes Magazine for their "Best States for Business" column. In the article, our great state was listed at 18th in the nation for projected growth, and 17th in overall quality of life. Our policies have helped Wisconsin move to 32nd for overall best states for business, a move of nine spots for us and the highest we have ever been on the list.
Wisconsin continues to be open for business! As our economy continues to grow and we continut to move Wisconsin Forward, please feel free to contact me with any ideas, thoughts, or concerns you may have.
MERRIMAC FERRY CLOSED FOR THE SEASON
It's that time of year again, the Merrimac ferry has closed for the season!
According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the final tally shows the ferry made 51,501 crossings carrying 305,138 vehicles. That compares to 45,437 crossings and 271,698 vehicles in 2013. The ferry ran for 222 days in 2014, starting April 11 and stopping November 19 due to ice on the river.
It was hoped that warmer weather would clear the crossing channel, allowing the ferry to resume operations temporarily before winter, however conditions on the river have not improved.
In season the free ferry serves as Highway 113 and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week between Okee in Columbia County and Merrimac in Sauk County. The craft, named COLSAC after the two counties it links, holds 15 vehicles and accommodates bicycles and pedestrians. It is the only ferry serving as part of the state highway system and is listed on the state and national registers of historic places.
CONTACT ME
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. 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.