This week, the first bill I authored was signed into law.  Governor Scott Walker on Wednesday signed into law AB 249, addressing an interstate license reciprocity concern along the Wisconsin/Illinois state line where ambulance services may be unnecessarily delayed.

Governor Signs Novak's Ambulance Licensure Bill

Wednesday July 1, Governor Walker signed into law Assembly Bill 249. The legislation addresses an inter-state licensure reciprocity concern in Lafayette County and paves the way for timely and potentially life-saving emergency service. This was my first bill signed into law.

We all know that in medical emergencies, time is of the essence. When a life is on the line, citizens shouldn’t have to wait for emergency care because of government red tape.  At the request of concerned constituents, I brought forward this bill to make sure that emergency services can be delivered in a timely fashion.

The issue was first brought to light after the state Department of Health Services determined that because of a licensure difference between the two states, the Warren Illinois Ambulance Service could not provide service in Wisconsin – even if it was the closest responding unit to the Gratiot and South Wayne area.
 

I want to thank Sheriff Reg Gill of Lafayette County, along with the many residents that made us aware of this, so we could get into action and address the issue.  The health and safety of our communities shouldn’t be jeopardized because of government paperwork.

I’m honored to have championed this important, constituent-driven issue in the legislature. One of the reasons I ran for office was to help the people of the 51st Assembly District, and I’m proud to say that this bill accomplishes that.


 

Celebrating July as Beef Month

While Wisconsin may be America's Dairyland, there are about as many beef producers in the state as there are dairy producers.

The celebration of June Dairy Month continues into July as Wisconsin cattle producers celebrate Beef Month. 986 the board of the Wisconsin Beef Council voted to make July beef month in Wisconsin, but not every state has July as their beef month.  According to Wisconsin Beef Council, the cattle industry plays a crucial role in the state's economy--and nearly everyone plays a part in making that happen.

The Wisconsin Beef Council points to these interesting beef facts:

• There are nearly 15,000 beef producers in the state of Wisconsin, raising approximately 3.35 million cattle each year, resulting in 2.287 billion pounds of beef produced.

• Cattle farmers fertilize fields with manure from cattle feeding operations to reduce inputs needed to manufacture synthetic fertilizer.

• Beef is the leading protein in the U.S. The average per capita consumption is around 66 pounds.

• There are more than 1 billion cattle in the world. The U.S. has less than 10 percent of the world's cattle inventory, but produces nearly one-fourth of the world's beef supply.

• A steer weighing 1,000 pounds will produce about 1,600 hamburgers.

• More than 40 percent of beef sold in the U.S. is ground beef.

America's Independence Day is this weekend--which means Summer is in full swing.  As we get ready for the weekend, wearing our red, white, and blue to celebrate Independence day with friends and loved ones, indulge in plenty of food--here are some area celebrations to keep in mind:

The annual festivities in Shullsburg and Mineral Point, and Lone Rock.

The Shullsburg 4th of July celebration will be from Thursday July 2 through Saturday, July 4th.  Friday, the day will begin with the fire department's pork supper from 4:30-7:30 p.m.  An inflatable carnival will also be available starting at 4:30 p.m. and the talent show will take place at 7:00 p.m.  Minute to Win it will take place at 8:30 p.m. and a DJ will begin entertaining as well.  The parade will start at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday July 4th with the inflatable carnival, food stands, cheese curds, beer tent, ball tournaments and bingo available after the parade finishes.

Mineral Point puts on a party every July 4th in honor of our country’s independence.  Start the day with a 2 and 5 mile run – Getting the Lead Out! A parade makes its way down High Street to an eager crowd. Enjoy some music, food, and games – all day long. Fireworks at dusk round out a day of celebration that makes Mineral Point stand out as a classic example of small town America.

The Lone Rock 4th of July Celebration takes place Friday and Saturday, July 3 and 4th. Friday kicks off with bouncy houses, volleyball tournament, garden tractor pull, and Doc’s Ultimate DJ . Saturday events start at 9:00 a.m. with a 5K Water Run/Walk, tractor pull, a parade at 11:00, and chicken barbecue at noon. There will be plenty of fun family activities throughout the day including water melon eating contest, face painting, kids crafts, treasure dig and carnival. The raffle drawing is at 7:00 pm, music at 8:00 and fireworks at dusk.

Enjoy the weekend, I wish each of you and your families a safe and happy Independence Day!

Sincerely,