I was recently selected as one of the Organizations Policymakers of the Year.

Last night, I had the privilege of receiving the award at the Monona Terrace in Madison. Gathering Waters, the Wisconsin alliance of land trusts, announced in August that I would receive one of their Land Conservation Leadership Awards as Policymaker of the Year.
 

Gathering Waters is a statewide service center for Wisconsin's land trust community. They accomplish their mission by promoting private, voluntary conservation action and strengthening Wisconsin land trusts through; direct services and consulting, government relations, and community outreach. Their mission is to help land trusts, landowners and communities protect the places that make Wisconsin special.
 

“Representative Novak has been a consistent proponent of Stewardship during his first term in the legislature, and is quick to articulate the program’s importance to his district, which includes popular areas like the Lower Wisconsin Riverway and Governor Dodge State Park,” said Gathering Waters Executive Director, Mike Strigel. “Rep. Novak spoke at length with both opponents and proponents of Stewardship to help find middle-ground. For all of these reasons and more, Gathering Waters is thrilled to honor Representative Novak.”
 

I am honored to receive this award for having championed the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program in the last state budget, vocally supporting Stewardship during the budget process, and having been an active participant in a working group that successfully negotiated a compromise restoring the Stewardship funding,” said Rep. Novak.  Thanks to the success of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, today southwest Wisconsin is home to a number of preserves and restoration areas that draw tourists, sportsmen and women and nature enthusiast alike. Preserving Wisconsin’s rich natural resources for future generations is something that I strongly believe in. I’m proud to have worked to prioritize this successful program in our state, it’s a great asset to southwestern WI, and I’m glad to see that it will continue.
 

It was great to see somebody from the district being recognized with an award as well.  The Rod Nilsestuen Award for Working Lands Preservation, was given to Don Hawkins, of Mineral Point.  He spent 32 years as an exemplary teacher of agriculture at Mineral Point High School before retiring to become a shining example of community engagement. His teaching led to better land management techniques over the years, and his leadership in retirement has resulted in 430 acres of exhausted farmland becoming a spectacular place for all to enjoy, while local schools have gained over 20 acres of oak savanna and tall-grass prairie to utilize and learn from. As a former newspaper editor, I could fill a book with contributions Don has made to the community.
 

Pictured (L; Don Hawkins of Mineral Point with his Rod Nilsestuen Award for Working Lands Preservation, R; Rep. Novak with the Policymaker of the year Award)

Rep. Novak after receiving the Gathering Waters Policymaker of the year Award.

Upcoming Listening Sessions

It has been a great first couple weeks meeting with and listening to people throughout the district.  As Fall beings, I will continue the series of listening sessions for the 51st Assembly, and I hope you will join me. These sessions are designed for face-to-face sharing of ideas, concerns and input. As you arrive, please sign-in with a member of our team if you would like an opportunity to speak. For most sessions, we will provide five minutes per person for input. Depending on the attendance, we may offer additional speaking opportunities for attendees. Our moderator will work with attendees to ensure that everyone who would like to speak has an opportunity to do so in a respectful atmosphere.
If you prefer to share your thoughts in writing or have a specific question, please feel free to leave your comments with us or send an email to Rep.Novak@legis.wisconsin.gov or P.O. Box 8953, Madison, WI 53708.

The remaining schedule for our Fall Listening Sessions follows:
 

Friday, October 9, 2015 with Senator Howard Marklein
9-10 a.m. Dodgeville – Dodgeville City Hall, 100 E Fountain Street, Dodgeville
2-3 p.m. Monroe – Monroe City Hall, 1110 18th Ave., Monroe

I look forward to seeing you all.  Thank you for finding a time to visit with me at one of these listening sessions, This is a great way for me to connect with my constituents. I look forward to learning more about your ideas, preferences, and input.

For more information and to connect with me, visit my website www.RepNovak.com, or visit my Facebook page.
Do not hesitate to call 608.266.7502 if you have input, ideas or need assistance with any state-related matters.

Last week on Wednesday September 16, we held our first informational hearing for the Speaker's Taskforce on Alzheimer's and Dementia. A thank you to those that gave testimony last week; Tom Hlavacek, Executive Director of Alzheimer's Association of Southeastern Wisconsin; Carrie Molke, Director of the Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources & Jon Hoelter, Legislative Advisor from Department of Health Services; and Paul Rusk, Executive Director, & Rob Gundermann, Public Policy Director at Alzheimer's & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin.  They were all very knowledgeable and informative for those of us on the committee.  It was nice to see some in our community as well in attendance; Mary Mezera, Regional Manager- ADRC of Southwest Wisconsin Wisconsin was there listening.

There will be a public hearing for the Speaker’s Task Force on Alzheimer’s and Dementia on Tuesday, October 6th. We will hear from several invited speakers before opening up the hearing to any member of the public who would like to speak.

I’m looking forward to collaborating with my legislative colleagues on this issue; to help raise awareness, and improve care to those affected. 

Pictured (L; Rep. Novak, R; Rep. Czaja)

Speakers Taskforce on Alzheimer's and Dementia Informational Hearing

2015-2016 Wisconsin State Blue Books Arrived!

Wisconsin’s new Blue Books have just been delivered to my office and are available upon request.
The book contains biographies of legislators as well as facts and figures about elections and departments and committees involved in state government. It also includes various stats, and information about the state of Wisconsin. If you would like a copy, please email me at Rep.Novak@legis.wi.gov or call my office at 608-266-7502.

Please make sure to leave your full name, address,and a telephone number so that we can send out your book immediately.

Sincerely,