Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I hope everyone takes time this holiday season to spend time with their families and loved ones. I know I’m looking forward to being with my boys, and my family. Whether your family is near or far, I hope that the Christmas spirit is with you all in the coming weeks.

It has been a great privilege to represent the people of the 51st Assembly District. It’s been a pleasure working with and meeting so many people in the district this year. I appreciate being able to help constituents, tour many businesses in the district, and listening to your opinion on state issues. The opportunity to serve my friends and neighbors in Madison has been a wonderful and rewarding experience.

I especially want to recognize and thank all the men and women who serve in our nation’s armed forces. To all those who are defending the front line of freedom this season and are unable to come home and celebrate with your families: thank you for your sacrifice.

As I pause to reflect on the year that has passed, I’m reminded of the true reason for our celebration. I urge you to consider lending some extra support this year to one of the many organizations in our community that provides food, shelter and warm clothing to our neighbors in need.

I hope you have a blessed and safe holiday season and I’m looking forward to continuing to work for you in 2016! God Bless, Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to you and your family.

Update: Speakers Task Force on Alzheimer's & Dementia

Last week, we held our final public hearing. Since October, the task force has held six public hearings throughout Wisconsin. Our first two public hearings were held in Madison, with the final four being held at Valley VNA Senior Service in Neenah, Nicolet College in Rhinelander, Iowa County Health and Human Services in Dodgeville, and Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire. We were also able to tour Brewster Village Long Term Care Facility in Grand Chute, Mount View Care Center in Wausau, and Clark Street School in Middleton. I would like to thank all of these facilities for being great hosts and for offering their insight concerning Alzheimer's and dementia.

It was great that we were able to have one of the public hearings in Dodgeville. It was an opportunity for the task force to hear some excellent ideas, suggestions, and testimony from our area. I was proud to have some great people from Southwest Wisconsin speak on the issue and be involved in raising awareness.

Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia affect thousands of Wisconsin families everyday and we need to raise awareness about these diseases. In the public hearings, the task force heard about several ways the state could help caregivers and those living with Alzheimer's and dementia. Increased respite care and additional Dementia Care Specialists were some of the many suggestions the task force received. Additionally, we learned Wisconsin needs an increased awareness of Alzheimer's and dementia, and a better understanding of those living with these diseases.

There is still a lot of work for us to do regarding Alzheimer's and dementia, but I am proud of what Wisconsinites have already accomplished. In our travels throughout the state, the task force was introduced to some great programs that are directly benefiting caregivers and those living with these diseases. From the Music & Memory Program to Dementia-Friendly Communities, Wisconsinites are looking to innovative new ways to help. I hope that our task force will further the great work Wisconsin is already doing.

Public Hearing at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire

Public Hearing at the Iowa County Health & Human Services Building in Dodgeville

Recently, I've had the pleasure of attending some local events, in addition to meeting with people at the Capitol in Madison.

During the first week of December, I was happy to welcome the 11th and 12th grade students From Shullsburg to the Capitol today. Social Studies instructor Tim Strang and his Wisconsin History class toured the Wisconsin Historical Museum, and came to the Capitol for a tour.

The Dodgeville Woman's Club hosted their 17th Annual Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Saturday, December 5th at Plymouth Congregational UCC. It was a pleasure serving breakfast during the event with Iowa County Sheriff, Steve Michek.

I was in Richland Center on December 7th to celebrate the work of the Career Education Cooperative. The CEC is a partnership between local businesses, UW-Richland Center, Southwest Tech, and area high schools that allows high school students to earn college credit while working on an apprenticeship. It was great to hear that In it's first year, that 10 students took advantage of the cooperative. I am looking forward to seeing the program grow in 2016.

This week, I had the opportunity to meet and talk to the St. Luke's Catholic School from Plain.  They were visiting the Capitol for a tour before their Christmas break.  I hope you all enjoyed your time in Madison!

Serving Breakfast with Iowa County Sheriff Steve Michek

Tim Strang and his Wisconsin History Class filled with 11th and 12th graders from Shullsburg

Career Education Cooperative Open House

Greeting the students from St. Luke's Catholic School

 

 

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Sincerely,