Awards Ceremony Honored Outstanding Families

This past week, I attended an awards ceremony honoring adoptive families that was held in the Assembly Chamber in the Capitol building. At the event, four families from across Wisconsin were awarded the 2011 Governor's Outstanding Adoptive Parent Award, presented by First Lady Tonette Walker. At the ceremony, I presented framed copies of AJR 67, the resolution I authored declaring November as Adoption Month, to the Department of Children and Families and to Debra S. Waller, CEO of Jockey. Debra presented the children at the ceremony with Jockey backpacks as part of Jockey's effort to support adoption in Wisconsin. This was truly a wonderful event that recognized outstanding families that have opened their hearts and homes by adopting children from foster care. I was honored to be a part of it.

Rep. Kerkman with Debra S. Waller of Jockey, First Lady Tonette Walker, and Department of Children and Families Deputy Secretary Joan Hansen with one of the children.

Twin Lakes Bill Signed by Into Law

I recently introduced a bill in the Assembly to correct a clerical error that over-valued property in the Village of Twin Lakes by $70 million. This error would have raised property taxes for the average Twin Lakes taxpayer by more than $200. AB 273 allows the Department of Revenue to make a no-interest loan to Twin Lakes which will be used to offset property taxes that would have otherwise been erroneously imposed. The bill passed in the Assembly and the Senate and was just signed into law by Governor Walker. I'm glad this error can finally be corrected!

Christmas Ornaments for the State Capitol Tree

This year, Governor Walker has invited Wisconsin youth to create homemade ornaments to decorate the holiday tree in the State Capitol rotunda. Teachers and students interested in submitting ornaments for the tree must do so by December 1 and the ornaments must fit this year's theme Honoring 163 Years of Wisconsin's Veterans.  Mail submissions to Governor Walker's Office, State Christmas Tree Ornament Program, P.O. Box 7863, Madison WI 53707-7863. I encourage you to participate so that our area of the state will be well-represented on the tree!

Capitol Visitors

Recently, I was able to meet with students from Randall Grade School when they visited the State Capitol. The students took a tour and were able to ask questions they had about the building and the workings of state government. It was a great visit!

Blue Books are Still Available

My office still has a number of the 2011 Blue Books available to constituents. Please contact my office if you'd like a hardcover copy. If you've already requested a book but have not received it yet, don't worry. I'm still working on delivering them all and you should receive yours within the next few weeks. The Blue Book is the go-to source of information on Wisconsin's state government. Its content is also available online.   

Happy Thanksgiving and Deer Hunting!

I wanted to wish everyone a happy thanksgiving. I hope you enjoy the time with family and friends and are able to reflect on what you are thankful for this year. Also, I'd like to wish the deer hunters and sportsmen a safe and happy opening weekend!

If you are interested in tracking the progress of legislation introduced this session, please visit http://legis.wisconsin.gov/ and click on the Notification Service link found on the homepage.