Child Welfare Bill Signed into Law
I reported earlier that Senate Bill 502, a bill I co-authored, passed in both houses of the Legislature. SB 502 implements new best practices into our state's laws governing child welfare. It allows Wisconsin to retain its full amount of federal dollars for child welfare, while improving the system for our state's youth in out-of-home care. Governor Walker signed the bill yesterday in Madison.
Rep. Kerkman joins Senator Mary Lazich (right), Department of Children and Families Secretary Eloise Anderson (2nd from right), and others as Governor Walker signs SB 502 into law
Proposed Wildlife Refuge Open House Meeting
Last week, I reported that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed a wildlife refuge in our area, and that a new series of open house meetings will be held to discuss the issue. The Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, if approved, would straddle the Wisconsin and Illinois state line between Walworth County, WI and McHenry County, IL. The next meetings will be tonight, April 3rd, from 5-8pm at the Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood, IL, and tomorrow, April 4th from 5-8pm at Brookfield Middle School in Genoa City, WI. I encourage you to attend one of these meetings to discuss this important issue.
Wisconsin Eye Channel Now Free on Time Warner
As you know, Wisconsin Eye is the nonpartisan media organization that covers state government happenings. Content is always available for free online at www.wiseye.com, but now Time Warner cable company has announced that it will offer the news channel free to its subscribers. Wisconsin Eye is now channel 363 for Time Warner customers. Charter Communications customers may continue to watch Wisconsin Eye on channel 995. These companies have a long-term agreement to broadcast this coverage 24/7 at no additional cost to subscribers. I encourage you to tune in regularly to stay informed on the latest from our state's government.
Tour the Executive Residence this Summer
Many of you have come to Madison for a tour of the State Capitol building, but did you know that the Governor's residence also offers tours at designated times of the year? The Executive Residence is a beautifully historic home located right on Lake Mendota. The Governor and First Lady will be opening its doors to the people of Wisconsin for tours this summer. Visitors will be able to view the main rooms on the first floor and learn some history about the residence in a guided tour that lasts about 30 minutes. Tour participants will also be encouraged to walk the grounds and enjoy the beauty of the summer gardens and picturesque lake view. No reservations are necessary for groups smaller than 20 and admission is free. Tours will be offered every Thursday between April 5th and August 30th, 2012 from 1-3pm. Click here for directions, and accessibility and tour information. If you've never visited the Executive Residence, I highly encourage you to plan a trip to Madison for this unique opportunity!
Congratulations, Eagle Scouts!
This past weekend, I attended the Court of Honor Ceremony for the newest Eagle Scouts of Boy Scout Troop 303 in Burlington. These young men completed the difficult requirements to reach the highest rank attainable in Boy Scouting. Congrats to these future leaders and their families!
Rep. Kerkman presents congratulatory citations to Eagle Scouts Evan Schlitz, Andy Meyer, Matt De Faut, and Austin Hough, with Scout Master Mr. Taylor
Upcoming Meeting of the Conservation Congress
The Dept. of Natural Resources will soon be hosting an informational hearing and annual county meeting of the Conservation Congress. The meeting will take place in our area on Monday, April 9 at 7:00 pm at Bristol Elementary School, 20121 83rd Street, Bristol, WI 53104. The Conservation Congress provides a means through which citizens can influence decisions made regarding Wisconsin's natural resources. We all have an interest in the management of our state's resources. I encourage you to attend this meeting to make your voice heard.
Visitors at the Capitol
I recently greeted constituents Rebecca Mentink and Frank Martinelli at my Madison office for a tour of the Capitol. We had a great time and were even able to visit with Supreme Court Justice Pat Roggensack along the way. Schedule a tour of the Wisconsin State Capitol online or by phone (608) 266-0382. Let me know if you plan to visit; I'd love to greet you in person!
Rep. Kerkman with Rebecca Mentink, Supreme Court Justice Pat Roggensack, and Frank Martinelli
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