This week, with the help of several other area legislators, I was able to obtain a compromise to put a two-year moratorium on any changes to the WiscNet program. As many of you know, WiscNet affects hospitals, schools, and libraries. I appreciate the phone calls and letters expressing your input on this issue, and I am happy to report that under the compromise, WiscNet will continue operating and receiving its federal funding for the next two years.

There have been questions whether this program can operate under our current state laws, so part of the compromise included conducting an audit of the program. I will continue to follow this issue very closely and keep you updated with any developments.

 

Along with fellow legislators from northwestern Wisconsin, I wrote a letter to the Joint Finance Committee in opposition to the governor’s repeal of the Phosphorous Effluent Limitation requirements that exist in current law. From speaking with people across the 67th Assembly district, I believe that the current phosphorous rules are in accordance to what my constituents would like to have in place to ensure the quality of our waterways.

Governor Walker then proposed a two year delay on these limitations. I did not feel this was sufficient and pushed for a budget motion that maintains current protections. We were successful.

This means our streams and lakes will be better protected from contamination caused by detergent, fertilizer, and animal feed coming from wastewater treatment facilities or urban and agricultural runoff. I am happy we will work toward returning the streams and lakes to a beautiful and scenic condition.
 

Representative Petryk and I introduced AB 148, the Bill to Pay the Bills. It will help Wisconsin keep its commitment to schools and maintain crucial services while balancing the budget. It provides $23 million in federal Medicaid funds to ensure healthcare services to citizens who need it most, and helps next year’s school aid payments be made on time. It is important that future generations are not saddled with debts they did not create, and this bill will be one of many that keeps Wisconsin fiscally responsible.

I am also happy to tell you that Assembly Bill 148 passed unanimously in the Joint Finance Committee and the Senate. It also passed with bipartisan support in the Assembly with an 84-12 vote, and has been signed by the Governor.