Wisconsin Legislature Kicks Off 2013-2014 Session
On January 7, the 101st
legislative session kicked off when the Assembly and Senate gathered to take
their oaths of office. I look forward to the 2013-2014 session to continue
working to get Wisconsin’s economy moving forward. This year I will be
serving as Chair of the Family Law Committee, as well as Vice-Chair of the
Energy and Utilities Committee. Additionally, I will serve on the Jobs,
Economy, and Mining Committee; the Judiciary Committee; the Small Business
Development Committee; and the Transportation Committee. I'm eager to
continue my work for the 67th Assembly District and the entire state of
Wisconsin.
Mining Legislation
The Speaker has made it clear
that streamlining the mining permitting process will be one of his top
priorities. I have heard from many of you with concerns about the potential
environmental damage of such legislation. My children, my grandchildren, and
I all drink the water and enjoy the outdoors in our area, and your concern
has not gone unheard. As a conservationist and outdoor enthusiast – and as a
member of the Assembly’s mining committee – I want to make sure that any
mining legislation includes environmental safeguards to protect our air,
water, and forests.
At the same time, if our resources can be safely and effectively utilized to
bring jobs to a struggling part of the state, it warrants our consideration.
This issue has shaped up to be a battle between businesses and
environmentalists, but it does not have to be. I am confident we can
reexamine the environmental concerns from last session’s failed mining bill
and come together on a safe and productive compromise. Wisconsin voters sent
us to Madison to end the divisive culture in the Assembly, and it is time we
heed their call.
As debate develops over this issue, please feel free to stay in touch with
my office to voice your concerns or receive any updates.
Free Fishing Weekend – Jan. 19 and 20
Wisconsin has long had a Free
Fishing Weekend during the open water season; it’s the first Saturday and
Sunday in June. Last year,
Act 168 established the
winter Free Fishing
Weekend to boost participation in fishing, hunting and other traditional
outdoor recreation. With such great outdoor resources in our district, I
invite you all to participate in this great Wisconsin activity. The event is
set for Jan. 19 and 20. Residents and nonresidents alike can fish anywhere
in Wisconsin for free without any licenses or trout stamps. This includes
all inland waters and Wisconsin’s side of the Great Lakes and Mississippi
River.
“We invite everybody to get out and start a new tradition,” Department of
Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp said in a press release. “Ice
fishing is all about family, friends and fun. It’s a great time to get out,
get some fresh air and try fishing from a new perspective.” The DNR has
provided the following resources:
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