A lot of folks around Wisconsin are wondering how the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (sometimes called “Obamacare”) will affect them. The federal exchange will be available for enrollment beginning October 1 of this year. In an effort to keep Wisconsinites up to date, the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) will be holding town halls so you can gather information and ask questions. These town halls are being held throughout the state. The closest town hall to the 67^th Assembly District will be in Eau Claire:

Tuesday, September 3

10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

LE Phillips Memorial Library

400 Eau Claire Street, Eau Claire

More information can be found on OCI’s website.

While we are becoming more efficient in farm production with larger and heavier equipment, this equipment can have a negative effect on our local and county road systems. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) collaborated with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection on an implements of husbandry study involving over 20 stakeholders representing various transportation and farm organizations, equipment manufacturers, law enforcement, local officials and the University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension. The group has made various recommendations, and DOT will hold a series of town halls to discuss this subject with the public. The meeting in the 67^th Assembly District will be held on September 3 in the evening:

7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Chippewa County Courthouse

Large Assembly Room

711 North Bridge Street, Chippewa Falls

Wheelchair accessible

If you are unable to attend but would still like to comment, you can contact Rory Rhinesmith, Deputy Administrator, Division of Transportation System Development by phone at (608) 267-7111 or by mail at:

Rory Rhinesmith

WisDOT

PO Box 7910

Madison, WI 53707-7910

You may also complete on online survey before September 8.

Growing up on a Colfax dairy farm, the culture of dairy farming here in Wisconsin was nearly inescapable. With a rich agricultural tradition, Wisconsin is indeed America’s Dairyland, and we have substantiated that title once again. Dairy is the largest segment of Wisconsin agriculture, and our state dairy export value increased 23 percent in the first six months of this year compared to the same period last year, totaling $171 million. Last year, Wisconsin cheese accounted for over a quarter of total cheese production in the nation (more than California, I might add).  These growing numbers are a testament to the hard work put in day in and day out by Wisconsin’s dairy farmers. As our economy continues to recover, I thank the dairy farmers of the 67^th Assembly District for their continuing contributions to our economy.