Hello Everyone!

I hope you are all doing well!

I would like to start my E-Update with some good news! Yesterday, Governor Walker signed a package of bills to extension of the Heroin, Opiate Prevention, and Education (HOPE) Agenda into law. I want to share a link to the HOPE Agenda column I wrote a while back. I encourage you to read it.

In this E-update I will be talking about legislation that will be heading to the Governor's desk for his signature. In addition, I want to inform you a date has been set for the Little Plover Rover Study/Optimization Model Presentation. I have provided more details below.

Assembly Bill 351 headed to Governor's Desk!

I am happy to report that Assembly Bill 351, authored by Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) and myself, was passed with bi-partisan support in the Senate on Tuesday. It was previously passed by the Assembly and now heads to the Governor for his signature.

This legislation relates to Wisconsin’s Children First Program, which assists non-custodial parents who are unemployed or underemployed obtain jobs.  It will modify current statutes so that non-custodial parents living in a county without a Children First Program can attend the program in a neighboring county if it is within reasonable driving distance. This will assist non-custodial parents who are unemployed or underemployed obtain jobs.

It was a pleasure to have worked with Senator Lassa in bringing this legislation forward. This is the fourth piece of legislation we have co-authored together, three of which passed through both houses and two of them will be signed into law. This shows that working in a bi-partisan manner can lead to good legislation.

What's Happening in Madison...

In late January, Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and I had the opportunity to visit Sparta's STEM School. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). While visiting with students about their future plans, Jenna Kroeger, eighth grader (center), expressed her interest in a future including politics or law. Jenna joined me for a visit at the capitol with her grandfather, Phil Kroeger. We enjoyed some engaging conversations with fellow lawmakers about their career pathways. My appreciation to Jenna and Phil for their interest in Wisconsin government!

Wisconsin Farmers Union was represented by Steve Honish of Tomah at a capital office visit this week. Steve and I discussed rural broadband and ground water issues and the impact on our Wisconsin farms and farming families. Steve is a farmer whose dad was a farmer as well. While visiting my office Steve (pictured left) made a connection by coincidence with a family friend and former farm neighbor, Phil Kroeger (pictured right) who was visiting our office with his granddaughter. Sharing their agricultural and farming memories made their visit even more memorable!

Gary Klinker and Gene Baumgarten of Wisconsin's ABATE stopped by the Capitol to discuss issues relating to motorcycle safety this week. ABATE coordinates the award winning Safe Rider Program, a motorcyclist training program, with Wisconsin DOT. ABATE members also provide information to new and experienced drivers about sharing the road safely with motorcyclists through the Share the Road program.

As spring and summer driving approaches, please be vigilant for all types of vehicles on Wisconsin's highways.

Around the District

Recently, Tomah Area Montessori School (TAMS) Principal Tim Gnewikow, pictured with one of the school's students, gave me a tour of the school. "Lighting the Fire Within" is the mission statement of the school. "Recognizing that the first years of learning are vital to future success, TAMS will foster a lifelong love of learning by creating a classroom that is individualized and engaging for the child." I appreciated learning about another education model accessible to our students.

Did you know that one half of Wisconsin's entire cranberry production is stored at Badger State Fruit in Pittsville located in the 70th Assembly district? Thanks to Jason of Badger State Fruit, pictured, Keith, Mark, and Butch for a recent tour of this locally owned and operated juice and dried fruit processing plant. Cranberry products are utilized in a vast array of products including pharmaceuticals!

Opportunities to learn about health careers abound through organizations like the Scenic Rivers Area Health Education Center (AHEC). Earlier this month, I visited Instructor Sarah Hughes, pictured left, and class at Tomah High School for a presentation on cardiology related careers by Bob Matysik, pictured second from right, of Scenic Rivers AHEC. AHEC provides career education activities for students such as job shadowing and health careers camp. Mrs. Hughes is also a nurse practitioner who brought her skills to the classroom as a full time teacher in the Tomah School District.

Col. Steve Nott was recently recognized at the Monroe County Economic Development Conference with a citation from the Wisconsin legislature as he retires from his duties as the 48th Garrison Commander at Fort McCoy after a highly decorated career and going above and beyond his call of duty for the community in many ways. Col. Nott culminated his military career after serving as Commander at Fort McCoy for four years. Presenting the award from left is Gov. Scott Walker, myself, Sen. Julie Lassa, Col. Steve Nott, and Rep. Lee Nerison.

Little Plover River Study Presentation

Nearly two years ago, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in collaboration with the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, hosted a public meeting relating to groundwater and its relationship to surface water. The meeting focused on the optimization study and subsequent analysis of the Little Plover River watershed.

The Little Plover River study has recently been completed, therefore I joined a group of bipartisan legislators to request the DNR to schedule a follow-up meeting in the Central Sands region to present their findings as well as answer questions from our constituents.

I want to inform you a date has been set for the Little Plover Rover Study/Optimization Model Presentation. The presentation will be given by the DNR and the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey on Tuesday, April 12th from 6:00-8:00 at Michelsen Hall in Noel Fine Center at UW-Stevens Point. The address is as follows:

Noel Fine Arts Center, Michelsen Hall, NFAC270
1800 Portage Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481

The presentation will last about an hour and will be followed by a Q&A session with the presenters. I hope that you are able to attend and if you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me.

Sincerely,