Hello Everyone!

I hope you are all doing well and enjoying the fall weather. This is a beautiful time of the year in Wisconsin!

The fall floor session began in the state Assembly on Thursday. I am happy to report that two pieces of legislation I have authored passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. I will also be talking about both of those bills in this update.

I recently wrote a column about one of the bills and I want to share it for those of you who haven't had the opportunity to read it. I am also including a link to my maiden speech which was also about the same legislation. I encourage you to check them both out!

This fall, the state Assembly's legislative priorities will includes reforming government, strengthening education and workforce development. There will also be a focused on curbing public benefit fraud as well as approving additional bills to fight opiate and heroin addiction. Some Speaker task forces are focusing on other important issues like Alzheimer’s and dementia as well as youth workforce readiness. 

After spending these past few months in the district visiting with my constituents and attending many community events, I am excited to continue working on legislation to make Wisconsin an even better place to live, work and play.

What's Happening in Madison...

Rep. VanderMeer Begins Fall Session with Bipartisan Bills to Strengthen Wisconsin

I came to Madison to make a difference in the lives of my constituents and be their voice on important issues. Two important areas I have been focused on are increasing access to healthcare in rural areas and providing our rural schools with as many tools as possible so they can continue to achieve great things.

 I am proud to have authored two pieces of legislation that were passed through the Wisconsin State Assembly on its first day of the fall legislative session. Lawmakers approved bills that will increase access to health care and provide a valuable tool to our schools, both of which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support.

Assembly Bill 253 will enable Wisconsin to enter into an Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which will provide a new, expedited, licensing option for physicians seeking to practice in multiple states. This legislation will increase access to health care, and help to alleviate the physician shortage in our state, especially in rural areas like the 70th Assembly District.

The Assembly also approved Assembly Bill 299, which will create an exception to allow school board members to act as unpaid volunteer coaches or supervisors of an extracurricular activity in their school districts. This legislation will be a valuable tool for school districts in finding qualified volunteer coaches and supervisors for all extracurricular activities available for our students.

 Around the District

Last week, I attended the Governor's 5th Annual Small Business Summit in Eau Claire. It was a great opportunity to meet with small business owners, entrepreneurs, and innovators to exchange ideas and information. Many of the state agencies were also on hand to provide us with the useful tools available to small businesses.

Last Friday was National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Still missing from WWII through current date are over 83,000 military service members. I attended the Tomah VA Medical Center's Rememberance Service and had the honor to meet Cliff Armgard, a surviving POW from WWII's Battle of the Bulge. May we remember these sacrifices every day of the year.

It was an honor to be part of Town of Lincoln's Fire Department's flag display dedication in Warrens this week. Appreciation goes to the Town of Lincoln Fire Department for their dedication and service to their community. The flag display is a beautiful memorial to John R. Rezin, a very supportive and caring community member. I encourage visitors to stop by the display when in town for the Warrens Cranfest this weekend.

 2015-2016 State of Wisconsin Blue Book

The new Wisconsin Blue Books have arrived and if you would like to receive a complimentary copy, please take a moment to respond to this email with your name, address, and phone number. Providing that information will make it easier for me to make sure you receive one. Anyone who has already requested for one, you've been added to the list and can expect to receive it soon.

I will also try to have a few Blue Books with me while I'm out in the district so feel free to ask me for one if you see me. I always enjoy interacting with constituents so I encourage you to reach out whenever you see me.  As always, please let me know of any events or things goings on that you think I should attend.

Sincerely,