In This Issue:
Getting a Running Start --- Listening Sessions --- Honoring a Dedicated Public Servant --- ATV Grants Available

Hitting the Ground Running

To say that we’ve been busy in Madison since I arrived might be an understatement: as you’ve probably seen in the news, there has been a flurry of activity here in the Capitol since January 5th. And there is certainly more to come!

I recently helped to pass a bill that will allow more democracy in the State Supreme Court. The bill will allow the justices to choose their own leader, rather than relying on seniority. I know that the best leader is not always the person who has served the longest, and the justices need a leader they respect in order to do their best work for the people of Wisconsin.

As a member of the Education Committee, I also had the opportunity to weigh in on an education bill aimed at ensuring that all students in Wisconsin have access to a quality education. Making schools better for all of our children is a top priority for me, and while this bill is still in progress, I have greatly appreciated all of the feedback I have heard on the issue from my constituents. As we follow the progress of this effort, your thoughts will help guide my actions.

Of course, one of the biggest items for discussion is the Governor’s recently-announced budget. The legislature will be weighing in over the next few months to ensure that the budget contains common-sense solutions to the economic issues our state faces. Governor Walker provided the Legislature with a strong foundation to build upon to reach our ultimate goal of a Wisconsin that works for everyone, that protects our priorities, and that fulfills our promises to limit the size of government while putting people back to work.

In the coming weeks, I will be consulting with my colleagues and seeking input from the residents of my district. I want to hear what outcomes you would like to see with the proposed spending plans. Together, we will ensure that Wisconsin continues the progress we have made in building a vibrant and thriving economy.

We have a lot of work to do, and I look forward to representing everyone in the 75th to make Wisconsin a better place.

Listening Sessions Coming Soon!

  
With the Governor's budget a high-priority issue, I am looking forward to holding listening sessions around the district soon! All of your input is greatly appreciated, and I look forward to hearing from you!
  • 2/21/2015, 10 am – 12 pm at the Rice Lake City Hall Lakeshore/ Council Room (30 E Eau Claire St., Rice Lake)
  • 2/21/2015, 3 pm – 4 pm at the Barron Community Center Meeting Room (800 Memorial Drive, Barron)
  • 3/02/2015, 6 pm – 8 pm at UW-Barron County (1800 College Drive, Rice Lake), with Senator Janet Bewley (D-Ashland)
  

Honoring a Dedicated Public Servant

  
Morriss Gillett is a familiar face in the Village of Birchwood. At 90 years old, Mr. Gillett is still a vital force in his community. He has served as a member of the Village Board since 2003, and since 2007, has held the office of President of the Village Board. But he wasn’t content to rest on his laurels: he also single-handedly organized and built a skate park for the village youth, and mentors in two area schools.

Needless to say, it was my great pleasure to be able to honor Mr. Gillett last weekend at his retirement ceremony. Mr. Gillett exemplifies the kind of leadership that the state needs: engaged, active, and enthusiastic. Just as he left his community better than he found it, I hope to represent the 75th Assembly District with dignity and honor, and be a legislator you are proud to call your own.		  
 
 
 
 

 

Grants Available for ATV Trails
Local units of government can now submit applications for the All-Terrain Vehicle Grant Program. Counties, towns, cities, villages and tribes are encouraged to apply for these grant dollars that can be used to acquire, insure, develop and maintain ATV trails, areas and routes.

The Department of Natural Resources has established eligible items and funding levels for this grant program. They are as follows:
  • All-terrain vehicle trails available for spring, summer, and fall reimbursable up to 100 percent of eligible maintenance costs. Maximum: $600 per mile
  • All-terrain vehicle trails available for winter riding reimbursable up to 100 percent of eligible maintenance costs. Maximum: $100 per mile
  • Development of ATV trails and areas reimbursable up to 100 percent of eligible costs
  • Major rehabilitation of bridge structures or trails reimbursable up to 100 percent of eligible costs
  • Maintenance of ATV intensive use areas reimbursable up to 50 percent of eligible costs

 
Trail funds are ranked and distributed for the following purposes:
  • Maintenance of existing, approved trails, areas, and routes
  • Liability insurance acquisition
  • Easement acquisition
  • Major rehabilitation of bridge structures or trails
  • Land acquisition and development of new ATV trails and areas

 
Please consult the ATV Application Guidelines for information about eligible/ineligible costs for development and maintenance projects.

The Wisconsin State Legislature made specific changes to Chapter NR 64 ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES resulting in the creation of a Hybrid Trail or "Troutes [PDF]," which is an all-terrain vehicle trail and route combination. Applications are due in the regional offices by April 15, 2015, for the following season. For questions or additional information on this grant program, contact your community services specialist. Any costs incurred prior to receipt of a grant are not reimbursable and may jeopardize your entire grant.