November 25, 2015

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We have officially wrapped up the fall legislative floor period, and now we look forward to the start of the Holiday Season! This week's e-update highlights the Viroqua Food Co-Op, the Democratic radio address, recent news coverage across the state, Wisconsin DNR updates, and local businesses that can help you to give back to the community during the holidays.

I hope you find the information in this e-update helpful, and have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Sincerely, 

Jennifer K. Shilling
State Senator | 32nd District

Touring the Viroqua Food Co-op 

The Driftless Region in western Wisconsin is ground zero for the rapidly expanding local food movement. Growing demand for fresh organic food and high quality local products has helped fuel the growth of many local businesses including the Viroqua Food Co-op (VFC) – a local favorite in Vernon County. After 20 years of success, the member-owned Viroqua Food Co-op is once again looking to grow and expand their local operation.

I met with Viroqua Food Co-op employees and supporters last Thursday to learn more about how the Co-op supports local farmers, their support for labeling of genetically modified foods and upcoming expansion plans.

With friendly service and quality products, I always enjoy visiting the Viroqua Food Co-op. The VFC has been a champion of our local food economy since 1995. With the support of 3300 member-owners, staff at the VFC look forward to growing their Cooperative to better serve the community by offering more local, organic, and natural food options. As a supporter of buy local and farm to table initiatives, it is exciting to see the Co-op grow, expand and boost the local economy.

The Viroqua Food Co-op currently employs 64 people, of which 80% are full time and have access to a full benefits package. In the last fiscal year, VFC achieved $7 million in sales. To learn more about the Co-op, individuals can stop in or visit online at http://www.viroquafood.coop/.
 

Action in the District

Top Left Photo: Congratulations to the Bangor Cardinals on their WIAA Division 7 State Championship victory! The community is proud to see all your hard work and dedication pay off. Enjoy the celebration, you earned it!

Top Right Photo: I read 'My Senator and Me' to Mrs. Torris' second grade class at Sand Lake Elementary PTG as part of American Education Week.

Bottom Left Photo: Congratulations to the La Crosse Central High School students that were inducted into the National Honor Society! It was an honor to speak at the ceremony and talk about the four pillars of NHS; service, leadership, scholarship and character.

Bottom Right Photo: I had a great time touring B & E's Trees: Forest Foraged Foods & Farm and bottling facility. Co-owners Bree and Eric are in their second season and tap over 2300 trees. They age their syrup in bourbon barrels for months, and bottle their syrup by hand at the Food Enterprise Center in Viroqua.

Small Business Saturday is November 28!

As an elected official, I am always looking for new ways to support and encourage economic growth for our communities' local businesses! Small Business Saturday is a great way to get out and rally around local economies.

The first-ever Small Business Saturday took place on Nov 27, 2010. It encouraged people across the country to support small, local businesses. The day became official in 2011 when elected officials from Washington D.C. to Washington State, including governors, mayors, senators, and even President Obama, all voiced their support for Small Business Saturday.

You can  find local businesses to support here!

 

Weekly Democratic radio address:

"Have a successful hunting season!"

Senator Mark Miller (D-Monona) offered the Democratic radio address. In his radio message, Sen. Miller discusses ways to find more information about hunter safety and deer registration. 

"The deer hunting season is upon us, a treasured time for many of us. The Wisconsin Deparment of Natural Resources' website, dnr.wi.gov, contains all the information you need to have a safe, legal and fun hunting experience."- Sen. Miller

The audio file of the address can be found here:
http://media2.legis.wisconsin.gov/multimedia/Sen16/millerradio11.19.15.mp3

Happenings in the Capitol

The Capitol Christmas tree has arrived! This year's tree is a 40-foot-tall balsam fir donated by Brad and Elizabeth Kowieski of Rhinelander, WI. Brad planted the tree on Arbor Day in 1985 at his parents' house when he was in fourth grade, giving it 30 years to grow into this wonderful holiday tradition. The tree will be on display starting after Thanksgiving, so if you're in the Madison area during the holiday season, make sure to stop by the Capitol Building to take a look!

The Capitol Christmas tree is always a full Balsam Fir between 35 and 55 feet tall, and is decorated according to each year's theme. This year, the theme is Wisconsin Sports, and we look forward to receiving help from students across the state to craft and create ornaments to decorate the tree! Happy Holidays to all!

News Across the State

Wisconsin Public Radio: Report finds Wisconsin spends more on prisons that neighboring states

The report by the Wisconsin Budget Project says that based on U.S. Census Bureau figures, the state's $1.5 billion prison budget is 12 percent higher than the national average, with only 11 states spending more per capita on prisons. -Read Full Article
 

Green Bay Press Gazette Editorial: Bill erodes schools' local control

Assembly Bill 481/Senate Bill 355 would restrict when referendums to increase a school district’s revenue limits could be held. They would be restricted to the spring election (first Tuesday in April) or the general election, which “occurs in even-numbered years on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November.” -Read Full Article

La Crosse Tribune: GAB chief: Replacing board in June 2016 'irresponsible, if not reckless'

Tasking a new agency with elections oversight months before the 2016 election could lead to headaches for voters, according to the director of the state’s elections and ethics agency — on track to be dismantled by a bill lawmakers have passed and sent to Gov. Scott Walker. -Read Full Article

La Crosse Tribune: Alumni group asks UW-Madison parents to lobby against concealed carry on campus

As UW-Madison officials push back against a proposal to allow concealed weapons inside university buildings, the Wisconsin Alumni Association is hoping to enlist a large group of people with a keen interest in campus safety: The parents of current students.

-Read Full Article
 

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Bill on restrooms for transgender students stirs emotions

A bill limiting the restrooms and locker rooms available to transgender students would discriminate against — and potentially endanger — those students, and would open local school districts to federal lawsuits, opponents told lawmakers at the Capitol on Thursday,

November, 19. -Read Full Article

Wisconsin Women's Network Supports Patients Reproductive Health Act

The Wisconsin Women’s Network Board of Directors released the following statement after Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton) and Rep. Chris Taylor (D-Madison) announced the Patients Reproductive Health Act -Read Full Article

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Slight property tax increase projected in Wisconsin

Property taxes on the median value state home this year are expected to rise slightly in Wisconsin for the first time since Gov. Scott Walker took office in 2011, the Legislature's budget office is projecting. -Read Full Article

Cap Times Editorial: To guard against WEDC fraud, set strict standards for corporations

Unfortunately, unreasonable legislators have often attempted to use the tools of oversight and accountability to penalize and punish those in need. Even more unfortunately, those unreasonable legislators have often absolved powerful special interests and the politically connected individuals who pay for their campaigns from any responsibility. -Read Full Article

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Editorial: Wisconsin derailments are a reminder of need to improve rail safety.
The three train derailments in the last week in Wisconsin are another reminder that the industry, Congress and states have to move faster in making safety upgrades to rail cars and the tracks on which they move. Part of those improvements also should include better training for local responders to train accidents, better government oversight and more public access to industry records related to safety issues.     -Read Full Article

Bi-Weekly Office Hours

My district representative Taylor Goodine will hold several local office hours between now and January 5th. These office hours offer local residents an opportunity to meet with my staff, share their thoughts on state issues and request assistance with state agencies.

Listening sessions are open to the public and no RSVP is required. If individuals would like more information, they can contact my office toll-free at 1-800-385-3385 or email Sen.Shilling@legis.wi.gov.

Get covered, visit healthcare.gov

Open enrollment for health coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has now begun. As of Nov. 1st, Wisconsin residents and families can apply for a 2016 health plan, renew their current plan, or pick a new plan through the ACA's Health Insurance Marketplace.

Over 183,000 Wisconsin residents received private coverage through the ACA marketplace in 2015 and approximately 90 percent of all enrollees qualified for premium subsidies. In an effort to increase enrollment and expand access to affordable health care, I am encouraging local residents who are uninsured or in need of affordable coverage to visit healthcare.gov and learn more about health coverage options.
 

Local Business of the Week!

I always enjoy visiting locally owned businesses throughout the 32nd Senate District and will be highlighting a different local business in each e-update. This week, I will be featuring several of the food pantries doing important work in the 32nd District!

Food pantries offer a great way to spread some Holiday cheer during the winter months, and what better way to show off your Thanksgiving spirit than by giving back to the community. Feel free to visit or contact any of the food pantries below to donate or do some volunteering this season. Thank you to the folks who manage and volunteer in food pantries all over WI, we appreciate your hard work.

WAFER – The largest food pantry serving the La Crosse area

Catholic Charities Food Pantry - of the Diocese of La Crosse

Living Faith Food Pantry - located in Viroqua, WI

Bethel Butikk - located in Westby, WI

Cashton Cupboard and Closet - the new Cashton Cupboard and Closet is OPEN! 

Neighbor for Neighbor - located and serving the needy in eastern Monroe County

Bargain Boutique Food Pantry - serving Crawford County and area communities

Gays Mills Food Pantry - located in Gays Mills, WI

Tourism in Wisconsin

Looking for a new restaurant to try this winter? Travel Wisconsin has created a list of Four Scrumptious Restaurants to Visit in Wisconsin for people who would like to sample cuisine from "a new crop of top chefs spicing up the food scene." It is no surprise that the Viroqua's very own Driftless Café made the list! Congrats, Luke and Ruthie Zahm and the rest of the Driftless Café staff!

The Driftless Café is known for its seasonal menu that provides a creative spin on fresh, local ingredients, while switching up its offerings often to feature the best of each season.

You can check the Driftless Café's daily specials and updates from the restaurant here. Bon appétit!

Wisconsin DNR Updates

DNR opens public comment period on scope of strategic analysis for fish passage at dams
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is inviting the public to provide input as the agency works to develop a systematic approach for evaluating fish passage at dams statewide. -Read Full Article

Fall hunters encouraged to report feral pig sightings
Hunters and landowners in Wisconsin are reminded to be on the lookout for feral pigs as they head into the woods for fall hunting   seasons. - Read Full Article
 

Recently Introduced Legislation

If you are interested in legislation that is being introduced, the Wisconsin Legislative website posts bills as they are being introduced in the Senate and Assembly. Check it out and stay informed!  

 

Calendar of Events

I apologize if any upcoming events in the area were left off. If you would like me to include an event in future e-updates, please email me the date, location and a website with details.

Senator Jennifer Shilling
P.O. Box 7882 - Madison, WI 53707

phone: 608.266.5490   

email: sen.shilling@legis.wi.gov

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