December 22, 2016

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

With the holiday season upon us, I want to share one last e-newsletter update with you before the end of the year. This update highlights the recent proposal to raise State Park fees, UW-La Crosse continuing education opportunities, tourism in Wisconsin and the weekly Senate Democratic radio address.

Don't forget to get out and enjoy all of the fun upcoming holiday events in western Wisconsin and I hope this holiday season brings you and your famliy tidings of comfort and joy!

Sincerely,

Jennifer K. Shilling
State Senator | 32nd District

Holiday Cheer in the Capitol

During the holidays many schools perform in the Capitol rotunda for the hundreds of visitors each day. It is wonderful to hear the various choirs, bands, and orchestras showcase their talent.

Students from the Lincoln Middle School brass band, symphony orchestra, and flute quartet have continued their tradition of performing during the holidays. Thank you Lincoln Middle School for spreading holiday cheer!

***ALERT***

Two years ago, Gov. Walker and legislative Republicans eliminated state funding for Wisconsin state parks and increased visitor fees, and now they want to raise fees on Wisconsin families even more.

As you may know, the last biennial budget (FY 2015-2017) eliminated all state funding for Wisconsin’s State Park System. Admission and camping fees were also raised, making it more difficult for hard working families to enjoy our parks’ natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Moreover, despite these fee increases, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) still projects a $1.4 million shortfall in state park funding.

Even more worrisome, we have now learned that another fee hike could be on the way. For the upcoming FY 2017-2019 budget, DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp has proposed yet another across-the-board increase in admission and camping fees in order to cover Gov. Walker's budget deficit. Additionally, the most frequented parks would experience the largest fee increases. Secretary Stepp has also proposed raising revenue from corporate sponsors by selling the naming rights to various state park facilities.

I voted against the fee increases in the last budget, and strongly oppose this latest proposal that will further increase the financial burden on Wisconsin families who simply want to enjoy our beloved parks. Our State Park System encompasses some of Wisconsin’s most cherished lands. The tourism that it generates—which supports local businesses and communities—makes the parks an extremely worthwhile investment for the state. That is why I will do everything in my power to stop these fee increases and fight to restore state funding for our parks.

Thank you for your commitment to protecting Wisconsin's pristine natural lands and water, and I will continue to provide you with information as the state budget process continues.
 

UW-La Crosse Continuing Education Opportunities

Montessori Conference
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse invites you to register for the 3rd regional Montessori conference on January 21 – welcoming Kathy Leitch, an international speaker, and a master at infusing Montessori’s premise of peace and respect. Click here for more info or email conted@uwlax.edu.

UW-La Crosse ACT Prep Course:
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse invites you to register now for UW-La Crosse ACT® Prep Course which will be held February 25-April 1. Click here for more info or email conted@uwlax.edu.

Spanish for Beginners:

UW-La Crosse Continuing Education and Extension invites you to register for Spanish for Beginners held March 21-April 25. An introductory course for adults with very little to no experience with the Spanish language. Click here for more info or email conted@uwlax.edu.

International Banquet and Global Citizenship Showcase:

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse invites you to the International Banquet and Global Citizenship Showcase on March 23 – a celebration of the rich diversity our international students and international community outreach bring to La Crosse. Click here for more info or email conted@uwlax.edu.

Midwest Active Transportation Conference:

UW-La Crosse Continuing Education and Extension invites you to register for our Midwest Active Transportation conference held Friday, May 19. Our primary goal is encouraging and accelerating effective strategies for engaging people in active modes of transportation. Click here for more info or email conted@uwlax.edu.

International Death, Grief and Bereavement Conference:

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse invites you to the International Death, Grief and Bereavement conference on June 4-7 – this conference provides a variety of quality presentations on this topic as it relates to caregiving in professional or personal settings. Click here for more info or email conted@uwlax.edu.

Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate Program:

UW-La Crosse Continuing Education and Extension in partnership with Chileda offers an Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate Program, June 19-23. This is a continuing education certificate based program with an option for 2 UG/GRAD credits. Our presenters are made up of university professors, public school professionals, Chileda professionals and parents. Click here for more info or email conted@uwlax.edu.

20 straight quarters of disappointment and counting

For the 20th straight quarter, Wisconsin continues to trail the national average in yearly job creation according to the "gold standard" job numbers often cited by Gov. Walker's administration. The prolonged streak of substandard results follow years of damaging Republican legislation, historic budget cuts and economic turmoil at the WEDC.

The lack of focus on middle class issues is taking its toll on our state. Rather than continuing to shower wealthy special interests with lavish tax breaks, we need to target relief to hardworking families that are struggling to get ahead. Democrats want to tackle the student loan debt crisis, expand childcare tax credits and create new retirement saving options for Wisconsin workers. These forward-looking policies will boost our middle class and accelerate local job growth in a big way.

Wisconsin Tourism

Do you already have a case of the winter blues? Are looking for some adventure? Look no further then the 10 Natural Wonders in Wisconsin that are absolutely stunning in the winter.

From the Apostle Island Ice Caves, to the countless trails for hiking, snowshoeing and skiing, these wonders are sure to take your breath away.

News Across the State

Appleton Post Crescent: College costs pinch poor the hardest
While college has become more expensive for students across Wisconsin in recent years, a USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin analysis of student costs suggests the trend has been especially hard on the state’s poorest families. Students from low-income families generally pay thousands less annually than students from more affluent families due to state and federal financial aid programs that subsidize the cost of college for those with the highest need. -Read Full Article
 

The Racine Journal Times Editorial: DNR permit changes must be fully vetted
Department of Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp has rolled out a far-reaching plan to streamline the environmental permit processing of the state agency charged with protecting Wisconsin’s land, air and water quality and it has, understandably raised eyebrows and opposition. Under Stepp’s plan, a year-and-a-half in the making, the DNR would rely heavily on the work of consultants and engineers hired by those being regulated to work up the draft environmental permits for their projects — including those for manure handling practices of large-scale farms. -Read Full Article

Fox6 Now: Wisconsin DNR suggest higher fees, naming rights at state parks

Madison - Higher fees, more electricity, rental cabins and corporate sponsorships could be in store for Wisconsin's state parks. The 2015 state budget removed all state support from the parks and raised admission fees. Analysts say the move is projected to create an annual $1.4 million deficit in the parks account. The Department of Natural Resources has released a number of recommendations for raising money, including expanding electrical service to hundreds of campsites for recreational vehicle users, creating rental lodging and selling naming rights to the park facilities. -Read Full Article

Wisconsin Public Radio: Wisconsin ranks 30th in private sector job growth
Wisconsin ranked 30th in the nation in private sector job growth from June of 2015 through June of 2016 under the latest "gold standard" job numbers released Tuesday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. -Read Full Article

Wisconsin State Journal: Federal judges panel finds state redistricting plan an 'unconstitutional gerrymander'

A panel of federal judges on Monday ruled that Wisconsin's 2011 legislative redistricting plan, created by Republican leaders virtually in secret, is an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander. -Read Full Article

Weekly Democratic Radio Address:

"Giving Back this Holiday Season"

Senator-elect LaTonya Johnson (D-Milaukee) offered the Democratic weekly radio address. In her message, Sen-elect Johnson encouraged residents to give back to their community this holiday season.

"Whether you provide shelter for the homeless, food for the hungry, or comfort for those who need it most, each and every one of us can play an important role in helping out our neighbors. Together, we can make Wisconsin a warm and welcoming place for all of our citizens this holiday season."- Sen.-elect LaTonya Johnson

The audio file of last week’s address can be found here: http://media2.legis.wisconsin.gov/multimedia/Sen06/johnsonradioaddress121516.mp3.

Wisconsin DNR updates

News from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources:

Reminder: No ice is safe ice; ask locals for conditions
Wisconsin again is witnessing winter's annual sudden and severe arrival, dropping snow and temperatures to form early-season ice on ponds, lakes and rivers. The Department of Natural Resources reminds winter enthusiasts that ice should never be considered safe and early season ice conditions varies from waterbody to waterbody. -Read Full Article

Prune trees in winter to help prevent oak wilt

Now is a good time for tree pruning, when temperatures are cold, according to Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources tree health experts. - Read Full Article

Incidental take notice for statewide transmission line project

The Badger Coulee Transmission Line Project (Segments 5-8) may result in the "incidental taking" of a rare lizard and snake under an authorization the Department of Natural Resources proposes to issue for the project. Incidental take refers to the unintentional loss of individual endangered or threatened animals or plants that does not put the overall population of the species at risk. - 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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