October 15, 2015

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The fall colors are in full swing! I hope everyone has had a chance to enjoy the beautiful weather and partake in some of the Driftless Region's fun fall activities, like apple picking, corn mazes and going to pumpkin patches.  This week's e-update highlights the Senate Democrats' Badger Blueprint agenda, student loan debt relief, the weekly radio address, recent news coverage across the state, Wisconsin DNR updates, and a new business of the week.

I hope you find the information in this e-update helpful, and don't forget to get out and enjoy all of the fun upcoming events in western Wisconsin!

Sincerely, 

Jennifer K. Shilling
State Senator | 32nd District

Badger Blueprint lays out legislative priorities

As the days get shorter and the leaves change colors, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I continue to visit with Wisconsin residents of all ages about the challenges facing our state.

From Bayfield to Beloit, Milwaukee to La Crosse and the hundreds of communities in between – one message has been consistent: Wisconsinites want their elected officials to work together, be problem solvers and put an end to the politics of resentment.

In response to these conversations, Senate Democrats have crafted the Badger Blueprint, a roadmap of common-sense solutions to encourage growth, drive innovation and increase opportunity.

Education and infrastructure are critical for our state’s success in the modern, global economy. The Badger Blueprint features several new and innovative pro-growth solutions designed to expand access to quality education, invest in infrastructure improvements and improve local economic development efforts.

We also continue to hear about the importance of business start-ups for our state’s economy. Unfortunately, Wisconsin was recently ranked the worst state in the nation for start-up activity and rate of new entrepreneurs by the Kauffman Foundation. To improve Wisconsin’s start-up business climate, Senate Democrats are committed to leveraging federal funding for entrepreneurs, partnering with private investors and increasing collaboration between schools, colleges, and the private sector to help Wisconsinites turn their ideas into successful businesses.

To improve workplace flexibility and help working families achieve financial security, the Badger Blueprint will also provide student loan debt relief, make it easier to find affordable childcare and end taxpayer subsidies to companies that outsource jobs.

It’s also time to address the needs of our rural communities and underserved urban neighborhoods that continue to struggle with high unemployment and limited job creation opportunities. Despite their geographic differences, many of these communities share common challenges. The Badger Blueprint would promote much-needed economic growth by expanding worker training and apprenticeship opportunities, improving broadband access and creating good-paying jobs through long overdue infrastructure investments.

I’m optimistic about the future of our state because Wisconsinites are resilient and hardworking. The Badger Blueprint reflects this sense of optimism and our shared vision for a state that is ready to work together, be problem solvers and address the challenges before us. Together, we can build an economy that works for every Wisconsin resident and strengthens urban, suburban and rural communities alike.

You can learn more and share your ideas at www.wibadgerblueprint.com.

News Coverage on the Badger Blueprint:

La Crosse Tribune: Senate Dems to unveil ‘Badger Blueprint’ fall agenda
Wisconsin Senate Democrats plan to roll out a fall agenda today focused on pocketbook and quality-of-life issues. Dubbed the Badger Blueprint, it calls for increased spending on schools, roads and bridges, more job training, and expansion of the state’s BadgerCare health insurance program. –Read Full Article

WKBT News 8: State Senate Democrats to announce fall agenda
Democrats in Wisconsin's state senate are getting ready to unveil their plan for the fall session. They're calling the plan the "Badger Blueprint," which includes proposals to improve both primary and secondary public education in the state, as well as improve the economy and develop the workforce. With many road construction projects across the state being delayed, Democrats also want to restore transportation funding that's been cut in recent budgets. –Read Full Article

SW News4U: Badger Blueprint lays out legislative priorities
After listening to local residents, Senate Democrats unveiled their Badger Blueprint agenda Oct. 6 that includes a wide range of new ideas and proven solutions to generate economic opportunities in Wisconsin. –Read Full Article

Germantown Now: Badger Blueprint
Yesterday, the Wisconsin Senate Democrats unveiled a new progressive and forward-looking vision. After listening to citizens around the state, our fourteen State Senators outlined a pragmatic and growth-oriented agenda that will restore Wisconsin to national economic, educational, and environmental leadership. Called The Badger Blueprint, the 14 page plan plan is divided into three general sections- Growth, Innovation, and Opportunity. Under these headers, there are thirty specific actions that show the direction that state Democratic leaders want to take us. -Read Full Article

WXPR Radio - Rhinelander: State Democrats Reveal Legislative Goals   
Wisconsin Senate Democrats last week unveiled the "Badger Blueprint", a set of goals they would like to see passed in upcoming legislative agendas. -Read Full Article
 

Democrats drive effort on student loan debt relief

A key student loan debt relief proposal introduced by Sen. Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) and Rep. Cory Mason (D-Racine) received a public hearing in the State Capitol. The Higher Ed, Lower Debt Bill (SB 194) would allow individuals to refinance their student loans at lower interest rates similar to options currently available for auto loans and home mortgages. Additionally, the bill will increase financial literacy by providing students and parents with additional information about student loans.

Our economy is struggling and families in Wisconsin can't afford the rapid growth of student loan debt. With 815,000 residents in Wisconsin owing over $19 billion in student loan debt, we need to find immediate solutions to this growing crisis. As a co-sponsor of the Higher Ed, Lower Debt Bill, I’m hopeful that we can work together and find bipartisan support to strengthen economic opportunities and ease the burden on hardworking Wisconsin families.

Over the years, increases in tuition and fees coupled with deep cuts in state funding for UW campuses have made it nearly impossible for students to work their way through school. High student loan interest rates and unmet financial assistance have also contributed to this growing problem in Wisconsin. The Higher Ed, Lower Debt Bill is one of the top priorities for Senate Democrats and was featured in the recently released Badger Blueprint fall agenda.

Simply allowing individuals to refinance their student loans at lower interest rates would save some families thousands of dollars a year. This is a commonsense measure that will boost our economy and make it a little easier for families to work their way into the middle class. The Higher Ed, Lower Debt Bill is a top priority for Democrats and I want to make sure we pass this bill and get it to the Governor’s desk before time runs out this fall.

Earlier this session, Democrats launched the www.wistudentloanrelief.com website to draw attention to Wisconsin’s growing student loan debt crisis. Residents can visit this site to learn more about the Higher Ed, Lower Debt Bill, share their personal experiences with student loan debt and sign a petition supporting student loan debt relief.
 

Weekly Democratic radio address:

"Restore Local Control"

Senator Janet Bewley (D-Delta) offered the Democratic radio address today. In her radio message, Sen. Bewley urged legislative leaders to restore important local control policies that were repealed in the 2015-17 state budget.

"As the elected representative of one of the most sparsely populated areas of the state, I find myself saying “one size does not fit all.” It’s time to go back, restore previous law and local control, and allow interested stakeholders to have input in our shoreland zoning standards." - Sen. Bewley

The audio file of this week’s address can be found here:
http://media2.legis.wisconsin.gov/multimedia/Sen24/senbewleyradio10.22.15.mp3

Action in the District

Left Photo: I had the pleasure of touring the Holton House in Onalaska. Mary Rohrer, Liam Bailey, and Laura Julsrud discussed ORC Industries new project, and building Adult Family Homes for adults with disabilities. We toured the homes and discussed difficulties they might face with changes to the IRIS and Family Care support programs.

Right Photo: I recently attended the La Crosse Area Public Health gathering on the UW-La Crosse campus. I enjoyed having the opportunity to speak to students and area health professionals about my health-related legislative priorities.

News Across the State

Wisconsin State Journal: Don’t flood elections with secret money
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos says he wants to “protect a free and vigorous debate” in Wisconsin. Just don’t ask him who is speaking. The Republican leader just unveiled a package of bad-government bills that, among other failings, would encourage more anonymous donors to flood state elections with secret money. –Read Full Article

Wisconsin State Journal: As cost to attend UW-Madison rises, concerns about access grow as well

Students at UW-Madison today pay more than twice as much on tuition, housing and other college-related costs as their Badger peers did three decades ago. In the mid-1980s, a Wisconsin resident paid the inflation-adjusted equivalent of just less than $12,000 annually to attend the state’s flagship public university and live in Madison. This year, UW-Madison estimates it will cost $24,736. -Read Full Article

Twin Cities Pioneer Press: Wisconsin GOP lawmaker introduces high-capacity well bill
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Republican lawmaker introduced a bill Thursday that would overhaul Wisconsin's high-capacity well regulations. Republicans have been working to rewrite the regulations since an administrative judge ruled last year that the DNR must consider the cumulative effects of such wells on groundwater. –Read Full Article

Wisconsin State Journal: State slows roads, prolongs headaches
Snarled traffic at higher cost. That’s what state leaders just delivered to Madison, Janesville, Beloit, Fond du Lac, Plymouth and the Fox Valley by delaying major road projects already under way. The state Department of Transportation just applied the brakes to five major road projects, including the massive reconstruction of Verona Road on Madison’s Southwest Side, which leads to Epic Systems, the booming health care software giant in Verona. –Read Full Article
 

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: More borrowing for roads isn't the answer

Gov. Scott Walker wants lawmakers to authorize the state to borrow $150 million this year because — surprise, surprise — there's not enough money to pay for all the road projects and maintenance needed in Wisconsin. So borrowing is OK but it's not OK to raise more money from taxpayers or find more sustainable revenue sources for transportation. And this is fiscally responsible how? -Read Full Article

La Crosse Tribune: Family Care collaboration worth saving
There’s nothing worse than fixing something that isn’t broken. That’s especially true with the programs in Wisconsin that have helped 55,000 people with disabilities and the elderly live more independently — with better care and lower cost. –Read Full Article
 

Wisconsin State Journal: Scott Walker's campaign rings up $125k in security costs through June

Gov. Scott Walker’s presidential campaign rang up about $125,000 in security costs through the end of June — $67,280 of which the campaign has yet to pay back to the state, records show. -Read Full Article

October is Farm to School Month!

Did you know that over forty thousand schools in the US participate in Farm to School programs? Farm to School programs provide students with educational opportunities to engage in hands on learning through school gardens, cooking lessons, and farm field trips. These programs empower students and their families to make informed food choices while strengthening their local communities economy.

Small family farms are a vital part of our local economy and many farmers struggle to support their families solely on the profits made from farming. Programs like the Farm to School program create new and expanded markets for these small family farms to thrive.
 

You can check out ways to celebrate and get involved with Farm to School in your community here.
 

Southwest WI road projects face costly delays due to GOP budget cuts

A recently released memo to state legislators by Gov. Walker's administration announced dozens of road construction and repair project delays due to recent budget cuts. The memo outlined 114 project delays in western and southwestern Wisconsin costing taxpayers millions more, increasing safety concerns and preventing the creation of thousands of jobs.

Simply put, Wisconsin's potholes and crumbling bridges aren't going to fix themselves. At a time when we should be working to grow businesses and create jobs, recent budget cuts are jeopardizing important economic development efforts.

A growing coalition of business groups, community leaders and working families have launched a public outreach campaign urging legislators to address transportation funding shortfalls and prevent costly project delays. While Democratic leaders have urged Gov. Walker to call the legislature into special session to pass a long-term funding solution, the inability of Republican in the Legislature to take on Gov. Walker's veto threats has resulted in political gridlock and costly project delays.

Gov. Walker is done campaigning for president, yet legislative Republican continue to side with him in opposing transportation funding solutions. I would hope that with Gov. Walker's presidential campaign behind us, we could work together and find bipartisan solutions to protect Wisconsin families, prevent costly project delays and find a long-term solution to strengthen our infrastructure.

In La Crosse, Vernon, Crawford and Monroe counties, two dozen projects representing over $53.7 million in needed road upgrades and repairs are being delayed. Unless a stable, long-term funding solution is identified, these road and bridge maintenance projects could be delayed indefinitely.
 

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's featured business is Dregne's Scandinavian Gifts!

In 1975 Dave and Jana Dregne purchased the Flugstad and Foss Hardware Store in downtown Westby and only had a small selection of Scandinavian gifts at that time. But over the years the store has grown, transformed and thrived as Dregne’s Scandinavian Gifts. Roughly 60 percent of the merchandise is Scandinavian including items from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. They even have some items from Germany! Their popular items include traditional Dale Norwegian sweaters, Swedish clogs, food products, jewelry, linens, music, lefse grills, specialty baking irons and tins. My boys, Nate and Zach, love the Norway jersey we purchased from Dregne’s and wear them for Syttende Mai!

Westby is well known for its strong and proud Norwegian heritage and it is no surprise that Dregne’s is an attraction for many across the Midwest! Congratulations on your 40th Anniversary, and skål to many more!
 

Fall Tourism in Wisconsin

If you and your family enjoy Halloween Discover Wisconsin recently highlighted Wisconsin's 10 Best Haunted Houses Forests and more. Included in the list is the Driftless Regions very own Haunted Halls of Terror in Prairie du Chien! These haunted houses are guarenteed to be spook-tacular!

Fall is flying by and it's going to be winter before we know it! Don't miss out on those beautiful falls colors and check out Discover Wisconsin's Best Road Trips for Fall Foliage. The list includes highways from across the state including the Great River Road. It doesn't take much convincing that Wisconsin is a great state for road trips, especially in the fall!

Also, don't forget to check out the Dept. of Tourism's Fall Color Report for real-time updates and details from the statewide network of foliage reporters. You don't want to miss that beautiful fall foliage!
 

Wisconsin DNR Updates

Increase in pheasant broods and production should provide for another exciting ring-necked pheasant hunting season
Pheasant broods and production both saw an increase this year, and the Oct. 17 pheasant hunting opener signals another exciting year in the field for upland bird hunters. -Read Full Article

Coordination and close attention to detail leads to safe moose rescue in northern Wisconsin

Coordination between the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, U.S Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services, and Canadian National Railroad led to the safe rescue of a moose entangled in wire near a train track outside of Phillips, Wis. -Read Full Article

A number of helpful resources are available to help hunters make sure they are ready to use electronic registration
In the first year when Wisconsin is using electronic registration as the sole method for hunters to register a deer they have harvested, state wildlife officials have provided hunters with a number of convenient options to consider. -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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