February 5, 2015

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This month is already off to an interesting start with the recent budget address given by Governor Walker. This e-update highlights the budget address, proposed cuts to the UW System and a new business of the week!

I hope you find this information 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

Gov. Walker Budget Address

Governor Walker delivered his budget address on February 3rd. You can read his speech here.

You can read some of the news coverage here:

La Crosse Tribune: Opposition grows to Walker's plans for roads, UW, schools

 Gov. Scott Walker’s budget proposal is helping to unite Republicans and Democrats — in opposition to it.

-Read Full Article

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Scott Walker budget plans hit some road blocks

Gov. Scott Walker sought to sell his budget Wednesday on a five-stop tour of the state, even as some lawmakers of both parties balked at his plans to borrow for new state roads and reshape state schools. -Read Full Article

WKBT: Walker's budget proposal 'vague' to local lawmakers

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker introduced his budget proposal for the Badger state Tuesday night. Wisconsin sits in an estimated $2.2 billion deficit heading into this two-year budget cycle.  -Read Full Article

I am glad that both Democrats and Republicans agree Gov. Walker's budget doesn't reflect our shared Wisconsin values and I look forward to the upcoming budget debates.

Friend of Family Farmer Award

The Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) presented me with their 2015 Friend of the Family Farmer Award at the 84th annual WFU State Convention in Eau Claire on January 24th.

"Wisconsin Farmers Union instituted the Friend of the Family Farmer award in order to recognize the exceptional contributions of individuals who go above and beyond in tackling the tough topics facing rural Wisconsinites,” said WFU President Darin Von Ruden. In presenting the award, the WFU noted that I have been an advocate for farmers and rural residents at the state capitol, fighting for protection of local control and increased access to affordable healthcare.

Increasing economic opportunities and providing greater financial security for families across Wisconsin continues to be my top priority. I have been proud to partner with the Wisconsin Farmers Union and local farm families to expand health care access, strengthen infrastructure investments and support our homegrown agriculture economy. Given the $88 billion economic impact our family-farms and agricultural businesses generate, I hope that we can continue to make rural economic development a priority in our state.

 

District Office Opening

We had a great turnout at the district office open house and over 50 people stopped by to visit!

Meeting with community members face-to-face and keeping in touch with local residents helps me to best represent our shared values in the legislature. I value your opinions and I always welcome your feedback on issues that are important to you.

Anyone seeking information or assistance is always welcome to contact me at:
 

Email: Sen.Shilling@legis.wi.gov

Toll Free: 1-800-385-3385

Madison Office: 608-266-5490

La Crosse Office: 608-782-2785

National Wear Red Day

Please join the American Heart Association as we kick-off Heart Month and celebrate, National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 6th.

Wear Red Day is a special day designed to raise awareness of women and heart disease. Each year 1 in 3 women die of heart disease and stroke, but we can change that because 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented with education and lifestyle changes.
 

This photo from the Capitol will be shared by the American Heart Association on social media on Friday, February 6, Wear Red Day. If you are active on social media, we encourage you to share your own wear Red Day photos to help further spread awareness about women and heart disease. We will be using the hashtag #GoRed.

Proposed Cut to UW System

Despite a strong national recovery, Wisconsin’s economy is sputtering and our budget is in the worst shape of any state in the nation. Rather than investing in pro-growth initiatives to strengthen communities, Gov. Walker has proposed deep cuts that will lead to more layoffs across the state.
                           
Both Democrats and Republicans have expressed concerned about this attempt to privatize and defund our UW System. As a mother of two young boys, I want my children to have the same great higher education opportunities that I had. Unfortunately, Gov. Walker’s cuts will put those opportunities further out of reach for many working families and future students.
 

Local Business of the Week!

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 Hillsboro Brewing Company!

Hillsboro Brewing Company is owned and run by Snapper and Kim Verbsky and offers American Bistro lunch specials, sandwiches, appetizers and specialty pizzas. Not only do they offer catering services, but they also brew their own beer. 

Make sure you stop at the Hillsboro Brewing Company the next time you drive through Vernon County!

Westby Snowflake Ski Tournament

This past weekend my family and I attended the Westby Snowflake Ski Tournament and had a great time. It was a beautiful night under the lights and the skiers made some great jumps. Check out the Snowflake Ski Club to see more photos from the tournament.

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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