March 17, 2016

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

On March 15th the State Senate ended the legislative session, and I was disappointed by the majority party's lack of action to support the hardworking families of Wisconsin. Republicans adjourned the legislative session without addressing key issues such as school funding, student loan debt relief, infrastructure and health care issues.

This e-update highlights awards and achievements from the district, a recent column on dark money in Wisconsin campaigns, the weekly Democratic radio address, the local business of the week and more.

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

GOP all talk, no action on student loan debt

Senate Republicans adjourned the legislative session after Tuesday’s floor period leaving dozens of bills to wither and die in committee. Several proposals that would address Wisconsin’s $19 billion student loan debt crisis are among the proposals that Republicans have refused to take up.

After all of the talk, it is disappointing that Republicans are still refusing to tackle Wisconsin’s student loan debt crisis. Rather than handing out millions in tax breaks to special interests and out-of-state corporations, we should be targeting relief to hardworking Wisconsin families who are burdened by student loan debt. Simply allowing individuals to refinance their student loans at lower interest rates could save families thousands of dollars a year. Other states like Minnesota are helping borrowers save thousands by refinancing student loans, but Republican opposition continues to hinder economic growth and prevent Wisconsin families from getting ahead.

Awards and Achievements from the District

There were a few awards given out recently to local citizens achieving big things in the food and agriculture industry. Congratulations to Luke and the Driftless Cafe team on being awarded the 2016 Chef/Restaurant Local Hero Award for the second time, and Brenda Jensen from Hidden Springs Creamery for taking home first place in the soft fresh cheese category at the World Championship Cheese Contest with her Driftless Honey and Lavender cheese. We are lucky to have such outstanding folks contributing to our community and filling our stomachs with their delicious food!

Janesville Gazette Editorial: Dark cloud looms over
transparency

The following article was featured in the Janesville Gazette:

Wisconsin’s open-meetings and open-records laws have been models for other states. That’s
gratifying to know as we begin Sunshine Week to promote transparent government.
But not all is hunky-dory. This state’s records law has come under repeated attacks since last
spring.

The most egregious assault came two days before we celebrated Independence Day. Republicans
on the Joint Finance Committee slipped in a budget amendment that would have let state and local
officials hide from voters much of what they do. It harbored huge implications. It would have created
records-law exemptions, including for “deliberative materials.” It would have kept secret how not just
state but local and school officials make decisions. It would have hidden many records in lawmakers’
offices and more.

Newspapers pounced. Republicans retreated within 48 hours. Gov. Scott Walker, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald had fingerprints all over this shameless stunt. Walker’s involvement was no surprise, given that the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel exposed his administration’s support for erasing the time-honored “Wisconsin Idea” from the UW System’s mission statement and forced him to backtrack on
statements.

You can read more here.
 

Wisconsin Bike Trails: Five Funky Towns to Bike to

As the snow melts and the temperature rises, folks are dusting off their bikes and getting back out on the roads! Travel Wisconsin has put together this list of five towns that are both bike friendly, and interesting to visit.

I was pleased to see Viroqua on the list, and can't wait to get the family bikes out this Spring. Bike trails officially open on May 1st, happy cycling!

International Women's Day

On Tuesday, March 8th people across the world celebrated International Women's Day. It was a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women. I am proud to serve with these leaders in the State Senate. My fellow women senators are strong, passionate, articulate women who represent all corners of the state.

Local Business of the Week!

I always enjoy visiting locally owned businesses and nonprofits throughout the 32nd Senate District and will be highlighting a different local businesses in each e-update. This week I am featuring Blue Dog Cycles!

Bluedog Cycles opened in October 2005, when Pete and Alycann Taylor returned to their roots of Wisconsin from Idaho. These Viroqua natives offer full sales and professional service for the family, mountain and road cyclist, snowshoer, and skier. In addition to providing Brewdog Coffee on site, they also teach maintenance classes, provide a public maintenance workshop for the community and group road and mountain bike rides held weekly (be sure to check it out on their events page!)

With a knowledgeable staff, the folks at Bluedog emphasize recreation, alternative transportation, education, trail advocacy, and a full appreciation of the surrounding geography.

So whether you are looking for some bike maintenance, a group ride out on the trails or a fun-filled week at Camp Bluedog, be sure to pay a visit to Pete and Alycann in Viroqua for all your biking needs. Thank you Bluedog Cycles for keeping our communities tires spinning!
 

Weekly Democratic Radio Address:

"Celebrate open government with
Sunshine Week 2016" 

Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton) recently offered the Democratic radio address. In his radio message, Sen. Erpenbach highlighted Sunshine Week and the importance of Wisconsin's open records laws.

“Wisconsin had some of the first open records laws in the country. Decisions making sure records of the government were open for inspection in Wisconsin are almost as old as the state itself. " - Sen. Jon Erpenbach

The audio file of last week’s address can be found here: http://media2.legis.wisconsin.gov/multimedia/Sen27/erpenbachradio3.10.16.mp3

News Across the State

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wind power's Wisconsin dry spell may be ending

To tally up the wind turbines built in Wisconsin over the past five years, you'll need all of two hands. At a time when wind farm development is powering ahead in nearby states including Michigan, Illinois and Iowa, Wisconsin has basically been an afterthought for wind power development. -Read Full Article

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Once again, Wisconsin job growth trails national pace

Turning in another subpar employment report, Wisconsin gained 29,616 private-sector jobs in the 12 months through September 2015, a 1.2% increase that lags behind the national pace of 2.2% in the same period, according to reliable data released Wednesday.  -Read Full Article

A Wisconsin cheese wins the World Championship Cheese Contest

For the first time in nearly 30 years, a cheese made in the U.S. has won the World Championship Cheese Contest. And it was made in the city that celebrates cheese like no other. - Read Full Article

State Senate adjourns for 2016; declines to act on high-profile bills
On what’s likely to be its final workday in 2016, the Republican-led state Senate punted on several high-profile bills, leaving them adrift as the two-year lawmaking session drew to a close. -Read Full Article

Racine Journal Times editorial: DNR shouldn't abdicate its responsibilities
The Department of Natural Resources is the one agency in Wisconsin tasked with protecting our air and water. So it’s alarming to learn that the DNR is on the verge of abdicating that responsibility in the name of making the state more business-friendly. -Read Full Article

Wisconsin Public Radio: Hearing Yields Skepticism, Praise For Planned Changes To Long-Term Care

A public hearing in Eau Claire Monday morning about proposed changes to Wisconsin's long-term care programs brought guarded praise, but also concerns from those caring for the elderly and disabled. -Read Full Article

Action from the Capitol

Top Left Photo: Recently schools from the across the state were recognized for their outstanding work. Congratulations to Bluff View Elementary, Bluff View Middle, Bluffview Junior High School, Hintgen Elementary, North Woods International School, Norwalk-Ontario-Wilton Elementary School, Seneca Elementary, Seneca Junior High, Seneca High School, and Wauzeka Elementary School!

Top Right Photo: Thanks to a great turnout from the La Crosse county Tavern League of Wisconsin members for their recent legislative day. We discussed the importance of funding for the safe ride program.

Bottom Left Photo: I sat down with members from the Wisconsin Agri-Business Association recently. We discussed transportation systems, legislative civility and supporting our agriculture industries.

Bottom Right Photo: Students from the Viterbo University Nursing Program stopped by for their day in the Capitol. We are lucky to have such a great and necessary program in western Wisconsin!

Wisconsin DNR updates

News from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources:

DNR ramping up efforts to address Kewaunee County water quality issues
The Department of Natural Resources is ramping up its efforts to work with stakeholder groups to address ongoing water quality issues in Kewaunee County. - Read Full Article

With help from Wisconsin's hunters, sampling results provide current snapshot of CWD in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources sampled more than 3,100 deer for chronic wasting disease statewide in 2015. In all, 290 positive detections were made, primarily within the endemic area in southern Wisconsin. - Read Full Article

Assess conditions, obtain burn permits to help prevent wildfires

During the past week, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reported 23 wildfires. As a result, fire control officials urge those planning to burn in the outdoors this spring to assess the weather and obtain proper burn permits prior to lighting any fire. - Read Full Article

Rare songbirds and prairies to benefit from donations

Two of Wisconsin's rarest natural resources - a tiny songbird fighting off extinction and prairies - will benefit from a recent $25,889 donation from the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin to the Department of Natural Resources. - Read Full Article

New fishing line recycling program underway

A new Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program is underway, in Wisconsin to encourage anglers to "reel in and recycle" their used fishing line. - Read Full Article

Broad Incidental Take Permit and Authorization revised for activities with no or low impact to endangered resources in Wisconsin

Certain activities related to telecommunications facilities would be added to a Broad Incidental Take Permit and Authorization for No or Low Impact Activities, under revisions the Department of Natural Resources is proposing for the permit. Certain vegetation management activities would also be consolidated and definitions used in the permit would be added and revised. - 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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