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December 4, 2014 |
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I hope you had a chance to enjoy the recent Thanksgiving holiday with your loved ones. I am extremely grateful for the support and love of my family and always appreciate being greeting by friends and relatives with smiling, friendly faces - even as the temperatures continue to drop!
With the holiday season upon us and the 2015-16 legislative session just around the corner, this e-newsletter highlights Wisconsin's updated budget projections, upcoming holiday opportunities, news regarding the Badger-Coulee proposal, and some timely tips from the DNR.
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,
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State Budget deficit grows to $2.2 Billion |
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Governor Walker's administration recently released new budget figures which revealed a $2.2 billion deficit in the upcoming 2015-17 state budget. According to the report: "For the coming biennium, agency budget requests exceed expected revenues by $1,096 million in fiscal year 2015-16 and by $1,118 million in fiscal year 2016-17, for a total of $2,214 million over the biennium."
With a shrinking revenue base and a lack of
economic growth, it is clear that the slash-and-burn approach to
budgeting over the past four years isn't working. Rather than
digging a deeper budget hole, we need to invest in education,
worker training and economic infrastructure to create jobs and
build toward a brighter future. Advancing pro-growth policies
will expand opportunities for all residents, create greater
prosperity and strengthen our communities. You can read more about Wisconsin's growing budget deficit here:
Wisconsin State Journal: State faces $2.2 billion deficit
heading into 2015-17 budget cycle Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: State revenue for next budget $2.2 billion short of spending requests The figures from the administration also showed the state is on track to finish the current budget in June with a $132 million deficit. - Read Full Article
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Democratic Radio Address: Capitol Christmas tree lighting |
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"One of my favorite things about being
in Madison during December is the beautiful Capitol Christmas
Tree, which is decorated with hand-made ornaments sent in by
school children from across the State. Every year the ornaments
are different. Last year students were asked to create something
that symbolized “Wisconsin Traditions.” The year before, the
ornaments represented Wisconsin made goods and products. This
year’s theme is “Honoring Wisconsin’s Veterans.” The Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Friday, December 5, 2014 from noon-1 PM in the State Capitol Rotunda.
You can also view pictures of the tree decorating process on the Cap Times website by clicking here.
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Holiday Mail For Heroes |
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I've been proud to participate in the "Holiday Mail for Heroes" program and encourage others to join in if you haven't already. Local Red Cross offices will be collecting, sorting, and distributing the holiday cards over the next few weeks, so stop by your nearest Red Cross office and take a minute to send a warm holiday greeting to our veterans.
For more information on this program you can go to http://www.redcross.org/support/get-involved/holiday-mail-for-heroes.
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The Big Bundle Up |
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The Big Bundle Up is an annual charity
drive that collects warm winter items for those in need across
Wisconsin each winter. Tourism
organizations across the state collect new or gently used
mittens, hats, scarves, earmuffs, hats, coats, sweaters,
jackets, snow pants, and other warm clothing items that are then
donated to local charities.
For more information about this program or
to find a donation site near you, please visit:
http://www.travelwisconsin.com/experience-fun/seasonal/winter/the-big-bundle-up.
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Upcoming public hearings on Badger-Coulee Proposal |
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Thank you to everyone who has taken the
time to weigh in on the Badger-Coulee transmission line proposal
application which is currently before the Public Service
Commission of Wisconsin. 333 S. Madison Street, Waunakee
Additional information regarding these
hearings can be found online at:
http://psc.wi.gov/apps35/ERF_view/viewdoc.aspx?docid=223724 |
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DNR weekly update |
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From the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources:
Recommendations regarding three-year deer population objectives
will be finalized at December County Deer Advisory Council
meetings
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Calendar of Events |
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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. |
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phone: 608.266.5490 email: sen.shilling@legis.wi.gov
If you wish to stop receiving these
emails, please reply to this email |
State
Senator-elect Janet Bewley (D-Ashland) offered this week's
Democratic Radio Address and highlighted the dedication ceremony
for this year's Capitol Christmas Tree. You can listen to her
Speaking
of ways to help thank veterans this holiday season, the American
Red Cross is once again organizing their "Holiday Mail for
Heroes" drive. This program helps local residents send holiday
cards to service members and Veterans here in Wisconsin and
around the world.
From
the Wisconsin Department of Tourism:
