WHEDA Refinancing Bill Moves Forward

About two months ago, my office was contacted by a constituent who was having trouble with WHEDA and its inability to provide refinancing options to him as loan recipient. After discussions with the Walker Administration and officials at WHEDA, the bill was drafted and I am pleased it is gaining bipartisan support through the legislative process.

Senate Bill 151 and its companion Assembly Bill 158 have begun moving through the legislative process. These bills have been introduced to provide refinancing opportunities to homeowners currently taking advantage of the homeownership mortgage loan program administered by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA).

Currently, WHEDA cannot refinance its own borrowers into lower-rate loans and these bills will provide a legislative change that will allow borrowers to have their rates reduced and continue to be served by WHEDA for their home loans. These bills do not create a new loan program under WHEDA and only change the policies of current homeownership mortgage loan program recipients in good standing.

Both SB 151 and AB 158 have received a public hearing and executive action in their respective committees. The bills are expected to be before the full Assembly and full Senate early next week for final passage.
 

372nd Engineer Company Sendoff Ceremony

On Sunday, May 5th, I had the honor of attending the sendoff ceremony for the 372nd Engineer Company Army Reserve unit from my hometown of Pewaukee. The unit will continue with additional training in Fort Bliss, TX before being deployed to Afghanistan for nine months in support of the Global War on Terror. The ceremony was held at the Pewaukee High School gymnasium where Governor Walker addressed and thanked the troops; along with speeches from commanding officer Captain Reichert and General Carlson.

It was a very emotional ceremony for friends and family members of the 147 reservists. For some of the soldiers, it will be their third or fourth deployment to Afghanistan. The 372nd is tasked with breaking down military installations in Afghanistan. I commend these brave young men and women for their commitment and sacrifice to defending our great nation and I look forward to their safe return in February 2014.

St. Charles Catholic School Visits Capitol

On April 25th fourth graders from St. Charles Catholic School in Hartland visited the State Capitol. I was pleased to welcome Mrs. Ann Hanaway’s class to Madison. Throughout the year, fourth graders across Wisconsin learn about our state’s history and government. A tour of our beautiful State Capitol building is a hands-on experience that most students never forget.

May is Stroke Awareness Month

Did you know that Stroke is the #3 killer in Wisconsin? Each year, stroke kills over 130,000 people nationwide, including 2,600 in Wisconsin. Even though it is a leading cause of death in the United States, 37% of Americans cannot identify even one stroke warning sign.

F.A.S.T is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke:

Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.

Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand?

Time to Call 9-1-1: If you see any of these signs, even if they go away, call 9-1-1 immediately and note the time they first appeared.

Other symptoms of stroke you should know:
• Sudden numbness or weakness in the legs
• Sudden confusion of trouble understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

For more information on stroke prevention, treatment and recovery visit StrokeAssociation.org
 

May is also Motorcycle Awareness Month

With the weather getting nicer and summer right around the corner, it is important for all motorists to “share the road.” As you travel our great state, please be aware of your surroundings and respect each other’s travel space in order to keep everyone safe and to avoid dangerous situations that cause collisions and accidents.

Throughout the month of May, Wisconsin will be recognizing Motorcycle Awareness. ABATE of Wisconsin has led the campaign to make motorists more aware of the presence of motorcycles on the roads since 1974. This month they will be running television and radio public service announcements, be holding awareness rallies, and purchasing billboards and yard signs to build awareness of motorcycle riders and their dedication to "Freedom of the Road."

I also call on all motorists to not only be aware of motorcycles, but keep an eye out for children and adults on bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles. Everyone should feel safe on the roads.

 

Senate Bill 35 Signed into Law

On Wednesday, April 24th, Governor Scott Walker signed Senate Bill 35 into law. The bill, as passed, relates to the definition and powers of an electricity transmission company and streamlines some aspects of the Public Service Commission’s certificate of public convenience and necessity application process.

Upon signing the bill into law, Governor Walker stated, “The bill gives transmission companies more opportunities to expand investments and create jobs.” Governor Walker also stated, “I thank Senator Paul Farrow (R-Pewaukee) and Representative Mark Honadel (R-South Milwaukee) for their work on this bipartisan bill.”

The bill passed the Senate with bipartisan support on a vote of 32-1 and passed the Assembly on a voice vote. The bill is now known as 2013 Wisconsin Act 10 after receiving the Governor’s signature.

Please feel free to contact my office with any thoughts or questions you may have. It is a pleasure serving you in the State Senate.