Snowmobiling season is right around the corner.  Many trails in our area will (fingers crossed) open within the next few weeks, at the discretion of counties and local governments.  Many people know I have a deep love for snowmobiling.  I have also talked with many of you specifically about my legislative efforts this session in Madison, to increase support for our state snowmobile program and ensure we can continue to provide this great sport and tourism driver for Wisconsin.

I’m a lifelong snowmobiler - my kids, extended family, and many friends are all loyal riders too. For many, especially in our northern area, snowmobiling isn’t just a joyride or a one weekend adventure; it’s a way of life. We care about our sport, we are responsible stewards of the land and trail system, and we work hard to have a program we can all be proud of and pass on to future riders.

We are the nation’s leader in snowmobiling – according to the Department of Tourism, snowmobiling generates over $1 billion of economic impact to the state. This includes registration and out of state trail passes, plus lodging, restaurants, taverns, and area business support. Snowmobiling was founded in Wisconsin; the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame is proudly located in Eagle River.

Wisconsin also maintains the most extensive trail system in the country, with over 25,000 miles of trails. Imagine shoveling your driveway after a heavy snow – now imagine that times 25,000 miles.  The trails require grooming, brushing, signage, and infrastructure maintenance on bridges and roadways. This work is not glamorous, but for decades local club member volunteers and county staff have proudly maintained a trail system that is unrivaled anywhere else in the USA.

However, the simple reality is – a trail system of this size and magnitude does require money.  Currently, these incredible trails are maintained without the support of any state general fund dollars.  Rather, the program is funded by registration fees and registration renewals on snowmobiles, a portion of the gas tax formula, and out-of-state riders who currently must purchase an annual trail sticker pass in order to use Wisconsin’s trails (their snowmobile is registered in another state).  All of these funds go directly into a segregated snowmobile program account, and the DNR is responsible for administering these funds.

That pot of money is seldom, if ever, enough to cover the required county trail maintenance, project requests, and supplemental aid that are needed to keep the program running.  The trend has been especially troubling in recent years – in fact, for recent estimates from the DNR have shown that for fiscal year 2014 there would be no funds available for project grants.  The fund shortfall has been particularly volatile over the last decade, as snowfall amounts have varied widely.  This causes snowmobile program funds to fluctuate, as registrations drop and fewer out of state riders plan Wisconsin trips.  The impact is particularly brutal in northern Wisconsin, where our mom-and-pop businesses rely on the snowmobile season just to be able to keep their doors open.

Local clubs have done their best to make up the shortfalls and have organized amazing fundraisers, in some instances generating tens of thousands of additional dollars for operating expenses. However, there are only a very few clubs of the size and strength to be able to generate significant revenue that way, and even those locals have nearly exhausted their resources and volunteer manpower. This pattern is simply not sustainable.

Taking into account all of this information, I decided to lead the effort in finding a solution.  Not just a quick fix, or a one-time funding increase, but a long term solution that will grow and protect our snowmobile industry.  I met with both the Governor’s Council on Snowmobile Recreation, and the state Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs.  The result of our discussions, and compromise by both groups, is Assembly Bill 407.  This is the first time, after several other attempts by previous legislatures, that the two groups have agreed to back the same bill and dozens of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle have also signed on as cosponsors to the bill.

AB 407 will generate the revenue needed for the snowmobile program to survive and maintain its independence from the state general fund.  The creation of an annual state trail pass brings Wisconsin on par with other neighboring states, including Michigan and Minnesota.  One key difference from past versions of this legislation is registration remains the same, at its current $30.00 two-year cycle.  This provides an element of stability to the fund, and ensures that there would be available funds even in years with low snowfall.

This bill also aims to strengthen local club membership for snowmobile riders, to encourage involvement and volunteerism within the clubs.  It is the volunteers who ultimately make our trail system possible, and entire generations of older volunteers are entering their sunset years.  Without new recruits and willing active participants, the system will be broken.  By providing a discount on the trail pass for local club members, the legislation aims to bring new lifeblood into the clubs and to plan for the future.

Recognizing the critical impact of snowmobiling on the tourism and hospitality industries in our state, the Wisconsin Tavern League and Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association strongly support this legislation.  AB 407 received a public hearing in the Assembly Tourism Committee in mid-November, and is awaiting a committee vote.   I am hopeful we can educate our fellow legislators and residents about the importance of our snowmobile program, and enjoy many more years of a successful ride. 

In order to keep up on snowfall and trail conditions across the state, sign up to receive the Snow Conditions report from our WI Dept of Tourism, with detailed updates on snowmobile and cross-country trails.

Recently I was fortunate to be invited to ‘Take Your Legislator to Work Day’, organized by the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities.  Every year, the WI BPPD arranges for elected officials all across the state to job shadow their constituents who are employed in the local community.

My first visit was with Ryan, who has been a loyal employee at the Merrill Go-Round transit station for many years.  Ryan took the time to show me his daily routine, the maintenance he performs on the vehicles, and the pride he takes in making sure the ride is comfortable and clean for transit users.  His work-ethic and positive attitude especially made an impression on me.  Ryan gave me permission to share the photo below with you.

I also had the opportunity to work with Daniel, at the Merrill Piggly Wiggly.  Daniel had an amazing ability to keep up with bagging groceries during the busy pace at the store, and smiled at each and every customer he interacted with.  Thank you to both Daniel and Ryan, and I look forward to participating again in the future.

Workforce Bill Assists People with Developmental Disabilities

Continuing on the same theme, the Assembly also recently passed Senate Bill 274, a bill designed to grow employment of people with disabilities in Wisconsin.  This bill was authored by one of my freshman Democrat colleagues, Rep. Katrina Shankland, and passed the Assembly by a wide bipartisan vote of 90-4.

Senate Bill 274 will increase access to workforce development services for people with disabilities by making a smart state investment to capture full federal funding for the state Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). The DVR provides important resources for people with disabilities looking for work, including career guidance, job placement assistance, rehabilitation technology, and transportation to job training.  With these additional funds, the current DVR waiting list will be eliminated and employment assistance will be provided to an additional 5,376 Wisconsinites with disabilities.

The bill has already been passed by the state Senate, and will be signed this Friday by the Governor.  Here are some additional facts on disability employment, provided by the BPPD:

     • One in five Americans has a disability. Employment is one of the top priorities for the disability community.

     • For every dollar of costs to taxpayers in funding employment, taxpayers received an average of $1.46 back.
     • Only 37% of Wisconsinites with  disabilities are employed, compared to 70% of working-age people without disabilities.

Area Christmas Events

Thanksgiving has quickly come and gone, and the shortened calendar means Christmas is just a few weeks away.  Here are a few local holiday events this week, to help get us in the holiday spirit.

Antigo 16th Annual Chili Cook-Off
Wednesday, December 4th
5:30 pm, along Fifth Avenue in Downtown Antigo
The Antigo/Langlade County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 16th annual chili cook-off. There are two categories: Traditional Chili and Roughneck Chili. Entries will be judged on Aroma, Consistency, Taste and Texture. Judging samples must be ready at 3:00 pm. Public samples will be handed out starting at 5:30 pm; the winner will be announced at 6:00 pm. Questions, contact the chamber at (715) 623-4134.

Antigo’s Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony
Wednesday, December 4
5:45 pm – Tree Lighting at Chase Bank Corner
6:30 pm – Parade downtown along Fifth Avenue
The Antigo/Langlade County Chamber of Commerce, Antigo Optimist, and Kiwanis Club will host Antigo's Christmas Parade, with the theme ‘Christmas Night of Lights’.
The parade, which starts at 6:30 pm, begins at St. John's Catholic Church, Antigo. It will travel north on Field Street, turn west on 5th Avenue, turn north on Dorr St, turn east onto 3rd Avenue and continue to St. Mary/Hyacinth's Church parking lot. Join thousands of spectators along 5th Avenue for this great holiday tradition. The parade is filled with the sights & sounds of the holiday season. Parade entries will be announced as they come down the street.

Merrill 23rd Annual Lighted Parade
Saturday, December 7
5:00 pm, starting at State St
6:00 pm, ending at the Courthouse with tree lighting ceremony
The Merrill Chamber of Commerce announces the 23rd annual lighted parade, with 50+ floats. Questions, call the chamber at (715) 536-9474.