Microbeads Legislation Moves Forward

Here in northern Wisconsin we know the importance of our lakes system and protecting our natural resources. In recent years, research has found tiny bits of plastic called “microbeads” in many of Wisconsin’s waterways, especially the Great Lakes. Microbeads have been part of the personal care products trend, used for exfoliating and cleansing. However the beads are too small to be caught by water filtration systems and eventually wind up in our lakes, posing a risk to fish communities. This threatens the states shipping, sport fishery and tourism economies. 

Watch my interview with WSAW.

 The Environment and Forestry Committee will be a holding a public hearing on this bill on Tuesday, February 3rd, at 9:00am.

Rural Initiatives in Governor's Budget

This week Governor Walker announced his plans to grow the economy in rural Wisconsin that will be included in his 2015-2017 budget proposal. He proposed investments in education, broadband and technology, business growth, worker training, transportation, and more.

I am especially encouraged to see the additional investments and flexibilities that are proposed for rural schools. With 44% of Wisconsin students attending school in a rural classroom, this is a sound investment in the future workforce of our state.

The following task force recommendations were included in the Governor’s plan:

•  Increase funding for transportation aid to school districts

• Increase funding for sparsity aid to school districts

• Allow school districts to reduce costs by whole grade sharing agreements

•   Invest in broadband expansion grants to the benefit of both schools and workforce

• Expand the Technology for Educational Achievement (TEACH) program

• Allow flexibility in teacher licensing to bring tech ed curriculum to rural districts

To read more on the Governor's proposal, click here.

The Governor will be announcing his full proposed budget on Tuesday, February 3rd, at 7:00 PM.

Wisconsin Counties Association

This week I had the opportunity to speak to the Wisconsin Counties Association luncheon in Madison. The WCA has a County Ambassador program where representatives from each of the state’s 72 counties visit the State Capitol to discuss issues important to county-level government. Over the noon hour the WCA invited me to speak about the upcoming state budget process.

We discussed shared priorities like increased broadband availability in rural areas and MFL reforms that will return acreage fees to local governments. There was a lively Q& A session afterwards and it was a great group.

"Wisconsin's County Forests"

premieres across the Midwest Feb. 7-8

Have a good weekend and stay warm!

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