Standing Up for Rural Roads

As it currently stands, the transportation budget is still being debated amongst both Houses of the Legislature and the Governor.

This week, I, along with Representative Amy Loudenbeck (R - Clinton) and Representative Michael Schraa (R - Oshkosh) , my colleagues on the Joint Finance Committee, as well as 30 other representatives from all over the state, wrote a letter to Governor Walker, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, Senate JFC Co-chair Alberta Darling, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, and Assembly JFC Co-Chair John Nygren, to express our concerns with cuts to the transportation budget that could potentially interrupt rural road projects.

As was stated in the letter, we recognize the competing project timelines and infrastructure of our districts and the need for improvement of our roads, for both safety and economic reasons. We are not supportive of the level of bonding proposed by the Governor as that avenue is not sustainable. If, the level of bonding is reduced, this will have an impact on the availability of funds for a number of Wisconsin road projects, particularly those in a rural setting. It is our recommendation that these cuts be seen equally statewide and that the Southeastern Wisconsin Megaprojects not be excluded from the cuts or delays.

We do understand the important role that the Megaprojects play in terms of commerce and economic stimulus for Wisconsin. However, there are numerous roads, outside of Milwaukee that also play a large role for local businesses and tourism. We feel that all Wisconsin taxpayers should see the benefits of their tax dollars on their local roads.

To read the full letter, click here.

Media coverage of letter:

Associated Press article

WXPR Radio article

Wisconsin Watchdog article

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article

Governor signs 48 hour waiting period bill

4th of July Celebrations

Next week, we will be celebrating the 4th of July and will be honoring those who fought to secure our personal rights and freedoms as Americans. I hope you and your families will be able to attend one of these events and celebrate Independence Day!

Fourth of July Parade/Firework Event Details:

June 28, 2015

Birnamwood Parade

Birnamwood Village Park

12 pm

July 3, 2015

Shawano County Fireworks

Shawano Airport

Fireworks begin at dusk

July 4, 2015
 

Tomahawk Parade

Downtown Tomahawk

1 pm

* Fireworks at SARA Park begins at dusk

Antigo Parade

Begins at Antigo Middle School

7pm

* Fireworks at Antigo High School begins at dusk

Merrill Fireworks

MARC - Smith Center
Fireworks begin at dusk
 

State Park Maps

To all of you who filled out a survey and returned it to my office, whether via email or hardcopy, I want to express my appreciation. It is important, as an elected representative, to get feedback from my constituents to better understand my districts issues and needs.

On the hardcopy surveys, there was a checklist where constituents could request a variety of complimentary state guides, one of which was the Wisconsin State Parks Guide. We have heard from the Department of Tourism that the new 2015 Wisconsin State Parks Guides are currently back ordered and will not be out until later this summer. For those of you who have requested the State Parks Guide I apologize for the inconvenience. In the mean time, please go to either of the websites below to learn about our beautiful Wisconsin State Parks.

Travel Wisconsin State Park Guide

DNR State Park Website