Things are looking up for the 1st Senate District!
Senator Jacque meeting with De Pere 4th Graders
Prioritize Public Safety
As a state legislator, I am proud to have championed public safety proposals that help ensure a safer Wisconsin for everyone. I am honored to have had the opportunity to put forward legislation this session that protects victim rights, restitution, and impact statements; increase penalties on human traffickers and provide additional resources for treating victims and investigations; combatting drunk driving and encouraging the use of ignition interlocks, and a crackdown on prison contraband. One of my greatest legislative frustrations until recently had been the critical shortage of criminal prosecutors and inability to retain experienced prosecutors in District Attorney offices statewide, leading to severe case backlogs and a detrimental effect on public safety and victim’s rights. I am proud to have led the charge in finally addressing this issue in the recently signed 2019-’21 state budget:
One of my top priorities is the creation of a Sexual Assault Bill of Rights, which I have worked with victims and advocates to author. Under my proposal, victims of sexual assault are required to be informed of their rights and rape kits will need to be tested in a timely manner.
Working to make our communities safer is one of my top priorities. I believe these initiatives are a strong start in achieving that goal.
Protecting Water Quality
I am very aware of the unique challenges Northeastern Wisconsin faces when it comes to water quality and am a member of the legislature's Water Quality Task Force. I invite all of my constituents to join me at the two public listening sessions being held in our area this week:
I am in the process of introducing a proposal that will remove barriers and will allow us to implement an “environmental best practice” here in Wisconsin modeled after other states with the goal to help manage manure.
One of the more promising approaches for a dairy farm to reduce pressure for excessive spreading is to compost their manure. In talking to experts who work with farmers to address the financial and logistical hurdles, it became clear that Wisconsin farms looking to make this environmentally friendly change face an additional regulatory obstacle of gaining market access to sell the organic compounds.
My legislation makes a number of reasonable changes that apply to fertilizers and soil or plant additives that are derived from converting manure into compost and compost byproducts, thereby removing a barrier to the economic viability of manure composting in Wisconsin that is not present in other states.
Marketing manure can be a beneficial, low-risk way for livestock producers to manage animal waste on their farms while incorporating a value-added product into their overall business plan. The opportunity to sell a waste product and recoup an economic benefit while reducing potential environmental liability is a much sought-after outcome this legislation will help to create.
Governor Evers Signs Act 16 Into Law
2019 Wisconsin Act 16, written by Senator Jacque and Representative Tusler, was signed into law by Governor Evers. Act 16 closed a loophole in Wisconsin's child pornography laws, and was written on behalf of Internet Crimes Against Children investigators and families in Northeast Wisconsin and across the state.
Questions, Comments, Concerns?
If you have any questions relating to the legislative process, or any issues with administrative departments, do not hesitate to contact my office. My staff and I are ready and willing to assist you.
