11/25/2015

Capitol Update

    
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Listening Sessions, Surveys and Daily Communications

 

As your State Senator, I have many ways to connect with the residents of the 17th Senate District to seek input, listen to concerns, share information and provide assistance. Whether I am attending a Towns Association meeting, hosting a listening session or reading emails, I am always seeking input from the people I represent.

If there is one thing I have learned in the last 11 months, it is that the opinions and preferences of the people of the 17th District are diverse and run the gambit. Every issue we have discussed has generated a lot of interest, ideas and conversation. The 17th Senate District is engaged.

In September and October, I was honored to host 16 listening sessions throughout the district. At least 145 people attended these sessions and shared their ideas, input and concerns. I was also able to distribute Blue Books and Highway Maps at these events to many residents.

During this same timeframe, I also sought input via a survey that was distributed on my E-Update and was printed in several local newspapers. Following, you will find the results of the survey.

Overall, 625 people completed the survey, which is .3% of the 170,000 residents of the district. Many of the same people attended listening sessions. I appreciate the interest and time they shared with me. I hope that we will see increased participation in the political process over the next several years.

I also appreciate the daily emails and phone calls I receive from residents, as well as the individual conversations I have during meetings and events throughout the district. Combining all of this input with research and my own ideas, I feel like I am representing the residents of the 17th Senate District with a competent approach.

While I know not everyone will agree with every vote I cast, I have made a strong effort to seek information and input while doing my own homework. I welcome your ideas and will consider your concerns as I seek more information and study the proposals that come before the Senate. Thank you, to all residents of the 17th Senate District, who participate in the legislative process.

 

For a printable PDF version of these results, please CLICK HERE.

 

Q1.  What issue is most important to you?

Lower Taxes

70

11.5%

Education Reform

152

25%

Health Care Reform

87

14.3%

Environmental Issues

127

20.9%

Economic Development

145

23.8%

Public Safety

28

4.6%
     

 

Q2.  What issue is most important to the 17th Senate District

Rural education initiatives

240

39.9%

Rural medicine initiatives

50

8.3%

Rural road programs

120

20%

Technical education

62

10.3%

Agricultural issues

40

6.7%

Property taxes

89

14.8%

 

Q3.  What do you think is most important to encourage economic development in the 17th Senate District?

Fewer regulations

131

21.9%

More investment in technical education

187

31.3%

Better roads/infrastructure

207

34.6%

Government grants, loans and tax credits

73

12.2%

 

 

 

 

Q4.  How can we best improve public education in Wisconsin? (Two top ideas)

More funding

353

57%

State-based standards and accountability

124

20%

Consolidating smaller school districts

80

12.9%

Sharing services

163

26.3%

Local control and decisions making.

310

50.1%

More standardized tests

14

2.3%

Fewer standardized tests

138

22.3%

 

Q5.  Which taxes need reform?

Income taxes

195

33.4%

Property taxes

135

23.2%

Estate/Death taxes

64

11%

Sales tax

30

5.1%

Gas tax

159

27.3%

 


 

Q6. How should we pay for road construction?

Increase the gas tax

283

47%

Create a toll road system

64

10.6%

Redirect spending from megaprojects in Milwaukee

145

24.1%

Spend less on other state programs and put more money into transportation

50

8.3%

Borrow / Bond for more funding

13

2.2%

Increase vehicle registration fee

47

7.8%

 

Q7.  Do you support or oppose legislation that would require our state government to use Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for our finances and budgeting?

Support

390

64%

Oppose

30

4.9%

Undecided

189

31%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q8.  Do you support or oppose reforming the Government Accountability Board?

Support

191

31.3%

Oppose

308

50.5%

Undecided

111

18.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q9.  If there is a future budget surplus, how should Wisconsin use those funds?

Spend more on public education

226

36.9%

Give it to the University System

25

4.1%

Return it to the taxpayers in a tax refund

24

3.9%

Property tax relief

29

4.7%

Transportation funding

76

12.4%

Put it into a Rainy Day fund

49

8%

Pay down debt

183

29.9%

 

For more information and to connect with me, visit my website http://legis.wisconsin.gov/senate/17/marklein and do not hesitate to call 800-978-8008 if you have input, ideas or need assistance with any state-related matters.
 

2015-16 Blue Books
The 2015-16 Blue Books have arrived at the Capitol! If you would like one, please let me know, I would be happy to make sure you receive a blue book.

Capitol Office Closed for Thanksgiving
Our office will be closed Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving.  I hope you have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving!
 

 

*Senator Marklein is pleased to provide this legislative E-Update to the constituents of the 17th State Senate District. Please feel free to share this update with other interested citizens and taxpayers. You are receiving this update because you have either subscribed or contacted Senator Marklein directly.

Please Note: If you have contacted the Senator with specific input or questions, a personal response is forthcoming.

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State Capitol - Room 8 South - Post Office Box 7882 - Madison, Wisconsin 53707 - Phone: (608) 266-0703