5/27/2016

 

In addition to this weekly
E-Update, I also invite you to connect with me on local radio and TV. The schedule follows: 

 

Monthly Radio Shows

 

WEKZ - 93.7 FM

Wednesday mornings during the Lafayette County News

 

WRJC - 92.1 FM

1st Friday, 7:30 a.m.

 

WRCO - 100.9 FM

3rd Monday, 9 a.m.

 

WRDB - 1400 AM

3rd Friday, 10 a.m.

 

Monthly TV Shows

 

Reedsburg Utility Commission Cable Channel 12

Check Local Listings

 

 

 


2015-16 Blue Books

2015-16 Blue Books are a useful summary of information about our state.  These books are printed every session and are complimentary for every resident of Wisconsin. 

 

If you would like one delivered or shipped to you (no charge to you), please reply to this email and include your street and mailing address.

 

The full content of the book is also available online.  Click Here!

 

 

 

 

Focus On Our Nation's Legacy this Memorial Day

My father served in the Marine Corps before I was born. While we milked cows, he would tell me about the men he served with and his experiences in World War II. He would tell me stories of honor, heroism and camaraderie. He imparted in me a deep sense of patriotism and service.

At the time, I didn’t realize how important these stories and lessons were. I didn’t understand how much these ideas would form me into the man I am today. I am grateful for his service and for his willingness to teach me about the things that make our country great.

It is our duty to teach our children and grandchildren about heroism and sacrifice. Too often, we allow the true stories to be forgotten. We miss opportunities to share about the lives of the people who dedicate themselves to our freedom and protection. We allow the next celebrity to dominate their viewpoint, rather than highlighting the true heroes of our nation.

We have lost two heroes from the 17th Senate District within the last five years. Army Specialist Jakob Roelli from Darlington was killed in action on September 21, 2011 in Jawkari, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. Army Staff Sergeant Jesse J. Grindey of Hazel Green was killed in action on March 12, 2012 in the Kandahar Province, Afghanistan.

I cannot fathom the loss felt by Jakob’s and Jesse’s families. I am certain that they take time every day to remember these men who made the ultimate sacrifice. Let us each take time this week to remember Jakob, Jesse and the many others who have given their life for the cause of freedom around the world, especially those of our Special Operations, FBI and CIA; the stories of heroism that can never be told.

Each Memorial Day we must recognize the loss of men and women who have fought for freedom. But we also have the opportunity, and duty, to focus on their legacy.

General Patton said, “It is foolish and wrong to spend so much time mourning the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived at all.”

The first known observance of Memorial Day was on May 5, 1866, making this year the 150th Observance. In 1866, a shop owner in Waterloo, New York wanted a day when all businesses would close to honor the fallen soldiers who had lost their lives during the Civil War.

The regular observance of Memorial Day caught on throughout our nation as we take time to reflect and appreciate the sacrifices made to protect our freedom, secure our borders and strengthen our nation.

Regardless of our race, religion or political beliefs, we Americans continue to collectively defend freedom generation after generation, all over the world. We defend freedom because we know that democracy is a fragile thing.

President Ronald Reagan said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from its extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”

Memorial Day is the perfect day to remind every generation, young and old, about the price for our freedom. We must tell the stories of our veterans. We must show our respect. We must live as examples for future generations who will take our mantle of freedom and march forward.

They need to know where they come from. They need to know about the men and women who formed our nation and gave everything to give us the chance to be free.

It may be difficult to put our gratitude into words, but we also have actions. We can live our lives in a way that preserves and protects the values and freedoms for which our heroes fought and died. We must continue to fight for fundamental liberties that are guaranteed in our constitution, and for which our soldiers have defended.

It is up to us to preserve their memory and to make sure that future generations realize the important sacrifice that the fallen have made to preserve our way of life. We must focus on the legacy given to us while we remember the loss.



Aggressive IRS Scam Calls Are Taxing Wisconsin Consumers
Latest round may include demand for payment by iTunes gift card

MADISON – Fake IRS calls are hitting Wisconsin residents hard this week, and everyone is asked to be on guard against these threatening scam attempts. If you receive one of these calls, hang up immediately.

The Consumer Protection Hotline at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has seen a spike in inquiries about this scam this week.

Consumers statewide are reporting aggressive calls from scammers claiming to be with the IRS, demanding immediate payment for (fake) back taxes. The callers typically threaten the potential victims with legal action or jail time.

In the latest round of IRS impostor calls, the scammers have added iTunes gift cards as a way to pay. According to the Federal Trade Commission, other payment methods scammers might ask for include Amazon gift cards; PayPal; reloadable cards like MoneyPak, Reloadit, or Vanilla; or by wiring money through services like Western Union or MoneyGram.

Do not fall for this scam, and tell your friends, coworkers and family members to be on alert.

Remember that the IRS will never call you demanding immediate payment or making threats. If there is an actual issue with your taxes, the IRS will contact you by postal mail – not by phone or email.

If you question the legitimacy of a communication from a governmental agency, contact DATCP’s Consumer Protection Hotline (800-422-7128) or call the misrepresented agency directly to inquire.

For additional information or to file a complaint, visit the Consumer Protection Bureau at http://datcp.wisconsin.gov, send an e-mail to datcphotline@wisconsin.gov or call the Consumer Protection Hotline.

Connect with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wiconsumer.

In The 17th Senate District

 

Sen. Marklein met with David Mauer and John Hamm, owners of Wisconsin River Meats in Mauston earlier this May.  Sen. Marklein enjoyed a tour and overview of the company on the day before their annual Porkfest.

 

In The Capitol

 

 

Two classes from Pineview Elementary in Reedsburg visited the State Capitol on Friday, May 27, 2016.

 

One of the teachers, Ms. Dana Westedt (above), is retiring next week and we recognized her with a Legislative Citation for her many years of service and leadership in the Reedsburg School District. 

 

Congratulations Mrs. Westedt!

 

 

 

Iowa-Grant Elementary School also visited the State Capitol on Friday, May 27, 2016.

Useful Information

School Fund Balances

The following table contains the ending general fund balances for each school district in the 17th Senate District. It should be noted that the fund balances are not solely cash balances. They include non-cash items such as property taxes receivable. The balances of June 30, 2011 and June 30, 2015 are shown along with the change in ending balances between those years. The final column shows the 2015 fund balances as a percentage of school’s total budget.

 

School District 

June 30 2011 Ending General Fund Balance

June 30 2015 Ending General Fund Balance 

2011 to 2015 General Fund Balance Change ($)

2015 Fund Balance as a % of General Fund Budget 

Argyle

 $           1,787,818

 $             1,747,502

 $                (40,316)

47%

Belmont Community

 $           1,567,013

 $             1,346,347

 $              (220,666)

33%

Benton

 $              656,895

 $                793,001

 $               136,106

25%

Black Hawk

 $           1,202,817

 $             1,117,606

 $                (85,210)

23%

Boscobel

 $           2,283,480

 $             2,279,900

 $                  (3,579)

24%

Cassville

 $              503,669

 $                532,557

 $                 28,888

17%

Cuba City

 $           2,419,870

 $             2,292,119

 $              (127,751)

29%

Darlington Community

 $           2,573,050

 $             3,248,825

 $               675,775

36%

Dodgeville

 $           3,349,834

 $             2,651,684

 $              (698,149)

18%

Fennimore Community

 $           2,735,858

 $             2,184,358

 $              (551,500)

26%

Highland

 $              625,729

 $                804,002

 $               178,273

21%

Hillsboro

 $           1,976,278

 $             1,610,720

 $              (365,557)

25%

Iowa-Grant

 $           1,509,065

 $             1,453,308

 $                (55,758)

16%

Ithaca

 $           2,117,816

 $             1,476,608

 $              (641,208)

30%

Kickapoo Area

 $           1,084,578

 $             1,653,992

 $               569,414

29%

Lancaster Community

 $           1,162,562

 $             1,382,884

 $               220,321

13%

Mauston

 $           3,249,943

 $             4,103,376

 $               853,433

25%

Mineral Point

 $           2,523,534

 $             1,744,459

 $              (779,075)

20%

Monroe

 $           7,448,868

 $             5,439,586

 $           (2,009,282)

19%

Necedah Area

 $              988,785

 $             1,403,556

 $               414,771

16%

New Lisbon

 $              996,778

 $             1,556,931

 $               560,153

21%

Pecatonica Area

 $           1,052,925

 $             1,073,538

 $                 20,613

19%

Platteville

 $           3,845,243

 $             4,186,563

 $               341,320

25%

Potosi

 $           1,447,461

 $             1,319,035

 $              (128,425)

29%

Reedsburg

 $           3,944,505

 $             8,149,408

 $            4,204,903

28%

Richland

 $           1,472,624

 $             2,074,277

 $               601,653

14%

River Ridge

 $           1,444,018

 $             1,369,377

 $                (74,641)

20%

River Valley

 $           4,596,078

 $             5,963,198

 $            1,367,120

39%

Riverdale

 $           2,276,971

 $             2,372,751

 $                 95,780

29%

Royall

 $              204,041

 $             1,609,093

 $            1,405,052

21%

Shullsburg

 $           1,172,239

 $                796,803

 $              (375,436)

19%

Southwestern Wisconsin

 $           1,837,968

 $             1,611,496

 $              (226,472)

25%

Tomah Area

 $           4,284,434

 $             4,513,311

 $               228,877

14%

Weston

 $              987,191

 $             1,199,001

 $               211,810

28%

Wisconsin Dells

 $           3,569,116

 $             5,111,017

 $            1,541,901

27%

Wonewoc-Union Center

 $           1,256,867

 $             1,655,399

 $               398,533

32%

Total 

 $         76,155,921

 $           83,827,589

 $            7,671,671

 

 

Data provided by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

 

Senator Howard Marklein is pleased to provide this legislative E-Update for 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.

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