Capitol Update
by Senator Howard Marklein
November 20, 2020
 

Thankful, Grateful & Blessed
 

This time of the year is full of tradition. The gun deer season, Thanksgiving, Christmas and many other holidays, celebrations and remembrances are on our minds.
 
Traditions are very important. They maintain a cycle of life in our yearly calendar. They create opportunities to gather, celebrate, connect, remember and indulge. Planning for and anticipating our traditions is an important function of our humanity. We look forward to these things every year and maintain them for future generations.
 
But this year, our traditions may look and feel a little different. We may be celebrating in smaller groups. We may be connecting virtually with family members far away. We may be masked, smiling with our eyes, as we greet neighbors and friends at the grocery store. We may tell our hunting tales over the phone, rather than in the local tavern.
 
As Americans, we know that we can adapt and overcome the challenges of this unusual year. We can find ways to maintain our traditions in new, innovative ways or go back to basics of simpler times. Let us all focus on the most important things and people in our lives. We can do this.
 
I am thankful, grateful and blessed for all of the people in my life, my health and all of the opportunities I have been given to serve you. My wife Peggy, my children Nicole and Bill, my stepchildren, my grandchildren, my mother, brother and sisters, extended family, friends and neighbors mean so much to me. All of these people make my life rich.
 
I have been very blessed with good health. I do not take this for granted. As many of our fellow citizens struggle with health concerns, I am grateful for my health and continue to take steps to remain healthy and strong.
 
I am humbled by your trust and encouragement as I continue to serve as your State Senator and take on a new role as co-chair of the legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance (JFC). In this second career, I have been blessed to serve engaged communities and enthusiastic citizens. I am proud of our work together and feel that I have made a significant difference for those I serve. From rural broadband to rural roads, I know that my efforts have had an impact.
 
As I sit in my tree stand and enjoy the delicious scents of roasting turkey and baking pies, I will be taking time to reflect on all of my blessings and hopes for the future. I hope that you and your family have a very Happy Thanksgiving and a successful safe hunt for all of the deer hunters who will be joining me in the woods.

As always, please do not hesitate to connect with me to provide input, ideas or to seek assistance.  Send an email to sen.marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov or call 608-266-0703.