Issue 7

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State Senator Van Wanggaard's eNewsletter 2015

Contact Senator Wanggaard:

State Senator Van Wanggaard
21st Senate District
608.266.1832

Sen.Wanggaard@legis.wi.gov

Wisconsin State Capitol
P.O. Box 7882
Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7882
Get Directions

Local Events

Career Fair
Racine Marriott, Racine
Wednesday, May13th, 1-4pm

RCEDC 32nd Anniversary Celebration
Racine Marriott, Racine
Thursday, May 21st, 4:30-7pm

Chocolate Fest
Chocolate Fest Grounds, Burlington
May 22-25

If you would like to add an event to the Local Events calendar, please send information to: Colleen.Moran@legis.wi.gov

Speed Limit Increase and Pet Protection Bills Pass Senate

On Wednesday, May 6th, the Senate passed two bills that I am proud to have cosponsored:

Senate Bill 26 - Senate Bill 26 would raise the maximum speed limit in Wisconsin to 70 mph on freeways and portions of expressways. Currently, Wisconsin is the only state in the Midwest with a 65 mph maximum speed limit on all roadways. With the change, Wisconsin joins thirty-eight other states, including all of our neighbors, authorizing a speed limit of 70 mph or higher.

As a former traffic investigator with the Racine Police Department, upholding safety on our roads is important to me and Senate Bill 26 will not jeopardize safety. The bill will reduce speed variance on roadways, which leads to dangerous habits like tailgating, and accidents. Also, the DOT can keep the speed limit at 65 mph on any highway or stretch of road it determines would be unsafe at higher speeds.

Senate Bill 97 - This bill helps victims of domestic violence by taking away the leverage that the perpetrators can hold over a victim by threatening harm to the victim's pet. Sadly, some studies show that up to 70 percent of domestic violence cases involve abuse to a pet.

This bipartisan bill, which I am proud to have co-authored, helps keep victims and their beloved pets, safe by allowing a court to include family pets in a temporary restraining order.

Both measures will now go on to the Assembly where they are expected to pass with strong support.

Transportation Funding Survey

The Legislature is currently in the process of shaping the Wisconsin State Budget for the next two years, and we want your opinion! Please take a moment to answer the question below, and help direct the future of our state.

Wisconsin has an ongoing deficit in the Transportation budget, how do you think it is best to address this? (Please click on one of the following options).

A. *|SURVEY: Bonding, (or borrowing) 1.3 billion dollars|*

B. *|SURVEY: Slowing down all major projects including 194 north and south, the Zoo Interchange and other reconstruction projects|*
C. *|SURVEY: Raising license plate and related fees|*
D. *|SURVEY: A combination of all of the above|*

Visiting the Capitol

On Thursday, May 7th, I had the pleasure of meeting with Kenosha County Supervisors Erin Decker, John Poole, and Greg Retzlaff as part of the Kenosha County Law Day.

Wednesday, May 6th, Nigel Hayes and Josh Gasser from the Badger men's basketball team were honored by the Senate for their accomplishments this season and success in the NCAA tournament.