Issue 62

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State Senator Van Wanggaard's eNewsletter 2017

I-94 Project - Finish the Job

After 50 years, I-94 North-South is in critical need of rebuilding. Road crews are out patching on a daily basis, and there are areas of roadway that are a foot-and-a-half in diameter chipping out of the road. Despite the evident need for repair, I was disappointed that Governor Walker did not include funding for the project in the proposed budget. Instead, project completion has been postponed until 2028.

This is simply unacceptable. I-94 is critical to the economic success of Racine and Kenosha Counties, and we cannot afford to put this project on the back burner. In fact, just this week the Chicago Tribune pointed out how the expansion of I-94 in Kenosha County played a crucial role in how the 21st Senate District and Pleasant Prairie are winning the economic battle with Illinois. If we want to continue to grow jobs in our area, we need the infrastructure to do it, and now is not the time to hit pause on one of the state's most traveled freeways.

I-94 is vital to our community and this is a top priority for me. As the Journal Times reported this week, I will be standing up for this issue during the upcoming budget debate, and will have a hard time voting for the state budget if completion of this project isn't included. This has gone on for too long, and it is past time that we finish the job.

Meeting with UW-Parkside

On Monday, March 27 I met with UW-Parkside Chancellor Debbie Ford to go over the University's priorities for the state budget. During the meeting we discussed tuition rates and ensuring the University has sufficient funding while making sure our tax dollars are being spent efficiently and responsibly.

The UW-Parkside campus is 50 years old and there are extensive renovations and upgrades that need to be done. During my visit, I had the opportunity to tour Wyllie Hall which is one of the older buildings on campus. The Hall has an aging HVAC system and corroding iron piping which are examples of projects that need attention.

Part of being a good steward of our funds is prioritizing what needs to be done, as well as finding areas where we can save. Some projects will be much more expensive for the state if we keep kicking the can down the road instead of doing the responsible thing and fixing them now. I was grateful for the opportunity to discuss these areas and I look forward to working to address these issues in the upcoming budget process.

In the Capitol

I had a wonderful time meeting with Gateway Technical College when they were in the Capitol on Wednesday, February 22. Gateway is a great institution and I always enjoy hearing about how they are serving students in the 21st Senate District.

On Wednesday, February 22, I had the opportunity to meet with some great constituents from the WI School Counselor's Association. School Counselor's play an important role at all levels of education and their dedication to the kids in our community is admirable.

Deer Advisory Council Meetings

Beginning March 13, County Deer Advisory Councils (CDAC) will review deer population data and other key information in order to develop preliminary antlerless quota and permit level recommendations on public and private lands within their counties. Council meetings will also determine if any additional deer hunting opportunities beyond the normal seasons may be offered in 2017.

These meetings are a great opportunity to get involved in deer management, and the public is welcome to attend or send comments to members. If you are interested, I encourage you to make sure you voice is heard. A meeting schedule and more information is available at the Department of Natural Resources website.

Issue 62
Friday, March 2, 2017

Connect with Van:

www.SenatorWanggaard.com

608.266.1832

State Senator Van
Wanggaard
21st Senate District
Wisconsin State Capitol
P.O. Box 7882
Madison, Wisconsin 53707

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Local Events

Women in Science Program
Kenosha Public Museum
UW Wisconsin-Parkside
5500 First Avenue, Kenosha
March 4, 1 - 4 pm

Bell City Brew Fest
Festival Hall
5 Fifth Street, Racine
March 4, 1 - 5 pm

Kenosha Expo
Health and Home Show
UW Wisconsin-Parkside
900 Wood Road, Kenosha
March 4 - 5

Empty Bowls 2017
Festival Hall
5 Fifth Street, Racine
March 6, 11 am - 7 pm

St. Patrick's Dance
Kenosha Moose Lodge #286
3003 30th Ave., Kenosha
March 14, 6:30 - 10:30 pm

Watercolor Wisconsin
RAM's Wustum Museum
441 Main St., Racine
Through April 22

Racine Zoo
2131 North Main St.
Daily, 9 am - 4:30 pm

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

I-94 Project - Finish the Job

Meeting with UW-Parkside

In the Capitol

Deer Advisory Council Meetings

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