I was honored to meet the girls and boys of Middleton High School who won their Division 1 State Championships, along with Representative Hesselbein! Congrats to the Boys Cross Country Team and the Girls Golf Team for their successful season!
Jon Erpenbach State Senator, Wisconsin District 27
2020 State of the State Address
Governor Tony Evers delivered his second State of the State Address. After a both successful and trying year in 2019, Governor Evers was able to deliver on promises and move the needle on many of the issues that Wisconsinites care about.
Moving forward, he laid out a clear vision for Wisconsin. Specifically, he discussed addressing student loan debt, investing in our farming and rural communities, and nonpartisan redistricting.
Governor Tony Evers delivering his 2nd State of the State Address.
Representative Dave Considine, Elizabeth Rusinak Mowers, Reverend David Mowers, and Senator Jon Erpenbach before the State of the State Address.
Session - Grants to Homeless Shelters
On Tuesday, the Senate was in session for the first time this year. Bills that would regulate fire fighting foam, include crop insurance proceeds in the Manufacturing and Agricultural Tax Credit, and provide compensation for PTSD under workers compensation for safety professions, were just a few of the bills that were taken up.
Notably, one of the bills that was scheduled was to provide grants for homeless shelters. Because this was only one of the eight homeless bills on the agenda, I introduced an amendment on the floor to include the other 7 proposals to combat homelessness.
While I am happy that we were able to make progress on this issue, the bill that was passed was only a drop in the bucket, and we need to keep fighting to combat homelessness in Wisconsin. Winter is getting colder, and we need action.
Community Programs and Announcements
DATCP UPDATE: DATCP Accepting Petitions for 2020 Ag Enterprise Area Designations
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is accepting petitions until June 19, 2020, to designate new and to modify existing agriculture enterprise areas (AEAs).
DATCP UPDATE: Apply for Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin Grants Through Feb. 28
Wisconsin farmers and businesses seeking to grow their local markets are encouraged to apply for 2020 Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin producer and processor grants. Proposals must be received by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) by noon, February 28, 2020.
