The Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) met this week. The Committee voted on releasing funds, with the requests including the Dairy Innovation Hub, the HOPELINE, and the University of Wisconsin System. Additionally the committee held an executive session and a public hearing.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), the state's suicide rate rose 40% between 2000 and 2017. In 2017, suicide was the second leading cause of death of adolescents, and in 2018, a total of 886 people died by suicide. For months Republicans on the committee played politics with resources, including for the HOPELINE and farmers' mental health. After these long delays in releasing funds, I am happy that the Committee finally released the funds and our agencies can move forward with saving lives.
Jon Erpenbach Wisconsin State Senate, District 27
UPDATES
Sen. Erpenbach Supports Family Farmers
This week, Donald Trump's U.S. Agriculture Secretary, Sonny Perdue, made a stop in Wisconsin at the World Dairy Expo. During his visit, he made it clear that the administration does not support small family farms. He stated “in America, the big get bigger and the small go out."
Our small family farms are the heart of Wisconsin and more needs to be done to rebuild the industry that built our state. Our farming communities deserve to have a fair opportunity to succeed. Make no mistake about it, the Trump Administration is not a friend to farmers. Wisconsin farmers deserve better.
Community Programs and Announcements
Gov. Evers Seeks Applicants for Sauk County District Attorney
Gov. Tony Evers announced this week that he is seeking applications for appointment as Sauk County District Attorney.
The new appointee will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of District Attorney Kevin R. Calkins, effective October 14, 2019. The new appointee will serve for the remainder of the unexpired term that ends January 2021.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Wisconsin
Department of Military Affairs - The internet has made everything from paying bills to staying in touch with family easier. It has also opened many new ways for criminals to target sensitive personal and financial information, making it essential that everyone learn how to protect themselves. To encourage everyone to learn more about their digital risk, Gov. Tony Evers has declared October Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Wisconsin.
