CONTACT: Rep. Felzkowski 608-266-7694
Madison- Yesterday, Governor Walker held bill signings at the State Capitol, where he signed legislation aimed at making Wisconsin a better place to live, work, and raise a family. Rep. Felzkowski (R-Irma) is a co-author on two bills that were signed into law:
Breast Density: This legislation requires facilities that perform mammography exams to provide a notice containing specific information about breast density to patients, raising awareness to the risks involved. Dense breast tissue is found in 40 percent of women and is a normal find, but can also make it harder to find breast cancer on a mammogram and is associated with a slightly increased risk of breast cancer.
Felzkowski commented, “This bill has the ability to save lives. As we all know, early detection is the best form of defense when it comes to many cancers. We will now require facilities to provide information about dense breasts, giving those who have it the opportunity to discuss the risks with their doctors.”
Motor Carrier Liability Insurance: In May of 2016 there was a change in minimum insurance requirements for intrastate motor carriers, like some busses, limos, and taxis. This resulted in an increase in insurance costs effecting small businesses all over Wisconsin. This bill reflects a compromise between the previous requirements, and those currently in place to make insurance more affordable while still ensuring adequate coverage.
Felzkowski stated, “Over the last year, I heard from many business owners in my district and around the state who had been negatively affected by the 2016 changes. In Northern Wisconsin, like the 35th district, there is no access to companies like Lyft and Uber. Because of this, motor carriers that were negatively affected were often the best choice for safe travel to and from parties, weddings, and other events. This compromise will do wonders for the hard-working small businesses in our area.”
Low Revenue/Sparsity Aid: A few weeks ago, Governor Walker signed legislation that would help modify the sparsity categorical aid program and the revenue limit ceiling for school low-population school districts.
This legislation will increase payments made to rural, sparse districts that deal with unique challenges in funding school operations. It will also provide relief to those districts that have been locked into their spending limits since the early 1990s.
Felzkowski added, “This bill will take a large step toward ending regional disparity between districts, moving toward true educational equity, and improving outcomes for all Wisconsin students rural, urban, and in-between.”
