Madison – Calling him a “Hardworking Advocate for Wisconsin’s Papermaking Industry”, the Wisconsin Paper Council (WPC) has named State Senator Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) as the organization’s 2020 “Legislator of the Year.”  Senator Testin was presented the award at the trade association’s Annual Meeting held last Tuesday at Bullseye Golf Club in Wisconsin Rapids.  Each year the WPC selects at least two Legislators, one from each house and each political party to receive these prestigious awards.

“Senator Testin’s efforts to promote and protect the papermaking industry are both recognized and appreciated by all of our members,” stated Scott Suder, Wisconsin Paper Council President. “Pat has been a hardworking advocate for our industry and has repeatedly taken the time to learn about and advocate for the papermaking sector.”

As a member of the Senator Majority leadership team, Senator Testin helped lead the charge to move the Chemical Recovery Boiler Bill, which will increase safety for paper mill workers and by utilizing a safe, reliable and environmentally sound process, will be better for our precious environment.  Senator Testin has also shown exceptional leadership in creating a diverse task force comprised of state, federal and local community leaders to help find resources and possible solutions to the Verso paper mill idling situation in Wisconsin Rapids.

In addition, Senator Testin serves as a member of the bipartisan Wisconsin Paper Caucus. The Wisconsin Paper Caucus is a bipartisan, bicameral group that works together to develop common sense policy solutions that help sustain and promote the papermaking manufacturing sectors throughout Wisconsin.

“I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious award from the Wisconsin Paper Council,” commented Senator Testin. “Papermaking helps drive our economy here in Wisconsin and this industry is incredibly important to all of our communities. Your commitment to sustainability is truly remarkable and I commend you for your leadership as responsible environmental stewards. It is also great to see this organization being much more active at the State Capitol and out in front of the public and the media. You have really stepped up your advocacy efforts and it is being noticed.”

Wisconsin is the #1 papermaking state in the United States and its members provide family supporting jobs for over 35,000 employees throughout Wisconsin. Papermakers are dedicated to providing good family supporting jobs as well as being environmentally responsible community partners.

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