Madison – State Representative Nik Rettinger (R-Mukwonago) applauded the State Senate after they passed two of  his commonsense public safety bills, sending them to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Assembly Bill 57  ensures that certain crimes such as a felon illegally in possession of a firearm, sexual assault, and reckless driving  that causes great bodily harm can’t simply be dropped by a prosecutor without first gaining authorization from a  judge. Should this happen, a report must be filed with the Legislature bringing much needed transparency to the  public eye. Assembly Bill 166 provides a crucial update to close a

WASHINGTON, DC – In case you missed it, today Rep. Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) spoke at a press conference highlighting the necessity of funding our government and military alongside committee leaders and military veteran Members of Congress. Watch on YouTube The Defense Appropriations bill provides $177.9 billion for active, reserve, and National Guard military personnel, which is $5.2 billion above the FY23 enacted level. This includes a historic pay increase for junior enlisted servicemembers by an average of 30 percent and a 5.2 percent basic pay increase for all military personnel. As the Congressman said: “We cannot use our troops as bargaining

MADISON, WIS. – The Raising Wisconsin coalition is concerned with the package of child care bills proposed in the state  Legislature because they lack significant investment required to stabilize a long-challenged early childhood industry.   “We know providers, parents and employers already are experiencing the effects of the reduction in Child Care Counts  payments,” said Director of Raising Wisconsin Jackie Anderson. “Without significant state funding to continue the  program, the challenges are going to go from bad to worse. Unfortunately, the bills do strikingly little to address the  longstanding child care cost and supply challenges that are affecting every corner of

Madison – Representative Chanz Green (R-Grand View) has scheduled an in-district listening session. This is an opportunity for constituents to come and express their views on certain topics that might be considered by the Wisconsin State Legislature and also learn what Rep. Green has been working on down in Madison. The listening session will be: Friday, September 29th 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Town of Gordon Town Hall 9709 Co. Rd. Y. Gordon, WI 54838 Constituents can contact the office by emailing Rep.Green@legis.wisconsin.gov or by calling (608) 237-9174. Please feel free to contact the office with any questions or concerns.

Madison, Wis. – Spirits, spooks and more highlight fall offerings at two Great River Road Wisconsin Historical Society sites this year. Discover the Victorian’s fascination with spiritualism at Villa Louis, or journey through “haunted” Stonefield village. These two seasonal events promise chills and thrills for all.  Stonefield, Cassville, Wisconsin Safe & Spooky Halloween – Oct. 21 | 3 to 7:30 p.m. For information, visit stonefield.wisconsinhistory.org. Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin Spiritualism in the Victorian Era – Oct. 28 | 6 to 8 p.m. For information, visit villalouis.org. Bonus: Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free admission to sites with a 10% discount on special events and

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds trail riders and hunters alike to wear safety equipment when operating an off-highway vehicle. Whether you’re out for a day of trail riding or headed to the tree stand, a helmet and seatbelt can save your life. By observing these best practices, hunters and recreational riders can ensure a safe and enjoyable time outdoors: “Just as you’d wear a tree stand harness for safety while hunting, a seatbelt and helmet while on a UTV will keep you safe for seasons to come,” said Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, DNR Off-highway Vehicle Administrator.

Madison, WI – On Tuesday, State Senator Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk) called on high school juniors and seniors from around the 12th Senate District to apply for the Senate Scholar Program in Madison. Senator Felzkowski and the Wisconsin State Senate are proud to offer a unique educational experience to high school juniors and seniors. The Senate Scholar Program is an elite program designed to challenge Wisconsin’s best students. One student from each of the 33 Senate Districts may participate in the week-long program in Madison. The Senate Scholar Program has created an advanced government curriculum that includes classroom instruction, roundtable discussion sections, and

(Madison) – Wisconsin is a step closer to non-partisan maps. On Thursday, the State Assembly approved a redistricting plan that is nearly identical to a long-time successful plan in Iowa. Representative Joel Kitchens says “This wasn’t a surprise for Democrats, we tried to work with them on this issue for months and it’s something they’ve said they wanted for years,” Kitchens said, “I’m disappointed only one Democrat was brave enough to stick to their principles and vote in favor of this important bill. It’s my hope there is more bravery and consistency from Democrats in the Senate and from Governor

MADISON, WI – Yesterday, historic non-partisan redistricting reform passed the Assembly.  Rep. Plumer co-authored the proposal and voted in favor:  “When I was first elected to office I told voters that I would support non-partisan redistricting  reform if it came to the Assembly floor for a vote.  “During our long floor session yesterday, I kept that promise to my constituents. I was one of the  authors of Assembly Bill 415 and voted YES on the proposal. This legislation creates a non partisan system for redistricting in Wisconsin that mirrors the “Iowa Model”.  “Surprisingly, there was an almost total lack of

MADISON, Wis. – Due to the exceptional and prolonged drought conditions and potential for elevated fire danger, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will reinstate DNR burning permits by issuing a Special Fire Order in 12 southern Wisconsin counties. The permit reinstatement will begin at 12:01 a.m., Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, in designated DNR protection areas until further notice.  The permit reinstatement applies to the following 12 extensive DNR protection area counties outside incorporated cities and villages: all of Columbia, Crawford, Green Lake, Marquette, Portage, Richland, Sauk, Waupaca, Waushara counties and portions of Dane, Grant and Iowa counties. A DNR annual burning

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined a bicameral group of colleagues in introducing the Wage Theft Prevention and Wage Recovery Act to put hard-earned wages back in workers’ pockets and crack down on employers who unfairly withhold wages from their employees. “Hardworking Wisconsinites show up to their jobs, only to discover that they are not getting the full paycheck they have earned. It’s not right and we have to crack down on the employers who steal wages from working families,” said Senator Baldwin. “Our bill will help stop bad-faith employers denying Wisconsinites their hard-earned dollars and empower workers to get what they

Lake Nebagamon, WI — I am thrilled to announce the successful passage of AB 415 in the Wisconsin State Assembly. This landmark legislation establishes a nonpartisan method of redistricting, ensuring fair and equitable representation for all Wisconsin residents. The amended bill includes a litany of safeguards to ensure transparency and racial protections guaranteed under the Voting Rights Act (VRA), requires a bipartisan vote of support, and other pro-reform ideals.  Under this bill modeled after the oft-cited Iowa Redistricting Commission, the Legislature will appoint a nonpartisan advisory commission, and they will be responsible for drawing the district maps. This commission will