MADISON – During Thursday’s Assembly floor session, Representative Karen Hurd (R-Withee) voted for legislation that would reauthorize the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program for four years, along with a package of bills aimed at protecting Wisconsinites from being exploited by foreign adversaries.
The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program funds the development of outdoor recreation opportunities and other conservation initiatives. The current program authorization expires on June 30th, 2026. Assembly Bills (AB) 315 and 612 would reauthorize this program for four years, and provide $28.25 million in funding annually.
“The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program plays an important role not only in conservation efforts, but also helping communities provide more outdoor recreational opportunities for area residents and tourists,” said Rep. Hurd. “These proposals reauthorize this important program, while also making needed reforms to ensure the funding provided is being used responsibly.”
AB 662 prohibits the state from contracting with any business that is headquartered in a country that is listed as a foreign adversary. AB 663 prohibits University of Wisconsin System institutions from participating in collaboration agreements or academic/research partnerships with a college or university from a country listed as a foreign adversary of the United States. Senate Bill (SB) 7 prohibits foreign adversaries from acquiring real property in Wisconsin. SB 7 also prohibits the use of eminent domain to acquire property for wind and solar projects.
“With foreign adversaries like China increasingly looking for ways to exploit American businesses and educational institutions, it is critical that we do all we can to protect Wisconsinites from these threats,” said Rep. Hurd. “This package of bills will help protect Wisconsin’s land, businesses, and research from the influence of foreign actors who wish to do us harm.”
All these bills now head to the State Senate for further consideration.
