The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is now accepting applications for the 3rd year of the Fabrication Laboratories (Fab Lab) Grant Program.  The grants provide money to help public schools build or expand their labs.  Fab Labs are high-tech workshops with the latest equipment, including computer controlled manufacturing components like 3D printers.  So far Wisconsin has provided funding to 34 fab labs statewide, another 20 grants will be awarded this spring. The latest budget included $1 million to continue funding the program for the next 2 years.

With the growing number of manufacturers in Wisconsin, there will be a need for even more highly skilled workers.  The Fab Lab Grants Program is one way Wisconsin can prepare the future workforce.

Fab Lab grants are awarded through a competitive process.  For more information on the program and the application process, please visit: Click. The application deadline is December 14th.

The Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin is having a ribbon cutting and open house for the James A. Peterson Veteran Village and SC Johnson Community Center on November 5th at 1pm.  The event will include the Navy Band Great Lakes and the Honor Guard, tours of the campus and light refreshments.

The James A. Peterson Veteran Village is made up of 15 tiny homes that were built by a variety of groups, including Case High School students, Milwaukee Tool, Home Depot, veterans and even Zack Giffin, co-host of "Tiny House Nation".  In addition to the tiny homes, there is a memorial brick patio, murals, military flagpoles, raised garden beds, a community kitchen and gathering area, a welcome room and a donation drop off site.  Food and clothing are also available for veterans who may not live in the village.

Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin's goal is to house homeless veterans while supplying them with all the tools needed to break the cycle of homelessness and help them to once again become productive members of society.

To find out more about Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin or the James A. Peterson Veteran Village, visit: Click.

Join the celebration on November 5th at: 1624 Yout Street, Racine, WI 53404.


Earlier this year, I had an opportunity to meet with Jeff Gustin, Executive Director of Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin and tour the tiny homes.  What a wonderful program.

Saturday, October 28th is Drug Take Back Day in Wisconsin.  The Wisconsin Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration and local law enforcement agencies partner to hold this bi-annual event across the state.

According to Attorney General Schimel, more than 2/3 of people who have abused prescription painkillers got them illegally from a friend or family member.  By properly discarding medication and properly storing and securing medication, we can cut down on prescription drug abuse.

Drug Take Back Day not only provides a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposal but it also provides a day to educate the community about the potential abuse and consequences of improper storage and disposal of medications.  There are several drop off locations across Racine and Kenosha Counties.  For a full list visit: Click. 

Last week the Wisconsin Building Commission approved several projects across the state.  On that list was a multi-building improvement project at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove.  The project will redesign and build the Boland Hall nurses' stations and reception desk, refurbish two elevator cabs and replace a roof.  The project is estimated to cost $1.01 million dollars and is set to be completed by November 2018.

Students from Prairie School in Wind Point visited the Capitol on Friday, October 20th.  Thanks for visiting!



On Wednesday, October 25th I met with Wisconsin Counties Association as part of their legislative day at the Capitol.  Always nice to catch up with the WCA County Ambassadors.

On Monday, October 24th I met with healthcare providers and their representatives at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare in Racine.  We had the chance to discuss workers compensation, an issue currently being considered in the Senate Labor and Regulatory Reform Committee.  Great group of folks!