Wisconsin has a reputation for drinking.  Whether it is considered part of our culture, heritage or tradition, excessive drinking has plagued our state for generations.  A consequence of having a drinking culture is drunk driving.  Drunk driving is a problem that is attempted to be solved each legislative session, through a number of different proposals.  This session is no different.  I have co-authored several pieces of legislation aimed at addressing the drunk driving epidemic.  Two of those bills, Senate Bill 135 and Senate Bill 310 both recently passed the Senate unanimously. 

Senate Bill 135- This bill requires DOT to permanently revoke the operating privilege of a person who meets either of the following requirements: 1) The person has committed four or more OWI offenses; or 2) The person has committed two or more OWI offenses and has two or more “qualifying convictions." A qualifying conviction is 1) a conviction for certain homicides that involve the use of a motor vehicle or; 2) a conviction for certain felonies involving the use of a motor vehicle.  SB 135 passed the Senate unanimously and currently awaits action in the Assembly.

Senate Bill 310- Under current law, the penalties for causing death and causing great bodily harm while operating a motor vehicle with a revoked license are dependent on whether or not an individual knew their license had been revoked. Those penalties are higher if a person knowingly operated their vehicle while their license was revoked. This bill corrects this issue by expressly removing knowledge as an element of the crime of operating while revoked. The new language mirrors the knowledge element in crime of operating while suspended, and the penalties for both remain unchanged.  I'm happy to say, this bill is headed to the Governor's desk.

Another drunk driving bill that I support is also headed to the Governor's desk for signature,  Assembly Bill 98, which would allow the court to specify the date an ignition interlock device must be installed for a person who's operating privilege is restricted.

People who choose to drink and drive jeopardize the lives of everyone on the road.  While the Legislature can take steps to create more stringent drunk driving laws, those laws are only a part of the solution. Laws are only effective for those who choose to follow them and make responsible decisions.  With the holidays and celebrations upon us, there undoubtedly will be more drunk drivers on the road.  Please be careful, so that this holiday season continues to be a happy one.

On Friday, November 10th, the State of Wisconsin signed a $3 billion contract with Foxconn Technology Group. 

Among the many provisions in the final contract are:
-A personal guarantee of up to $500 million from Foxconn CEO, Terry Gou, if Foxconn does not live up to the agreement.
-Foxconn must hire at least 260 workers next year, and at least 5,200 by 2022, and at least 10,400 by 2027.
-A minimum $9 billion investment by the company to be eligible for tax credits.
-Jobs must pay at least $30,000 per year and average $53,875 annually.
- Foxconn must hire an indpendent accounting firm chosen by the state to verify it's spending on construction and worker salaries. 
-State can reclaim any credits if the company provides false information, leaves the state or ceases operations (not restarting within a year).
-If the company employs fewer than 6,500 workers the state can reclaim credits on a sliding scale ranging from $965 million in 2023 to $386 million in 2032.

9 Day gun deer hunting season begins November 18th

Saturday, November 18th marks the opening day of the nine day gun season for deer hunting in Wisconsin.  Beginning this season, hunters are no longer required to validate their deer tags, attach tags to harvested deer, or keep deer tags with the meat. Hunters are still required to carry proof of a valid deer tag in the field and register the deer after harvesting.   

As of Monday, November 13th, any person age 11 and under is able to purchase a mentored hunting license in Wisconsin.  The mentored hunting law continues to require those hunters to hunt within arm's reach of a qualified mentor.

Visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website for helpful tips to ensure a safe hunting season.  Click.

Last weekend I visited the Racine County Line Rifle Club to participate in the annual deer sighting event. 

 

The application deadline for Senate Scholar Program are due on November 22nd.  Chosen applicants are notified of their admission on December 11th.  If you are interested in signing up, applications can be found at www.SenateScholar.com.

Last year, the St. John's Lutheran School in Burlington made ornaments for the Capitol Christmas tree.  This is a photo of one of the adorable Squirrel's that hung in the Capitol. 

This year, interested students are asked to make ornaments for the 2017 State Capitol Christmas Tree to celebrate the Capitol's 100th Birthday.  Ornaments should be sent to address below by Wednesday, November 22nd. 

Claire Franz
Wisconsin Department of Administration
Division of Facilities Management
17 West Main Street, Suite 119
Madison, WI 53703

I can't wait to see all of the handmade Christmas decorations!

On Monday, November 13th I had the pleasure of attending the 14th Annual Food Bank Benefit Dinner at the Corner House in Racine with my beautiful daughter, Kathleen.  Some of the entrees for dinner were provided by animals purchased at the Racine County Fair and donated to the Racine County Food Bank by local companies.  All proceeds from the dinner benefited the Racine County Food Bank.  It is a wonderful annual event.