On Tuesday, February 27th, I held an informational hearing on Assembly Bill 953, dealing with juvenile corrections. The bill passed the Assembly last week on a rare 95-0 vote!

From the time Governor Walker announced his plan to close Lincoln Hills, legislators have been working on what comes next. We cannot and should not just close Lincoln Hills, without a plan.  Two weeks ago, we had a public hearing on the bill as originally drafted. At that hearing several questions were raised, and concerns were voiced.  As a result of that hearing, and several meetings thereafter, a substitute amendment was negotiated between interested parties.

 A lot of work went into both the bill and substitute amendment. A lot of people were involved in the original plan and improving the bill with its substitute amendment. Some of the ideas have been floated as legislation this session. Some of the ideas in this package have been discussed literally for years. 

There are a lot of moving parts and unfamiliar terms in this legislation. It’s not easily understandable.  But, juvenile corrections is not simply a “lock them up and throw away the key” issue. There are lives and families and our state’s future at stake.
 

This week, I testified on a bill that would provide $100,000 annually to the Southeastern Wisconsin Fox River Commission. This legislation is important for the economic development and quality of life for the 3 counties, and 14 communities that make up the 267 square miles of the Southeastern Wisconsin Fox River Commission.
 
SEWFRC has existed since 1997, and is run entirely by volunteers – there are no state employees involved. In the last 20 years, the commission has received and transferred $1.6 million in grants and funds into various projects in southeastern Wisconsin. Currently, the commission is funding eight projects, primarily focused on shoreline restoration at a total of $185,000. Unfortunately, funding ended in the last budget. 

Last year saw record flooding in the watershed. This bill will provide $100,000 funding per year from the conservation fund so that SEWFRC goals and projects can continue.
 
At a time when property values are dramatically increasing in our area, it is critical that we maintain the Fox River Watershed in an ecologically responsible manner for the enjoyment of all. 

I had a blast judging the 2nd Annual Make a Change Fair at Lakeview Elementary School in Wind Lake. The K-4 students showcased different ways that one small change could potentially improve their school or even change the world for the better. The project pictured above addressed school lunch food waste awareness. They pointed out that 17 pounds of food was wasted per day.  Great job students!

Recently I toured the Racine Correctional Institute where I had the chance to catch up with Department of Corrections Assistant Deputy Secretary Karley Downing and Warden Paul Kemper.

 

Grace Wagner (Salem) and Lori and Delaney Hawkins (Bristol) dropped into my office during their visit to the Capitol.  We discussed school safety, universal background checks and other gun related issues.  Although we didn't agree on each issue, it was a respectful conversation.  I appreciate hearing from constituents, even when we don't see eye-to-eye.

Jim Dobbs, Village of Caledonia President and Dave Wagner, Capitol Finance Officer for Caledonia were in the Capitol this week.
 

And I had a great meeting with Alan Yeung, Director of U.S. Strategic Initiatives for Foxconn.  Big things are happening!