Transportation – Roads and Bridges
Welcome back to another edition of the Sortwell Scoop, where we’ll be talking about a couple new budget highlights from the 6/29 session.
Another Republican priority in this budget was to invest in our state’s transportation infrastructure. With poor conditions, residents and visitors alike will struggle to get to their final destinations, whether it be work, school, or just passing through. Our budget increases funding by $1.5 billion for transportation, including local roads and bridges, state highways, rail, airports, etc.
One budget amendment I introduced to the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) that I was glad to see taken up was a $50 million fund to build the Brown County Southern Bridge Connector Project, which the De Pere area has sought for decades. This project will allow a long-discussed bridge across the Fox River in southern Brown County to become a reality. With this money, Brown County will be able to create faster commutes, less congestion at downtown De Pere’s roundabout, and an easier connection between interstates.
It is important to the legislature to strive to positively impact the lives of all Wisconsinites, and one way we are working towards that goal is by making sure all residents have access to safe and timely travel.
To listen to what I have to say about this issue, click here or on the photo above.
Tourism
With that being said, it is also important that we offer tourists experiences that allow them to enjoy their time in Wisconsin. With Wisconsin contributing over $23 billion in economic impact, it is crucial that we provide investments that will continue advancing the state and boosting the economy.
To help support this industry, we provided a one-time boost of $20 million in marketing funds and a 7.5% increase in base marketing funding that will help Wisconsin remain competitive for visitors. We also provided $10 million for an Opportunity Attraction and Promotion Fund to help attract major events to the state of Wisconsin. With these investments in place, we are hoping to show visitors why our state is a great place to not only visit but to live, work, and raise children.
2023 Legislative Breakfast
Thank you, Aspiro, for hosting the 2023 Legislative Day Breakfast this past Monday. It was an honor to attend and hear guest speaker Archer speak on barriers to employment and solutions for change.
In-District Events
August 11th and 12th will be the Annual Rogers Street Days in Two Rivers (2102 Jackson St.). This event will start on the 11th at 5 p.m. and finish up on the 12th at 11 p.m. Enjoy this community celebration with food, music, and raffles!
The Brown County Fair will be August 16th through the 20th at the Brown County Fair Grounds. For more information, visit Brown County FairBrown County Fair Wisconsin.
August 19th will be Rock the Dock at Voyageur Park (100 William St., De Pere) from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a car and motorcycle show from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Manitowoc County Fair will be August 23 through the 27th at the Manitowoc County Fair Grounds. For more information, visit Manitowoc County – Manitowoc County Fair – Manitowoc County (manitowoccountywi.gov).
