Investing in Our State Parks and Trails
Despite the snow we had this week, it’s officially spring and soon many of us will be outside enjoying all the recreational activities our state has to offer. Wisconsin is fortunate to have so many opportunities to take advantage of, including state parks, hiking and biking trails, fishing, campgrounds and ATV/UTV trails. To keep our public park and trail system in tip-top shape, the State made significant investments in the budget for safety improvements, upgrades and maintenance at state-owned properties throughout Wisconsin.
One of the most important investments we made for trail safety was funding and law enforcement positions for ATV/UTV trails to make sure those riding – and those recreating nearby – remain safe. Our budget also doubled ATV/UTV project aids to help counties and municipalities develop and maintain trails. As the popularity of these recreational vehicles grows and our communities see more ATV/UTV traffic, it’s important that the resources exist to keep riders safe and trails well maintained.
Republicans also provided over $40 million for upgrades and maintenance of our state parks.  Throughout the state, there will be new road maintenance projects, entrance sign installation, new maintenance equipment and other amenity upgrades at our state parks. A big part of these upgrades is funding for campsite electrification, because there is a growing demand for our state-run campgrounds to offer electricity for campers.
Wisconsin is the most beautiful state to live in and I’m proud we’re investing money to keep our public spaces available and maintained for both our residents and visitors from out-of-state.  As the temps warm up, I hope you’ll find time to enjoy our state parks and trails and take advantage of the outdoor opportunities made possible by years of investment in our public lands.
P.S. – Don’t forget the Free Fishing Weekend coming up June 1 and 2!
Gold Star Spouses Day
Today is Gold Star Spouses Day. Gold Star Spouses Day on April 5th honors the surviving loved ones of military service members who died while serving their country.
State Capitol Tours
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The best way to experience the beauty and grandeur of Wisconsin’s Capitol building (located at 2 East Main Street, Madison, WI 53702) is to see it for yourself. It is open to the public weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and weekends and holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Free tours are offered daily, year round except on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. Tours start at the information desk Monday through Saturday at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 a.m. and 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 p.m.; and Sundays at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 p.m. A 4:00 p.m. tour is offered weekdays (Monday – Friday), excluding holidays, during Memorial Day through Labor Day. Plan on spending 45-55 minutes for a tour. The sixth floor museum and observation deck are open during the summer months. Groups of ten or more can make an on-line reservation for a tour of the State Capitol or call (608)266-0382.
