Standing with Israel
Yesterday, the State Assembly unanimously passed the following resolution condemning Hamas’ barbaric attack against Israel.
Whereas, on October 7, 2023, Hamas, a United States-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, attacked Israel without provocation, murdering innocent civilians in a ground assault and launching more than 4,500 rockets indiscriminately; and
Whereas, this heinous attack by Hamas terrorists resulted in the murder of hundreds of innocent civilians of all ages; and
Whereas, the evil actions of these terrorists resulted in the death of at least 14 innocent Americans, as well as many other foreign nationals; and
Whereas, Hamas terrorists have taken civilians hostage, resulting in the abhorrent and inhumane treatment of innocent people, including many children and elderly people; and
Whereas, this massive act of terrorism took place during Shabbat and the Jewish holidays of Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah and one day after the 50th anniversary of the start of the 1973 Yom Kippur War against Israel; and
Whereas, the Israeli people have suffered a violent attack, clearly designed to maximize terror and harm to civilians, resulting in the largest mass slaughter of Jews since the Holocaust; and
Whereas, this attack is yet another instance of the centuries-long persecution and anti-Semitism that Jewish people have suffered; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the Wisconsin State Legislature condemns the actions of Hamas’ barbaric attack against Israel; and, be it further
Resolved, That the Wisconsin State Legislature calls on Hamas to immediately cease violent hostilities and return all hostages unharmed; and, be it further
Resolved, That Wisconsin expresses its condolences and support to all affected families; and, be it further
Resolved, That Wisconsin stands in solidarity with the Israeli people and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Israel’s sovereignty and security.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Awareness
Yesterday the State Assembly passed a resolution I authored, Senate Joint Resolution 45, that designates the fourth Wednesday in February of each year as “Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Day” in Wisconsin to raise public awareness about the medical condition. Click here to watch my comments on the resolution.
Legislative Update
This week the committee I chair, the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities, voted three bills out of committee:
Assembly Bill 86: Would prohibit the practice of scholarship displacement for “last-dollar” scholarships by universities, colleges and tech colleges. Such scholarship displacement takes place when a student has his or her financial aid package reduced by the amount of a private scholarship they receive.
Assembly Bill 372: Funds a Farm and Agriculture Industry Short Course program at UW-River Falls, UW-Platteville and UW-Madison to develop the agricultural workforce for the next generation.
Assembly Bill 378: The Saving Women’s Sport’s Act. Would require University of Wisconsin and technical colleges to designate teams based on one of three categories. These categories of sports competition would be based on person’s biological sex with an additional co-ed category allowing for all to participate. Assembly Bill 378 passed the full Assembly yesterday.
Fall Color Report
The leaves are changing, and the Wisconsin Fall Color Report is on line again this year. Click on the image above to view our State’s beautiful fall foliage report from across the state.
Upcoming Events
Romp in the Swamp
Bubolz Nature Preserve, Appleton
October 21
Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade
November 21
Small Business Saturday
Area Local Downtowns
November 25
A Very Neenah Christmas
Downtown Neenah
December 1
Electric City Christmas Parade
Downtown Kaukana
December 5