Assembly Honors First Responders
On Tuesday the Assembly honored First Responders from across the state. I was honored to nominate Deputy Zackary Potter of the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Department.  Deputy Potter and his family are pictured above. He responded to a tragic call in Osborn Township despite being off duty for the day, he rendered life saving measures and remained on the scene to gather crucial information. Deputy Potter embodies all the qualities that come to mind when one thinks of a First Responder: compassion, bravery, and selflessness, Outagamie County and Wisconsin as a whole –are better off because of his commitment. The list of recipients from this year included police officers, K9 officers, sheriff’s deputies, firefighters, and all levels of EMS personnel. Along with providing each award recipient with a legislative citation recognizing their achievement, the state Assembly also passed a resolution declaring October 14th as First Responders Appreciation Day.
Tuesday Floor Session
After the First Responder Ceremony I voted on a package of bills that increase public safety in our communities, streamlines data sharing software for law enforcement, and invests in our emergency medical service (EMS) training programs. Assembly Bill 198 establishes two programs that provide financial support to increase the number of EMS providers in Wisconsin. Assembly Bill 278 creates a pilot grant program for law enforcement to obtain data sharing technology to enhance their internal communication in their departments. These bills now go to the state Senate for consideration before heading to the Governor for his signature.
Assembly Elections Committee Hearing
Last week the Assembly Committee on Elections held a hearing on  Assembly Bill 385, the Stop Foreign Donations Affecting Our Elections Act. Right now, online campaign donations don’t require a CVV code or U.S. billing address, leaving the door open to foreign interference. My bill changes that, requiring these simple checks to block shady donations, just like a bipartisan 2017 Federal Version of the bill that was backed by 52 Republicans and 31 Democrats. This common sense reform will ensure that foreign actors are kept out of Wisconsin elections, and that political groups are not circumventing campaign finance laws by funneling money through straw donors.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This disease touches too many lives—our mothers, sisters, wives, daughters, and friends—and I’m urging everyone to spread awareness, encourage early screenings, and support local efforts like fundraisers and walks.
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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.
