5th Assembly District Update: June 16, 2023

I made my first floor speech this week. I am a passionate supporter of education and had the opportunity to speak on a bill that will raise significant per pupil funding for school choice and private voucher schools. The bill also provides increased funding for public schools and special needs programs. Finally, the “revenue ceiling” has been raised, which will greatly benefit low revenue school districts.

Legislation

June 15 was a big day at the Capitol. We began our session with a package of bills designed to help solve Wisconsin’s housing shortages. All of the bills passed, and all but one had bi-partisan support.

• AB-39 more than doubles the low-income tax credit, which will allow more and larger new construction and renovation projects.
• AB-96 creates a new kind of tax increment financing tool, shifting certain risks from municipalities to developers while at the same time, creating incentives for developers to take on more projects.
• AB-264 creates a residential housing infrastructure no-interest loan program for developers working on eligible workforce and/or senior housing projects.
• AB-265, the Main Street Rehabilitation bill creates a no-interest revolving loan for eligible projects. There are many requirements, but in essence, the projects are meant to turn un-used and dilapidated buildings in down-towns into housing units.
• AB-266 is the Anti-NIMBY bill. This bill eliminates impediments to development by giving developers confidence that projects that meet zoning requirements will be approved without fear of eleventh hour delays or denials of otherwise legal projects.
• AB-267 changes the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Fund program to make more and different types of projects eligible to participate.
• AB-268 is the final piece of the housing package. This bill establishes a no-interest revolving loan for commercial to housing conversion projects.
  Taken together, these will help create much needed housing in Wisconsin. The Senate passed AB-264, 265, 266, 267, and 268 and these now head to governor.

Two other significant pieces of legislation were also brought to the floor.

The first of these was the Shared Revenue bill that the Assembly passed two weeks ago, but was amended by the Senate. After vigorous debate, this passed with some bipartisan support.

We also passed AB-305. This bill increases funding for public schools, special needs programs, and importantly, school choice programs by $1 billion. This is a big win for children and parents looking for alternatives to the public school system. It will open up programs to under-served communities, and bring a fairness to Wisconsin’s education system. This bill also passed with some bipartisan support.

Click here to follow my work in the Assembly.

At the Capitol

The doctors were in the house! Great conversation with constituents and future doctors who came to share information about information that is important to them and their future as they progress in their studies.

In-District

We continue to celebrate June Dairy Month in Wisconsin. Outagamie County Breakfast on the Farm had a fantastic turnout. A huge thank you to Vande Hei Dairy for hosting this event. Dairy breakfast are a wonderful way to showcase Wisconsin’s dairy industry which generates a $43.4 billion economic impact.

Upcoming Events in District 5

Centennial Centre Neighborhood Garage Sale  Centennial Centre Blvd, Hobart WI The streets included are Pebblestone Circle, Castlestone Court, Adriana Court, and Isabella Circle
Wednesday, June 15th 8am-4pm
Thursday, June 16th 8am-3pm
Friday, June 17th 8am-1pm

Outagamie County Fair – July 19-23, 637 N Main St. Seymour.

Family Fun Fest – July 25. 5:00-8:00pm Doyle Park, 100 Van Buren St. Little Chute

Oneida 200 Years Bicentennial – July 25-30. A great week of fun family activities. More information at www.exploreoneida.com

Grignon Mansion Car Show 1313 Augustine St, Kaukauna.
Sunday, August 13. 10:00 AM

Do you know of an event in District 5? Please let my office know of any upcoming events so they can be shared in the next Goeben Gazette.

Contact Information

My staff and I are here to serve you. If you have general questions or concerns regarding legislative matters, or if you need help with a problem you are having, please feel free to contact us. We are here to assist you in your needs.
We are also happy to schedule a meeting with you, either here in Madison, or in District 5.