Governor Evers Approves Contaminated Drinking Water
Governor Evers vetoed Senate Bill 312. This legislation would unlock millions in PFAS relief for affected communities including the creation of new programs to address the problem and new legal protections for victims of PFAS pollution.
PFAS (Per and poly-fluoroalkyl chemicals) molecules have a chain of carbon and fluorine atoms linked together. Because of the strength of the carbon-fluorine bond, these chemicals do not easily degrade in the environment. A host of health effects are associated with PFAS exposure, like cancer, metabolism disruption, and a reduction in immunity.
SB 312:
- Protects innocent landowners from unwarranted actions by inducing more testing, identification of problems statewide and ensuring contamination is addressed;
- Prioritizes state loan funding for the extension of water and sewer service to areas impacted by PFAS contamination;
- Starts remediation at sites that lack a responsible party or where the responsible party is an innocent landowner;
- Extends eligibility under the Well Compensation Program to ensure PFAS-impacted residents can properly utilize the program;
- Stops the spread of PFAS by expanding the review of test well drilling in contaminated areas;
- Protects municipalities from enforcement above and beyond identified standards;
- Reduces testing costs by increasing the number of private laboratories in the state that test for PFAS;
- Considers a state-sponsored surface water treatment pilot program to improve water quality in a contaminated river, stream, or lake, and;
- Limits grant programs to protect funds and ensure grants are used on known substances harmful to human health.
Instead, Evers has created a situation where the DNR encourages neighbors to sue each other, and landowners in the path of pollution are treated by the DNR as polluters, with obligations to pay millions of dollars for well testing and remediation, including daily fines of $5000.00/day for non-compliance.
The veto of SB 312 turns the PFAS Trust Fund into an unaccountable slush fund for the DNR. The bill’s author, Senator Wimberger says, “Without the framework for new relief programs and guardrails for the millions the legislature set aside for victims, money meant to help victims of pollution would be used by DNR to fund enforcement action against the very people the money was meant to help.”
Recently, the Biden administration decided to reverse some rule changes that were implemented under the Endangered Species Act.
While it is crucial to safeguard those species that are genuinely in danger, this rollback may adversely affect the populations of whitetail deer and sturgeon in our state. I want to express my gratitude to Representative Ty Bodden and Representative Chanz Green for spearheading this effort in the Legislature and urging President Biden to overturn this decision.
You can read the letter addressed to the President below.
At the Capitol
The 4th graders from Kaukauna’s Electa Quinney Elementary visited the Capitol this week. We took photos in the Rotunda and visited the Assembly Chamber together.
In-District Doings
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I recently had a wonderful meeting with a new start-up business called Creative Crust Pizza. The owners, Shawn and Peggy Brokow cater to individuals and families with food sensitivity issues.
Creative Crust Pizza offers a gluten-free crust that is high in protein and contains zero flour, making it keto-friendly. This crust is ideal for individuals trying to avoid gluten, and lactose, or struggle with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Roughly half of a pizza contains 40 grams of protein, which contributes to feeling fuller for longer.
I am always interested in learning about small businesses in the District and how I can listen to your concerns. I am working to keep the government from interfering in how you conduct your business. If you want to share information about your business, product(s), and ideas, contact my office to schedule a time.
A great visit to Kramer Heating and Cooling in Little Chute. During our visit, we discussed employee wages, material costs, health insurance costs as well as other relevant topics. We also touched on the issue of high tax payments for small businesses and the need for relief.
Blue Books Are Still Available!
District #5 Residents, please contact my office for your copy while supplies last.
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Upcoming Events in District 5
Charity event to support VCR and CERT programs:
Saturday, April 13
11:00AM – 3:00 PM
Tanner’s Grill and Bar – 730 S Railroad St, Kimberly
There will be a bean bag tournament, a meat raffle, a wine pull, a silent and live auction, a 50/50 raffle, and a gun raffle.
Seymour Women’s Club-13th Annual Soup and Sandwich Luncheon:
Sunday, April 14
11:00AM – 2:00 PM
Jackson Point N8055 French Road, Seymour
Proceeds used for Senior Scholarships
Moravian Church Rummage and Bake Sale:
Thursday, April 25 8:00 – 5:00 P.M.
Friday, April 26 8:00- 3:00 P.M.
W3471 Center Valley Road, Freedom
St. Ignatius Chesterton Academy Presents “Pride and Prejudice”:
April 26 – 27
St. Mary’s Site Gymnasium 119 W. 7th St. Kaukauna
Alex’s 12th Annual Peace ‘N Love Walk: Saturday, April 27, 2024
10:00 AM – Registration
11:00 AM – Walk Starts
Hydro Park Kaukauna
Proceeds support local families battling cancer
Centennial Center Neighborhood Garage Sale:
June 13, 14, 15 Thur-Sat 8am-4pm
Pebblestone Cir, Castlestone Ct. Isabella Cir, Adriana Ct. Hobart
3rd Annual Hobart Summer Celebration: Saturday, June 29th 4:00-8:00
Four Seasons Park, Hobart
Do you know of an event in District 5?
Please contact my office with any upcoming events. I look forward to sharing your event details in the next Goeben Gazette.
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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 assistance with a state agency, please feel free to contact us. We are here to assist you!
We are also happy to schedule a meeting with you, either here in Madison, or in District 5.
Representative Joy Goeben
State Capitol, Room 209 North
PO Box 8952
Madison, WI 53708
Rep.Goeben@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 237-9105 or Toll Free (888) 534-0005
