55th Assembly District Update: June 25, 2025

Question of the Week

We just invested big in ag roads, clean water, and healthy soil. What other agriculture issues should be addressed for farmers?

Click here to let me know.

Budget Breakdown: Supporting Wisconsin’s Agriculture

The State Budget includes major investments to support Wisconsin farmers and protect our natural resources. It allocates $150 million for the Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP) to upgrade local roads, bridges, and culverts. An additional $2 million funds Nitrogen Optimization Grants to help reduce runoff and improve fertilizer efficiency. The budget also includes $1.6 million for cover crop rebates to support soil health and $12 million for county conservation staffing to strengthen local conservation efforts. These investments ensure a stronger, more sustainable future for Wisconsin agriculture.

Agricultural Roads Improvement Program

• $150 million allocated to the Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP).

• 20% of ARIP funding ($30 million) must be used for grants to improve bridges and culverts.

• Funding targets structures identified as being in poor or worse condition under the local bridge and culvert assessment program.

Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program Grants

• $2 million for the Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program grants.
• This initiative helps farmers research and implement the most effective fertilizer application strategies, ensuring that crops receive the nutrients they need while minimizing runoff, reducing water contamination, and protecting Wisconsin’s soil and ecosystems from pollution.

Cover Crop Rebates

• $1.6 million for cover crop rebates.
• Designed to encourage farmers to plant cover crops that improve soil health, prevent erosion, enhance water retention, and reduce nutrient runoff ultimately protecting surface and groundwater across Wisconsin.

County Conservation Staffing

• $12 million for county conservation staffing.
• County conservation staff serve as a resource to farmers and private land-owners who have goals in mind or issues that need solutions.

Press Release

This week, President Donald Trump released the America’s AI Action Plan. Here is my statement:

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