Moderating a Discussion on Nuclear Energy
I had the opportunity this week to moderate a panel with industry leaders to examine the future of nuclear energy in Wisconsin. The discussion covered topics such as emerging new technologies, the state’s regulatory landscape, and Wisconsin’s unique capacity to develop nuclear energy. These issues mirrored the legislative efforts I’ve been proud to lead on this session, and it’s great to continue hearing such positive developments and optimism for the future of our state.
Our state made strides this session towards expanding its nuclear energy grid and building a clean, reliable, and scalable future to meet our growing needs. New laws enacted on this front include:
- Act 11 designates Wisconsin to host the “Wisconsin Nuclear Power Summit.” The Summit will bring together industry leaders, subject-matter experts, investors, and public policy officials to showcase Wisconsin’s leadership in the nuclear industry and to identify the next steps for nuclear development in Wisconsin.
- Act 12 instructs the state to conduct a nuclear power siting study to identify potential host communities for nuclear power generation. This is a crucial step in advancing nuclear power in Wisconsin.
- Assembly Joint Resolution 6 recognizes nuclear power as a clean energy source critical to safely meeting Wisconsin’s growing energy demands and declares our state’s commitment to developing, expanding, and investing in nuclear power.
The panel further reflected that Wisconsin can continue to build on this momentum while using our engineering and manufacturing base to develop next-generation nuclear energy.
Accountability for Misconduct
I recently interviewed with the Green Bay Press Gazette to discuss various laws enacted this session to help prevent educator misconduct in schools and establish clear accountability when misconduct happens. These efforts gained prominence due to the unfortunate rise in such cases, and local schools have begun implementing these new laws.
Act 88 created a targeted and necessary definition of grooming as a crime. The recent investigation of more than 200 cases of school officials accused of sexual misconduct or grooming behaviors toward students revealed the lack of a statute identifying and defining grooming. This change was drafted in consultation with prosecutors to create a deliberate and proper definition of grooming as a distinct and punishable offense. The law recognizes this serious predatory behavior and authorizes early intervention for law enforcement and prosecutors, prioritizing prevention and accountability.
Act 57 requires parents to be promptly notified if their child becomes an alleged victim of sexual misconduct by a school employee. It also requires school boards to inform parents as to how to access records related to school employee discipline. This change was necessary, as no parental notification timeline existed previously. Parents will now learn of the accusations by 5pm of the school day on which the incident allegedly occurred, or by noon the next calendar day if the school becomes aware after instructional hours. This new law creates a minimum condition that parents be aware of how the district handles employee misconduct. More importantly, this will allow victimized youth to receive the timely support that they need.
I’m thankful these efforts received sufficient support this session to improve transparency and accountability for incidents of misconduct. You can click the image below to read the article.
Honoring Memorial Day
Monday is Memorial Day, a time to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Their courage and dedication have secured the freedoms we cherish today. Let us take a moment to reflect on their sacrifices and express our gratitude to the families who have lost loved ones. I encourage everyone to dedicate the day to honoring their sacrifice as a reminder to all Americans of the high cost of our cherished liberty.
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Contact Me
My office is always available to help with any state-related questions or concerns you may have. You can reach my office at (608) 237-9104, or email me at Rep.Steffen@legis.wisconsin.
