Sometimes an idea for a legislative change is such common sense that it’s hard to believe it hasn’t already been done. That is how I felt when I heard that fentanyl, a drug 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin, has more lenient criminal penalties than heroin! That is why Representative Billings, and I introduced Senate Bill 352 which would increase the penalties for fentanyl use, manufacturing and distribution. On Wednesday I testified on this bill in the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, and I look forward to seeing this bill move swiftly through the legislature.   

This week, I was asked to give the GOP radio address.  I decided to focus on my PACT bills, which address Police Reform. You can listen to the address here, or on your local radio station.

This week, my committee voted on Senate Bill 78, which changes the process for asking for expungement. Radio Host Mark Belling has taken issue with this vote, as is his right. He asked me via email yesterday “Sen. Wanggaard, Could you give me a list of the recent car thieves, carjackers, home invaders and other felons from your district whose criminal records you would like to expunge?”
 
I responded to Mark, and let him know I didn’t know any carjackers, car thieves, and home invaders so I couldn’t name any, but shared an example of a constituent who would be helped by this legislation. I also pointed out that the bill does not make the crimes he mentioned eligible for expungement. My response also outlined why I supported the bill. Unfortunately, Mark only read part of the first sentence.  If you would like to learn more about why I support this bill, please read my response here.

(Photo: Co-Captain Representative, Bob Wittke, Racine Raiders V.P. of Operations, Clyde Freehling and Racine Raiders President, Matt Nelson (holding new grand-daughter)

On Saturday, May 29th I won the coin toss as an Honorary Co-Captain of the Racine Raiders. It was awesome to be part of the team for the day.

Go Raiders!

(Photo: KOA and her dad Chad)

I had a great time walking in the Rochester Memorial Day Parade.  It was nice to meet and speak with folks along the route. Great group of folks!

Zapp Tooling Alloys Inc. (ZTA) has chosen Pleasant Prairie as their new home, relocating from Gurnee, Illinois.  They will occupy a 38,272 square foot building in the LakeView Corporate Park. The facility will warehouse plate and bar products and will employ eight workers at the Pleasant Prairie location.  Welcome Zapp!