I am happy to announce that I have been appointed the Chairman of Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety. This marks the fifth straight session I have chaired this committee, making me the longest tenured-chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee in over 30 years!

In the coming session, I will also be serving as Vice-Chairman of the Utilities and Technology Committee and on the Labor, Regulatory Reform, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee.
 
I was also honored to be unanimously elected the Legislative Vice-Chair of the State Capitol and Executive Residence Board (SCERB) , an important group which oversees the preservation, maintenance and enhancement of the State Capitol and Governor’s Mansion. This work coincides nicely with my work on the Board of Curators of the Wisconsin Historical Society.

This week, the Legislative Audit Bureau released its audit on Governor Evers’ use of COVID relief money provided by the federal government. Evers had a total of $4.5 billion to spend in any way he desired. As of June, Evers still had roughly $1.9 billion of “COVID relief funds” to spend.
 
The audit discovered that there were few parameters about spending this money, and even less accountability and transparency in determining how the money was allocated. There was no indication that the Administration vetted programs at all. In fact, the Evers Administration provided the audit bureau with press releases about allocations rather than decision-making documents.
 
The Legislature has tried to increase transparency and accountability on COVID relief spending, unfortunately, Evers has vetoed them all.
 
Now we know why.

(Photo left to right: Mike Semmann- V.P. of Government Affairs for the WI Grocers Association, Camden Roach- Burlington Pick 'n Save store manager, myself and Jim Hyland- V.P. of Investor Relations for Roundy's Inc.)

On Thursday, December 15th, I was given the 2022 Wisconsin Grocer Association's 'Friend of Grocer Award' at the Burlington Pick 'n Save.

This marks the third time I have received the Friend of Grocers award.

The award is given to legislators who score highly on the WGA’s Legislative Report Card – an extensive study of all legislators’ performance in the 2021-2022 Legislative Session. I have received this years award because of my strong advocacy for small businesses and leadership to repeal the personal property tax. I have also supported legislation that strengthened communities through enhanced marketplace competition.

On Tuesday, December 13th, I received the 2022 Friend of Housing Award from Brad Boyks, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Builders Association for supporting legislation which helps to keep housing affordable and accessible for Wisconsin families.

(Photo left to right: Linda Hoover- CEO/President of Educators Credit Union, Rich Chiapete- Corporate Attorney for Educators Credit Union, myself and Brett Nielsen- Business Relationship Director for Educators Credit Union)

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Educators Credit Union in Mount Pleasant. We had a good chat about the challenges facing local credit unions. Keep up the good work!



I had the opportunity to join the Schulte Elementary fifth graders to read "A Wacky Day with Mrs. J" and "Emotions".  Their teachers Kathleen Jensen and Steve Nienhaus worked through the process of writing and illustrating a book with the Student Treasures Book Publishing Co. to celebrate the arrival of the published books. Fine job Schulte Elementary!

The tradition of having a Capitol Christmas Tree in Wisconsin began in 1916.

The 2022 State Capitol Christmas Tree is a 30-foot Balsam fir from Meyer’s Castle Tree Farm in Medford, Wisconsin. Prochnow Trucking of Medford transported the tree.  Public and private schools throughout Wisconsin donated the handmade ornaments that adorn the tree.  Two thousand multicolored LED lights illuminate the tree.  If you have a chance to visit Madison, make sure to stop in and see the Capitol Christmas Tree.