I continued my efforts to empower individuals with disabilities as the State Senate this month passed my legislation creating tax-exempt savings accounts to help cover the cost of services that help those with physical and cognitive challenges live full, independent lives. The bill also unanimously cleared an Assembly committee last month. Wisconsin is currently just one of four states that do not have their own Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account program, although state residents may open accounts in other states. Growth of ABLE accounts has been slow in Wisconsin, perhaps because the state doesn’t host a general webpage or have its own program to promote. This bill should make these accounts more accessible and widely adopted by Wisconsin families who need them.
Dillon's Law '3.0' Goes to Governor
The State Assembly recently sent Dillon's Law '3.0' to the Governor, while U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman introduced similar legislation at the federal level to expand the use and availability of life-saving EpiPens. Eighteen-year-old Dillon Mueller died Oct. 4, 2014, after he suffered a severe allergic reaction from a bee sting when no epinephrine was available in the first aid kits of either the Eagle Scout with him, or the arriving volunteer first responders. Dillon’s parents, Angel and George, have made it their mission to educate people about the importance of epinephrine. This common sense legislation is another update of the original 2018 Dillon’s Law that will make saving lives even easier.
Kicking Off Door County History Days
It was a wonderful opportunity for me to take part in the kick-off event for Door County History Days on Monday. In the State Legislature, I’ve always been an active proponent of preserving our historic places. They help keep the story of Wisconsin alive for future generations and serve as important reminders of our history and who we are as a people. Of course, tourism on the Door County Peninsula is uniquely connected to Wisconsin’s history, and bringing more families to these historical sites is crucial for local economies in our Door County communities.
2023 Appleton Flag Day Parade!
Speaking of "kick-offs," I had the honor of meeting Appleton native Rocky Bleier at the Appleton Flag Day Parade - the nation's oldest - earlier this month. Rocky, a four-time Super Bowl champion and Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient, has actively supported causes related to military veterans for many years.
Let's Get Outdoors!
I was happy to participate this month in "National Get Outdoors Day," an initiative of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL), in which I serve as a Wisconsin State Lead. This nonprofit group organizes over 1,200 environmentally-committed state legislators from all 50 states and both major parties, providing venues and opportunities for lawmakers to share ideas and collaborate on their environmental priorities. Outdoor recreation and preserving our natural beauty and resources are critical to the quality of life we enjoy in Northeast Wisconsin, and it’s an integral part of our economy, especially our exceptional tourism success. I caught this chinook salmon in Lake Michigan off the coast of Two Rivers last summer.
