Dear Neighbors,
Wow! What a week can make. The birds are singing, the tulips are trying to push up through the frost, and the weather is absolutely beautiful. I thoroughly enjoy Spring. We have had a number of area teams participating in post-season games. I wish them all well. Furthermore, spring sports are coming together. For the men and women ice fishing, be careful!
In the legislature, I have had a number of bills moving forward for our area.
Child Protection
This last week the Senate also passed unanimously my Child Protection bill. This bill places children's safety as a priority and repeals the provisions that did not allow for historical records to be used in determining allegations cases. I am honored to have the bill moving to the Governor's desk and look forward to his signature.
Preschool Learning
Helping our disadvantaged youth reach their full potential is one of my goals in the legislature. I have three bills moving forward that will appropriate resources to the students that need the most assistance getting ready for school by Kindergarten. I am proud to champion these efforts and work in a bipartisan fashion on this issue.
Rural Broadband
My rural broadband appropriations bill was heard in the Jobs and Energy Committee and has been held over for possible inclusion in a larger omnibus bill. Again, this is very encouraging to help our efforts to expand high-speed Internet into all of our rural areas and to expand economic activity.
Buffer Strips
Conservation is key to our area and there is a movement to establish 50 foot buffer strips around waterways. I am encouraged to see the movement towards protecting our habitat and waterways in our area. I will continue to follow this to look for a good conservation approach that is not onerous to land owners and farmers. Our pheasants and deer will be happy--as well as our children who have cleaner waterways.
Long-term Care
In the House we continue to promote better funding for long-term care facilities and I am a co-author on the bill to improve our long-term care funding. The success of our long-term care facilities is important to our area and is one of my top legislative goals.
Thank you for your great questions and feedback. I am honored to serve you!
Warmest Regards,
Ron