Dear Friends,

Wisconsin is the top state in the nation again, this time for health care quality. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Wisconsin topped the list when they looked at 130 different criteria for their rankings.  

This is the second time in as many months Wisconsin has topped a health care list.   In July, Wisconsin's Critical Access Hospitals were ranked number one by the Health Resources and Services Administration.  Our high-quality health care system is another reason why Wisconsin is leading the way on reform.

As always, if you have any ideas on how to improve our great state, including how to improve the budget, please do not hesitate to contact me at  [email protected]  or 608-266-5830.   

On Wisconsin!

Foxconn Public Hearing in Sturtevant
On Tuesday, the Joint Committee on Finance held a public hearing on the Foxconn legislation at Gateway Technical College in Sturtevant.  

As you may know, Foxconn is planning on making a $10 billion investment and creating up to 13,000 jobs in Southeast Wisconsin.  I believe it is crucial to hear directly from the people who will be directly impacted by Foxconn.  The public hearing at the SC Johnson iMet Center at Gateway Technical College accomplishd just that.

Support for the Foxconn project is very strong in Southeast Wisconsin, but the company will impact our entire state.  According to a report by the Metropolitan Milwaukee Area Chamber of Commerce (MMAC) ,  Foxconn will add $78 Billion to our state's Gross Domestic Product over the 15 year term of the deal.  

Another report, from the Center for Research on the Wisconsin Economy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, states Foxconn could lead to  a return of $3.90 for every $1 in state subsidy costs.   This is truly a game-changer for our great state.  

It's my hope we will wrap our actions on the Foxconn legislation soon.  After that, the bill will head to the full State Senate for a vote.
Budget Committee Meets
Representative John Nygren and Senator Darling meet with the media before Thursday's budget meeting
 
The Joint Committee on Finance is back at it and looking to wrap up our work on the state budget.  On Thursday, we voted on some important items including the Department of Natural Resources,  funding for Public Defenders, and the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection.  
 
I am thrilled to report that we are eliminating an entire tax!  The Forestry Mill Tax has been around since the 1930's and it's time for it to go.  Eliminating the tax will save about $27 for an average homeowner, and it's a big step in the right direction. One line of your property tax bill will now say "0."  That's great news for taxpayers.
 
This week, we also voted to protect our state's air and water quality.  By investing more money in prevention and mitigation, our lakes and rivers will be cleaner and safer.

We all have a constitutional right to have an attorney represent us, but in many rural areas there just aren't enough attorneys.  We voted to provide a modest pay raise to help make sure there are more public defenders to represent everyone who needs one.

On Monday, we will take up the Department of Public Instruction and state building projects.  We are in the home stretch for the budget now.
Around the 8th...

This weekend is Richfield Days!  The annual event runs from August 25-27 and features food, rides, music, refreshments, fireworks, and a parade.  For more information, visit here.
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Saturday is the Flying Electrons 2017 Radio Control AirFest to benefit Menomonee Falls Boy Scout Troop 110.  

Try radio controlled planes and enjoy the airshow.  The event runs from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at their flying field, N61W17000 Kohler Lane in Menomonee Falls.  Cost is $5.00 per carload. For more information visit here.
Senator Alberta Darling | [email protected] | 1-800-863-1113| http://darling.senate.wisconsin.gov
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