Dear Friends,

Despite the misleading stories you have seen and heard in the media, Foxconn is making it clear they are serious about Wisconsin. This week, they announced $34 million in contracts to five companies in our state - including Staff Electric Company Inc. in Menomonee Falls.

Foxconn also broke ground on their LCD screen factory in Racine County this week. The facility is designed to be one million square feet and is expected to create 1,500 manufacturing jobs. Even with a facility that large, Foxconn expects to be up and running next year.

For those who doubt Foxconn's commitment to our state, they are making major investments all over Wisconsin.

Foxconn is placing their North American headquarters in downtown Milwaukee that will house 500 jobs. The technology giant is creating a technology hub in Eau Claire, creating 150 jobs and will serve as an incubator and laboratory for next-generation technological solutions. The company is also creating an innovation center in Green Bay that will create 200 jobs.

Foxconn is also investing $100 million in engineering and research at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The facility will work closely with the Foxconn's main campus in Oak Creek.

Foxconn is making a real impact throughout the entire state of Wisconsin. According to the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Foxconn will add $52 billion to our state’s GDP over 15-year term of the package. That's a return on investment of $18 to $1.

Foxconn is here to stay and put Wisconsin at the center of next-generation manufacturing in the future.

As always, if you have any concerns or ideas on how to improve our great state, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at 608-266-5830 or by email at Sen.Darling@legis.wi.gov .

On, Wisconsin!
Safe Harbor Bill Introduced
Experts say that Wisconsin is a hub for trafficking. Due to the nature of this crime, we are only just beginning to receive data on the true prevalence of the crime in our state. 

I've heard stories that these trafficked kids are so fearful to come forward to law enforcement due to threats from human traffickers and fear of being charged as a prostitute. 

These are our kids. Wisconsin has to step up and remove any disincentives for these kids to go to law enforcement and get the help they need. That's why I am working on a Safe Harbor Bill that treats these kids as victims, not criminals.

Click on the video above to hear more.
Budget Listening Sessions Announced
This week, Representative John Nygren and I announced four listening sessions on the state budget located throughout Wisconsin.

I highly encourage the public to attend these public hearings. Hearing comments, concerns, and opinions from Wisconsin citizens is key for us to craft the best possible budget for our state. 

Friday, April 5 (10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Pontiac Convention Center
2809 North Pontiac Drive
Janesville, WI 

Wednesday, April 10 (10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Oak Creek Community Center
8580 South Howell Avenue
Oak Creek, WI 

Monday, April 15 (10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
University Center
Riverview Ballroom #260
500 Wild Rose Avenue
River Falls, WI

Wednesday, April 24 (10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay 
University Union - Phoenix Room
2430 Campus Court
Green Bay, WI

If you are unable to attend a public hearing in person, written comments can be emailed to the Committee at BudgetComments@legis.wisconsin.gov
Evers’ Rash Political Decision Jeopardizes State Boards 
Governor Evers is proving he cares more about politics than people. Recently, he fired 82 public members of numerous state boards and committees with little to no warning. 

In a rash and irresponsible move, Governor Evers fired 82 citizens – including five from my district. It is clear he didn’t put any thought into how his partisan move will affect real people.

These are private citizens who put in long hours and often drive hundreds of miles for meetings. They are Republicans and Democrats who care so deeply about Wisconsin that they lend their expertise to help our state move forward. As lawmakers, we rely on the expertise they bring to these boards.

Now crucial boards and councils are left in chaos because of Governor Evers’ actions. Boards that protect consumers, victims of domestic violence, and seniors are left without guidance. The governor continues to break his promise of bipartisanship and that is extremely disappointing.
Building Our Workforce
The Future Wisconsin Project released their Wisconsin Workforce Competitiveness Evaluation last week. The report focuses on how to address the growing problem of a lack of workers in this state. 

Right now, there are around 100,000 job openings listed on the state's job site. We need to prepare more workers for the jobs we have available. The recommendations focus on attracting and retaining talent, improving the skills of existing workers, and promoting career awareness. 

Unfortunately, Governor Evers’ budget largely ignores our workforce shortage and expands welfare which will discourage people from looking for a job.

You can see all of the report’s recommendations by clicking on the picture above.
Suicide Prevention Hopeline
Around the 8th...
Spring Election is April 2nd
Don't forget! The spring election is April 2nd and early voting is underway. To find out where you vote, what's on your ballot, or to register to vote, click on the picture above.
Wisconsin Youth Art Month in the Capitol
Congratulations to Justin Blawat, Ashley Trawicki, Jordan Holland, Mike Penn, and Kaya Bobber from Menomonee Falls High School!

Their artwork is on display in the State Capitol to celebrate Youth Art Month.
Now that spring is here, it's time to start planning your summer activities. The Nicolet Recreation Department has you covered. Enrollment starts April 1st.

Click on the picture above to start your summer out right!
The Brittney Gigl Memorial Scholarship Fund awards annual scholarships to Nicolet High School students. For more information, click on the image above.