Dear Friends,

For the first time ever, Wisconsin's unemployment stayed below three percent for five straight months! More people are working in our state than ever before. And now, wages in Wisconsin are outpacing the United States.

According to BizTimes based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; "Wisconsin averaged a year-over-year increase of 5.7 percent in the first five months of 2018, compared to 2.7 percent for the U.S. For all of 2017, the state averaged an increase of 3.6 percent, while the country averaged 2.8 percent." That's great news for Wisconsin workers!

This week, I took part in two study committees on very important issues. On Wednesday, the Juvenile Corrections Study Committee met to discuss the future of our juvenile justice system. In March, Governor Walker signed Wisconsin Act 185 which
closes the Lincoln Hills youth prison in 2021 and assigned this committee to develop the programs and facilities that will replace the current structure. My goal is to make sure we provide the services these kids need to become productive members of our society.

Also this week, I chaired another study committee that's looking at innovative way to save money on health care. Study committees are made up of legislators and members of the public when lawmakers aren't in session. This allows for a deeper dive into issues that will be debated in the future. You can read more about how we might find ways to save you money on health care below.

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!

Alberta
First Meeting of Study Committee on Direct Primary
On Tuesday, I chaired the first meeting of the Legislative Council Study Committee on Direct Primary Care. It's an old concept that is gaining traction again which shows a lot of promise in lowering the cost of health care. And it's already happening here in Wisconsin.

Not that long ago, doctors made house calls and were more connected with their patients. Direct Primary Care is based on that model. A patient would have a doctor who sees them for primary care and would pay a monthly fee instead of co-pays, deductibles, or other fees. Often, patients who see a Direct Primary Care physician instead of going through a traditional health service save a lot of money and have better access to their doctor.

The Legislative Council Study Committee will give us an opportunity to hear from experts on all sides to see if Direct Primary Care is an effective solution to lowering health care costs in Wisconsin. 

You can read more about the committee and Direct Primary Care here:
Department of Justice Announces More School Safety Grants
This week, Attorney General Brad Schimel announced more school safety grants. The grants are a part of the $100 million Republicans invested in school safety. That's on top of the largest, real dollar, investment in our schools of $11.5 billion. 

Schools and districts receiving grants this week include: Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran School (Menomonee Falls), $20,430; Hamilton School District, $148,208; Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran School (Grafton), $20,685; Saint Mary Parish School (Menomonee Falls), $12,511; and Trinity Lutheran Grade School (Mequon), $19,740.

The Attorney General already announced grants for Saint Joseph Parish School (Grafton), $19,455; Brown Deer School District, $42,678; Mequon-Thiensville School District, $136,441; Milwaukee Jewish Day School, $20,000; Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran School $18,880.00, Grafton School District $83,836.00; Lumen Christi Catholic School in Mequon; $19,950.00; Menomonee Falls School District $131,808.00; Saint Boniface Grade School in Germantown $20,465.00; Saint Paul Lutheran School in Grafton $19,840.00; and Whitefish Bay School District $80,841.00. 

You can read more about the grants here. 
Senator Darling Honored with Working for Wisconsin Award
On Thursday, Wisconsin Manufacturing and Commerce honored Representative Dan Knodl and I with their Working for Wisconsin Award. A special thank you Rich Meeusen and everyone at Badger Meter in Brown Deer for hosting us. 
Sales Tax Holiday on its Way
Wisconsin's first Sales Tax Holiday is coming soon. Find out how much you can save as you prepare your kids for the upcoming school year by clicking the photo above.
Wisconsin Proud!
  • For the first time ever, Wisconsin's unemployment rate was below 3% for five consecutive months.
  • Wisconsin averaged a year-over-year increase of 5.7 percent in the first five months of 2018, compared to 2.7 percent for the U.S.
  • Business Insider ranked Wisconsin's economy as the 10th best in the nation.
  • Fifty of Wisconsin's 72 counties met or broke their all-time low unemployment rates in May.
  • CNBC ranks Wisconsin as the 17th best state in the nation for business.
  • All 12 of the state's metro areas and all our 32 largest cities have seen a year-over-year drop in unemployment. 
  • The number of people employed in Wisconsin is at an all-time high of 3,090,200, and the unemployment rate is at all-time low at 2.8% for May.
  • Construction wages in Wisconsin are up 7.5% from 2016-2017.
  • Wisconsin ranks 7th in manufacturing job creation from 2016-17, and wages are up 15% since 2010.
Around the 8th...
We are less than a week away from the Wisconsin State Fair! Click on the logo above to buy tickets and to find out more!
Primary Election is August 14th
The 2018 partisan primary is Tuesday, August 14th. If you have questions on where to vote or what is on the ballot, click on the button above for more information.