Madison… Following action in the Wisconsin State Legislature, Senator Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) now has 22 bills, which she authored, awaiting the governor’s action. “I am happy with all of the progress we have made this session,” said Ballweg. “I have had eight bills signed into law so far and I look forward to the governor taking action on the remaining bills.” After years of work with local government and stakeholders, the legislature has passed Senate Bill 67. This bill will ensure that Columbia County and the Town of Pacific will receive shared revenue payments from the state for hosting the Alliant Energy coal-fired power plant. This will protect local property taxpayers so they do not have an increase in their taxes while the first unit of the plant is decommissioned.
Senate Bill 520 adds ‘like-kin’ to the list of individuals from whom children in need can receive kinship care. Like-kin is defined as an individual who has a significant emotional connection with a child. This is an important addition to the state’s existing kinship program and will be especially helpful for teens, who are often placed in group homes when needing guardianship, and instead place them with someone who they trust. The 14th Senate District is home to the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King. Senate Bill 546 will allow for spouses to be admitted to the state veterans homes prior to the admission of the veteran, or without the veteran ever being admitted. This legislation was requested at one of Senator Ballweg’s visits to the veterans home at King. These bills have been passed by the Wisconsin State Senate and the Wisconsin State Assembly. Each of the 22 proposals will be sent to the governor for his consideration. Bills are scheduled to be sent to the governor on April 4, 2024.
