MADISON — State Sen. Howard Marklein, a Republican from Spring Green who represents the 17th Senate District, announced a series of budget listening sessions in seven of the counties he represents.
● On Monday, March 4:
From 10 to 11 a.m. at the Darlington Municipal Building, 627 Main St., and from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Monroe Public Library in the upstairs program room, 925 16th Ave.
● On Friday, March 1:
From 9 to 10 a.m. at Mauston City Hall, 303 Mansion St., with 50th Assembly District Rep. Tony Kurtz, and from 1 to 2 p.m. at Reedsburg City Hall, 134 S. Locust Street.
● On Monday, March 11:
From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Schreiner Memorial Library in Community Room Two, 113 West Elm St., Lancaster, and from 2 to 3 p.m. at Linden Municipal Building in the “Senior Citizen Room,” 444 Jefferson St. Both will be held with 49th Assembly District Rep. Travis Tranel.
● On Monday, March 18:
From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Brewer Public Library in the “Story Time Room,” 325 N. Central Ave., Richland Center with Kurtz and Tranel.
In a statement, Marklein noted that listening sessions are meant for him to dedicate time to the communities he represents and listen to constituents. The sessions are meant to garner feedback about the state budget.
According to a press release sent by the senator’s office, the legislators do not usually discuss ideas, challenge ideas or otherwise comment in response to attendees because they seek to hear every point of view equally. The goal is for every attendee to feel comfortable sharing their input.
Depending on the number of people who attend, Sen. Marklein’s team may set a time limit of 2 to 3 minutes for each attendee to share their thoughts so that everyone has a chance to speak. If there are only a few people, the session may be more casual.
In the information released Tuesday, constituents were encouraged to attend to listen to others and submit written ideas of their own. They were also invited to call, email or write to Sen. Marklein at any time to share thoughts, ideas and concerns.
Those who wish to discuss issues unrelated to the state budget may speak to staff members during the session and were encouraged to contact the office directly for further talks.
In the case of inclement weather, please visit Marklein’s website, Facebook page or call the office to determine if the session will be held.
Marklein represents the 17th Senate District, which includes all or parts Grant, Green, Iowa, Juneau, Lafayette, Monroe, Richland, Sauk and Vernon counties. Marklein serves on the legislature’s budget-writing Joint Finance Committee and is Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Revenue & Financial Institutions.