In the weeks following the passage of the state budget, I have been reflecting on how our work supported various sectors of Wisconsin’s economy or different segments of our population. I have met with many local leaders to tell them about all the great things this budget does to help their community and our region. While much of the budget has a statewide impact, I wanted to dedicate this column to the items that I think will especially help the 17th Senate District.
This budget adds 42 new assistant district attorneys to help fight crime in our communities. Grant County will receive 1.5 new positions and Crawford County will receive 0.5 position. These additions will play a significant role in keeping our communities safe.
The budget also includes funding for three major projects in southwestern Wisconsin as part of the state’s capital budget. University of Wisconsin-Platteville will receive funds to turn Karrmaan Library into a student success center, along with planning dollars to begin transforming Ottensman Hall from an aging engineering building to a vibrant space capable of meeting the demands of students from a variety of majors. Prairie du Chien Correctional Institution will receive funding to replace their aging central heating plant, a big project that is important to their operations.
I also advocated for local projects that are good for our region. The budget allocates funding to support Taliesin Preservation’s restoration and expansion efforts. Taliesin is a fantastic tourist attraction that promotes southwestern Wisconsin and draws thousands of visitors from out of state. During budget negotiations, I successfully championed a $2 million grant to Southwest Health to help with the construction of a new childcare facility. Southwest Health has worked with Southwest Technical College, UW-Platteville, Platteville school district, the City of Platteville, and a number of important employers in the area on this project that will have a positive impact for families across the region by creating 140 new childcare slots.
Local governments will also see a boost from our action. Increased General Transportation Aids (GTAs), along with renewed funding for the Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP) and the Local Roads Improvement Program (LRIP), will lead to better roads and bridges across our communities. We increased bonding authority to expand access to the Environmental Improvement Fund, a revolving loan program that helps municipalities upgrade or expand access to clean water. Communities such as Cassville, Darlington, and Prairie du Chien have already declared their intent to use this fund in the coming year.
Finally, this budget was great for our agriculture industry. We extended and boosted a number of programs that are utilized by farmers and producers to expand their business, implement innovative conservation practices, and more.
The state budget impacts every one of us in some way, from roads, to schools, to healthcare, to tax rates. These specific investments address unique local needs and will make a meaningful difference in our region. I am proud to represent our region and deliver results!
If you need assistance with any state-related matters, please call my team at the State Capitol — 608-266-0703 — or email me — Sen.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov. My team is ready and willing to help navigate your state government, clear obstacles, and receive your input.
Bipartisan Budget Wins
Our bipartisan state budget was signed into law by the Governor on July 3. I am very proud of what we accomplished in the budget. Over the course of the next several weeks, I will be highlighting different areas in the budget that you may not have heard about. This week I want to highlight the wins in our bipartisan budget in healthcare.
Budget wins for healthcare:
● Provided $1 billion in new resources for hospitals.
● Increased Medicaid reimbursement rates in several areas including obstetrics, sedation dentistry, and home healthcare.
● Increased funding to Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs), FQHCs, and Free and Charitable Clinics.
● Provided funding for Crisis Urgent Care and Observation Centers, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, school-based mental health services, Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities, and more.
— Sen. Howard Marklein represents Wisconsin’s 17th Senate District.
