E-Update February 9, 2023
Thank you for reading my e-update. In case you missed it, Thursday was National Pizza Day! If you didn’t get a chance to enjoy some pizza on Thursday, maybe you can add that to your menu for Super Bowl Sunday. Whether you make your own pizza with Wisconsin cheese or order out, enjoy it with an ice-cold glass of milk!
You can see what I have been doing in the district and in Madison below.
Blessings on your week.
Representative Schmidt
This week I signed on as a co-sponsor of the copay accumulator bill, relating to the application of prescription drug payments for health coverage. As your representative, affordable health care and prescription drug coverage is very important to me. This bill will ensure Wisconsin health plans count copay assistance towards patient deductibles. This bill has wide bi-partisan support. You can see more in-depth details of the proposed bill below.
District Outreach
On Sunday I had the pleasure of attending the 13th Annual Chilirific Musicpalooza at Pulaski High School. This was a great opportunity for me to talk with constituents while enjoying some really good chili! This was a fundraiser for the PHS Music Department’s upcoming trip to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA in January 2024. And yes there were great jazz, choir, and band performances!
On Thursday I met with Hortonville Village Administrator Nathan Treadwell at his office in Hortonville. We had a very lively conversation on shared revenue. We also discussed the Hwy 15 construction project which is expected to be completed in late 2023.The value of volunteer fire fighters, PFAS, lead pipes, and housing shortages were other issues we talked through.
Constituent Meetings
Meeting with individual constituents is an important priority to me in District 6. If you would like to meet with me, please reach out to my office toll-free at
1-888-529-0006, or email rep.schmidt@legis.wisconsin.gov.
Legislation and New Laws Seminar
On Friday I attended the 31st Wisconsin Valley Business Officials Legislation & New Laws Seminar in Wausau at the Wausau School District administration building. I joined fellow legislators, Wisconsin Valley Business officials, district administrators, board members, and others to discuss many issues facing our school districts. Topics included student transportation relating to safety, experience-based licensure for substitute teachers, and encouraging retirees to return to work to help fix staffing shortages.
Student Transportation-Tougher laws on school bus traffic violations & looking into bus driver CDL certification and third party testing to address driver shortages.
Experienced-Based License for Substitutes-Currently there is a provision for getting a teaching license that is based on experience in the field, yet these teachers are unable to substitute teach or obtain a substitute teaching license.
Encouraging Retirees to Return to Work-The dwindling pool of applicants for teaching jobs in particular could be addressed through allowing retired WRS annuitants to return to work in teaching or support assignments.
Under the Dome
On Tuesday library staff from Shawano, Brown, and Outagamie Counties stopped by my office. Libraries are a vital part of vibrant rural communities. Aside from being educational reading hubs, libraries often serve as a gathering place for local citizens. Libraries offer in-house computer and internet services. Some libraries will even allow you to check out mobile hotspots for use at home.
You can visit publiclibraries.com/state/wisconsin to find your local library.
I talked with Chelsea Jerominski of the Regional Association of Equipment Manufactures on how technology is helping farmers save money with technological innovations.
With the use of auto guidance, auto-steering uses GPS signals to automatically control a tractor in seeding, spraying, fertilizer application and harvesting. This reduces overlap of farming operations and leads to substantial fuel savings.
Machine section control technology turns planter, fertilizer, or sprayer sections on or off in rows that have been previously seeded/sprayed, or at headland turns, point rows and waterways.
Variable rate technology uses sensors or preprogrammed maps to determine seeding, fertilizer, and crop protection application rates.
Machine and fleet analytics uses real time monitoring of equipment, providing information like GPS location, equipment idling, traffic control, and route suggestions.
Precision irrigation has the ability to switch on/off and apply different amounts of water to different areas of the field.
Not only do these innovations save time and money, they also provide significant benefits to the environment!
I sat down with Andy Franken of the Wisconsin Insurance Alliance. We talked about how Wisconsin worker’s compensation protects both employees and employers. Wisconsin’s workers’ compensation system is considered one of the best in the country. We also discussed the importance of good teen driver education.
| Local Events |
| Save the Date! Rep. Schmidt live on WTCHRepresentative Schmidt will join the Breakfast Club on WTCH radio Monday, February 20th at 8AM. He will join host Doug Rodgers to talk about the work he is doing at the Capitol and in the district. WTCH Radio originates from Shawano, WI.Listen on 960 AM, 96.1 FM, and online by clicking here: http://us7.maindigitalstream.com/3881/ SHREK THE MUSICALBased on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks filmPulaski High School1040 S St Augustine St Pulaski, WIFebruary 11 & 18, 7 pm; February 12 & 19 at 2 pmClick here for more informationFrozen Fun Open HouseSnow games including Frozen arts and crafts, Frozen costume contest, skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, luncheon and “possible dog sled & horse drawn sleigh rides”.Visit with Olaf, and possibly Anna and Elsa.Saturday, February 11, 10 am to 2 pmNavarino Wildlife Area & Nature Center W5646 Lindsten Rd – Shiocton, WI 54170 Click here for more information |
Home Show
The WRBA Home Show
Hillcrest Primary School
1410 S Waukechon St, Shawano
Saturday Feb 18 and Sunday Feb 19, 9 AM-3 PM
Click here for more information.
I am here to serve you, and I consider it a great honor! If you need help dealing with a state agency, or if you need help with something in the district, click the Contact Me button below.