Conservatively Speaking
State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) represents parts of four counties: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Walworth. Her Senate District 28 includes New Berlin, Franklin, Greendale, Hales Corners, Muskego, Waterford, Big Bend, the town of Vernon and parts of Greenfield, East Troy, and Mukwonago. Senator Lazich has been in the Legislature for more than a decade. She considers herself a tireless crusader for lower taxes, reduced spending and smaller government.
May 23-27 week in review
Tuesday, the Assembly Transportation Committee held a hearing about a bill I authored, Senate Bill (SB) 41. SB 41 and the companion bill, Assembly Bill 50, make things fairer for small trucking companies that contract with large shipping companies.
The Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee met Tuesday to debate portions of the state budget including the Higher Educational Aids Board, the Educational Communications Board, the Department of Administration, the Department of Employee Trust Funds, the Government Accountability Board, the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Health Services – Medical Assistance budgets.
Mrs. Coley’s, Mukwonago Clarendon Avenue School, fourth grade students testified before the Senate Committee on Education Wednesday in support of Senate Bill 100 Wednesday. Senate Bill 100 would make the cream puff the official state dessert.
Earlier this year, Mrs. Coley’s class invited me for a visit. The students presented me with copious amounts of research about the reason the cream puff should be the official state dessert. Their research and arguments are immensely persuasive.
The students did an excellent job testifying before the committee and answering senators’ questions at the committee hearing Wednesday. After hearing the students’ testimony, the committee voted 6-1 to approve the bill. The bill is now available for Senate floor action.
Wednesday Governor Walker signedvoter ID legislation into law. Voters can now be confident their vote is not cancelled out by an illegitimate vote.
Part of my role as Chair of the Senate Transportation and Elections Committee is serving as a member of the Transportation Projects Commission. Wednesday I met with Governor Walker and the other members of the Transportation Projects Commission. The Transportation Projects Commission plans and approves major transportation projects. The Department of Transportation provided Commission members with a briefing of active major projects and projects recommended within the 2011-13 budget.
Two Muskego High School students, Gabriel Le Gros and Jon Scott shadowed me Wednesday. The students received an up-close look at a day as a Wisconsin State Senator.
The Joint Finance Committee met Thursday and debated the Department of Workforce Development budget.
Thursday evening, I was a guest on CNN’s In the Arena to discuss the judicial overreach of Dane County Judge Sumi.
Friday morning, I was with Governor Walker as he signed two bills into law.Assembly Bill 35 modifies law about culling during fishing tournaments. Senate Bill 59 extends the deadline for registering piers and wharves with the Department of Natural Resources until next April.
After the bill signing, I accompanied the governor to Banting Elementary School, Waukesha. We met with Superintendent Todd Gray and Banting Elementary School Principal Mrs. Cynthia Gannon. We learned about some excellent education taking place at Waukesha School District. The District addresses education challenges and is very fortunate to have the leadership of Superintendent Gray and the guidance of Principal Gannon. The governor read to students and met with teachers and district leadership.
The Joint Finance Committee meets again today, Friday, to debate portions of the state budget including the Department of Public Instruction, the Wisconsin Technical College System and the Department of Transportation. You can watch the Joint Finance Committee proceedings at this link: http://www.wiseye.com/Home/AirVideoStream.aspx
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.