Week of December 5, 2016

December Wisconsin Counties Magazine Highlights Impact of Opiates on Child Welfare System

Counties in every corner of the state are feeling the impact of increased opiate, heroin and meth use, with the child welfare system taking one of the biggest hits.

To address this crisis, the December issue of Wisconsin Counties magazine takes an in-depth look at this topic.

WCA & County Officials Testify Before Assembly Transportation Committee

WCA Government Affairs Director Kyle Christianson, along with Douglas County Administrator Andy Lisak and Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave, testified on Tuesday, December 6 before the Assembly Transportation Committee.

This invite-only meeting gave counties the opportunity to discuss issues facing all counties in the state when it comes to funding and the delivery of transportation services.

Stay tuned as the budget process gets underway, we will need your help to get the county message out.

Governor Announces Launch of Wisconsin's Broadband Expansion 

Governor Scott Walker called on the State Legislature last week to pass a proposed bill that appropriates an additional estimated $35.5 million for broadband expansion and technology programs over the next three fiscal years.

Pictured left with Governor Walker is Shawano County Administrative Coordinator Brent Miller.

WCA Government Affairs Associate Marcie Rainbolt was also present at the announcement.


PACE Wisconsin Program Launched To Finance Commercial Energy Efficiency Improvements


PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) is an innovative program used in communities across the United States to drive economic development through work with private sector lenders.

PACE enables property owners to obtain low-cost, long-term financing for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation building improvements.

2017 County Ambassador Program Now Accepting Applications

In 2010, WCA began the County Ambassador Program (CAP). The goal of this program is to engage county officials in the Association's efforts to educate lawmakers on the important role of county government. This is done through direct dialogue with members of the Legislature. 

In order to strengthen our advocacy efforts, we are calling on all members of county government to become involved in this initiative by joining the CAP Team. 

For more information on the CAP Team or to fill out the application, click here.
'The Insiders' Discuss Top Issues in Upcoming Legislature
 
Chuck Chvala and John Gard discuss top issues in the upcoming legislature, including the hot button issue of transportation funding in a video from  WisOpinion.com,  "2 Minute Take."
 
In their last episode of the year, the two also discuss their top political stories of this year.
 
Click here to watch the "2 Minute Take" on top issues in upcoming legislature.
 
Click here to watch 'The Insiders' last episode of the year with their top stories of 2016.
10th Annual Dunn County Beekeepers Event

The Dunn County Beekeepers are presenting an "Introduction to Bees and Beekeeping." The workshop is designed to provide the basic information necessary to start beekeeping in Wisconsin. Participants will be guided through their first year of beekeeping. The workshop is intended for those who have no experience with bees and beekeeping.

WHEN: Saturday, February 4, 2017 sign in and registration starts at 8:00 a.m. Workshop is from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

WHERE: Menomonie Alliance Church, 502 21st St N, Menomonie WI 54751

DIRECTIONS: 3 blocks north of the hospital in Menomonie on 21st St.

COST: $48.00 per person which includes meals, breaks, materials and course book. $8.00 for each additional family member, OR $25.00 for 4-H, FFA or Scout youth members.

Pre-registration is required.   Registration is limited to 50 families.
Registration Deadline: Saturday, January 28, 2017.
The registration form is available for download here. 
Call 715-265-9284 for more information.

WCA Associate Members

The role and relationship of government with the private sector has changed in recent years. The creation of the WCA Associate Member Program is one more way WCA is reaching out to bring together the public and private sectors.

WCA Associate Members include:

AECOM
American Transmission Company, LLC
Baird
Discover Mediaworks 
Motorola Solutions, Inc. 
Siemens
Wipfli LLP

We encourage you to learn more about our WCA Associate Members by clicking here.  For more information about this program please contact WCA Marketing and Events Manager Cheryl Fleck at 866.404.2700.    
IN THIS ISSUE
December "Wisconsin Counties" Magazine Highlights Child Welfare Crisis
WCA & County Officials Testify Before Assembly Transportation Committee
Governor Announces Broadband Expansion
PACE Wisconsin Launches Program
2017 County Ambassador Program
'The Insiders' Latest
WCA Associate Members