MADISON April 24, 2013 –
Today, a group of Assembly Democratic Legislators announced the formation of a
Rural Caucus whose focus will be raising awareness and advocating on behalf of
the people and communities of rural Wisconsin. The Rural Caucus will kick off
with a series of listening sessions on the 2013-2015 Wisconsin State Budget.
“Too often,
the needs of rural communities are ignored or put behind the needs of urban and
suburban areas of the state. Working
together, rural legislators will have the political clout and the numbers to
balance the influence that legislators representing more populous parts of the
state have,” noted State Representative Janet Bewley (Ashland), who will serve
as chair of the group. “The Rural Caucus
can be a focal point and direct avenue for rural residents and organizations to
get their message across to the entire Wisconsin State Legislature,” added
Representative Janis Ringhand (Evansville), who is serving as vice-chair.
“Unfortunately,
the debate in the Legislature frequently centers on just Madison and Milwaukee.
This is unfair to all the residents who
live in other parts of the state,” said Representative Amy Sue Vruwink
(Milladore). “The challenges rural communities
face are different than the ones urban and suburban communities face. I felt it
was important that rural Wisconsin be adequately represented, especially during
budget negotiations, which is why I’ve joined the Rural Caucus,” added
Representative Fred Clark (Sauk City).
In an effort
to ensure that this state budget represents all Wisconsinites, members of the
Rural Caucus will be holding budget listening sessions in rural communities
across the state. The first four are listed below. The listening sessions are open
to the public and legislators who represent these areas have been invited to
attend. “This is just the first step in the process,” explained Representative
Chris Danou (Trempealeau), “the Rural Caucus intends to continue meeting on important
rural issues, including broadband, schools, local road aids and healthcare
access.”
Monroe
Saturday,
May 11th
1:30- 3:30
pm
Community
Center
Monroe City
Hall, Lower Level
1110 18th
Ave, Monroe, WI 53566
