Contact: Representative Joel Kitchens (608) 266-5350
MADISON – State Representative Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay) released the following statement after the Assembly voted to pass two bills he authored, AB 946 and SB 435:
“AB 946, which I authored with Senator Cowles (R- Green Bay) will provide additional funding for soil and water conservation.
The bill increases the amount available for Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grants given out by DATCP by $500,000 each year in the 17-18 and 18-19 fiscal years. The grants are handed out to groups of farmers in the same watershed who then work with educational institutions, non-profits and conservation agencies to examine and explore soil and water conservation practices appropriate for their farms and their land.
“The farmers are the ideal group to take the lead on this issue. Their success is tied to the quality of their soil and water. Grants such as these allow them to innovatively collaborate and explore new technologies and tools available for land and water conservation that they otherwise would not be able to access. I am proud that so many of the farmers in the 1st Assembly District are taking their role as stewards of the land so seriously. Peninsula Pride Farms is a shining example of the potential of a producer-led group to have a positive impact on our water quality.
“My second bill which passed the Assembly, and is now heading to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law, will allow first responders to administer first aid to animals. Under current state law, EMS personnel are unable to provide first aid to injured animals on the scene. This causes great distress to the families who are watching a beloved pet lay in pain after a fire or household accident and disturbs first responders who are forced to sit idly by without being able to offer any help they could easily administer. I would like to thank my co-author Representative Considine (D- Baraboo) as well as our Senate author, Senator Cowles.
“I am happy to end this legislative session on a high note with these two bills. I am proud of all that I have achieved for our district and our state and I look forward to continuing to work to move Wisconsin forward.”
