Over the past few weeks, I hosted six listening sessions across the 17th Senate District – one in each county I represent. The sessions took place in Barneveld, Belleville, Belmont, Brodhead, Fennimore, and Prairie du Chien. I heard from more than 100 people who shared a wide variety of opinions, ideas, and concerns.

Attendees at each session discussed a wide range of topics. Many of the topics were specific to regional concerns. In Barneveld, Belmont, and Fennimore, I heard a lot about industrial wind turbines and solar farms. In Belleville and Brodhead, we talked about funding of K-12 education and an increase in referendums across Wisconsin. At all six sessions I heard many ideas for the state budget.

I appreciate hearing from everyone who attended and spoke at each session. Investing your time to come to an hour-long listening session during the week is a commitment. I am grateful you came and shared your input with me. We may not all see eye to eye but I want to hear from as many of you as I can. I value the opportunity to hear your comments, criticisms, and questions. They help inform me as a legislator as I consider policy and spending decisions that impact our state.

I wanted to share a brief recap of some of the topics discussed at our series of listening sessions.

Wind and Solar Farms: Attendees were overwhelmingly frustrated by the continued spread of industrial wind and solar farms as well as current wind siting regulations. Speakers were concerned about property values, aesthetics, adverse health effects, and possible environmental impact of wind turbines and solar farms. I received a lot of helpful feedback on Senate Bill (SB) 3, my legislation that would give local officials a voice in the process of approving large wind and solar projects.

Funding for Schools: Attendees asked us to send more funding to school districts. Many people were concerned about referendums in their communities. I share their concerns and remain a strong supporter of our rural school districts. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the legislature to find innovative ways to help our schools.

Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program: Attendees spoke in support of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, an environmental program that allows the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to purchase land to conserve. The program’s future is uncertain after a Supreme Court decision removed the legislature’s oversight role in this program. I am supportive of the program and hope to see it continue, but many of my colleagues in the legislature have reservations.

Tax Burden: Attendees, particularly those living on fixed incomes, expressed concerns about significant increases in their property tax bill over the past year. I also heard from many who wanted to see the state’s budget surplus returned to taxpayers. I remain committed to passing a tax cut and lowering the tax burden for all Wisconsinites.

Housing: Attendees shared concerns about a lack of availability and affordability of homes on the market. I heard many creative ideas for increasing home building and I believe this is a topic to address as our state faces population stagnation in the coming years.

I am sincerely thankful for the time and effort of everyone who joined me at a listening session. If you were unable to participate but still have ideas or input you would like to share, please call my team at the State Capitol – 608-266-0703 – or email me – Sen.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov. My team is ready and willing to help navigate your state government, clear obstacles, and receive your input.