GROWING RURAL WISCONSIN

“Our investments in rural initiatives are aimed at improving the lives of the people who live in all corners of the state,” Governor Walker said. “By investing in areas including education, transportation, and technology, we are helping to build a better Wisconsin and more prosperity for future generations.”

Investments included in Governor Walker’s 2015-17 State Budget:

Transforming Education :

· Provide additional resources for rural schools by increasing funding for:

o The Sparsity Aid Program by $8.4 million over the biennium.

o The High-Cost Pupil Transportation categorical aid program by $5 million over the biennium.

o The reimbursement rate under the pupil transportation aid program for districts transporting students more than 12 miles will be raised from $275 to $300 per pupil.

· Promote efficiencies by allowing school districts to enter into whole grade sharing agreements and consolidate individual grades offered at multiple school sites into one educational program for the grade. Whole grade sharing agreements will allow districts to reduce costs and pool resources in order to meet the needs of their communities.

Growing Our Economy :

· Provide $55 million in fiscal year 2017 to establish regional revolving loan funds to be administered by regional economic development organizations overseen by the new Forward Wisconsin Development Authority. An additional $60 million will be added over a three-year period to the regional revolving loan funds from funds currently allocated to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

· Establish an agricultural producer led water-quality initiative using $250,000 SEG annually in existing soil and water management grants for the implementation of nonpoint source pollution abatement practices.

· Protect our lakes and rivers and improve water quality in Wisconsin by providing $24 million over the biennium to reduce nonpoint source water pollution through increased nutrient and runoff management planning, contaminated sediment removal and other pollution abatement practices.

· Invest in the Confluence Project by providing up to $15 million in matching state funds for the proposed Eau Claire area Confluence Arts Center. Confluence Project fundraisers must raise their entire portion of the project cost before state money will be released.

Investing in Infrastructure :

· Provide $6 million of new funding from the Universal Service Fund cash balance to the Broadband Expansion Grant Program. In addition, increase flexibility for the Public Service Commission in using current funds over the biennium and redirect unused funds from other Universal Service Fund appropriations to the broadband expansion grant program.

· Expand the Technology for Educational Achievement (TEACH) program, which offers broadband access to public schools and libraries at discounted rates, by broadening existing statutory language, so more schools can request access to multiple data lines and video links. This initiative will be funded with up to $25 million of an E-rate cash balance.

· Provide over $9 million SEG in FY16 and FY17 to continue to fund the four percent increase for general transportation aids approved in the 2013-15 budget.

· Provide $145,400 SEG in FY16 and $292,200 SEG in FY17 for a one percent increase in the department's elderly and disabled aids to counties. The Governor also recommends renaming the program to senior and individuals with disabilities specialized transportation aids and updating several provisions of the program to match federal updates.

· Increase funding for Transportation Economic Assistance grants by $2 million annually. In partnership with private funding these grants, upgrade targeted infrastructure to assist local businesses in creating jobs or keeping existing jobs in an area.

· Ensure the safety of Wisconsin communities by providing $4 million for dam repair, reconstruction, and removal projects.

Developing Our Workforce :

· Provide an additional $1 million in fiscal year 2015-16 and $2 million in fiscal year 2016-17 for the Department of Children and Families to create job programs, similar to Transform Milwaukee Jobs, in Racine and Beloit, as well as in high-need rural areas of the state.

Reforming Health Care :

· Require DHS to seek a Medicaid waiver to create a three-county demonstration pilot project under which dental reimbursement would be increased for certain procedures.

· Provide disproportionate share hospital payments to Wisconsin hospitals that see a high number of Medicaid patients.

Improving Mental Health Programs :

· Provide funding to assist counties with creating robust crisis services programs pairing law enforcement with mental health professionals to create a best practice model.

Protecting Wisconsin Citizens and Our Most Vulnerable :

· Provide $2 million in fiscal year 2016-17 to the Department of Children and Families to increase services to child sex trafficking victims, especially in rural areas of the state.

About the Chippewa Valley Rally

Coordinated by the Chippewa Valley Chamber Alliance, this event allows business representatives and community leaders to meet and discuss issues that are unique to the Chippewa Valley area with state legislators and other officials.

“The Chippewa Valley Rally is a valuable experience for me and for the legislators of Wisconsin,” Governor Walker said. “It is important to hear the issues and concerns that business leaders in the Chippewa Valley have. We value this feedback, and with their opinions and ideas, we can work together to make the economic climate in the Chippewa Valley, and the State of Wisconsin, even stronger than it already is.”

Approximately 100 business representatives and leaders will be attending this year’s Chippewa Valley Rally, which will be held at the Best Western Inn on the Park. During the rally, attendees will break off into small group sessions with state legislators in order to discuss issues that are pertinent to the Chippewa Valley, such as economic development, education, infrastructure, and taxes.

The Chippewa Valley Chamber Alliance represents the economic well-being and issues that are crucial to Chippewa Falls, Menomonie, and Eau Claire. Over 2,500 businesses are members of this alliance, and these businesses employ nearly 60,000 Wisconsinites.