Reps in the News: Nov. 8-15

Representative Joel Kitchens

“The hemp pilot research program administered by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) requires both hemp growers and processors to obtain one-time licenses and register each year they intend to plant and process hemp,” said a Kitchens newsletter.

“In 2017, the Wisconsin Legislature passed a bill that permitted farmers to grow hemp through the aforementioned pilot program. I am proud to be a co-author of this session’s AB 206, which makes the pilot program permanent and allows for our state to set procedures for maintaining information regarding hemp production, test for THC concentrations in hemp, dispose of noncompliant hemp plants and conduct annual inspections of hemp producers.

“With farmers across our state struggling for different reasons, a permanent program will provide a great benefit to all of Wisconsin by helping them diversify their crop rotations and add new revenue streams.”

Apply and register online for a license to grow or process hemp in 2020. Those who received a license in 2018 or 2019 do not need a new one, but they must renew their registration by March 1, 2020, if they plan to continue growing or processing hemp in 2020. New licensees can apply at any time.

According to DATCP, more than 1,800 growers and processors were licensed and registered for the 2019 season. 

Source: Kitchens newsletter

Senator Tammy Baldwin

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Baldwin helped to include a bipartisan amendment in appropriations legislation that passed the full Senate to increase funding for a program to combat methamphetamine abuse.

“I’ve met with local health officials, law enforcement and those who have lost loved ones throughout Wisconsin, and it’s clear Washington must do more to be a stronger partner in supporting local prevention, treatment and recovery efforts,” Baldwin said. “In Wisconsin, we’ve experienced a growing problem of methamphetamine abuse in our state. That’s why I’m working to provide more resources to help Wisconsin fight this epidemic and save lives.”

The amendment increases funding for the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP) to $13 million. According to the Department of Justice, CAMP is a competitive grant solicitation, open to state law-enforcement agencies in states with high seizures of precursor chemicals, finished methamphetamine, laboratories and laboratory dump seizures. 

Source: Baldwin press release

Senator Ron Johnson

Sens. Johnson and Tammy Baldwin introduced bipartisan legislation in the Senate to designate the post office at 430 S. Knowles Ave. in New Richmond as the Captain Robert C. Harmon and Private John R. Peirson Post Office to honor the half-brothers, who were both killed during World War II.

“More than 33,000 Wisconsinites served in the armed forces during WWII, but the sacrifice of our gold star families is beyond comprehension. Robert Harmon and John Peirson, who grew up in New Richmond and attended the University of Wisconsin, paid the ultimate sacrifice and deserve our utmost respect and gratitude. Renaming the post office after them in their hometown is the least we can do,” Johnson said.

Harmon, on his 51st mission, was shot down over France a week before the D-Day invasion in Europe. Peirson was killed a year later during the Easter Day assault on Okinawa. Harmon’s remains were never found, but the half-brothers are buried side by side at the Fort Snelling Military Cemetery in Minneapolis.

Source: Johnson press release