REPRESENTING THE COLLECTIVE VOICES OF THE 49TH DISTRICT
Assembly District 49 is in the heart of the Driftless Region, the most beautiful area of the state. I feel it is important to preserve its beauty for generations to come.
The expansion of technology and its power requirements is needed for future generations but must be balanced with considerations for what we currently have rich farmland, great tasting water, and a panorama of undeniable natural beauty.
We lend the land from our children, grandchildren, and future generations. We have the duty to be wise stewards of the land and water, ensuring a healthy home for generations to come.
Assembly District 49 has a diverse economy. Agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and the private sector. As well as Southwest Technical College, University of Wisconsin - Platteville, and the Wisconsin Secure Program Facility.
As our economy grows, it is imperative for it to grow for every business and individual while preserving our natural resources. As your representative, I will fight to protect our land and water. I will defend the Driftless Region, our home.
No Data Centers in District 49
The data center development in Cassville must be paused or stopped entirely. A moratorium of 12 -18 months is needed to put in place until further information is available regarding the long-term consequences, such as air pollution, noise pollution, the environmental waste, and health risks associated to the community. A decision made now, can and will affect generations to come.
Data centers use polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as "forever chemicals," or (PFAS) in the production of their chips, wiring, and computer boards needed for their operation. Furthermore, these chemicals are used for their cooling, fire suppression, and electrical isolation systems.
Forever Chemicals have known health hazards such as kidney cancer and renal failure, increased cholesterol levels, obesity, decreased infant and fetal growth, high blood pressure, and immune system suppression.
The long-term impact must be addressed over the short-term gains. Just because they can, doesn't mean they should.
Regardless if it is a closed loop system and the power required for the data center is produced on site. It is not a win for District 49.
Assembly Bill 840 is written vaguely, lacking the specificity needed to protect The People of District 49 from unjust utility rate hikes.
We must have transparency about the Mega data center being proposed in Cassville. Non-disclosure agreements written behind closed doors do not protect the public interest. They protect the billionaire class pushing their agenda until it is too late for the public to act. Deals in the dark are dirty deals.
As your representative in the Assembly, I will ensure transparency in all of the business ventures that come before us in the future and existing business that will affect the Driftless Region’s ecosystem, our water, our land, our health and our existing economy.
My campaign is entirely grassroots - I will not take Corporate funding or AIPAC funding. Join us.
Preserving Public Schools
The solution to preserving our public schools is through amending the school voucher program and increased state funding.
Wisconsin ranked fifth in the nation for overall quality in 2024. Fifth best in the country for math scores, and we have the third lowest dropout rate in 2024.
Wisconsin ranks 25th in per pupil spending. Our teachers are what make our schools great, despite the lack of funding.
Public schools are the heartbeat of a community, promoting community pride and unity, priceless commodities. The school voucher program is an open wound, bleeding our school districts dry.
The school voucher program pulls money away from all school districts, leaving all the schools vulnerable to lack of adequate funding, and school taxes will inevitably increase as the result. The school voucher program is needed in Wisconsin, but is exploited. It is a form of institutional self-segregation paid for by the taxpayer dollar.
95% of the school voucher program goes directly to religious-affiliated schools. Its intention was for home schooling and the underprivileged in poor school districts. Home schooling is a good option for many families.
The Voucher Program was passed on the premise of “Personal Choice”. Our United States Constitution has the Separation of Church and State Clause, the current misuse of the program is in direct violation of The Constitution.
As your representative in the Assembly, I will fight for more funding for our schools and restructuring the School Voucher Program in an effort to offset the cost of increasing school taxes.
Reform/Eliminating Property Taxes
The solution to the endlessly increasing property taxes is to eliminate them entirely or, at the minimum, paid for a set number of years, 5 to 10 years max. They can be offset by a progressive taxation system.
A progressive based taxation system is a fair system to all and also more sustainable. The more money you make, the more money you pay. As the economy grows, so does the government. The “Mill Rate” isn’t a budget, but a demand.
Additionally, we need to raise corporate taxes. The working class was strong and growing when the corporate tax rate was higher than it is today. The wealthy must pay their fair share.
Our current system is a "cart before the horse" scenario. Based on the value of your home, regardless of your ability to pay, the cart is loaded and we as the horses bare the burden. Never mind if we live on a fixed income, have to accept a lower-paying job, or have a spouse pass away and now shoulder the expense with one income.
As our population ages, the always increasing property taxes will force some seniors out of their home they've worked for their whole life. These people are our neighbors. Neighbors help neighbors. We must do what is right for the people.
There are many ways to address the ever increasing property tax bill. An income based system, a one time tax upon sale of a home (like any other good or service) and a “Cannabis Tax Credit” when cannabis reform takes place. Also, the corporate tax rate must be increased.
A combination of these ideas or one by itself is needed to help eliminate or greatly offset our current property tax burden of our citizens. I will fight for property tax reform/elimination.
Hemp/Cannabis Reform
There is a need to address the issue of hemp and cannabis reform. The current bill regarding hemp expires on November 12, 2026. Currently, the hemp industry is a $700 million industry in our state. We must keep the existing hemp industry.
Cannabis reform is about “Adult Freedoms” and “Personal Choice”. It generates $160 million dollars in tax revenue to neighboring states every year. This is our money. These tax dollars could be directed toward lowering property taxes and funding our public schools.
At the bare minimum, we must pass medical cannabis and preserve the hemp industry in the state of Wisconsin.
Economic freedom and revenue is a win. The farmers would benefit from a regulated market, new businesses would be created, law enforcement would have more time to focus on crime, and our prison system would not be as congested, eating up tax dollars.
Cannabis reform is a win for everyone and our economy. It is time to accept and embrace the medical benefits of cannabis. As your representative in the Assembly, I will fight for proper and fair legislation.
Authorized & paid for by John Rindy for District 49
Treasurer; Anne Groenewold
