The former chairman of the Wisconsin Senate Agriculture Committee has been awarded the 2021-22 Friend of the Towns Award for his efforts supporting town government. Sen. Howard Marklein of Spring Green received the honor during the Juneau County Unit Meeting of the WTA.
"Senator Marklein's extraordinary leadership as Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Finance was instrumental in producing the best state budget for towns in a generation and possibly ever," said WTA Director Mike Koles. "No less than ten initiatives were included that directly and positively affected town government and citizens."
Koles adds that the state budget included a repeat of the signature Local Road Improvement Supplemental program, which was spearheaded by Marklein in the previous budget. Almost $75 million has been provided for town infrastructure through this program during the last two state budgets.
"Furthermore, investments in EMS through the Funding Assistance Program, Medicaid reimbursement, and the Service Award Program will help ensure that ambulance services are supported throughout the badger state," Koles said.
Friends of town government share a core belief that the best decisions occur in a decentralized system and closest to the people.
The is the second year Sen. Marklein received the award from the WTA.
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy