Democratic Radio: "2019: The Year of Clean Drinking Water" Print
Commentary - Commentary
Written by Wisconsin Assembly Democrats   
Thursday, 14 February 2019 10:27

clean-drinking-waterMADISON - This week, State Rep. Katrina Shankland (D - Stevens Point) discusses clean water access in Wisconsin.

Audio File of Radio Address

katrina_shanklandHi, I’m State Representative Katrina Shankland with this week’s Democratic Radio Address.

This week has been ground-breaking when it comes to prioritizing clean water access in Wisconsin.

One in ten wells across our state are contaminated, and too many people can’t access clean drinking water from their taps.

No one should have to buy bottled water because they can’t drink from their tap, and that’s why Governor Evers has declared 2019 the “Year of Clean Drinking Water,” showing true leadership on this critical issue.

The governor’s new water quality initiatives announced this week will significantly expand access to clean drinking water.

He announced $70 million in bonding for clean water initiatives to help farmers, homeowners, and local governments, and his proposal also invests money to remediate the most contaminated private wells across Wisconsin.

Since I have authored legislation to expand our state’s Well Compensation Grant Program, I am thrilled that Governor Evers has decided to include portions of my legislation, investing in the grant program in his budget.

The governor’s actions reinforce his commitment to the people of Wisconsin who cannot access safe drinking water, and I thank him and commend him for it.

I also want to thank Lieutenant Governor Barnes for touring UW-Stevens Point’s water lab, talking to private well owners, and discussing water quality issues with scientists and stakeholders earlier this week with me.

It’s clear that this administration is making clean water access a huge priority.

This week, I was also named the Vice-Chair of the Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality.

We will travel across the state, hold hearings, and work to address the water quality issues facing people in Wisconsin.

Everyone deserves access to clean, safe drinking water. I encourage everyone to make their voices heard throughout this process.

Governor Evers has taken several meaningful steps to make that happen, and I am grateful for his tremendous leadership and look forward to working with stakeholders to find meaningful science-based solutions to the water quality challenges facing our state.

Last Updated on Saturday, 16 February 2019 10:39