EC Wisconsin News

State Representative Ron Tusler, in collaboration with State Senators Cowles and Cabral-Guevara, as well as State Representative Dave Murphy, spearheaded the passage of the 2023 Wisconsin Act 50. This legislation revises the eligibility criteria for small urban wildlife grants based on population density. It addresses previous ineligibility issues encountered by the Village of Kimberly and allows more communities to secure funding for wildlife-related concerns.

According to a press release from Cowles' office, Tusler expressed satisfaction with the enactment of this legislation. "I am pleased that this legislation is being signed into law. The village of Kimberly came to us with this problem and we solved it. Now, not only will Kimberly be able to apply for these grants, but communities from all across Wisconsin will also be able to," he said.

The same press release elaborated on how the Wisconsin Act 50 of 2023 expands eligibility for a small urban wildlife grant program that previously excluded many Wisconsin communities from accessing funds. The amendment in the Act replaces an obsolete federal definition of "urban" with a criterion based on population density. This legislative change was triggered by the Village of Kimberly's prior ineligibility for wildlife grants, leading to a reform that enables them and numerous other communities to qualify for funding under the revised Act 50.

Cowles emphasized the significance of this seemingly minor modification in his statement: "Although Act 50 may seem like a small change of outdated technicalities, its impact will be important in addressing an issue facing many of our communities. With this new law, more municipalities – especially those in Northeast Wisconsin – will be able to gain access to grant funding to prevent damages and nuisances imposed by wildlife in parks and other areas of our communities."

As per the 2023 Wisconsin Act 50, any city, village or town with a population density of at least 125 persons per square mile is now eligible for funding. The Act will provide up to 50 percent funding for projects related to wildlife abatement measures or wildlife control efforts.

Tusler, according to his official website, serves Wisconsin's 3rd Assembly District, which includes Sherwood, Brillion, Harrison, Buchanan, Combined Locks, Kimberly, Hilbert, Appleton, Menasha and Potter.