Representative Rob Swearingen and 21 other rural Wisconsin legislators are working to introduce legislation that will improve the quality of life and retain population in rural Wisconsin areas. The initiative was assembled by Rep. Romaine Quinn, Ed Brooks and Travis Tranel. Legislators held a press conference Wednesday to introduce the proposal. Swearingen says the agenda is aimed to establish funding for S.T.E.M. curriculum, Wisconsin Rural Physician Residency Assistance Program, broadband and apprenticeship grants.
“…we’re looking to attract and retain the younger generation to Wisconsin’s smaller, rural communities, and some of these bills do that. So rural Wisconsin is not only a great place to start a career, but it’s an ideal location to raise a family. Along with that, we not only want people to raise a family in the Northwoods but retire in the Northwoods as well.”
Swearingen says northern Wisconsin and rural counties around the state have seen a population loss as younger generations move to larger cities. He says the new legislation would improve the appeal of rural areas and erase stigmas to keep people in the area.
