Courtesy of Ken Krall, WXPR News

The recently-signed state budget will mean good things for state residents according to the Secretary-designee of the Department of Ag, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Brad Pfaff was in Rhinelander recently to talk about the document signed by Gov. Evers earlier this month. He says from the administration’s view, this budget was down payment for the public.

In the many areas this agency covers, he says a chief concern is protecting consumers from scams.

“We need to protect our consumers. The consumers could be the elderly. Maybe these consumers will be moms and dads who are just trying to pay the bills, or maybe our youth. We need to make sure our consumers are protected from the nefarious activities that unfortunately we are exposed to.”

Pfaff says the budget will also help build infrastructure.

“This budget provides $48 million over the next two years for broadband. Wireless, 5-G, top of the line, to make sure people who live in rural areas have an opportunity to have 21st century communication and IT, just like those individuals living in suburban and urban areas. I’m excited for what the broadband investment means for this state.”

Pfaff’s agency also works with the DNR to balance the needs of the economy with keeping a clean environment. Agriculture and trade which his department oversees has an interest in growing the farm economy, but there have been situations where that effort has run into environmental concerns.