Everything you need to know for the week ahead.
APRIL 9, 2018

Members,

We hope you had a chance to relax over the weekend, and that your work week is off to a productive start.

As always, this week will bring you our weekly Property Taxpayer of the Week, News from the Capitol and around Wisconsin, circulating legislation, your weekly poll responses, and an all new Weekly Member Poll.

We hope you find this weekly report to be interesting and informative. If there are ever any issues that you would like to see included, or if you ever have any questions or comments, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Have a great week,

WPT, Inc.
 
PROPERTY TAXPAYER OF THE WEEK




This week, we introduce you to Mark Passi, Aflac Agent and founder of Cancer Insurance Specialists. We asked Mark to give us a bit of his background, and explain a bit about his field.

"I grew up in Virginia, MN up on the Iron Range, and in high school, I found an interest in computers just as the first PC's and Apple personal computers started coming out," Mark said. "I took computer science courses at the University of Minnesota Duluth and the Minnesota School of Business then started my first career in Information Technology field as a Systems Analyst at Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly Law Firm in St. Paul."

After working in that career for a while, Mark and his wife up-and-left Minnesota and headed to Eau Claire, to be closer to family.

"...even though I'm a die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan," Mark quipped.

Mark told us that he was tired of being away from his family while working in the IT field for 25 years, so he decided he needed a professional change.

"I started with Aflac in 2014, and it has been a great fit for me as one of the things I enjoy the most is helping people," he said. "In my past, I have organized a large benefit fundraiser for a friend who was fighting cancer, was a program advisor at CVTC and a volunteer soccer & basketball coach. I also regularly give blood at the Red Cross and usher at my church."

There's no double, Mark is an active individual, but what about Aflac and Cancer Insurance Specialists?

"Many people are confused with what Aflac does, and only know that we have a funny duck in our TV commercials!"

But Mark focuses on assisting the small business community.

"What I Do is help businesses offer voluntary benefits to their employees that can come at no cost to the business," he said. "Employees select what benefits are best for them from our variety of options, then the employer deducts the premiums, many times pre-tax, from the employee's payroll and then pays Aflac," he explained.

Mark said that offering these benefits helps employers attract and retain employees.

"Benefits plans that Aflac offers include Short Term Disability, Accident, Cancer, Critical Care (heart issues), Hospitalization, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance," he explained. "I have provided benefits to the employees of WPT since 2015."

Mark, and his wife Kim, also work to help individuals battling cancer.

"Kim and I support many things related to cancer care and prevention since Kim is an Oncology Nurse at Mayo Health Systems in Eau Claire," he said. "Last year, in an effort to provide access to Aflac's Cancer Insurance to individuals, I founded Cancer Insurance Specialists."

"It is a great feeling to help put cash in the pockets of people who are fighting cancer when they need it the most. I do my best to get claims paid quickly and I help educate my clients on Aflac's One Day Pay where they get paid for their claim the very next day."

Mark and his wife Kim met in 1990, and have two daughters, Lauren and Alyse, ages 24 and 21 respectively.

"In my time as a WPT member, I have found great value in learning about the many legislative issues that Wisconsin businesses are facing. By knowing more about these issues, with the help of WPT, I am better able to understand and serve my customers."

We appreciate Mark's commitment to his field, his family, and his community, and encourage our members to reach out to him for any of their insurance needs, or to learn more about the various products offered.

"If you have any questions regarding Aflac for yourself or your business, please contact me at [email protected] or 715-579-5107."

LAST WEEK   

Last week, I had to honor of representing WPT and its members in Governor Walker's office for the signing of Senate Bill 337 into law, and receiving one of the pens with which he signed the legislation. This was authored by WPT Property Taxpayer Champion Award recipient Senator David Craig (R-Town of Vernon), and is known as Zero-Based Budgeting.

The legislation requires that every state agency and department submit a report to the State Legislature of every dollar and program they administer for legislative review.

WPT was proud to support this legislation after its introduction, and to witness its signing into law. We believe that through legislative review in this process, state agencies will work more efficiently with tax dollars, ultimately finding savings in the state bureaucracy.



Additionally, last week we saw multiple communities across the State of Wisconsin hold referenda to either increase taxes or debt, for schools or other projects. The full results are below.

District Name
Total Amount
Type
Brief Description
Adams-Friendship Area
Passed
$4,750,000.00
NR - 2018
Resolution authorizing the school district budget to exceed the revenue limit by $950,000 a year for five years for non-recurring purposes.
Alma
Passed
$925,000.00
NR - 2018
A 3-year referendum to exceed the revenue cap by $295,000 for the 18-19 school year; $295,000 for the 19-20 school year; and $335,000 for the 20-21 school year.
Alma
Passed
$25,000.00
RR - 2018
A referendum to exceed the revenue cap by an amount not to exceed $25,000 per year for the purpose of funding Fund 41 capital expenditures related to buildings and sites
Almond-Bancroft
Passed
$525,000.00
RR - 2018
To exceed revenue limits and calling a referendum to submit the revenue limit resolution to the electors
Arcadia
Passed
$4,000,000.00
Issue Debt
not to exceed 4,000,000 to be used towards a new high school/middle school gymnasium, locker rooms, and weight room to go along with a 12,000,000 donation to add a joint use community center and a 1.2 million donation for an attached public library.
Beloit Turner
Failed
$26,800,000.00
Issue Debt
New Construction     (2-5 Elementary School)
Addition/Renovation (FJ Turner High School)
Benton
 
$1,115,000.00
NR - 2018
BE IT RESOLVED by the School Board of the School District of Benton, Lafayette and
Grant Counties, Wisconsin, to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, ........... and by an additional $150,000 for the 2018-2019 school year, $225,000 for the 2019-20 school year, and $370,000 for the 2020-21 through 2021-2022 school years for non-recurring purposes, consisting of continuing and enhancing the programs approved in 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2015, which includes sustaining operating expenses with which to maintain the current level of operations.
Benton
Passed
$300,000.00
RR - 2018
BE IT RESOLVED by the School Board of the School District of Benton, Lafayette and
Grant Counties, Wisconsin, to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $300,000 beginning with the 2018-2019 school year for recurring purposes,
Black Hawk
Passed
$500,000.00
Issue Debt
Capital Improvement Referendum
Brillion
Passed
$5,600,000.00
Issue Debt
For the purpose of paying the costs of improvements and renovations to the elementary/middle school building
Brown Deer
Passed
$25,900,000.00
Issue Debt
INITIAL RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $25,900,000
Cambria-Friesland
Passed
$3,200,000.00
NR - 2018
To exceed the revenue limit for non-recurring purposes to maintain academic and educational programs, technology, and address facility needs.
Chippewa Falls Area
Passed
$65,000,000.00
Issue Debt
INITIAL RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $65,000,000
Clayton
Passed
$3,000,000.00
NR - 2018
Budget to exceed revenue limit for four years for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational expenses.
Coleman
Passed
$10,850,000.00
Issue Debt
INITIAL RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $10,850,000 (Base project to upgrade security and infrastructure and cafeteria addition)
Coleman
Passed
$2,980,000.00
Issue Debt
INITIAL RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,980,000 (STEAM Renovations and Improvements)
D C Everest Area
Passed
$59,875,000.00
Issue Debt
Paying the cost of a district-wide school building and improvement program.
Delavan-Darien
Failed
 
$1,500,000.00
NR - 2018
Improvements to Borg Stadium, installation of a dual turf field for soccer/football, new track and academic and vocational areas at the high school, including culinary arts and autos
Delavan-Darien
Failed
$3,000,000.00
RR - 2018
Exceed the revenue limit by $3,000,000 beginning in 2018-19 for recurring purposes to pay for operating costs to maintain the District's education programs
Ellsworth Community
Passed
$4,000,000.00
NR - 2018
Exceed revenue cap for non-recurring purposes consisting of maintaining educational programming, technology, and facilities.
Fall Creek
Passed
$12,400,000.00
Issue Debt
High School improvements consisting of:  building infrastructure, safety and security, including the addition of a secure entrance; classroom and music room modernization; renovation and expansion of the commons; construction of larger weight and fitness center; and acquisition of related furnishings, fixtures and equipment
Fall River
Passed
$7,800,000.00
Issue Debt
The district will be looking to make the following improvements and updates in the following areas: capital maintenance and building infrastructure; learning space updates; communication and technology system upgrades; safety and security improvements; athletic facility, field and site improvements; and acquisition of furnishings fixtures and equipment. (Safety and Security, Learning Spaces/Educational needs (GEDO II, STEM), Facility Needs and Improvements and Athletics)
Frederic
Failed
$12,730,000.00
Issue Debt
Facility improvement program consisting of:  all learning spaces and building mechanicals; safety, security and capital maintenance improvements; facility remodeling, additions, and renovations; site improvements; and acquisition of furnishing, fixtures and equipment
Frederic
Failed
$500,000.00
RR - 2018
Exceed the revenue limit by an amount not to exceed $500,000 on a recurring basis beginning with the 2018-19 school year for operational expenses, staffing, and maintenance costs.
Gilman
Passed
$2,975,000.00
NR - 2018
For non-recurring purposes consisting of educational programming, expenditures and operations.
Horicon
Passed
$22,920,000.00
Issue Debt
The construction of a new elementary school; Junior/Senior High School site renovations including safety and security upgrades; and the creation of a consolidated campus.
Horicon
Passed
$3,600,000.00
Issue Debt
Junior/Senior High School building infrastructure which includes; roofs, plumbing, HVAC, electrical updates, corridor upgrade.
Howard-Suamico
Passed
$29,250,000.00
NR - 2018
exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, for a duration of five years beginning with the 2018-2019 school year and ending with the 2022-2023 school year by an amount of $5,850,000 each year for non-recurring purposes consisting of reducing class sizes, employee compensation, and facility maintenance.
Hustisford
Passed
$600,000.00
NR - 2018
To exceed revenue limit by $200,000 each year for three years (starting Fiscal Year 2019)
Kiel Area
Passed
$8,400,000.00
NR - 2018
Exceed revenue cap by $840,000 per year for 10 years beginning with the 2018-2019 school year and ending with the 2027-28 school year for non-recurring purposes.
Kiel Area
Failed
$10,400,000.00
Issue Debt
Issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $10,400,000 for renovating the high school athletic facilities and building and equipping a new performing arts center at Kiel High School.
Lacrosse
Passed
$20,875,000.00
NR - 2019
Exceed the revenue limit by $4,175,000 per year for five years for non-recurring purposes consisting of maintaining educational programs, maintaining district facilities and maintaining and replacing technology.
Luxemburg-Casco
Passed
$11,900,000.00
Issue Debt
the construction and equipping of an addition to the High School to create an attached middle school; and conversion of the current Middle School to an alternative high school.
Luxemburg-Casco
Passed
$15,900,000.00
Issue Debt
construction of additions at the High School for a new gymnasium and a secure main entrance; construction of additions at the Primary School for a secure main entrance and classrooms; upgrades and improvements to the High School technical education and family and consumer science space and weight room; districtwide site and facility improvements; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
Manitowoc
Passed
$10,500,000.00
NR - 2018
Resolution Authorizing the Manitowoc Public School District to exceed its revenue limit by the amount of $3,500,000 on a non-recurring basis annually for each of the school years 2018-2019, 2019-2020 and 2020-2021
Maple
Failed
$1,746,000.00
NR - 2018
Referendum to exceed the revenue limit by $582,000 each year for three years beginning with the 2018-19 school year for non-recurring purposes consisting of maintaining current programs and services, retaining staff, and updating technology education (shop) equipment.
Markesan
Passed
$4,380,000.00
NR - 2018
To maintain School District programs and operations
Merrill Area
Passed
$10,000,000.00
NR - 2018
Referendum to Exceed revenue limits by $2.5 million per year for four years on a non-recurring basis.
Mondovi
Passed
$1,350,000.00
NR - 2018
Resolution to exceed revenue cap by $450,000 each year commencing with the 2018-19 school year and ending with the 2020-2021 school year.
Montello
Failed
$3,700,000.00
Issue Debt
Replacing portions of the roof, replacing roof-mounted air conditioning units, improving electrical controls, replacing carpet and removing asbestos, bringing the fire alarm system up to code.
Necedah Area
Passed
$2,880,000.00
NR - 2018
Non-recurring 4-Year Step Referendum Scenario: $690,000 year 1 & 2 and $750,000 year 3 & 4
New Lisbon
Passed
$2,100,000.00
NR - 2018
$525,000 for 4 years for ongoing educational programs, security upgrades and maintenance of facilities and ground.
New Lisbon
Passed
$1,500,000.00
Issue Debt
$1.5 million for upgrades of outdoor athletic facilities.
Northern Ozaukee
Passed
$14,950,000.00
Issue Debt
Referenda to request general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $14,950,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a District-wide school facilities and programming improvements.
Peshtigo
Failed
$29,960,000.00
Issue Debt
Constructing, furnishing and equipping a new middle-high school on District land, including a two-station gymnasium; and completing site improvements.
Peshtigo
Failed
$950,000.00
Issue Debt
Constructing and equipping an additional one-station gymnasium and connected to the new middle-high school.
Phillips
Failed
$12,600,000.00
Issue Debt
Additions, renovations, and remodeling of the elementary school
Plymouth
Passed
$31,900,000.00
Issue Debt
This resolution states the Plymouth Joint School District's intent to issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $31,900,000 for the purpose of  paying the cost of a school building and improvement program consisting of:  security improvements, construction of academic and athletic additions, remodeling and site improvements at Plymouth High School; security improvements, construction of gymnasium, cafeteria and academic additions, remodeling, roof replacement and HVAC upgrades at Parkview Elementary and Fairview Elementary Schools; district-wide security and communications system upgrades; and acquiring related fixtures, furnishings and equipment for these projects.
Prairie Farm
Passed
$3,250,000.00
NR - 2018
General operation
Prentice
Passed
$8,500,000.00
Issue Debt
Purpose of paying the cost of a new school addition, renovations, capital maintenance, and building infrastructure improvements.
Randall J1
Passed
$2,025,000.00
NR - 2018
To maintain the current level of education programming and to operate the district.
Randall J1
Pased
$5,500,000.00
Issue Debt
Facility improvements including security upgrades, classroom additions, cafeteria renovation, roof repair, acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment
River Falls
Passed
$45,860,000.00
Issue Debt
 
River Falls
Passed
$2,100,000.00
Issue Debt
 
Shell Lake
Passed
$12,200,000.00
Issue Debt
Referendum for addition of 4K-2nd grade addition to our current school.
Shell Lake
Passed
$3,500,000.00
Issue Debt
Resolution to build a new gymnasium
Shullsburg
Passed
$400,000.00
RR - 2018
Exceed the revenue cap on a recurring basis beginning in the 2018-19 school year for operational expenses, deferred maintenance projects and curriculum improvements.
Sparta Area
Passed
$28,500,000.00
Issue Debt
New elementary school
Sparta Area
Passed
$4,000,000.00
Issue Debt
Improvements and updates to existing elementary schools
Valders Area
Passed
$275,000.00
NR - 2018
The project is to upgrade technology equipment and infrastructure.
Valders Area
Passed
$6,375,000.00
Issue Debt
The project is to repair and upgrade roofing, plumbing, HVAC, and bond issuance.
Westby Area
Passed
$1,725,000.00
NR - 2018
Exceed Revenue Limit to sustain educational programs and to operate the District.
Wheatland J1
Passed
$2,500,000.00
NR - 2018
Maintaining the current level of educational programming and operating the District
Wheatland J1
Passed
$8,450,000.00
Issue Debt
Facility improvement program consisting of: updates to science and STEM classrooms and building mechanicals; safety, security and capital maintenance improvements; facility remodeling, additions, and renovations; site improvements; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
Whitnall
Passed
$16,160,000.00
Issue Debt
 
Yorkville J2
Passed
$3,350,000.00
NR - 2018
Yorkville Jt. #2 School District seeks to exceed revenue limit on a non-recurring basis by $670,000 for the 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23 school years to support operations, educational programs and maintenance.
 
NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL  
AND AROUND WISCONSIN 

UPDATED MARGIN PROTECTION PROGRAM ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN
The updated Dairy Margin Protection Program (MPP) is now open for dairy farmers across the United States. The new enrollment period is from today (April 9 th) through June 1 st. If you are already signed up for MPP, you need to re-enroll for the changes to take place. The new program will not automatically be given to you. You can visit HERE or visit the WPT Ag Hub for more information.
 
The changes include calculations of the margin period changing to monthly rather than bimonthly calculations. The covered production is increased from 5 million pounds on the Tier 1 premium schedule, and the rates are substantially lowered. There is also an exemption for the $100 administrative fee for limited resource, beginning, veteran, and disadvantaged producers. Refunds may be requested for paid administrative fees, as well as paid premiums.
 
The USDA will be mailing postcards to producers, advising them of the changes. Please contact your local FSA office for more information.

WALKER SIGNS DOZENS OF NEW BILLS INTO LAW
Governor Walker last week signed more than 60 new bills into law, making this the second week in which the governor has put his signatures on dozens of pieces of legislation, generally signaling the end of the legislative session.
 
Most controversial of the laws was a bill passed by the Assembly in November and the Senate in February, which prohibits the state's health insurance plans for its public employees from covering abortion or abortion procedures. In the cases of rape, incest, or to protect the life of a mother, exceptions are allowed.
 
Other legislation signed by Governor Walker include laws that ban local governments from participating in a boycott of Israel, prohibit local governments from changing certain zoning requirements that are more stringent than state law, require the Department of Workforce Development to create a program that provides transitional jobs to vets, mandates that mammogram facilities notify their patients about impacts of dense breast tissue, allows for businesses to contribute to college savings accounts, requires all state departments to report to the legislature their dollar for dollar budgets and expenditures, provide that law enforcement are not allowed to take ownership of private assets seized during an investigation, and more.

CHINA TARIFFS MAY IMPACT LOCAL CRANBERRY INDUSTRY
China recently announced more tariffs against the United States, including those on more than 100 other products from the United States, and a 15% tariff on cranberries.
 
This could have major impacts on the Wisconsin economy in particular, since the state produces over half of the cranberries in the world, and foreign markets have played a large role in the expansion of that industry in recent years.
 
This news comes about one month after the European Union issued retaliatory tariffs in response to President Trump's tariffs on aluminum and steel, which also included peanut butter, bourbon, and orange juice.
 
UW SYSTEM MERGER WILL NEED TRANSITION YEAR
Last year, the UW System announced that the two-year UW Colleges would merge with the four-year Universities in the system, in a large reorganization of the state's system that has not been seen in a generation.
 
Last week, the Board of Regents we're told that the restructuring would be using a "transition year" to get their affairs in order, though the July 1 st merger date will likely still happen on paper. In other words, associates degrees earned through the two-year schools might bear the name of the four-year institution with which the schools will now be associated, during the transition year.
 
UW System officials have conceded that the merger is much more complex than they originally have experience dealing with.
 
PRODUCER-LED WATERSHED PROTECTION GRANT PROGRAM SIGNED INTO LAW
Amidst the many bills signed by Governor Walker was Assembly Bill 946, which increases the amounts of funding available for Wisconsin's Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grant Program.
 
The amount of grant money available will increase by a half million dollars in each year of this biennium, bringing the total to $750,000. Each grant is still capped at $40,000, and require a 50-50 match.
 
The money can be used to fund land and water conservation efforts, and pay for the start-up costs, outreach involved, implementation, and incentive payments to producers for cover crops and buffer strips, according to the statement.
 
Governor Walker also signed into law Assembly Bill 475, which requires that animal-drawn vehicles must now also be equipped with rear-flashing yellow strobe lights, and that the lights must be on during inclement weather and during hours of darkness. The new requirements are in addition to the already-in-place requirements for animal-drawn vehicles.

REFERENDA ASK SOME COMMUNITIES WHETHER CORPORATIONS ARE PERSONS
Across Wisconsin last week, nine communities asked voters whether corporations are persons and if money, then, is free speech. The question has been polled nationally as one of the major issues on which both left and right-leaning voters agree.
 
Voters in those nine communities voted that corporations are not people, and money is not free speech. Among those were Green County (78 percent), St. Croix County (77 percent), La Crosse (88 percent), Marshfield (81 percent), McFarland (79 percent), Rice Lake (81 percent), Sand Creek (77 percent), Sun Prairie (83 percent), and Wittenberg (83 percent).
 
With the passage of those nine referenda, it brings the total to date to 129 Wisconsin communities that have passed these resolutions. The referenda are non-binding, and merely ceremonial in nature.

GOV. WALKER STATES SUPPORT FOR PRESIDENT'S PLAN TO SECURE SOUTHERN BORDER
Governor Walker today released a statement, sharing a letter that he sent to Congressman Mark Pocan (D), stating his support for President Trump's plan to secure the southern border of the United States. Pocan on Friday sent a letter to Walker, opposing any plan to send troops to the border.
 
A spokeswoman for the Governor also said that Wisconsin stands ready to "support our nation" if asked to deploy Wisconsin National Guard troops to the country's border with Mexico.
 
President Trump late last week said that he wants to send up to 4,000 National Guard members to the border in order to assist federal officials fight illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
 
In his statement, Governor Walker also said that he wants to "ensure the safety of all of our citizens, and I want to reduce access to illegal drugs as part of a comprehensive strategy in dealing with opioid and illegal drug action."

WEEKLY MEMBER POLL RESULTS
          
An advisory referendum is set in Outagamie County regarding Dark Store Loopholes. Do you think the State Legislature should have tackled this issue before adjourning the session?
 
Don't raise property taxes but eliminate all loopholes

If operating business wants their property taxed similar to a vacant 'BOX' ... Treat their facilityLIKE a vacant BOX. ... Service road abuting their BOX? No need for (rapid response to) potholes, crack filling, snow plowing, Etc.

Property taxes should be paid on the value of the property. Period. However assessing more on each homeowner seems like backwards accounting. Our budget should be based upon funds available, not upon what we used to collect.

As a small business owner, I would be incensed if I were taxed on items NOT in existence! This happened to me, a salesperson worked up a sign and filed for city approval. It was denied. Next business property tax (called personal property tax???) was assessed for a $5K sign which did not exist - I was livid - wouldn't you be?

Assessors should do their jobs, we need fair assessments for all

Close the loophole. People don't understand tax levies. When your neighbor's (business or not) tax assessment goes down, YOURS GOES UP.
 
They should only be taxed on the value of building and land.

Don't know enough about it


 
Wisconsin will now be the first state with a "green alert" for veterans who may be lost or in distress, similar to the "amber" and "silver" alerts. Good idea or bad idea?
 
We have to many alerts which causes people to loose attention

Aren't we all equal?

Veterans need the alerts too. Sometimes our vets have dementia or distress and wander off. We need the same alerts for them.

I think its a good thing for veterans that are in trouble

Ever seen "Rambo" ?? I have PTSD from a car accident, and have never served our nation. Some of these people "get lost" or get "in distress" and too many folks coming after them may end up in a bad situation. I think that while it's a good idea, we also need a lot more input on making sure we don't mishandle this.

all missing people should be looked for, not just old or young or veterans

Everyone who has the sympathetic ear of a legislator gets an "alert." Pretty soon we'll have a Green and Gold alert for Packer losses. Purple Alerts for Sad Viking Fans. Blue Alerts for when the Brewers lose.
 
  
  
Governor Walker has signed the "home-county sex offender" bill, which mandates that DHS place "sexually violent" offenders who are eligible for their release in their home counties. Good idea or bad idea?    
   
 
place away from victims

They should be placed where they came from, and when released to where they came from, the area needs to know the facts about the sex offender. If they know who they are, they will keep better tabs on the person. Utimately, I would think this may deter some actions from ever happeneing to begin with, unless our society has degressed more than I thought.

The violet ones need to not be able to go back to their home conties. Its hard to live near a sex offender. We lived 30 years next to one and worried that he was going to do it again to our child or another child

Why put the problem to other counties

I'm not sure they sould be placed anywhere in the general public.

While I understand the amount of angst created by these placements, it is well established that going back to the earlier associates and habits etc adds to recidivism. Additionally it is increasingly difficult to honor "distance" rulings when placed in densely populated areas. Would we be wise to set up supervised group homes?

keep them out of their comfort zones may help them change behavior

Keep 'em in the slammer!

They should NEVER be released!! They can't be rehabilitated!

Why the hell should they go someplace else? As if another county wants some other counties' offenders? Send them home.



A report shows that, on average, problem gamblers are $34,000 in debt. Do you gamble?
     
long time addiction problem often forgotten, lets open another casino

Farming is a big enough gamble
 
My gambling consists of "bet a buck" for anything.
 
Ocasional lottery ticket, when the jackpot is over $100 M, .... Church & Non-Profit fund raisers.
 
Farming
 
I gave up gambling when I sold my cows.
 
I used do some gambling,, but I controlled what I spent whenI would go. Don't do it now and don't miss the gambling.
 
I have hear of a couple that lost all their savings and home, their children help them so that didn't become homeless
 
mostly for fun
 
I just don't get the point of gambling. And I'm not surprised at the debt load. That's horrid.... now I'm not against gambling, but something needs to be done to help curb these types of ridiculous and needless debts.
 
I enjoy occasional "table" games as entertainment. Unfortunately many who have not developed any self control cannot enjoy ANY exposure just like alcohol
 
work too hard for my money to throw it away
 
My Mother always told me "You can only gamble what you can afford to lose." Thanks Mom, great advice.
 
I farm. Isn't that in itself a huge gamble!
 
I own a Dairy Farm!
 
I gamble every time I get into my car and drive on the road with all the nuts out there!
 
I gamble every time I eat a beef and cheddar at Arby's. mmmm.
 
Golfing with my buddies.


 
Spring is in the air, with the MLB having kicked off the 2018 season last week, and the Brewers having their Home Opener today. Are you a fan of baseball? Which team? Any predictions for the season? How do you think the Brewers are shaping up with their restructuring? If you're not a fan of baseball, share any type of spring or summer sport or activity you are looking forward to.
 
don't watch
 
Brewers and local town ball
 
Modest Brewer Fan....
 
Nascar.
 
Love the Brewers am very hopeful this year! So glad to have Caine back
 
Go Brewers
 
I enjoy the Milwaukee Brewers, however, I am a little worried about their pitching, this has been a problem for some time for them, and I feel not enough is being done to shore that position up.
 
Not a baseball fan.

Brewers

Hope the Brewers do well
 
not much of a fan
 
Fishing and golfing...but I love my Brewer's
 
Again, I enjoy an occasional view of a game it is admirable to watch those who through hard work and self discipline have excelled, but like the question above for many sports are the current "acceptable" way for some to satisfy their addictions and avoid "adulting"
 
motorcycles

No

yes, Brewers, 92 wins, keep it up
 
Brewers should have a good season.
 
A Brewers fan. Need another good starting pitcher. Will be hard to beat out the Cubs.
 
Over 17 years of Miller Park, the Brewers have averaged 7 games under .500 each year. That's pathetic. They are the most sub-mediocre team in the MLB. The only benefit they give to Wisconsin is a reason to tailgate.
 
not a fan. traveling the state by motorcycle.
 
I think the Brewers are on the right track. i live in Twins country but get the Brewers on Fox north and catch as many games as I can.
 
THIS WEEK'S MEMBER POLL
LEGISLATION  
BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW  
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BILLS BEING CIRCULATED
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