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NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL AND AROUND WISCONSIN
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WISCONSIN EXPORTS DOWN $673 MILLION
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Through the month of July, the total value of Wisconsin's exports plummeted $673.2 million according to the U.S. Census Bureau data released last week.
That dollar amount is equivalent to a 5% drop, and is the 17th largest decline in the United States, 5th highest of the Midwestern states, and 14th largest decline overall when all factors are considered. According to several business publications, Wisconsin's $12.7 billion in exports so far this year are actually the worst start to the year since 2016, and only the second time since then that exports have not already topped $13 billion through the first seven months.
Economists point to tariffs, and the decline in the manufacturing and agriculture sectors. Exports to China decreased more than 26% through July, which is 38% of the overall decline. Exports to Canada and Europe were also down 5.6% and 2.7% respectively.
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FOXCONN WILL BUILD HIGH TECH COFFEE KIOSKS AT MOUNT PLEASANT FACTORY
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Chinese tech manufacturer Foxconn has reached an agreement with Texas-based Briggo company, 'creator of the world's first gourmet, robotic barista," according to several sources. Foxconn will build Briggo's autonomous coffee-makers, which are now present in airports and some corporate offices.
As the Biz Times reports, "company executives have repeatedly said Foxconn's Wisconsin presence would be about building more than televisions."
Briggo CEO said the agreement would allow his company "revolutionize the global specialty coffee market," and that teaming up with Fii (Foxconn Industrial Internet), would provide "scale and speed."
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EVERS APPOINTS HUGHES AS NEW CEO OF WISCONSIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP.
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With the recent departure of Walker and GOP-backed Mark Hogan as CEO of the often-embattled Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, current Governor Tony Evers last week made his pick to take the helm of the department.
Evers chose Missy Hughes to serve as the next secretary and CEO of WEDC, who will begin her role on October 1st. According to Evers' office, this was the final vacancy of his administration.
Citing her strong business acumen, Evers' office said Hughes most recently served as "chief mission officer" and general counsel for Organic Valley. In April, Organic Valley posted its second year of massive losses, ending FY2017 in the red for the first time in the cooperative's history.
“With her background helping small businesses and family farms, coupled with her experience navigating complex governmental, regulatory, trade, and business matters, Missy Hughes will be an incredible asset to our team as we work to grow an economy that works for everyone,” Gov. Evers said in his statement. “I look forward to working with Ms. Hughes as we connect the dots on economic development in a way that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation while supporting our farm economy, our manufacturers, and the Main Street businesses, start-ups, and large-scale companies that help our communities grow.”
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NEW BILL WOULD HELP FIND WISCONSIN M.I.A. SOLDIERS
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For the past six years, the University of Wisconsin-Madison has teamed up with the United States Department of Defense to assist in identifying and returning soldiers from Wisconsin who are missing in action overseas. To date, the UW-Madison has located three soldiers.
Now, State Senator Roger Roth, a Republican from Appleton, is authoring legislation that would grant the University of Wisconsin $180,000 to continue their work. The dollar amount would allow them to locate or identify up to three Wisconsin soldiers per year, and would need to be reauthorized after two years, based on performance. Meanwhile, the Department of Defense has not yet authorized a recovery mission for the current three soldiers who have been identified by the UW. Recovery costs are somewhere between $1 and $1.5 million, and can take several years.
According to their website: "The University of Wisconsin Missing In Action (MIA) Recovery and Identification Project (commonly abbreviated as the UW MIA RIP) focuses on advancing the recovery of MIA service members by involving an academic blend of knowledge and research as well as educating students in a number of scholarly disciplines."
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STUDY: WISCONSIN FACING WORKFORCE HOUSING SHORTAGE
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According to a new study from the Wisconsin Realtors Association, those who come to Wisconsin for work may be facing a workforce housing shortage, as housing availability has not kept up with the increases in workforce.
Additionally, the number of new building permits and lots for houses never kept pace from the Great Recession recovery almost ten years ago. The study also found that rising construction costs have grown rapidly enough to outpace both inflation and income. Some low income homeowners are paying up to half of their monthly incomes or more on housing costs.
Kurt Paulsen, the author of the study, also noted that "outdated land use regulations have also driven up the cost of housing."
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UW-MADISON RANKED 13TH BEST PUBLIC UNIVERSITY, 46TH OVERALL
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The University of Wisconsin–Madison has risen to 13th among public institutions in U.S. News & World Report’s latest college rankings. Overall, UW–Madison ranks 46th in a two-way tie.
Both rankings are higher than last year when UW–Madison was ranked 15th among publics and 49th overall. The rankings, released today, include 292 national doctoral universities and are in the 2020 edition of America’s Best Colleges.
“UW-Madison has long had a reputation for excellence,” says Chancellor Rebecca Blank. “This ranking is one measure of the world-class education our faculty and staff provide students.”
U.S. News gathers data from and about each school in undergraduate academic reputation, student excellence, faculty resources, expert opinion, financial resources, alumni giving, graduation and retention rates, graduate rate performances, and social mobility. Each indicator is assigned a weight based on U.S. News’ judgments about which measures of quality matter most.
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JOINT FINANCE COMMITTEE OK'S $1.5 MILLION FOR TOURISM MARKETING
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The powerful Joint Committee on Finance last week signed off on an additional $1.5 million for tourism marketing for the Evers administration.
Governor Evers originally requested an additional $5 million in his budget for marketing, but the committee axed that amount down to $1.5 million. The committee also delayed releasing the funds due to the Evers' administration not having a plan on how to spend the money.
According to a source, the Evers administration would like to expand its marketing of Wisconsin tourism to Denver, Detroit, and Phoenix. The Department of Tourism will be required to report to the finance committee in about one year, outlining their efforts.
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GOP LAWMAKERS INTRODUCE MEDICAL & HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT EXEMPTION BILL
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Senator Dale Kooyenga (R-Brookfield) and Representative Bob Kulp (R-Stratford) are introducing a bill that seeks to change Wisconsin’s exemption laws to protect Medical Savings Accounts and Health Savings Accounts. Specifically, the bill adds funds held in medical savings accounts (“MSA’s”) and health savings accounts (“HSA’s”) to the current list of property exempt from the reach of creditor collection.
“These accounts promote responsible saving for health care costs, and the data confirms a significant increase in their use in recent years,” said Rep. Kulp. “This bill will ensure the funds in these accounts are protected.”
MSA’s were established as a pilot program in 1997 with the passage of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA). According to a report by the National Health Policy Forum, the total number of MSA’s established by 2005 was approximately 140,000 nationally. MSA’s were phased out in 2007 in favor of HSA’s which became available in 2004 as part of the federal Medicare law that passed in 2003. Individuals with MSA’s were grandfathered in and allowed to keep their accounts, or they had the option of rolling over their account into an HSA, tax-free. According to America’s Health Insurance Plans, the number of people with HSA’s more than doubled nationwide between 2008 (6.1 million) and 2012 (13.5 million). As of 2017, there were 21.8 million people nationally and 463,025 Wisconsin residents with HSA’s.
As healthcare costs become increasingly a responsibility of consumers participating in HDHP’s, Sen. Kooyenga agreed that now is the right time for this legislation. “Consumers are being hit hardby health care costs,” said Sen. Kooyenga.“Ensuring these accounts are protected from creditorsis the right thing to do.”
Sen. Kooyenga and Rep.Kulp anticipate the bill will have bi-partisan support,and they believeithas a good chance of success.
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WEEKLY MEMBER POLL RESULTS
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Governor Tony Evers would like to call a special legislation session on gun control. It's not likely GOP leaders would pass anything relating to gun control should the governor force them back into session.
Should Evers call a special session on gun control?
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It's a waste of time, nothing will get done. The GOP knows mass shootings is a cost of doing business.
Guns are not the problem. Crazy humans are the problem.
"Gun Control" does not deal with the basic problem which is the decline of religion and morality in our society and the widespread breakdown of the American family.Recently there have been some stabbings in the news.Are we going to have" knife control" too?
He is simply pandering to his base. I do however, believe there are things that can help to curb this violence.
Time for something to be done.
We need to get into the heads of the people that do the killing. If they want a gun, they will get one despite any laws.
Because mindless repeat mass shootings should not be the norm for this country...even if it takes a few dollars out of the gun manufacturers pockets.
Legislation should be handled during the regular session.
The Republicans won't do anything even if they wanted to. Too disgruntled with Evers. I don't understand why anyone sells assault weapons in the first place.
Again Governor is trying to get brownie points,lets inforce the lawson the books now
waste of time for special session, Gop needs to work on legislation and implement during normal sessions
We don't have a gun problem, we have a mental illness problem. I don't support anything that ignores the problem and penalizes law abiding citizens. Wake up everyone, every freedom we allow them to take is one step closer to total government control. I used to think this was a wacky thing to worry about, but listen to these nuts that are running for president that align with our governor. It's absolute insanity.
Evers wasting everybodie's time.
The GUN isn't the issue here. The person who took the gun and used it is the issue. We, as a nation, as a society, have lost our grip on catching these people before they do stuff. This is our problem from our "high standard of living" and too many of us spending more than enough time every day chasing dollars. Oh hey, there was a stabbing spree, too. Should we now outlaw any and all knives?
Its a little to late to do this, the people that will kill , probably already have guns or know where to get guns.
They won't accomplish anything even if a special session is called.
Something needs to be done. It's been all talk and no action. Is this the solution? Maybe not but at least it is a positive step.
Thank you Gov Evers
National legislation would be more appropriate, but most of these situations of mass shootings are psychiatric in nature and this would not help to control the situation. Another try at making Wisconsin look great because we are "doing something!" does not mean it will work. More legislation in Illinois did not work to reduce gun violence, as an example.
Gun control in NOT the answer! We are a free nation because the citizens bare arms! It's all about mental illness and a broken society!
Enforce and publisize enforcement. More for mental health. Expand background checks and waiting period if necessary! Scoring political points off a tragedy is sick! Let us use common sense and focus on mental health, warning signs, expand background checks and waiting periods and enforce existing laws! No felon should have a gun!
It's a people problem not guns , will not solve anything
Forget about a special session. Feds should just ban all AR rifles like years ago and be done with it.
Its about time that not only our elected leaders but everyone of us look deep into our hearts about this subject. Im an avid hunter, I know no one is going to take my guns, i love the 2nd amendment, but this is insane what is going on in this country. Time for all of us to step up to the plate and take action to prevent such tragedy.
taking the guns away won't work,we must change the culture. A culture that legalizes murder of the unborn for convenience,creates a culture of murder for other reasons. . A culture that legalizes murder of the unborn for convenience,also creates a society of murder elsware
Shall we create a "war on guns"? How's that working for the war on cancer or the war on drugs for that matter. Serves only to escalate while wasting valuable resources
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Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) said he would support additional tariffs on China if President Trump proposes them. Where do you stand?
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Tariffs are killing Wisconsin and the US economy. My industry is suffering, needlessly.
Wow! Finally after 5 years in office Grothman has a voice. Maybe he should hold some listening sessions in his district to find out the voters opinion!Too bad he's kicking sand in the faces of the farmers who are going broke because of these tariffs.by his support.
I don't think more tariffs will do any good.The Chinese are hoping that Trump will lose in2020 so that they can have their way with some wimpy U.S. President. Remember, their goal is world domination.
I don't like tariffs but something has to be done about our trade deficit with China
We gonna wait till every farmer in Wisconsin is unemployed?
My business is paying through the nose because of tariffs. It hurts businesses.
Stupid says what stupid does. This whole thing is senseless....something needed to be done in regards to China, but Trump and his sycophants are going to screw all of us in the end...he'll be alright, but watch out everyone else.
I've read what Congressman Grothman has written about the tariffs and I agree with him.
China has abusrd this Country in the pass its about time we take action but I know this is a slow progress
free trade dollar for dollar
I support whatever it takes to take China down a peg. It's painful right now, but hopefully it's good in the end. It's a different strategy than what's failed prior.
China's tariffs are killing our farmers.
Make it here. Make more jobs, more stuff going on HERE!
I support it, They copy our machines, ideas and make them cheaper.
The blind leading the blind!
If needed to get China in line
IT hurts the dairy farmers now, and for that I am sorry, but in the long run, we should be asking for more equality in share of the market. We buy computers, cars, clothes, appliances, and on and on from China,. they only buy grain??? This has been a needed revision that no one wanted to tackle for 40 years.
China cheats and steals and it is time America stands up for American citizens!
Blam corperate America, sold out American jobs over profits
I think Jury is out on this one. Id love to have more American made products for sure, but i know it would cost significantly more.
I support President Trump's efforts in reeling in the corruption of the Chinese.
American's have gotten used to companies competing to get it cheap no matter what the cost to our contry or culture. Perhaps we could do with a few less "things" from outside the country. Would decreased access to loads of cheap "stuff" decrease mindless consumption - for that tarriffs would be helpful
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A law from two GOP lawmakers would remove the six month waiting period for remarrying after a divorce is finalized. Where do you stand?
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Marriage is important and if you can't wait 6 months, something is wrong.
The waiting period was designed to increase the chance of reconciliation.So what's wrong with that?
I don't really care!
Six months isn't that long to wait.
the only got reasons for not waiting are monetary. keep it in place.
Who cares?
What was the reasoning behind the six month waiting period in the first place?
After 52 years of marriage I know we have been very blessed. The question should be asked if this new relationship destroyed the marriage. If that is the case, they can wait.
Why would you have to wait in the first place???
I would recommend lower it to three months because it take time to solve all legel issues
The government doesn't belong weighing in on marriage, gay, straight, trans, or timing.
I think it should be longer. But I'm not a fan of divorce. I think that more should be done to give reward to those who are married and NOT divorced.
Time to let go this waiting period. They will get married elsewhere and later married in WI to make it legal.
Wouldn't you think 6 months would be a minimum to move on after a divorce. I think if I ever got divorced the last thing Id be thinking of would be getting married again.
Don't know that it matters
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A bipartisan group of lawmakers want to expand the state's minority teacher loan program. After reading the article...
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All groups need good role models, this program will help that.
Why not a loan program for all teachers?
Here's a thought....stop giving handouts to special groups! I have 2 kids in college and they get zip for financial aide! I guess because their parents make too much money, they should go it alone(which really means parents will struggle to fund it or the kid will probably go broke). Maybe dole out financial aide based on academic achievement, etc. I see too many students with a free ride because parents income is too low, or they game the system, etc. Half of them don't have a clue why they are even going!
We need to stop categorizing people. This loan program should be available to anyone who needs this.
If this will help the minority stituation I am all for it, but if is just another, "Let's talk big and do nothing", then its a waist of money.
It's a great idea.
Its probably a good idea but problem is what will it cost the taxpayers of this State
We need more educators state wide
We will never be equal until we start treating everyone the same. To me, and this is going to sound harsh, but isn't it racist to treat one group differently than the other. I support Minorities teaching in our schools, but not treating them differently than anyone else.
You need to fix the problems in the school system, so teachers get paid, and some of the unimportant things go to the wayside. The programs proven to increase esteem, increase grades, and increase quality of character should be pushed harder. Band, Art, Chorus, etc. Oh and we need to teach kids how to not get into debt, and how to avoid loans, and how to keep their debt load down, or nonexistent, too. Too much emphasis on sports, flashy stadiums, etc.
I think it might be good, as the children do need some minority teachers, but not all should be in the school. They have to get use to all teachers.
Lets have teachers that continue to motivate and not rely on color only as an assessment.
How about a reward incentive program instead of more loans!
I do support this since we have more and more minorities..
I thought that everyone was equal???Why are we creating division by labeling minorities and majorities???
Missing clarity will lead to abuse
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Predictions for the Packers game against the Bears on Thursday? Any guesses on what their record will be this season?
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I believe it will be a defensive struggle, like 10-3 or something. For the season Aaron Rodgers will get hurt and not play 3-4 games .. 9-7 on the season.
Do not care
Not very optimistic on the Packers this year.They will be lucky to have a winning record.If Rogers gets hurt again it will be all over with.
I think they will lose to the Bears. 8-8 would be a good season
A Packer win!! Not sure about what their record will be.
Don't care.
Da Bears still suck!!
Tell you Friday morning.
WIN!! 10 & 6
Yes and should have a better record then last year
no clue?
I have no crystal ball.
I like to know the score, but don't watch them.
Close game, last possession wins.
Bears win, I hope I'm wrong. 8 and 8 season.
Bears win this one, but a winning season for the Pack at 9-7
10-6
14/13 Packers to win.
Packers by 3. Packers 10-6
could care less
Tuff call but I support the Packers. And their record will be either first in the division or a wild card for the playoffs.
Packers 27-24 on a Crosby 54 yard field goal to end the game!
Packers by 3
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By clicking the link, you acknowledge that it is the policy of WPT, Inc. to publish all comments that are submitted by members each week, often including broad differences of opinion within the weekly responses. Our organization values our role in fostering dialogue within our membership, but does not take responsibility for the individual views and opinions expressed herein.
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BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW OR VETOED
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LRB-4174
Memo
Bishop Hying (Marklein, Howard) Honoring Bishop Donald J. Hying. Deadline: Monday, September 16, 5 pm
LRB-0149
Memo
Small Farm Grants (Vruwink, Don) Creating a Small Farm Diversity grant program, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. Deadline: Tuesday, September 17, 5 pm
LRB-1123
Memo
Farm Succession Planning (Considine, Dave) Creating University of Wisconsin System positions for farm succession planning and making an appropriation. Deadline: Tuesday, September 17, 5 pm
LRB-1388
Memo
Farmer School Debt (Spreitzer, Mark) Creating a program for reimbursing the higher education debt of beginning farmers, creating an individual income tax deduction for certain amounts received from such a program, granting rule-making authority, making an appropriation, and providing a penalty. Deadline: Tuesday, September 17, 5 pm
LRB-3605
Memo
Soo Locks Funding (Nygren, John) Funding for Soo Locks improvements and making an appropriation. Deadline: Friday, September 20
LRB-1470
Memo
Levy Calculations (Brooks, Rob) Changes to the local levy limit calculation for a political subdivision that transfers responsibility to provide a governmental service to another governmental unit. Deadline: Friday, September 13, 5pm
LRB-3824
Memo
Fetal Body Parts (Jacque, Andre) Sale, use, and final disposition of fetal body parts, reporting of sex and fetal anomaly following induced abortion, and providing a penalty. Deadline: Wednesday, September 18, 5 pm
LRB-2632
Memo
Term Limits (Edming, James) Limiting the number of terms permitted for members of the state legislature and constitutional officers (first consideration). Deadline: Friday, September 20, Noon
LRB-2244
Memo
Human Cremation (Schachtner, Patty) The use of alkaline hydrolysis to cremate human remains, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and requiring the exercise of rule-making authority. Deadline: Friday, September 13
LRB-4184
Memo
Human Cremation (Novak, Todd) The use of alkaline hydrolysis to cremate human remains, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and requiring the exercise of rule-making authority. Deadline: Friday, September 13
LRB-1022
Memo
Fugitive Possessing Firearm (Subeck, Lisa) Prohibiting a fugitive from justice from possessing a firearm and providing a penalty. Deadline: Wednesday, September 11, 5 pm
LRB-3620
Memo
Raze Orders (Stafsholt, Rob) Municipal raze orders for certain buildings damaged by sudden occurrences. Deadline: Friday, September 13
LRB-4188
Memo
UW MIA Project (Skowronski, Ken) The University of Wisconsin Missing-in-Action Recovery and Identification Project and making an appropriation. Deadline: Friday, September 13
LRB-4038
Memo
Ovarian Cancer Awareness (Subeck, Lisa) Designating September 2019 and 2020 as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Deadline: Thursday, September 19, 5pm
LRB-2968
Memo
Choose Life Grants (Quinn, Romaine) Grants to Choose Life Wisconsin and making an appropriation. Deadline: Thursday, September 19
LRB-3579
Memo
Tech College Board Elections (Vruwink, Don) Popular elections of members of technical college district boards. Deadline: Thursday, September 19, 5 pm
LRB-3883
Memo
Motor Bicycles (Vruwink, Don) Operation of certain motor bicycles. Deadline: Thursday, September 19, 5 pm
LRB-3938
Memo
Real Estate Fees (Vruwink, Don) The real estate transfer fee exemptions for conveyances to related individuals. Deadline: Thursday, September 19, 5 pm
LRB-4110
Memo
AG Powers (Erpenbach, Jon) Powers of the attorney general. Deadline: Thursday, September 19, Noon
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