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Members,
Welcome back to another Weekly Insider.
Happy December to you all! This week will bring you 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 info@wptonline.org.
Have a great week,
WPT, Inc.
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NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL
AND AROUND WISCONSIN
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LAME DUCK BILLS HEAD TO GOV. WALKER
After much debate, countless headlines, and even some protesting in the Capitol, the state legislature last week voted to advance a series of bills to Governor Walker, aimed at making changes to the powers of incoming governor, the timeline for early voting, powers of the attorney general, and more.
Perhaps three of the most publicized items on the agenda for the GOP-controlled legislature were policies that would protect pre-existing conditions, provide tax breaks for Kimberly-Clark, and change the state's nonpartisan primary election date from April to March. In the end, the election date was not changed, and those with pre-existing conditions were not granted health insurance protections, with some GOP lawmakers crossing party lines to vote with Democrats against the measures. The Kimberly-Clark incentive package was not brought to the floor of either chamber of the legislature.
Despite the failure of three major components of the extraordinary session, several large changes were made.
Under the legislation, lawmakers are given the authority to block administrative rules from the executive branch. More simply, when a law is passed, certain administrative rules are written in order to implement the law. The legislature would be able to block those rules if they so-choose. The legislation would also require that the executive branch receive permission from the legislature before making any changes to state programs that are run jointly with the federal government. Medicaid, for example, is a program that is run jointly between the federal and state governments. The State of Wisconsin requires certain recipients of Medicaid to perform work searches. In this instance, the Office of the Governor would not be permitted to change the work search requirement without first receiving approval from the legislature.
The legislation also limited early voting to two weeks before the election. In 2016, similar legislation was shot down by a federal judge as unconstitutional. It is expected that similar lawsuits will be filed against this action.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) CEO would be appointed by the WEDC board itself, rather than the executive branch, though that change would only last until September, when those responsibilities would be restored to the Office of the Governor.
Incoming Attorney General, Josh Kaul, would also see some changes to his powers, should Governor Walker choose to sign the bills into law before leaving office on January 7th. Under the bills, state lawmakers would have final say in major court settlements, and would also be involved in litigation pertaining to the state. Under this proposal, Wisconsin would not be allowed to withdraw from the lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act, for example.
Current Unemployment Insurance work search rules would also be made permanent under law. Current law requires that those seeking unemployment actively search for work each week. Claimants who are expected to go back to work in a reasonable amount of time, such as those laid off in the construction industry during winter months, can be exempted up to eight weeks, with a four week extension with employer verifications. No further waivers are granted beyond that point, and would not be allowed under the law.
Some state funding for various transportation projects in Wisconsin would be swapped with federal dollars, in order to avoid various federal regulations, including the federal Davis-Bacon wage requirement. The bill also gives the Wisconsin DOT the authority to continuously swap federal and state funds between projects.
In addition to Democratic lawmakers, Governor-elect Tony Evers opposes the plan. He told "Meet the Press" over the weekend that he spoke to Governor Walker on the phone, urging him to veto the legislation. The incoming governor said Walker was noncommittal and he was not encouraged that he would veto the legislation. Former Governors Jim Doyle and Scott McCallum, both of opposing political parties, also urged Walker to veto the legislation.
WALKER HINTS AT NEW KIMBERLY-CLARK INCENTIVES
Governor Walker took to Twitter last week to express his disappointment with the legislature in their decision to not pass legislation providing Kimberly-Clark with tax incentives. The outgoing Governor also hinted at the possibility of a new initiative for the paper company, which is planning to close two of its Fox Valley plants.
"I asked the Senate to take up a bill to keep hundreds of good paying Kimberly Clark jobs in Wisconsin. They didn't. So now I'm trying to figure out other ways to keep them here."
The asked about Governor Walker's intentions, his office did not release any additional information. The same was the case for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, who heads up "job creating" measures and incentives for companies to create and retain jobs.
EVERS TO TAKE BUDGET TOUR AROUND STATE
Dubbing it the "Building the People's Budget" Tour, Governor-elect Tony Evers announced Monday that he will launch a statewide listening tour for residents to weigh in on their priorities for the next two-year state budget.
"The statewide tour wills tart on Tuesday, December 11 in Green Bay and end the following week in Milwaukee. Each session is open to the public and will give participants the ability to share their budget priorities directly with Governor-elect Evers, Lt. Governor-elect Barnes, and transition policy staff," the statement reads.
The tour will take Governor-elect Evers to Green Bay on Tuesday, Wausau on Wednesday, La Crosse next Tuesday, and Milwaukee next Wednesday. Specific locations and times are available by clicking here.
UW REGENTS APPROVE 3% PAY RAISE
The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents last week unanimously approved a pay plan that would provide UW System employees a three percent pay increase for each of the two fiscal years beginning July 1st, 2019.
"An investment in the University of Wisconsin System is an investment in Wisconsin, and making investments in the System means attracting, retaining and rewarding our high-quality faculty and staff," said Regent President Robert Behling.
According to their statement, the proposal calls for full state funding of the general wage increase. The statement also explained that typically the state provides about 70 percent of the pay increase, with the rest being funded by tuition dollars.
"Pay plan increases have trailed inflation and benchmark competitors in recent years," the statement says. "Faculty salaries, in particular, continue to lag behind their peers."
UW-Madison last week also proposed increasing tuition for nonresident undergraduate students, and some professional school students.
The plan would raise nonresident and international undergrad tuition rates by between $810 and $828 over the next two years, generating about $16 million. The increase would not apply to Minnesota students.
CONSUMER ALERT: PHONE SOLICITATION FOR HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS
The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) is alerting Wisconsin consumers of a potential scam involving an aggressive telemarketing campaign attempting to sell health insurance plans.
Since the start of open enrollment, November 1, 2018, complaints have been received by OCI from consumers receiving multiple phone calls, robocalls, and text messages from the National health Enrollment Center or Healthcare Enrollment Center. Claimants report being contacted multiple times a day, often from different phone numbers, despite requests to be placed on the companies' do-not-call lists.
"Wisconsin consumers who have received persistent phone calls or text messages from these or other callers attempting to sell them health insurance are encouraged to file a complaint," a statement from OCI says.
More information on how to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, information on how to prevent yourself from being a victim of fraud, can be found when you click here.
WISCONSIN POVERTY DOWN, INCOMES UP
According to the Census Bureau, the percentage of those living in poverty declined, while incomes in median household incomes were up in the State of Wisconsin.
The new numbers from the federal agency showed that the average median household income rose by $3,200 in 15 of Wisconsin's 72 counties, with Oneida County seeing the largest growth. That county's median income jumped from $47,145 in 2008-2012 to $53,000. Dane County had the smallest increase, ending at $67,631. Manitowoc County was the only county where numbers fell, declining about $2,300.
On the poverty scale, Milwaukee County had the highest rate, at 16%. St. Croix County had the lowest poverty rate with 2.6%.
But the statistics also showed another alarming number; the digital divide in Wisconsin.
Fewer than 60% of households own a smartphone in half of Wisconsin's counties, and in some counties, only about half own smartphones. According to the Census Bureau, 77% of households in Dane County own a smartphone.
Thirty percent of households in nine counties had broadband internet access, and only half of households with income below $20,000 per year had high speed internet connections.
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WEEKLY MEMBER POLL RESULTS
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One of the extraordinary session bills would move the state's nonpartisan primary to a different date than the presidential preferential election. Good idea or bad idea?
Don't we all yearn for the good old days when the winners of elections had a better message and vision than the losers instead of underhanded election tricks? The GOP has no shame.
First of all, Gov. Walker did not want the special elections to be held last year as well as, but the democrats have a problem with their short term memory. Former US Attorney General Eric Holder forced it on us with the help of a liberal judge. That whole election was a waste of money, and the assembly race was in my district. Now that the republicans want to separate a partisan election from a nonpartisan race, the democrats are running to the state capital acting like a bunch crazies once again. Frankly, I'm sick of the partisan politics in our state. There is more to life than politics, I believe God is in control and whether good or bad for my political leaning, he has a plan. The democrats come across as bullies when they do not get their way, the republicans at least are the adults in the chaos. Bottom line, a waste of taxpayers money last year and two wrongs don't make a right! .
There is no reason to take on the cost of extra elections. Voters are better informed than you think and can vote across party lines if they choose.
So, this is a new way to spend (waste) tax dollars
No! It's just cronyism at it's worst!
I'm a poll worker, and I will volunteer to work extra day.
I don't like the cost to the taxpayers,but it will keep the nonpartisan election from being more partisan,
We as tax payers need to stop this as it will come as a huge bill that the state tax payers will have to fund.
Nonpartisan primary should NOT be mixed in with presidential preferential election
I can understand the concern about the costs of having two different elections. But routinely, there has been low voter turnout for the primary elections in the past unless there is some pressing contest between the candidates for office. When this occurs it is an extremely long wait to vote and it would be nice to split the dates for voting.
The question I have is the cost, is it real or over blown
I thought Republicans were about saving taxpayer money
I see the good and the bad on this. On one hand yeah, one date for all these elections is smart, and might increase turnout. On the other hand, I can see where spending the money to have multiple elections will help get folks' attention and may draw larger turnouts.
Interesting how last year the argument was that they could not hold a special election because of cost and logistics but now it is recommended.
Will cost local governments, and we have levy limits.
More waste of taxpayers money
7 Million dollars is way to much for another election
Liberals will flock to the polls to pick an opponent to Trump.
One of the extraordinary session bills will codify into state law the current rule that guides work search requirements and waivers for seasonal and temporarily laid off workers. Good idea or bad idea?
Wisconsin needs to make it far easier for businesses to hire and retain seasonal employees.
I have seen this "new" idea go way too far, many seasonal employees want to go back to their current employer when it is possible to work, the employers pay into the fund, not the taxpayers, so gov't get the heck out of this, this plan was poorly thought out. Try going after those who are defauding the gov't with false disabilty claims first, not people who are already working and have a job!
If / When a temporary layoff assures all laid off a job ... Requiring those people to perform a 'work search' and related red tape is nonsensical.
I agree that able bodied people should work, but some people are truely disabled. Some people care for elderly relatives and sick children. It seems that our society has become quick to judge others without knowing the full story. Everyone that I know is working at least part-time. Everyone seems so angry about those using the system, but I really don't know anyone like that.
I have grandsons, who work with trees, some days they can work , some not, depends on the weather.
If it's not broken, dont fix it. Temporary layoffs are common and our current system accounts for these costs. The cost of replacing employees and complying with weekly reporting requirements will cost employers much more.
I'm in the middle for this reason, I don't have enough information to really make an educated guess. I believe that it is a no brainer to let temporarily unemployed workers who know the layoff is short to be waived from looking for work. After all the unemployment money comes 100% from employers and the state should not be dictating to unemployed worker what he or she should be doing if their layoff is temporary for a short period of time.
I feld along time ago that the system needs some up dates in today world
Why not raise the U I rate for seasonal employers the put in 1/3 of what their employees pull out. OOPS.
I don't want to lose our workers when this occurs. I dont' want more red tape/paperwork from the state. I also don't want to see those who work in these conditions punished financially for the weather. There has to be a smarter way.
UI is currently a joke for our construction employees! It's almost worse than Work Comp as far is making a claim. Our guys are very frusterated with the change in the distinction of "seasonal workers". We should be able to fund our employees UI privately. This system is BROKEN!
If it's only temporary, they should not have to look for work
I am an employer and pay in for 20 years, but when things get slow, I keep my employees on the payroll. I have too much of a conscience to lay folks off. We find *something* to keep busy.
Attorney General Brad Schimel wrote a nonbinding opinion, in which he states wedding barns should hold the same liquor licenses as bars and taverns. Agree or disagree?
Too many regulations on everything, especially the alcohol/tavern industry.
They should be required to have a special permit to serve the alcohol, and to supply licensed bar tenders to serve it, but not the same as bars and taverns. Liquor lobby in our state is way too far reaching and has too much power.
Go down that road... and ALL places where wedding receptions are held will be required to have an "alcohol license". ... *That senior civic center renting the hall out, *That Pavillion at the city park.
Develop a special wedding barn liquor fee.
lets have even more government
In many areas there are no further liquor licenses available, with a limitation placed as to how many by the precinct. THis would need to be changed to allow one day licenses. Are they going to license us at the Brewers Games if we tailgate with beer. Too involving. Ridiculus.
Another example of the interest groups and their lobbyists trying to pass laws that will benefit their interests with inane laws.
Leave the barn weddings alone, there are not that many of them.
They're not open for business to the public on a daily basis. I disagree with the Tavern League who says the barns are taking away business from the bars.
If the patrons bring in their own booze, no. If the wedding barn is going to sell it , yes
I disagree with Attorney General Schimel's opinion on this issue. The main reason is the farmers are trying to increase their revenue and they are not in direct competition with the bars and taverns. The farmer rents out their barn for an event usually on the weekend. If anything, the farmers should be required to have the barn inspected to make sure the barn is safe to handle the number of people attending the event. The farmers should also provide some liability insurance to protect themselves as much as possible.
Why not have a permit that states if liquor is served that a license bartenter must be required
Barns do not serve/sell liquor as a main source of business on a day to day basis
There should be a class for occasional use - these venues are used one of 2 days a week for about 21o per year. Let's use common sense.
I don't care if folks drink. Just don't drive after. I think more liquor licenses are both a blessing and an evil. I don't know what to think.
If liquor is served why not have a license.
Should have a licensed bartender.
Events are not the same as serving every day, maybe a seasonal permit process?
These barn events seem to be a fad.
Enough with the scraping for another way to tax.
Not having to be licensed gives them an unfair economic advantage over businesses that do.
Cigarette smoking is at a new low in Wisconsin. Do you smoke?
I know one guy who smokes e-cigs.
I do know some who still smoke, personally used e-cigarettes to help me quit 8 years ago. If it was not bad for my health and so costly, I'd still be smoking, enjoyed it BUT since it is not healthy, no desire to ever smoke again. Can't understand why our society fought and still fights so hard to get cigarette smokers to quit, but think its a great idea to legalize recreational use of marijuana. The argument to legalize it is the most asinine thing I've heard. Smoking pot is more harmful than cigarette smoking, c'mon people, those who support it, vote for it have taken too many hits on a joint already!
probably won't be long until we find out how bad e-cigs are too
Yeh for great statistics. Dying of Lung diseases is a horrible death. Please DON'T SMOKE.
yes an it seems to be women more than men
Yes unfortunately my children and grandchildren
Never did. Why would anyone want to smoke!
Not many people smoke, and I think the e-cigs are not risk-free
I know a few that smoke C's and others that e-C. Dirty habit regardless.
The Green Bay Packers fired head coach Mike McCarthy yesterday, after a loss to the Arizona Cardinals, which brought their record to 4-7-1. McCarthy is one of only three coaches to lead the Packers to a Superbowl win, and is the only coach to be relieved of his duties mid-season. Some critics are saying that the team should have waited until the season concluded before firing him, since there is virtually no shot at the playoffs. Do you agree with their decision to fire McCarthy?
Aaron Rogers' salary is so high, the Packers can't afford any other players. Yay for him, though getting all that money.
The Packers have wasted so much of Aaron Rogders talent. Several years ago when Aaron told us to relax there is still time, it shows the mentality in the Packers' locker room. So, do not bother going to game early in the season, because the Packers are only givinig us mediocre play, because it really doesn't count then! Why has Aaron Rodgers had to pull another win out of his bag of tricks for so long to get another win. The Packers have season upon seaon had few games where they played a solid four quarters of a football game...this starts with the head coach! The Patroits have had many rookies step up and look at an injury of a starter on their team as an opportunity to break into the league with a start by replacing the injured starter. When this happens on a Packers' team, it is the excuse for why we can't win a game! REALLY! McCarthy obviously had a difficult motivating his players to play for him. This season started out bad when they failed to sign Jordy Nelson and signed Jimmy Graham, who has been a complete bust for the Packers
Should firesome players as well.
Could have waited until the season was done.
If it was going to happen anyway, why wait? Can't fire the players so the coach is the fall guy.
They have gone stale offensively and all those injuries have been devastating. It also doesn't help the bad drafting the last 3 years under Thompson.
MOre consistant coverage of pocket by defense for A-Rod to get off a pass. I think he is not having as good year this year as well.
The Packers are lacking enough talent and depth due to "Ice Man Ted's" dubious drafts the last few years of his reign. Hiring a college coach is a big risk-Lou Holtz and Nick Saban washed out when they coached in the NFL. Perhaps it was time for a change,but I think Aaron Rodgers is getting a little too big for his britches if he thinks he is smarter than the coach. His performance has been uneven at best. The new coach will have to handle him. If a new coach fails.fire Murphy who hired him and restore the structure where the GM can be the GM.
Why in the middle of the season to fire him.
They need a fresh face and a new outlook. Many coaches get released mid-season to position the team for the coming season if not for the end of the current season.
He needed to be gone to start anew, but it's sad because he did so much good for the team over the years and was a GREAT person off the field.
Should have never let go of Jordy!
The Packers are missing out in being in the playoffs this year. There is only one direction to go from here and that is up; the Packers management staff should be looking for a coach like Bill Belichick from the Patiorts to get the team back on track. I really think the coaching this year was a problem. It showed from the start of the season the players just did not seem to have the same desire and intensity as they have had in recent years. The dealing away Clinton-Dix was a mistake; getting rid of Montgomery was a smart move as he was playing for one reason and that was stats that he could use to get a better contract from the Packers.
We have a very young team and alot of injuries. I am disapointed that the recievers drop alot balls
The Packers have consistently drafted poorly. They have receivers that they pay big bucks for Scantling, St Brown to name a few that can't remember what route to run or get hit in the numbers and drop the ball. They got rid of the full back and thePackers offense has sputtered since that time. Defense is a dumpster fire, Number 44 in the last game was a great spectator. Forget about the price tag find people with desire to succeed and brains. Speed is one thing brains is another.
I'm not an armchair quarterback. Sometimes a team doesn't heed their coach, and they lose. Look at Ty Montgomery. Just because he chose to not do his part according to his coach, he lost the game for Green Bay and got traded. That's NOT McCarthy's fault. But hey, someone must know something I don't to get rid of him...
Was not just McCarthy. Poor drafts & mgt.
He should have been relived of the play calling years ago! It's time for a change. Something has to happen. Go Pack Go!
Should have at least waited until the following morning. Not very classy.
Another bad decision, like getting rid of Rogers' favorite receiver. Management is fickle, sends a message to the players - are these the people you want to work for?
This may send a message to the players, start playing or you will next.
How many field goals have we missed this year? Poor kicker.
Coach was paid (very well) for making it that far. Cobb-Nelson-Adams was effective because they never stopped running at the end of their route. Rookies run route, stop and stand. That is COACHING. Stop performing at your job - do you just expect the paychecks to keep coming? Well, maybe you do. Good guy but lost his edge. He will land upright.
Prima Dona Rodgers will soon show that he's part of the problem not the solution. Dangerous times when s player controls coaching and management decisions. When the pack doesn't win next year what then? Demand another firing or trade?
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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 each week, but does not take responsibility for the individual views and opinions expressed herein.
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