NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL AND AROUND WISCONSIN
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SENATE LEADER CALLS FOR PROPERTY TAX CUTS
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Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald gave Wisconsin property owners a bit of an early holiday surprise last week when he announced that a priority for the Senate Republicans in 2020 will be property tax relief.
When asked for details, Fitzgerald said he was open to looking at the possibility of having the state begin paying for Wisconsin's Tech College System, something that generally draws its funding directly from local property taxpayers. A temporary shift was enacted as part of the 2013-2015 budget under former Governor Scott Walker, saving property owners millions of dollars.
The updated revenue situation for the state's funds will be released after the New Year. Fitzgerald said how much the potential plan would cost or how much money would be put towards property tax relief would depend largely on those projections.
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SPEAKER ROBIN VOS: NO MEDICAL MARIJUANA ANYTIME SOON
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In an interview with the Associated Press, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, one of the top Republicans in the state, said medical marijuana will not become a reality in Wisconsin anytime soon, though he has been an advocate in the past.
The Speaker was asked by the AP when he thought legalization would come to Wisconsin, and responded "I do not know." Advocates will be pleased to know that Speaker Vos acknowledged growing support in the Assembly GOP caucus, now nearing almost half of the Republican members.
Democrat Governor Tony Evers and his side of the aisle havepushed for some form of cannabis legalization in Wisconsin, even including the measure in his original budget proposal earlier this year. Some lawmakers have introduced legislation that would fully legalize the plant for both recreational and medical uses.
Last week, two GOP lawmakers from Northern Wisconsin introduced legislation that would have legalized medical use. That proposal was quickly shut down by Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald who said he does not believe this is the right time to introduce the substance into the state. Further, he added he does not believe a majority of his caucus would support the move.
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DEMOCRAT LAWMAKER URGED TO RESIGN FOLLOWING SEXUAL HARASSMENT INVESTIGATION
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Democrat Representative Stauch Gruszynski of Green Bay consumed too much alcohol one October evening in Madison,
he said, after which time he made in appropriate comments to a female Capitol staffer. That staffer then filed a claim with Legislative Human Resources, which then launched an investigation.
Last week, human resources concluded that the claims were "substantiated."
Now, Assembly Minority Leader Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) is calling for Gruszynski's resignation. A call that the Democrat Party of Wisconsin has echoed. In addition to calling for his resignation, Hintz said that Gruszynski will no longer be caucusing with the Assembly Democrats, and has been stripped of all of his committee assignments, a request that was honored by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos.
"As public officials and leaders of our caucus,w e are committed to preventing and stopping incidents of harassment whenever they may occur in the Legislature," Hintz said.
But in his statement, Gruszynski did not acknowledge the call for resignation, even perhaps implying he intends to remain a lawmaker into the new year; "My concern and focus at this time is my family, and how in the New Year I continue to move forward serving the constituents of the 90th district."
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DWD: WISCONSIN UNEMPLOYMENT RATE, LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION RATE REMAIN UNCHANGED IN NOVEMBER
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The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) last week released the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) preliminary employment estimates for the month of November. The data shows that Wisconsin's unemployment rate remained at 3.3 percent in November, while the labor force participation rate also remain unchanged at 67.1 percent. The data also showed that Wisconsin has added 9,900 private-sector jobs from November 2018 to November 2019.
Wisconsin's labor force participation rate in November was 67.1, 3.9 percent higher than the national rate of 63.2 percent. Wisconsin's unemployment rate in November was 3.3 percent, 0.2 percent lower than the national rate of 3.5 percent.
Wisconsin added 9,900 private sector and 6,500 total non-farm jobs from November 2018 to November 2019. From October 2019 to November 2019, Wisconsin's private-sector and total non-farm jobs declined by 1,200 and 2,900 respectively.
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GOV. EVERS: FOXCONN DEAL LIKELY TO CHANGE
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Governor Tony Evers said last week he believes Wisconsin and Chinese tech giant Foxconn will likely change the terms of their contract since the company will no longer be manufacturing the original displays they agreed to build in Wisconsin.
Foxconn officials acknowledged that the two parties were in discussions, but did not give specifics on the changes being negotiated.
Foxconn was originally going to receive up to $2.85 billion in subsides for their capital investments and creation of jobs. They were set to manufacture "generation 10.5 liquid crystal displays" at their brand new factory in Southeastern Wisconsin. Since then, they have changed both the size of their commitment and the product which they intend on making.
Republican leaders did not agree that changes in the the product being made amount a reason for changing the state's agreement.
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FINANCE COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR: STATE APPROVES RAISES FOR STATE EMPLOYEES
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State Representative John Nygren (R-Marinette), Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Finance release the following statement:
"Yesterday, Republicans on the Joint Finance Committee on Employment Relations approved a compensation plan that continues to show our commitment to state employees," said Rep. Nygren. "In particular, the plan invests in Wisconsin's corrections workers. This is a dangerous and demanding line of work which presents challenges in recruiting and retaining workers in a competitive economy. Yesterday, we increased correctional officers and sergeant pay to acknowledge the hard work these men and women do. These dollars should help address recruitment and retention issues, and reduce overtime."
The compensation plan also provides a 4.04% general wage adjustment for state employees. This is on top of a 4% increase last budget. It also provides $12 million more in funding for correctional officers and sergeants than what was proposed by the Governor and funds long-term service award program. It provides pay increases for state nurses and law enforcement dispatchers, and provides equity adjustments for DNA analysts at the Department of Justice.
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DEMOCRAT BILL WOULD CRIMINALIZE CALLING 911 WITHOUT EMERGENCY
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A Democrat member of the legislature, Rep. Lakeshia Myers last week introduced a bill that would criminalize calling 911 unless there's an emergency or criminal activity.
The lawmaker said that dispatchers' time often gets consumed by "frivolous calls" while dispatchers could be helping to assist in actual crimes.
The legislation comes after a local news report out of Milwaukee in which a customer at KFC called 911 because her sandwich was made incorrectly. A similar instance in San Francisco took place last year when a woman called the police on an 8-year-old girl selling bottled water without first obtaining a permit.
Myers is calling the bill the "BBQ Becky Bill" after a woman called 911 last year in Oakland, CA to report a family using a charcoal grill in a part rather than a gas grill.
The bill would charge an individual with a Class C misdemeanor if they cause a police officer to arrive on site at a location where no criminal activity has taken place, and there is no risk of danger or threat to personal property.
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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. It is the right of WPT to remove responses that what the organization deems to be vulgar, hateful, or inflammatory language.
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WEEKLY MEMBER POLL RESULTS
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Thinking about Senator Patty Schachtner's article "Preventing Rural Homelessness," do you see homelessness as a problem in your part of the state?
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In this economy, you have to try really hard not to have a job, EVERY low-wage employer is hiring. The problem is part affordable housing, part bad decision making, part mental illness, and part substance abuse.
Media always showing people homeles and yet all I see wanted jobs opening, It about these people think about gettinga job
The problem of the entire United States is inflation. It is very evident in areas raising the minimum wage. All goods and services become too expensive for average people to afford. I know it sounds backwards, but when you artificially increase a workers worth it has an adverse effect on product/service price. Let nature take it's course.
Our community does not have a homesless shelter. If we did we might be more aware of the number of affected persons
For starters, students need more schooling on money management and how to save a small amount each month for the future,not living from day, and spending money on vacations,four wheelers, snowmobiles etc. that they can't afford.
Tell people to get a job!
Lot of building of new housing, but way to expensive for lot of people. Provide places for the homeless to go too.
I'm sick and tired about all the "solutions" for homelessness. If someone chosses to live that way fine, let them. There are enough safety-nets available for people to get help, yet they don't use them. How about we make those programs work first before adding more.
Give them a leg up, but not a way of life.
We lack affordable housing and I don't have a good answer.
I don't see homelessness in my little town.
Oh, yes, Wisconsin has a huge lack of affordable housing... omg yes... I hear people routinely paying more RENT than I pay for my MORTGAGE!
If there truly is a lack of affordable housing, perhaps zoning laws in urban areas need to be changed to allow more tiny homes to exist. Perhaps homeless folks can watch YouTube and learn how to build their own tiny home from free stuff available on Craigslist and other outlets. This approach would provide education, recycling, and affordable housing with virtually no additional input from taxpayers.
The problem doesnt stem from affordability. In Madison, a large reason is the refusal of mental health support. It is heartbreaking to see self destruction.
Our Government and charity organizations are teaching poverty and enabling, part of programs need to be financial responsibility not obtaining the latest I phone, many poverty and homeless choose to make poor decisions and are not employable
Thousands of jobs available. I don't understand it. If you have the drive and desire you can take care of yourself
Good question with no anwers. There are jobs all over if a person wants to work
Harnessing United Way groups collective efforts along with creative habitat for humanity type home builds
I know that many people do struggle, pay check to pay check and many use food stamps in my area. Home rents have risen in the last few years.
people need to start taking care of themselves.By giving free food and a warm bed we are enabling these people to continue to live the way they do.We must stop all the free handouts!
Increase minimum wage rules.Under $3.00 for tipped people is ABSURD.
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Two GOP lawmakers have introduced legislation that would legalize marijuana for medicinal uses. Good idea or bad idea?
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Marijuana sales in Wisconsin is inevitable. Just legalize it and start collecting tax revenue already.
Hey! lets be an island of backwardness in the midwest! Holding out on legalization is foolish. I would really like to live in a progressive stste..
I am afraid that might lead to legalizing marijuana all togehter
I think medical marijuana is a great idea for helping people, but I don't want to see it lead to legal recreational use.
I know it helps people. The problem is not sharing it.
Do it, tax it, and voila, we have a new revenue stream for the state!
Another step toward legalizing dope!
Doctor has to order it for the patient.
I understand for cancer patients and such, but I do not support the overall legalization for recreational Marijuana.
Little documentation from the medical people state that using marijuana really helps anything.
I suppose one would need to study how it has affected Colorado for the good or the bad.
make realistic requirements for the medical need
I've met people who use marijuana regularly. Their heads are never right after it... no thank you...
In the middle. On one hand, I would love to allow local growers the opportunity to compete with big pharma. On the other hand, legislation like this comes with a set of new laws and regulations. No one needs that. Always the law of unintended consequences.
If it helps people get it done
Less illegal drug use for sure
I don't have a problem with it being used for medical purposes.
For those whom conventional pharmaceuticals do not work or are Break the Bank expensive.... or those in a terminal state neardeath... Why Not be able to use cannibis.
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Do you think local governments should be allowed to use property tax dollars to hire lobbyists in Madison and fund third-party groups?
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Yes, local governments should be able to hire lobbyiests -- it's silly to say no to this even if they are lobbying to "increase taxes." They are elected officials, if you don't like thier actions, then run/vote against them.
Absolutely not! This is not what tax dollars are for!
I am totally against this
This and a long list of other things should not be taxpayer funded
NO WAY!
I pay my taxes to be use for my state, county, township, schools not for some lobbyists, or third-party groups.. Spend our money on the things it should be covering.
Big time NO. Really we should bann lobbyists.
In Wisconsin, the upper 2/3 of the state are largely not taken as seriously in Madison as the lower 1/3 of the state. I can see a case where these governments would require help in Madison to be taken seriously.
Discrimination. I'm agin it!
No way
I had no idea they can do this
Crazy! Unless they open the state benefits plan to everyone
Then everyone should be able to get state employee benefits.
this is highway robbery!
There should also be a 10 year BAN on any legislator leaving office.
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A Wisconsin judge has ordered 234,000 voters be removed from the rolls in Wisconsin. After reading the article...
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of course!
The GOP looks bad here. Stop making rules to make it harder for people to vote.
I am one of those that moved and will be disenfranchised. Too many will find this out on election day.
Its about time some thing done with voter list
I'm just glad that the courts are out there combating illegal voting. It goes on everywhere.
Judges merely enforce (or order enforcement) laws made by other branches of government. Good ruling
Follow the law for a change!
They should be removed, sign up again.. what the problem.
If yu are too lazy to answer a letter, you should have to work to get your rights back.
The democrats and groups opposing this are just looking to protect their way of cheating. Follow the law!!
As I understand the situration, they can reregistar using their new address.
if you can't verify your identity or address you probably shouldn't be voting
Not voter suppression - more like voter oversight on the part of the voter to do their due diligence.
I can't help but to feel that I'm not being told the full story here. What is the benefit to removing the names (other than the efficiency of keeping records current), and why would some consider this to be voter suppression? What was driving the original lawsuit?
Clean the rolls and prompt the legit voter to act.
The real problem is accurate voter rolls and education on what is needed to vote and how to register to vote. The whole politics of it is dumb.
If they were asked in writing to respond about their location, they should have followed through. Anyone can re-register. Having a law suit is rediculous.
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What is your favorite Christmas gift you have ever given or received? It can be a childhood memory or more recent! Is there a gift you are particularly excited to give this Christmas?
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Happy, Healthy family celebrating together. No gifts needed but we buy them for the kids...
I remember giving a particular Lego set to my young son. When he opened it, he lost his mind. I caught it on video, it's great to watch.
about 20 years back, a brand new snowmobile! which I still have. Always most excited for my wife, enjoy teasing her with presents under the tree early!
As a kid, a Lionel Santa Fe electric train engine.
I baked chocolate chip cookies for my family. Made 8 batches. I enjoy getting gift cards for stores & eating out. Last year we got a new 50" TV.. Love watching it.
I believe my most favorite Christmas gift is that since I can remember, I have enjoyed this time with my family, remembering that the meaning of Christmas is the birth of Christ. Now that my parents have passed, I am trying to keep some of our traditions alive. It does get more difficult when ones children have families of their own.
A memory. Working in the barn on Christmas Eve with Christmas music playing in the background.
The give of Christ. A speical book to all family members.
The birth of Jesus Christ.
having our whole family get together for Christmas dinner & hang out all day playing games
Christ, coming to this earth in human form to eventually suffer death on a cross in order to pay the sin debt that I owed. Best gift ever. It will last an eternity!
My time
My first year out of college, my father purchased 4 new tires for my old car. It was much appreciated.
I’m excited to give one of my relatives a map print that I obtained from the Wisconsin Historical Society.
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LRB-4793
Memo
Motorboats Operation (August, Tyler) Operation of motorboats by minors. Deadline: Friday, December 20, 5 pm
LRB-1181
Memo
Guardian ad Litems (Jacque, Andre) The appointment of a guardian ad litem in a proceeding to grant reasonable visitation rights to a nonparent. Deadline: Monday, December 23, Noon
LRB-4022
Memo
Achievement Gap Reduction (Myers, Lakeshia) The requirements for an achievement gap reduction contract. Deadline: Friday, January 3, 5 pm
LRB-1450
Memo
Adult Establishment Registry (Jacque, Andre) Registration requirements for adult-entertainment establishments and making an appropriation. Deadline: Monday, January 6, 5 pm
LRB-3452
Memo
Trampoline Parks (Larson, Chris) Regulating trampoline parks, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. Deadline: Tuesday, January 7
LRB-3453
Memo
Changing Stations (Vining, Robyn) Requiring universal changing stations in certain buildings and creating a tax credit for installation of the stations. Deadline: Tuesday, January 7, 4 pm
LRB-4981
Memo
Child Abuse Hotline (Jacque, Andre) Posting the child abuse and neglect reporting hotline in school buildings. Deadline: Monday, January 6, 5 pm
LRB-5001
Memo
Child Placement (Jacque, Andre) Prohibiting the out-of-home placement of a child with a person with a record of child abuse. Deadline: Monday, January 6, 5 pm
LRB-5073
Memo
Court Documents (Brooks, Rob) Attorney assistance in the preparation of certain court documents. Deadline: Thursday, January 2, 5 pm
LRB-4882
Memo
Open Enrollment (Loudenbeck, Amy) Applications for full-time open enrollment. Deadline: Tuesday, January 7, 4 pm
LRB-5012
Memo
Milk Producer Affidavits (Jacque, Andre) Using milk producer affidavits to substantiate claims that a diary product is free of synthetic bovine growth hormone. Deadline: Monday, January 6, 5 pm
LRB-5013
Memo
Milk Weighing Reciprocity (Jacque, Andre) Reciprocity for bulk milk weighing and sampling licenses. Deadline: Monday, January 6, 5 pm
LRB-5109
Memo
Edgewood Golf (Stubbs, Shelia) Congratulating the Edgewood High School Crusaders girls golf team on winning the team title at the state golf tournament. Deadline: Monday, December 30
LRB-0570
Memo
Traffic Violation Penalties (Shankland, Katrina) Traffic violations when emergency or roadside response vehicles are preset and providing a penalty. Deadline: Monday, December 30
LRB-3908
Memo
Immunization Mail (Sortwell, Shae) Immunization-related mail. Deadline: Monday, December 30, 5 pm
LRB-4559
Memo
Referral of Legislation (Bowen, David) Referral of legislation to the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties. Deadline: Tuesday, January 7, Noon
LRB-2350
Memo
Restraints on Juveniles (Bowen, David) The use of restraints on a child in juvenile or criminal court. Deadline: Tuesday, January 7, Noon
LRB-5084
Memo
Tipping Fees (Quinn, Romaine) Exempting certain waste-to-energy facilities from tipping fees. Deadline: Thursday, December 26
LRB-2625
Memo
Concealed Weapons (Sortwell, Shae) Minimum age to be eligible for a license to carry a concealed weapon. Deadline: Monday, December 30, 5 pm
LRB-3810
Memo
Summoning Police Officer (Myers, Lakeshia) Unlawfully summoning a police officer, creating a civil cause of action, and providing a penalty. Deadline: Friday, January 3, 5 pm
LRB-2132
Memo
Diaper Tax Exemption (Krug, Scott) Sales and use tax exemption for diapers, undergarments for incontinence, tampons, and sanitary napkins. Deadline: Friday, January 3, 5 pm
LRB-0969
Memo
Hmong Instruction (Shankland, Katrina) Directing school boards to provide instruction on Hmong Americans. Deadline: Monday, January 6, 4 pm
LRB-3891
Memo
Sexual Assault (Jacque, Andre) Statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault. Deadline: Monday, January 6
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