Weekly Insider, July 6, 2020

JULY 6, 2020

OPINION: LOCAL GOVERNMENTS JUST NEED YOU TO NEED THEM

JOHN JACOBSON

WPT GOVERNMENT & MEMBER RELATIONS DIRECTOR

WPT has been keeping its eyes on the Wisconsin state government for a long time- 35 years to be exact- and to the extent that we are able, we keep an eye on local governments too. We call out the ridiculous when we see it, and why wouldn't we? That's probably my favorite service we provide to members.

Looking back on the five years I have been working for this organization, one of my favorites was when the Wausau city government made a clerical error that resulted in property taxpayers being charged more than they owed. When the bonehead mayor of that town refused to even apologize to the citizens for his mistake, I gave him a call myself to ask for an explanation. I couldn't get through. No surprise there. So I sent an opinion piece to the Wausau Daily Herald (which is no longer a local newspaper and should not be regarded as such), and to the local TV stations. The result was the mayor, whatever his name was, was forced to offer an explanation to the public. Imagine that: a public official explaining themselves to the public. A win for taxpayers. Unfortunately, his conceit prevented him from actually apologizing or doing anything to mitigate the situation.

Those were fun, simple times. In the year 2020, however, things are a bit more complicated, and much more nefarious. And while WPT will continue doing its part on the state level, it's incumbent upon you to be keeping an eye on what's happening locally. And absolutely, please and thank you, let us know if you think they're reaching too far, and we can make some noise. We like making noise for our members.

But from where I stand, some local government officials aren't just your friendly neighbors who launched a campaign and placed some yard signs up around town to become a county board supervisor or council member. Make no mistake, some "serving" your community are still enraged that the Wisconsin Supreme Court refused to uphold Governor Evers' overreach, and they still deeply resent you and your business for being allowed to reopen. The sad reality is that while you are trying to do what is safest and best for your family and employees, they don't want you to be allowed to do that because somebody with a degree in ~~social studies~~ public health says people should remain scared. While you are trying to be happy and pick up the pieces from earlier this year, they are like the psychotic ex who won't leave you alone, and starts showing up at your front door making threats and telling you you're unsafe. You can't have a good time and celebrate a national holiday because they might show up and start following you around and shaming you in public.

Look at Mayor Cory Mason of Racine. He just wants small businesses to want him. He needs them to need him. He recently issued his own stay at home order that kneecapped small businesses. Much like somebody with a crazy ex filing for a restraining order, a small business owner sued the city. The judge agreed, and struck down Mayor Mason's order. Mayor Mason wouldn't take no for an answer. He and the city council knowingly went around a court order, and passed an ordinance that gave their public health office the same powers that were in the order.

The judge had to issue a statement and warn the mayor that he and the council would be held in contempt if they ignored the restraining order and kept trying to impose themselves on unwilling participants. Mayor Mason later issued a statement calling the judge a right wing activist, and said that he just loved small businesses and wanted to protect them. I've probably exhausted the crazy ex analogy for now, but you see where I'm going with this?

It's not just Racine, either. Public health ordinances have been passed or proposed all over the place. In Dodge, Door, Jefferson, Oconto, Price, Marathon, Walworth, and Winnebago counties.

Each of those places would like unelected bureaucrats to "take all measures necessary to prevent, suppress and control communicable diseases." That's an actual quote from the proposals.

Here's another startling piece of boilerplate: "County Health Office may, with a special inspection warrant...enter any private property, building, place of employment, vessel or conveyance not open to the public to inspect the same, to issue orders, and/or to remove therefrom any person affected by a communicable disease if necessary to promote the safety and welfare of the public."

All measures necessary? May enter any private property? May remove any person affected?

That sounds scarier to me than COVID-19.

So why isn't the local media sharing this information? If you're just hearing about this now, you have to stop and really ask yourself why. Do you agree with these types of authoritarian policies? Does society not understand that more COVID tests means more confirmed cases? Isn't a "second wave" a pretty bold thing to be labeling the latest statistics? To me, the explanation is simple: if you as an individual are capable and smart enough to take care of yourself and those for whom you are responsible, then you threaten their very existence. You dismantle their narrative. You threaten their ability to preach virtue as fact. And you threaten that fancy property tax-funded pension and health care.

They need you to need them. But do you actually?

Agree? Disagree? E-mail me at jjacobson@wptonline.org to share your thoughts. And before you go bugging my boss after hours about how you don't like reading things you disagree with, please know in advance that he approved this article, citing his support for free of speech. If you want to write an op-ed opposing my views, submit it.

NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL AND AROUND WISCONSIN

WEDC TO FOCUS ON EXPANDING BROADBAND, TRAINING FOR UNEMPLOYED, SUPPORTING START-UPS

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation last week issued a report outlining its priorities in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and response in Wisconsin. WEDC CEO and Secretary Melissa Hughes, said her agency will shift gears and begin charting a new course for the future, learning from the lessons learned over the past four months.

In a detailed report on how to move forward, the agency will begin focusing on the further expansion of broadband internet access in rural communities, job training programs for the unemployed, and begin supporting new small businesses and start-ups in rural Wisconsin.

The report also said that the agency will focus on racial disparities in Wisconsin's workforce "and create equitable inclusion for all communities."

You can read the full report here.

BIPARTISAN LAWMAKERS TO INTRODUCE INCREASED PENALTIES FOR DAMAGING STATUES, MONUMENTS

In response to destructive rioting that resulted in two iconic statues being toppled in Madison and a Democratic State Senator being beaten by a group outside of the statehouse, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in Madison are calling for changes to Wisconsin law.

While still in the drafting stage, the bill would make it a felony to damage any structure, statue, painting, monument, or plaque of commemorative or historical significance that is housed on public property or maintained by the government.

The current law requires the property to be listed on the state register of historical places.

The new law would carry a penalty of up to three and a half years in prison and or a $10,000 fine.

WISCONSIN EXPORTS DOWN NEARLY $1B

According to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Wisconsin exports declined by 25% in May, bringing the YTD total to -10%. The decline total for the month was $469 million, with the YTD total down about $900 million.

The state has also seen a decline in imports compared to 2019. International shipments into Wisconsin declined 13% or $309 million in May. That is 10th highest in the nation, however, indicating to some experts that the economic impacts are not as worse as most other states.

According to the Milwaukee BizTimes: Imports from a number of other Asian countries are up compared to 2019, suggesting that products that had been sourced in China may now be sourced from other countries after increasing trade tensions last year. Countries seeing an increase include Vietnam, 7.8%, Japan, 17.2%, Taiwan, 35.1%, South Korea, 12.3%, Malaysia, 55.6%, Thailand, 58.4%, and Cambodia, 25.4%.

GOV. EVERS: ANNOUNCES $1.5 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR WISCONSIN COASTAL COMMUNITIES

Gov. Tony Evers last week announced $1.5 million in grants to local, state and tribal governments, regional planning commissions, universities and nonprofit organizations through the Department of Administration’s (DOA) Wisconsin Coastal Management Program . In its forty-second year, the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program aims to protect and improve the Great Lakes resources across Wisconsin’s coastal communities. The thirty-nine grants awarded this year will be used by grantees to assist with projects totaling over $3.4 million.

“Wisconsin’s Great Lakes are some of our most important economic, cultural and natural resources,” said Gov. Evers. “From safe drinking water to tourism and recreation to commerce and transportation, we know that protecting the health of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior is a key to our state’s ability to thrive and support future generations.”

DOA’s Wisconsin Coastal Management Program assists intergovernmental collaborations, as well as public and private partnerships, to advance statewide and regional Great Lakes priorities. Initiatives funded as part of this year’s grants include enhancing public access to the Great Lakes, sustainable use practices, community development, habitat restoration, and pollution control. A complete list of this year’s grant recipients and project descriptions is available here .

DHS: CIGARETTE SMOKING RATES ARE LOWER SINCE PASSAGE OF WISCONSIN'S SMOKE-FREE INDOOR AIR LAW

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, cigarette smoking rates have dropped since Wisconsin’s Smoke-Free Indoor Air Law went into effect 10 years ago. In 2008, before the law passed, 20% of Wisconsin adults smoked cigarettes. By 2018, the rate had dropped to 16%. High school youth cigarette smoking rates dropped from nearly 21% in 2008 to nearly 5% in 2018. State cigarette taxes were also increased during this time period and contribute to this reduction.

Sunday, July 5, is the 10th anniversary of Wisconsin's smoke-free law. The law prohibits smoking in enclosed public spaces. Many communities have local ordinances that also prohibit the use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices in restaurants and bars. Nearly 5% of Wisconsin adults currently use e-cigarettes, and nearly 22% of Wisconsin adults have used them.

Despite the law’s exemption for casinos, several Wisconsin tribes have moved toward a smoke-free environment in their casinos, and more are now doing so in light of COVID-19. Wisconsin residents are strongly encouraged to continue observing physical distancing practices and to wear masks to prevent transmission of COVID-19 if they visit local restaurants, bars, or casinos.

People who need support to quit smoking can call toll free at 1-800-Quit-Now.

WEEK 27: DWD UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS

Here are the latest unemployment claims numbers for Week 26:

Sunday, 3,959 (2020) vs. 699 (2019)

Monday, 7,993 (2020) vs. 1,512 (2019)

Tuesday 4,687 (2020) vs. 980 (2019)

Wednesday 4,403 (2020) vs. 759 (2019)

Thursday 3,602 (2020) vs. 220 (2019)

Friday 2,659 (2020) vs. 759 (2019)

Saturday 716 (2020) vs. 230 (2019)

Up-to-date information can be viewed by clicking here.

WEEKLY MEMBER POLL

Click here to take this week's poll

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.

WEEKLY MEMBER POLL RESULTS

Do you agree or disagree with the idea of the state reducing its shared revenue aid payments to Dane County and Madison to recoup the repair costs for damages to the Capitol?

I'm not sure of the basis for this idea. Isn't it the capitol of the whole state?

Make them pay!!

Were all protesters from Dane county?

absolutely ridiculous that this was allowed to happen in the first place - they should absolutely pay

While I agree it wasn't the county's/city's fault, they should have had more enforcement in the area. Protests are fine, the violence and destruction is NOT.

If you want local control, then be responsible for the actions which occur in your city. Although the Governor did them no favors by not calling in the National Guard.

Someone's got to get on board an take responsibility for their actions.

City & county responsible for protecting Capitol.

They failed their constituents!!!!!!!!!!

Totally agree. The liberal utopians made their bed, let them sleep in it.

someone has to pay for the repairs.

Those doing the damage should be held acountable, they should be required to pay for the damage they caused.

Madison Mayor and Evers didn't want to get in the way of the rioters. This is on them, maybe taken out of their personal pay.

Do you agree or disagree with Racine Mayor Cory Mason's rationale about denying COVID relief to a small business because the owner traveled to Madison to protest the 'Safer at Home' order?

It looks vindictive and targeted.

ridiculous!!

Free speech, nothing more to say

What a crock! He's no better than that Lt. Governor who commented on Tim Carpenter getting attacked, "its to bad because he's on the right side"

Someone should not be denied aid based on them acting on their right to protest.

freedom of speech is still one of our rights. think it's a good idea to help bankrupt a company who has employees? Pays taxes and does everything else right? just trying to keep business viable, been home long enough

Discrimination is WRONG.

The person had the right to protest. This is about keeping a business in business.

but if he truly would apply the rule to all, then I would support his right to impose this rule.

No thinking was done on this one!

She should have stay home.

The mayor is playing politics. This is not his personal money he is giving out.

I think there is something illegal with what he did, but he's a dem so we all need to look the other way, as usual

Being penalized for not agreeing with the government, not to mention for practicing your constiutionally-protecting RIGHTS, sure sounds like the way some third world authoritarian country being ruled by a warlord would behave.

What do you think of taxpayers providing health care workers with hazard pay, paid medical leave, and free testing and treatment?

we all have our jobs to do and sometimes they get dangerous

Support the people doing a public service for the good of the entire community

It's their job. Hazard pay I know most hospitals are doing, I agree with free testing and treatment too. I gusee if they have been exposed and need to be off paid leave is good.

They are doing the job they are signed up to do and are expected to do. Why not give garbage men hazard pay as well? Aren't they at greater risk?

I support free testing and paid medical leave if needed. Their insurance first should pick up medical bills and anything over and above their private coverage could come from a special fund.

The medical field is rife with corruption and waste, like government. Let THEM figure it out. Maybe if they quit building hugely overly and needlessly expensive stuff, it would help. Oh and let's not talk about the millions of waste on things like, you know, floors.... wall coverings... decor.... it's insanity incarnate.

They deserve it.

We'll pay for it any way, but the charges will have more accountability if run through the facility. Negotiate contracts privately.

Do something but don't go overboard.

Big chance for abuse.

I need hazard pay also. Crap

I don't understand hazard pay; isn't that just part of the job? Heck, I hear that my job, farming, is one of the most dangerous out there. Where is my hazard pay?

They put in long hours and need to be tested & extra pay.

Their employers should be paying these expenses.

Over reaction, you can't single a certainn part of the workforce out like this all the time.

Just like risks with any other profession, this is a risk health care workers take. Sure, the risk is heightened, but then again, the risk is heightened everytime a truck driver drives in the snow or really any inclement weather. Hospitals have already gotten help from the state, they should pay for their employees additional benefits. They do not need a handout.

A GOP-controlled committee struck down Gov. Evers' ban on landlords charging late fees to their tenants. Good move or bad move?

Governor Evers has no business getting involved in private businesses

I went so far as to dismiss two months rent so that the business renting my building would be able to survive. Beating a horse when it is down does not make it get up.

The landlords are in a tough position. The burden shouldn't be put on them. The government needs to come up with a plan, since they're the ones that shut everything down for months.

You can't squeeze blood from a turnip. If they don't have the money, how does charging them more help.

landlords need protection too - tenants have had enough of a grace period

I think that covid is going to cause issues for some time yet. And the more we mess with people, the worse it will get. These landlords need to figure out ways to keep people in their homes and paying their rent, without making it even harder. In 2 or 3 months they can start considering small late fees...

Is there a cap on the late fees? Can they charge what they want?

There's no one who wants a job, unable to find a job. Learn how to budget.

Shared responsibility should prevail.

Evers doesn't have that authority.

Stimulus money to everyone. No reason to be late on any payments for at least 1 more month

Normally, I would have agreed with the committee but because of COVID-19 I believe we need to provide any assistance we can to those who have been unable to work as normal or not at all, therefore pay all their bills.

Should be landlords option. They have mortgages and other expenses as well. Some tenants take advantage of the situation when they can pay their rent on time.

I'm so over COVID, its no more than the flu, we've been had, kind of reminds me of the movie "The Truman Show" especially how all the media is spinning everything from BLM to Covid. They will stop at nothing to keep Trump from draining the swamp (including many republicans)

Excellent move.

Do you have a favorite monument, statue, or landmark that you have visited? Where is it located? Does it pay respect to an event, a person, an idea? Why is it special to you?

Any monument or statue I’d special. It represents our history and it can’t be changed but we can learn from it. Very disappointed in governor Evers for doing nothing while our statues were destroyed.

The Lincoln Memorial. While not a perfect man, Pres. Lincoln did his best in a very difficult time. His example is encouraging.

I don't find monuments important. We can go to museums to learn about our history. I feel monuments are costly and they elevate one person over another.

Mount Rushmore. It's size and what it represents. The people on it were leaders not anything like the politicians we have now.

My state is special. For an untold number of reasons. My country is special for even more reasons. If you don't like it, get the hell out.

I really like the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. In addition last year, I was fortunate enough to visit Gettysburg for the first time. When leaving the grounds, I saw a monument that had a last name of a civil war veteran who was an ancestor of my husband. I think we should be careful with putting monuments in high regard after all the Bible warns us of graven images.

don't tear any down , no what the reason

I live in Waupun, WI, which is known as the City of Sculptures. We have 8 beautiful sculptures here. Most were made and donated to the city by Clarence Shaler.

They're all special, let's just eliminate our history and do it all over again. Maybe then you'll realize why the statue was put up in the first place. Everyone's perspective of history won't necessarily be the same.

Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota which pays respect to four of our great Presidents.

I can't get away often, so I've not had the opportunity to see many monuments and statues firsthand. Back in my youth, however, I did get to visit Mt. Rushmore and see the four Presidents larger-than-life. Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt. The whole experience and history of the monument and the men featured made a lasting impression on me. I fear it won't be long before the Park Service caves to political correctness and, with the help of some dynamite, reduces the monument to non-offensive rubble.

No however ripping down statues is a crime. If you want change let’s educate folks about how to access their government as they apparently do not know how at any level! Bring back civics!

I believe all of our country's monuments should be respected by all despite what they symbolize. Monument or no monument, all events that happened in this country will always be in our history. Did we as a country growing up do all things correctly or fairly, for sure not. But our country is growing from its history and it saddens me to see anyone destroy anything that reminds of that.

I like all of them. wish I could go see them in person.

The Wisconsin State Capitol building is a state treasure.

I have always been partial to the Jefferson in Washington, D.C. There's something about standing there at night and reading the inscriptions that would make anybody proud to be an American. Happy Fourth!