Weekly Insider, August 17, 2020

AUGUST 17, 2020

NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL AND AROUND WISCONSIN

DOR: EQUALIZED VALUES REPORT SHOWS HEALTHY INCREASE IN PROPERTY VALUES

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) released its annual Equalized Values Report. The report shows Wisconsin's total statewide equalized property values as of January 1, 2020, was $613 billion, a 6 percent increase over the prior year; growth occurred in all property classifications. Equalized values are based on data from January 1, 2019 to January 1, 2020.

Report highlights:

Change in Equalized Value = $32.2 billion, a 6 percent increase from 2019
$22.9 billion due to market value increases (4 percent)
$9.6 billion due to new construction (2 percent)
Racine and St. Croix Counties saw the largest increases at 9 percent

Equalized Values are calculated annually and used to ensure statewide fairness and equity in property tax distribution. The Equalized Value represents an estimate of a taxation district's total taxable value and provides for the fairy apportionment of school district and county levies to each municipality. Changes in Equalized Value do not necessarily translate into a change in property taxes.

UW SYSTEM ANNOUNCES LAYOFFS, CUTS TO ADMINISTRATION

UW System President Tommy Thompson last week that an unspecified number of the nearly 600 administrative employees in the system will be laid off

Thompson said these measures over the next two years are intended to save $10 million. Of that amount, half will be for a new scholarship program for "underrepresented students," and the other half will offset financial losses incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also according to Thompson, layoffs and leaving positions vacant will save the UW System about $6 million through June 2022, and "represents a 10% cut to state-supported salaries." Also announced was a limit on out-of-state travel through June 30, reduction in supplies, and eliminating various "sponsorships and subscriptions."

GOV. EVERS: BUILDING COMMISSION APPROVES $65 MILLION FOR KEY PROJECTS

Governor Evers announced last week that the State of Wisconsin Building Commission approved a total of approximately $65 million in key projects across the state.

"From public safety improvements and building renovations to celebrating Wisconsin's brewing heritage and Old World Wisconsin, I am glad the Building Commission approved these critical projects today in order to invest in needed repairs and upgrades across state properties," Evers said.

Some of the approvals include:

Construction of three Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fire Response Ranger Station replacement projects to aid in public safety at Cornell, Gresham, and Black River Falls;
Grant release for the State's contribution to the new addition of the La Crosse center;
Construction of the Old Brewery and Biergarten as the Brewing Experience building at Old World Wisconsin;
Construction of the Exterior envelope repairs at Mary Ann Cofrin Hall/Wood Hall at UW-Green Bay as part of the Minor Facilities Renewal Program;
Release of Building Trust Funds-Planning for preliminary design of the UW-Whitewater Winther Hall addition and renovation project, and design of the UW-Oshkosh Clow Hall renovation phase II project; and
Construction of 15 maintenance and repair projects located at various locations in 11 counties across the state for the Departments of Administration, Corrections, Health Services, Natural Resources, State Fair Park, and the UW-System.

CHIPPEWA VALLEY SENATOR KATHY BERNIER GETS PRESCRIPTION FOR HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE

According to The Chippewa Herald, State Senator Kathy Bernier (R-Lake Hallie) recently obtained a prescription from her doctor for the widely-used drug hydroxychloroquine.

The longtime Chippewa Valley lawmaker did not test positive for COVID-19, but rather said she got the script to make sure it was still available in light of some states around the nation are banning the drug from being prescribed by doctors.

The Chippewa Herald quoted Bernier as saying "Yes, your doctor can prescribe hydroxychloroquine. It is available. I wanted to find out if I could get it; it's as simple as that."

WEDC: GOVERNOR'S BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION ON RURAL PROSPERITY TO MEET AUG. 14

The Governor's Blue Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity will hold its first virtual meeting on Friday, Aug. 14 from 1 to 3 p.m. to begin finding solutions to the challenges facing rural communities in Wisconsin.

Governor Tony Evers, who created the commission in his State of the State speech in January, will welcome commission members to the online gathering, which will be open to the public.

The commission's goals for this first session are to:

Provide the context and purpose for the creation of the Commission;
Introduce the commissioners to each other and to the public;
Outline the charge for the commission, the roles and responsibilities of the commissioners, upcoming opportunities for public discussion and input with the commission, an the commission's timeline for recommendations; and
Share perspectives and generate ideas about how the most critical issues in rural Wisconsin, commission priorities, and how best to reach key rural constituencies through the commission's work.

More information is available at wedc.org/rural-prosperity.

DOT: DRIVERS OVER THE AGE OF 60 HAVE UNTIL NOV. 23 TO RENEW LICENSE

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) granted drivers over the age of 60 an additional 60-day extension to renew their driver license. Drivers over age 60 whose license expired after March 12, 2020 now have until November 23, 2020 to visit a DMV to renew their license.

“Further extending the deadline for this at-risk population gives them more opportunity to plan their visit to a DMV Customer Service Center,” DMV Administrator Kristina Boardman said. “We do not want people in this higher-risk demographic to feel that they need to renew their license when they may not be comfortable going to a DMV office.”

Boardman explained that drivers can renew up to a year before the expiration date on their card. This means drivers with winter expiration dates can visit a DMV before the weather turns cold. An expired driver license is still valid for voting providing it expired after the last General Election (November 6, 2018).

To further support customers, DMV Customer Service Centers have implemented safety protocols. All DMV employees wear face coverings. Customers are encouraged to follow floor decals for social distancing and to stay behind plastic panels at service windows. In addition, services inside DMVs are limited to driver licensing or ID-related needs to promote social distancing. All vehicle related services can be done online, by mail or through a third party.

WEEKLY INITIAL UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS

Weekly Unemployment Insurance Claims:

Sunday, 1,978 (2020) vs. 387 (2019)

Monday, 4,096 (2020) vs. 809 (2019)

Tuesday 2,568 (2020) vs. 519 (2019)

Wednesday 2,307 (2020) vs. 471 (2019)

Thursday 2,010 (2020) vs. 486 (2019)

Friday 1,992 (2020) vs. 483 (2019)

Saturday 533 (2020) vs. 107 (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 to publish all comments that are submitted by members each week, which often include broad differences of opinion. WPT does not take responsibility for the individual views and opinions expressed herein. It is the right of WPT to remove responses that that the organization deems inappropriate.

WEEKLY MEMBER POLL RESULTS

What do you think of President Trump's Executive Orders?

It is interesting that when President Obama issued executive orders because Congress refused to cooperate and act that candidate Trump criticized him no end. Now when President Trump felt he must act to protect the unemployed because Congress can't cooperate, now its a good idea. I'm tired of all the hypocrisy.

Congress can't get it done.

It seems like most people are back to work, the housing market is booming, etc. I'm not sure that expanded unemployment benefits are necessary. Nobody should be earning more by NOT working than they were earning while employed.

I wish they could just get along.

His incompetency will end Nov. 3rd.

don't support extra unemplyment - disinsentivising people from working

I supported his 1st offer, but like normal the Dems cried and scratched until the Pres bumped up the money amount. Good luck hiring for a long time as people can make more by collecting from the government.

At least someone did something. Congress did nothing.

The orders should have been done before Pelosi and Schummer went on their vacation. Good that President Trump went ahead with the orders.

I support except the $400 should be no higher that $500 per week. Why should people make more than they were working? No wonder were having a hard time finding employees-they are making more by staying home!

This whole thing about giving extra unemployment benefits is B.S. nobody wants to go back to work. We need workers in most areas. The construction industry is rocking right now and anyone around that industry. Lumber is close to all time highs. Mainly because there are no workers to produce the products.There are many ohers that need workers too.

they deserve as much respect as most of you provide Governor Evers.

It's up to congress to pass these laws

Our legislature branch in Washington is a joke especially the Democrates

Democrats are not trying to help Americans they are trying to grab power and remove liberty!.

I believe that helping those who truly need the extra unemployment is a good thing. However, I feel that there are a lot of people who are taking advantage of the extra "free" money to not return to work. I personally know of a few people who are making as much if not more on unemployment so their thoughts are "why should I return to work".

Middle Congress and Senate are useless children and all need to resign and start over, at least President Trump is trying to do something

I'm glad he made the order to wake up the democrats!

A pen and a phone

Trump's orders should give the Congress a kick in the butt.

Something has gotten done. No bailouts for the cities and states that had budget problems before this pandemic

I think his reasoning is common sense. I'm tired of Shumer and Pelosi

If the Legislature does not act timely...The President has to.

Brilliant political move and it provides the correct help needed for economic stimulus

Too many "executive orders"on both the state and national levels. Though I may sympathize with what he is trying to do,this is not what the Founding Fathers ordained. Get the house and senate,especially Pelosi,of their butts and tell them to stop playing political games!

Just when I want to take Social Security Trump wants kill it off by defunding. As republican Sen Ben Sasse says the rest of the orders are "unconstitutional slop"!

Clinton. Obama, Trump-too many executive (dictator) orders, useless to call rep. or senatorss

Congress cannot get anything sensible accomplished so at least the President is willing to do what he can.

Congress cannot seem to get anything done,and we have a President that knows how to make things happen! It's about time!

Will they hold up? Lawyers shot down Evers' executive order. Maybe these too?

Small business optimism is increasing, according to a new CNBC/SurveyMonkey poll. Where would you rate your confidence for an economic rebound?

Everything depends on how long the Corona virus affects the economy. Small business people are eternal optimists, otherwise they wouldn't be in business.

Too many liberal demonrats in power. They could kill the economy in a heartbeat like Evers is trying to. Everything about and what comes out of Madtown is broken ,stupid, or incompetent!

I am confident, but concerned about small, locally-owned businesses - particularly retail and restaurants.

I'll be a whole lot more confident after the election if we are not under a communist regime.

Been a tough go since Covid, down 35%

People need to make a living.

I am confident if President Trump stays in office. Otherwise we are all in trouble

If trump keeps getting support in the foolishness of the last month, 2009 will look like a little bump in the road.

Until we get control of this virus my restaurant business is not going to increase.

America is resilient. It might take longer than we want, but we will rebound

Its going to be slow going and the farming community is in worse shape

If Biden wins we're doomed.

I think it could go either way, all depends on the virus.

I cannot believe how much business is going on. Since Friday the 31st of July it has been just crazy busy at our store. I don't know if it will continue or not, but it's nice while it's occurring. I hope it does continue: It would be nice to see the volume and income that the prior owner of the business told me I'd see, and for the first time in a decade...

I have seen more people shopping at their local small businesses rather than the big box stores. I feel that a lot of it has to do with the fact that they have a choice as to whether or not they want to wear a mask. Plus as time goes on people are seeing that it is the small businesses that have supported the community and now it's time to return the favor.

Inflation is looming

We have to open the country better.

I'm afraid too many small businesses are not going to make it.

People are getting sick of sitting at home

The overreaching Governor gives me very little confidence that he will not use politically motivated actions to close the state down again.

but that could change come November

Somewhat confident if Pelosi and Schumer quit obstructing and we don't elect Biden who will raise everyones taxes and bring back Obama regulations.

I'm in the middle right now. Obviously, if we could get back to a normal society and normal economy, we will see a rebound. All of the money that is not being spent on eating out and entertainment is just sitting there burning a hole in consumer's pockets. The economy will rebound if allowed. However, as long as we continue to have stupid/evil people directing our lives with illegal mandates, and as long as we have a willing citizenry willingly going along with every directive, the economy will continue to suffer. Possibly past the point of no return.

too many small businesses have years to make up or lost their business

If the government gets out of the way, business will flourish.

A slog, not a rebound or bounceback.

The Big Ten will cancel their football season. Good idea or bad idea?

Bunch of woosy overpaid, over schooled, professional educators making decisions way over their ability to reason.

I don't watch college football. They're more worried about the money: players getting drafted and the college making money.

There are still too many unknowns; this seems like the right thing to do. If MLB can't prevent the spread (and they're professionals), how can we expect college teams to stop COVID?

Tough decision especially economically. I played Big 10 football and must be devastating. No president of a university wants to take on the what if someone dies. To much liability.

Stupid move.

I dont understand why this rated a question on the survey. Its college ballsports, if you arent in college why care?

Sad to say yes, but health is more important than football.

I think the opinions of the athletic dept and those involved in keeping the athletes and staff safe should be considered important, making decisions based on their recommendations.

Let them suffer along with us as we all are hearing

Almost anything associated with colleges these days is bad.

Do the right thing and provide young adults to chose and follow a protocol

100 million is a little excessive when average folk is just trying to survive

Sideways on this one.

What will these young men be doing now ?

It will decimate their budgets

School is more than football or sports, use the time to doubled down on the books

They're probably safer in a football program than they would be without one.

We need sports to get a break from all of the insanity going on in the country. The players will be ok .None of them are over age 65!

Obviously a stupid move. Looking on the bright side, however, perhaps that will mean fewer "professional" sports players sometime down the road. That would be good.

where will this all end?

Bad for the athletes, bad for the fans, bad for businesses that depend on the income from sports. Only those making these decisions will not take a hit to their pocketbooks!

I am surprised jow indifferent I am to any sports coming back.

This year has seen many event cancellations. From concerts and fairs, to festivals, sporting events, and more.

What is one event that you will/have missed the most this summer and look forward to in 2021? A Packers game? County fair? Farm Tech Days? Concert?

I missed our county fair, but understood why it was cancelled.

County Fair? Screw the overpaid boys running up and down the field in tights, NFL is a complete waste of time.

Walleye Weekend, concerts, Packer games.

Trips to Chicago, IL, Asheville, NC, and New York City, NY.

Big 10 football games at Camp Randall and Gophers stadium

There is nothing to look forward to in 2020. Did you mean 2021? (Yes, sorry)

Fairs and festivals

Just be able to go to town, shopping, farmers markets, town picnics. I feel like the world has come to an end.

None my life is hectic without all those things going on. Now just enjoying a more simple life spending more time with family , friends & neighbors.

shaking a neighbors hand, or a well placed hug from somebody you havent seen in a while.

Milwaukee Brewers home game

County Fairs, I go to about 8 per year. This year it will be one.

County Fairs

The county fair

EAA

County fair, livestock shows, swimming

Packers

Packer games

All of those suggestions are missed. I'm going to miss hearing the HS football game on a Friday night. The sound of the crowd erupting for a touchdown in the cool fall air tells me everything is all right in America. And right now its not.

All of them. Most people know how to not get sick.

Football

County Fair

County Fairs & Tractor/Truck Pulls

Really nothing but I do think the state mandated mask by Evers was out of line and is continuing to hurt the economy

Tractor pulls ,shows, and thresherees.

Not Packer Football. If they were kneeling to pray at the beginning of the game I may watch. They really should be giving thanks.

Concert

In Church religious services.

Professional baseball, county and state fair

taking my wife out for our 37th wedding anniversary. First time all these years we were not able to go out for dinner.

all of them

All events! There was. I reason to cancel all of these and kill the Wisconsin economy!!

IWe miss County Fair and State Fair.I would miss the Packers if I knew the players would not disrespect our country,flag and National Anthem.Our "terrible"country has allowed many of them to become millionaires!

The Badger Steam & Gas show in Baraboo. Like any virus could survive amid all of that smoke and exhaust. King Tony is an evil tyrant. He must be unmasked! Give me liberty and give me breath!

I may not miss any if this goes on too long. I am finding other things to do

Packers games!!

MIssed the art and craft fairs. Will miss the fall art tour.