NO WEEKLY INSIDER 11/2,
SPECIAL ELECTION RECAP 11/4
OCTOBER 26, 2020
NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL AND AROUND WISCONSIN
APPEALS COURT BLOCKS EVERS CAPACITY LIMITS
With all of the volleying back and forth, it's sometimes hard to keep track of where Governor Evers' emergency orders stand. In the latest move, a Wisconsin appellate court ruled 2-1 on Friday to issue a temporary injunction, halting the order that caps bar, restaurant, and retail capacity at 25%.

In the 2-1 ruling that granted the temporary reprieve for small businesses owners reeling from government shutdowns, the judges said they believe the plaintiffs would be successful in their appeal.

The Tavern League of Wisconsin brought the original suit, arguing that Evers' capacity-limiting order violated the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling in May, and that such an order would bring about economic devastation to its member establishments. A Barron County judge later rescinded a temporary injunction that was issued by a Sawyer County judge. The Mix Up, Inc in Amery, as well as Pro-Life Wisconsin, issued the appeal which led to Friday's decision.

Governor Evers said he plans to fight the decision, which will likely be appealed to the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
RECALL ORGANIZER: NOT ENOUGH SIGNATURES COLLECTED
The organizer of the efforts to recall first term Democratic Governor Tony Evers and Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes has come up short in her attempt to oust the state government's chief executives.

Misty Polewczynski of southern Wisconsin posted on Facebook: "It is with a heavy heart we announce that after proofing and what came in over the weekend, we have fallen short...We do not have enough signatures to turn in." There are about 80,000 followers on the Facebook page.

Last week, Polewczynski told the media that she had collected enough signatures to force a recall election. Shortly after making that statement, she was seen making comments on social media saying she was misleading the media, and would "make up some crap" to tell them in an interview.

The efforts were started, she says, in response to Evers' handling of the violent riots that gripped Kenosha over the summer, in addition to Evers' decision to shut down Wisconsin's economy in the spring.
NEED SOME FRESH AIR? DNR SAYS WISCONSIN AIR QUALITY HAS IMPROVED
Wisconsin’s air quality is improving. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 2020 Air Quality Trends Report has been released and confirms decreasing concentrations of most pollutants across the state.

The report, which includes air quality data through 2019, finds that concentrations of most pollutants for which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set national air quality standards have decreased in all regions of the state since monitoring began. Due in part to these significant reductions, 95% of Wisconsin’s population lives in areas meeting all federal air quality standards.

The state’s air quality improved along the Lake Michigan shoreline, an area historically impacted by elevated ozone concentrations. The lakeshore areas have experienced an average reduction in ground-level ozone concentrations of 25% since 2001.
This notable decrease in ozone concentrations allowed the EPA to recently determine that several lakeshore areas are now meeting federal ozone standards, including parts of Door and Sheboygan counties.

The report also includes updated emissions data, which shows that air pollutant emissions in Wisconsin decreased substantially from 2002 to 2017. Some highlights include:

  • A 63% drop in emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and a 58% drop in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the compounds that form ground-level ozone;
  • An 89% drop in sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions; and
  • A nearly 60% reduction in carbon monoxide emissions.

Visit the DNR air quality webpage here.
ONLINE SALES TAX TO LOWER INCOME TAXES
Sales tax revenue collected by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue from out-of-state retailers who sell products online, in addition to those who run online marketplaces, has totaled $256.4 million for as one year period that ended on September 30th.

Republican legislation that was signed by Governor Tony Evers last year allows for the additional revenue to be distributed equally to taxpayers. The state estimates that the average income taxpayer will see a $137.

In the 2018 Wayfair v. South Dakota decision, the United States Supreme Court reversed a decision from the 1990s that said states were only permitted to collect a sales tax if a business had a real presence in the state.

Representative John Nygren (R-Marinette), who serves as Co-Chair of the budget-writing Joint Finance Committee, said "This tax cut is just one of many pro-growth, pro-family policies enacted by Republicans over the last decade. We can cut taxes and fund our priorities."

"With a struggling economy and high unemployment, this tax cut is good news for hardworking Wisconsinites," Nygren added.
GOV. EVERS ANNOUNCES HARIBO TO BEGIN WORK ON PLEASANT PRAIRIE FACTORY
Governor Tony Evers today was joined by local government and economic development officials, in applauding HARIBO of America's announcement that it will begin construction later this year on its more-than $300 million gummi production campus in Pleasant Prairie.

"HARIBO is the fastest growing confectionary brand in the U.S. and I'm proud that its products will be made right here in Wisconsin," said Gov. Evers. "We warmly welcome HARIBO to a long list of family-run enterprises that form the economic backbone of our state, making best-in-class products that reach every corner of the globe."

The production facility will be the company's first in North America, and the latest company making a significant investment in the region.

HARIBO announced that Gilbane Building will be responsible for all construction and work-site management, and the construction on the 136.8 acre facility is going to begin as soon as possible this year. The factory involves a multi-phase build, and upon completion, the company says it will "amplify HARIBO's ability to get confectionary products to U.S. customers and consumers with more speed and efficiency than ever before."

The company estimates 385 direct HARIBO jobs to be created in phase one of the build, and up to 4,200 indirect jobs upon completion of the full build.
STUDY: WALKER-ERA FOODSHARE REFORMS LOWERED UNEMPLOYMENT, BOOSTED LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION
A new study from the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) found Wisconsin's 2015 FoodShare reforms that established work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents resulted in increases in labor force participation between 2015 and 2019.

The statistical analysis found the reforms increased labor force participation by nearly 0.6% in Wisconsin - or about 28,000 workers - since 2015.

Research Director Will Flanders, Ph.D, analyzed 10 Midwestern states using data from 2008-2019 to determine the effect of work requirements on state-level unemployment rates and labor force participation. The analysis used control variables like the size of the labor force in the state, the population of the state, the number of African American residents in the state, and the average age of residents of the state. The findings include:

  • Work requirements brought a significant number of people back into the labor force. This study estimates more 28,000 in Wisconsin entered the workforce, as a result of the reforms, between 2015 and 2019. The study also estimates 15,324 people rejoined the labor force in Iowa, 29,885 in Missouri, and more than 32,623 in Indiana due to similar reforms.

  • Work requirements led to an increase in labor force participation. The four Midwest states (Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, and Indiana) that enacted welfare reforms experienced, on average, a 0.62% increase in labor force participation.

  • Work requirements led to a decrease in unemployment. The four Midwest states (Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, and Indiana) that enacted welfare reforms experienced, on average, a 0.53% decline in unemployment.

The full study is available here.
WISCONSIN DOT SEEKS INPUT ON THE FUTURE OF TRANSPORTATION IN WISCONSIN
Connect 2050 is Wisconsin’s long-range transportation plan to support the state's economy, enhance quality of life, and facilitate safe and efficient movement of people and products for the next 30 years.

Connect 2050 will cover all types of transportation – from roads to ports, to airports to buses, to rails to sidewalks. As part of the plan, the Connect 2050 project team has created a survey for the public to weigh in on the future of transportation.

“The key to providing the kind of transportation system our state needs, is planning,” WisDOT Secretary-designee Craig Thompson said. “We have to look decades down the road, to ensure that the projects we plan today will meet the state’s needs tomorrow. By participating in the Connect 2050 process, you’re helping to make Wisconsin’s transportation future a reality.”

The survey seeks to feedback on six, key transportation areas:

  • Economic vitality
  • Safety and security
  • Quality of life and natural environment
  • System integration and connectivity
  • System management
  • Funding and project costs

The survey is available at Connect2050Survey.com until October 31, 2020.
TOM NELSON LAUNCHES SENATE BID FOR RON JOHNSON'S SEAT
The 2020 Election has not yet taken place, but some are already looking forward to the next race.

Democrat Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson, who also served in the Wisconsin State Assembly and ran for Congress in 2016, eventually losing to now-Congressman Mike Gallagher, has announced he will run for U.S. Senate in 2022. The seat is currently held by Wisconsin's senior U.S. Senator, Republican Ron Johnson, who has said he would step down after a second term, and decline to seek re-election.

Nelson filed his paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on Friday, telling reporters "Nothing to announce. Just a filing." He made the official announcement today.
WEEKLY INITIAL UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS
Weekly Unemployment Insurance Claims:

Sunday, 2,158 (2020) vs. 428 (2019)
Monday, 4,548 (2020) vs. 1,015 (2019)
Tuesday 2,952 (2020) vs. 659 (2019)
Wednesday 2,473 (2020) vs. 606 (2019)
Thursday 2,587 (2020) vs. 578 (2019)
Friday 2,336 (2020) vs. 592 (2019)
Saturday 677 (2020) vs. 112 (2019)

Up-to-date information can be viewed by clicking here.
WEEKLY MEMBER 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.
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WEEKLY POLL RESULTS
A Barron County judge reinstated Gov. Evers' indoor gathering restrictions. Good decision or bad decision?
Enough is enough. We will all get the virus at some point I have not heard about hospitals being overwhelmed. Why do they keep "killing" private business?

Give guidance, not mandates. Leadership rallies more compliance.

I agree, more concrete numbers are need from the Tavern League

Lets do our best to limit indoor gatherings for the next few months.

Although I agree that the Supreme Court and our legislature need to work on this.

He is making businesses suffer too much. As a citizen it is our choice if we want to frequent establishments.

We've got to slow down this virus. Everyone who goes to the bars just to drink should not be allowed to go to work.

I have a business in Dane Co. and we have had to live with 25% capacity since June. This evens the playing field.

It is causing hardship for bars and restaurants and forcing them to close.

Be sensible, How many more small businesses have to bankrupt. Customers need to do their part and follow the posted rules, wear masks.

The hospitals are at capacity across Wisconsin. Let's do all we can to limit the spread. This seems like a no-brainer!

this is killing small businesses just trying to do the right thing. most establishments have seperated tables and are doing their best

Businesses are all different, if they do not operate safely at 50% they won't at 25% either. One size does not fit all businesses in the state.

just making a bad decision worse

Seems like the right decision for the information he had

I am part of the wave of Covid 19 Herd Immunity Development team. Made it through without difficulty.

We do not need our Gov. Evers controlling our lives

This is supposed to be a free country. If people want to take a chance on catching the virus, that should be a personal choice. I was not in favor of forcing Bars to require non smoking. That should be the Owners choice, based on the reaction of their Clientele. Some Bars would be smoking and some would not. If a Bar is more crowded than someone is comfortable with, they have the choice to not enter.

Two dummies don't make it right.

If we are to ever reach herd immunity we must stop masking and locking at home

COVID is overblow political narrative
Were you surprised to learn that Wisconsin ended the fiscal year with a $1.172 billion balance after depositing another $105 million into the rainy day fund?
Dont worry, the repubs will do their best to run us back into a deficit!

This was thanks to the Republicans!!

That we need to plan for less tax collections with half of restaurants not expected to survive the winter. Many independent hotels and travel agents are falling behind also. Auto sales are tight. All industries that generate big tax revenues.

We may need this money for many unforseen needs in the next year.

It will get ugly with Ever's at the helm!

We can do it again if we keep a close eye on Evers.

State income from taxes is going to be way down this year so I imagine a lot of that rainy day fund will go into 2021 spending

I believe as long as the Republicans keep his Evers' budget in check, the state should have another deposit for the fund. Spending should be limited without "frivolous" spending, like any responsible adult.

Evers will tank the fund - typical dem, will take everything

Howard Maklein and others are working to keep spending within the budget.

election turmoil fed and state

Deficite

Thank you for Republican majority to see this through. Need to maintain this effort so we dont become like Illinois who might be bankrupt.

I believe next year we might have to dip into the Rainy Day Fund

Was hard to believe, have to give credit to our Legislatives and Senate passing conservative budgets

I doubt there will be a positive balance next year

With Evers it's spend till it's all gone.

I predict a lot of extra cash in my pocket because they won't be needing any of my tax payments!

Fiscal responsability at work, hurray

It depends on who wins the election.
Were you surprised to see public school enrollment down 3% this school year?
until a vaccine is available it is necessary.

Absolutely outrageous! ALL kids should be 100% IN SCHOOL@!

Stupid

I'm glad that the schools are able to operate at this time, but it may come to virtual education again sometime this winter.

The schools are already so liberal it hurts. They will keep pushing this shutdown/ reopen until there is nothing to reopen. Kids will be virtual schooling/ home schooling within a decade. Eliminate half the teachers and most of the admin.'s and there you have it! What you asked for!

If you make all public schools go virtual, it will be the end of public school and the poor kids will suffer immensely.

NO! NO! NO!

Sen Larson's proposal is bad. Let each district decide

Not all schools need to be virtual. Parents have the right to decide when and where their kids go to school.

I believe some form of hybrid in school learning could take place. We need to think outside the box and do what's best for the children in WI.

I thought it would be down more and I think it is a bad idea because of how much extra work it is for the parents.

Virtual schools is damaging the kids, also the cleaning (chemicals) products are not good for student or teacher health in schools

Virtual school is fine for some students, if teachers are properly prepared.However many teachers are still letting the kids slide through-not knowing basics. Home schooling has made strides in learning where our public schools are pushing kids through with bare minimums. The "uneducated" are easier to control, and we are creating a generation of kids who can barely read and comprehend information, and lacking basic math skills.

Dumb iidea. We are going to have a generation of under educated kids, worse than what has been happening over the last decade.

students have no chance, system is not capable of all virtual learning

Virtual schools will not work for the majority of kids and parents

I don't think that is the best choice for the kids

NO. Interaction with peers is a good learning, growth opportunity for children. No increased spending should be mandated on this result.

Those decisions should be made by the local Board of Education. One size does NOT fir all in a state as geographically diverse as Wisconsin. Another example of a Milwaukee know-it-all telling us in rural Wisconsin that he knows best.

More families teaching children at home and more students in private schools

surprised it is only that low.

Bad idea. Again it should be a matter of personal choice. There should be both options available.

Respond on a school needs, not all across the board.

Could save a lot of money. Have all our current teachers record all of the years instruction, send it permanently to the cloud where students will be able to retrieve it for ages to come, and then terminate all of the teachers because they will no longer be needed.

NUTS. Cancel the school year. I watch my grandchildren all under 13 years of age. It is not working!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think she is crazy

Not in favor.

Garbage!
If you could travel one place in the world right now, where would you go and why? (Assume that your business/farm are in good hands, and the trip is all-inclusive.)
Alaska.

Maui

Tour the east coast, have always wanted to do that.

Czech Republic & Switzerland to visit High School foreign exchange students we hosted several years ago.

Hawaii!

Somewhere where they are not so hung up on covis problem.

Jamaica

I would like to travel to the southwest.

A tiki hut on the ocean in Bora Bora...

I would love to go to Australia

Australia. Never been there.

Not going anywhere!

Hawaii. They had to lowest number of cases of Covid in the US

I have been traveling and doing what I have wanted to do during this time.

ag tour to Ukraine in warm weather

Switzerland

costa rica, warm weather and beautiful place

Scotland

China. I would love to see all the history. I have always been fascinated how China preserves their traditions. From photos I have seen it is an amazing country. I would love to walk on the Great Wall.

alaska

ruise through Panama canal

Somewhere warm and sunny

A remote island

My kind of question, first on my list would be Scotland and Ireland, then Canada, Greenland, but anywhere warm in US after that, as well as Australia

An isolated beach somewhere!

Some remote cabin in Canada with no cell or internet connection to get away from all this craziness

Vancouver Canada Travel Western Canada

Alaska to mine gold. Simpler and less people

I would like to go to Antarctica, because I have been to every other continent and would love to see the what they live like, work and recreate.

I would not go anywhere until the Election is over and a Winner is determined. I think we are headed for Civil War regardless of the outcome

Brazilian rain forests before they are gone.

Heaven, but I don't think it is anywhere in THIS world.

Europe

Anywhere tropical.

I am not traveling until the violent riots are stopped!!
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