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Jan. 12, 2004
As previously
reported, agreement was reached between the Administration and
Legislative leaders on the comprehensive, landmark regulatory
reform package being called the ‘Jobs Creation Act of 2003.’ Some
concerns about actual draft language and public statements
attributed to key players created a public perception, last week,
that this “deal” was unraveling. Both sides, however, agreed that
too much has been accomplished and too much was at stake to let
this deal unravel. Thus, lawmakers reconvened to craft clarifying
language acceptable to both the Governor and Legislature. This
effort was successful late Friday and follow-up drafting
instructions were prepared. The process is back on track and both
houses of the Legislature are expected to approve the bill this
week. Other economic development items are also likely to be added
to this week’s Extraordinary Session agenda.
For a summary of this
legislative initiative, including details of the compromise package, please
see The Hamilton Consulting Group’s Update on the
Jobs Creation Act of 2003.
Policy Developments
Legislative
Action on Jobs Creation Act Continues
On Thursday, January 8, the Assembly Select Committee on Job
Creation voted 6-2 in favor of passage of
AB 655, as amended by
Assembly Substitute Amendment 1. As referenced in the
introduction, additional amendment language is being drafted to
revise some remaining technical concerns. It is anticipated that
these corrections will resolve any disputes remaining over the
draft language of the compromise that was reached last week
between the Administration and Legislative leadership. The
Substitute and correction amendments will be voted on by the full
Assembly when it reconvenes in Extraordinary Session tomorrow,
January 13.
The Hamilton Consulting
Group’s
Update on AB 655, as amended, remains current for Chapters 285 (air) and
227 (administrative rule-making procedure). An updated and more
comprehensive version of the Hamilton Consulting Group’s summary will be
provided soon.
Health Care Reform Plan
Released
On Wednesday, January 7, the Wisconsin Hospital Association, the Wisconsin
Association of Health Plans, and Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce joined
together to
announce a major health care reform plan aimed at lowering health
care costs for workers, improving quality of care and providing more benefit
flexibility. The plan, called
“Healthier Choices for Affordable Health Care,” revolves around the
following key elements:
-
Improving affordability
of coverage;
-
Promoting quality and
safety improvement efforts in the marketplace;
-
Reforming
government-sponsored insurance programs, such as the Health Insurance Risk
Sharing Plan (HIRSP) and Medicaid;
-
Increasing provider
numbers by restoring state funding for Graduate Medical Education;
-
Eliminating unnecessary
and burdensome government regulations; and
-
Encouraging consumer
knowledge and involvement in overall health care choices.
Senate Committee Addresses
Town, TIF’s, and Refundable Tax Credits
The Senate Committee on Economic Development, Job Creation and Housing has
scheduled a public hearing, and possible executive session, on the following
bills:
-
AB 437, relating to granting towns limited authority to create tax
incremental financing districts, and
-
AB 508, relating to the income and franchise tax credit for sales tax
and use tax paid on fuel and electricity consumed in manufacturing,
including adopted
Assembly Amendment 1, which provides for refundable tax credits for
development and technology zones.
The hearing is scheduled
for Tuesday, January 13, at 11 a.m. in room 300 SE.
First Meeting of Minimum
Wage Advisory Council
The Minimum Wage Advisory Council, created by Governor Doyle last year to
investigate and propose changes to
Wisconsin’s
minimum wage law, has scheduled its first meeting for Tuesday, January 13 at
2:00 p.m. in the Governor’s Conference Room. The
agenda includes opening remarks by the Governor, a presentation of the
Council’s goals, staff introductions, review of the scope of the Council’s
directive, and a summary of national and state minimum wage laws.
Business Day in
Madison
Wednesday, January 14 is
Business Day in Madison. The event will provide a forum for several
leading state business groups to discuss topics of mutual interest and will
include detailed briefings and a panel discussion on the Jobs Creation Act
of 2003.
Smart Growth Bill
Introduced in Senate
On Wednesday, January 7,
SB 375 was introduced, relating to changes to the local government
comprehensive planning law known as “Smart Growth.” The bill has been
referred to the Senate Select Committee on Job Creation.
Senate Bill Could Reduce
Utility Contributions to Public Fund
On January 7,
SB 377 was introduced, which would amend current law requiring certain
electric and gas utilities to make yearly contributions to the public
benefits fund (through the Public Service Commission) by authorizing the PSC
to allow certain of these utilities to retain a portion of their mandatory
contribution amount. The bill has been referred to the Senate Select
Committee on Job Creation.
Supreme Court Hands Down
Liability Decision
On Friday, January 9, the Supreme Court of Wisconsin handed down its
opinion in American Family Mutual Ins. Co. v. American Girl. The
court found that insurance policies taken out by contractors to cover their
work on construction projects covers negligence of subcontractors hired by
the contractor.
Wisconsin
Politics
Doyle Delivers
National Democratic Radio Address
On Saturday, January 10, Governor Doyle delivered the national
Democratic Radio Address in response to President Bush’s address
earlier that morning. Doyle’s address focused on the high cost of
prescription medication. See the
text of the Governor’s radio address.
Doyle to
Hold
State of State
Address
On Wednesday, January 21, Governor Doyle will deliver his “State of the
State Address" to a joint session of the Legislature at 7:00 p.m. in the
Assembly Chambers of the State Capitol.
George Faces Three New
Indictments
On Tuesday, January 6, State Senator Gary George was indicted on three
additional federal charges. The five federal charges George now faces
include:
-
One count of conspiracy
to defraud taxpayers by taking kick-backs from a taxpayer-hired attorney
representing two federally funded organizations;
-
One count of conspiracy
to defraud taxpayers by ordering his Senate office staff to spend taxpayer
funded work hours to work on George’s 2002 campaign for Governor;
-
One count of improperly
using his official position to rig bidding for the $5 million Milwaukee
Police Athletic League construction project;
-
One count of money
laundering; and
-
One count of illegally
receiving a kick-back from a taxpayer-hired lawyer who represented George
in a lawsuit while George was still in office.
Political News
Doyle’s first year deserves passing grade (opinion): Appleton
Post-Crescent, Jan. 12, 2004.
Wisconsin
focus fits Clark's game plan: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 12,
2004.
Doyle,
legislators agree on permitting process: Madison Capital Times, Jan.
12, 2004.
Republican announces candidacy: Marshfield News Herald, Man. 12,
2004.
Keep the spirit of bipartisan cooperation alive (opinion): La Crosse
Tribune, Jan. 11, 2004.
Deal
reached on fast-permits bill: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 11,
2004.
State considers job creation: Manitowoc Herald Times, Jan. 11, 2004.
Governor, legislators get solid marks for cooperation: Green Bay
Press-Gazette, Jan. 12, 2004.
Wisconsin
needs to wise up to compete with Minnesota: Milwaukee Journal
Sentinel, Jan. 11, 2004.
Doyle
calls governors to action against Medicare bill: Milwaukee Journal
Sentinel, Jan. 11, 2004.
State court finds in contractor's favor: St. Paul Pioneer Press,
Jan. 11, 2004.
George faces new criminal charges: Wisconsin State Journal, Jan. 7,
2004.
Milwaukee
County races crowded: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 7, 2004.
Stop making excuses to derail rule reforms (opinion): Wisconsin
State Journal, Jan. 9, 2004.
Committee passes permit overhaul bill: Green Bay Press-Gazette, Jan.
9, 2004.
Fast-permit bill hits a bump: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 8,
2004.
Revised regulatory bill blasted: Wisconsin State Journal, Jan. 8,
2004.
Education, finances dominate Doyle meeting: Marshfield News Herald,
Jan. 8, 2004.
Bill to
ease permits picks up speed: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 6,
2004.
Doyle praises state workers: Wisconsin State Journal, Jan. 6, 2004.
Doyle: State committed to minority firms: Appleton Post-Crescent,
Jan. 6, 2004.
Upcoming Fundraisers
Wednesday, January 14, 2004:
-
Eric Peterson for State
Senate, 5:30 p.m., McFarland, Wis.
-
St. Sen. Kanavas
(R-Brookfield), 5:00 p.m., Madison, Wis.
Thursday, January 15, 2004:
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