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Feb. 16, 2004
The week of
February 16 will be filled with committee activity (hearings and
committee votes) and the signing, on Friday, of the landmark TIF
legislation. (See the Hamilton Consulting Group’s
Update on this legislation.) Despite only four weeks left in
the Regular Session, bills continue to be introduced and moved
through the process if they have significant statewide impact,
broad support, and can add to the reputation of a legislative
session highlighted by major economic development enactments.
Among the items to be tackled by committees this week are
“predatory lending” and “airport development zones.”
TABOR (Taxpayer Bill of
Rights) continues to be debated and negotiated but does not appear to be
ready for prime time as of this writing. There is some speculation that
there could be an Extraordinary Session sometime after March 11 to address
the proposed constitutional amendment. The Wisconsin Constitution can be amended only after the identical language passes two
successive sessions of the
Wisconsin Legislature and is approved by the people. If the process is to move
forward, it is critical that it is “done right” since the second go-round
does not allow for amendment and will result in an up or down proposition.
Policy Developments
Seminars to be
Held on Regulatory Reform Legislation
Last Friday, Feb. 6, the most comprehensive regulatory reform
legislation in the history of the state – The Jobs Creation Act of
2003 – became effective as
2003 Wis. Act 118. Because
2003 Wis. Act 118 is as complex as it is comprehensive, and to
help businesses and economic development professionals better
understand its provisions and implications, Wisconsin
Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC) is sponsoring seminars – The Job
Creation Act: Changing Wisconsin’s Regulatory Climate – in the
following four locations:
-
Thursday, February 19,
2004; Milwaukee (Briggs & Stratton)
-
Tuesday, February 24,
2004; Appleton (Paper Valley Hotel)
-
Thursday, February 26,
2004; Eau Claire (Park Inn)
-
Tuesday, March 2, 2004;
Madison (Sheraton Hotel)
Please see WMC’s
brochure on the seminars for topics to be addressed regarding how this
landmark legislation will change the business climate in our state. Speakers
include Bob Fassbender of the Hamilton Consulting Group who represented WMC
and WEDA on the development and negotiation of major portions of the reform
legislation particularly in relation to DNR’s air program and agency
rulemaking procedures; James Buchen and Jeff Schoepke of WMC; Jerry Deschane
of the Wisconsin Builders Association; Paul Kent, a lawyer expert on water
issues; and, Al Shea, Administrator of the DNR Air and Waste Division. For a
detailed analysis of this massive legislative undertaking, please refer to
the Hamilton Consulting Group’s
Update on the Jobs Creation Act.
Governor to Sign TIF
Bills
During his Keynote Address to the Governor’s Conference on Economic
Development last Thursday, Governor Doyle announced his intention to sign
the landmark TIF legislation (SB
305 and its trailer bill
SB 306) that passed the Legislature earlier this session. The signing
will take place on Friday in
Beloit.
Governor Signs ID Theft
and Other Bills
On Friday, Feb. 6, Governor Doyle
announced his signing of
AB 459 as
2003 Wis. Act 120, aimed at protecting
Wisconsin residents against identity theft by attempting to
keep personal information, such as social security numbers, etc., out of the
hands of potential thieves. In addition, the Governor signed five other
bills:
Assembly Committee to
Act on “Predatory Lending”
AB 792, relating to regulation of “high cost mortgage lending,” will be
voted on by the Assembly Financial Institutions Committee on Thursday,
February 19. The Executive Session will be held at 9:00 am in 415 NW,
Capitol. The committee is expected to also introduce and support an
amendment to respond to some issues raised at the public hearing.
Senate Committee to Hear
Airport Development Zone Proposal
The Senate Committee on Economic Development, Job Creation and Housing will
hold a public hearing at 1:00 on Wednesday, February 18, on
SB 444 relating to creating income and franchise tax credits for
businesses located in an “airport development zone” and to create a loan
program for construction projects in airport development zones. The hearing
will be held in 411 South, Capitol.
The Committee will also
hear
AB 151 which expands the definition of “industrial development project”
to include commercial, retail and service enterprises and
AB 608 relating to “Smart Growth.” Both bills have previously passed the
Assembly.
Assembly and Senate GOP
Working on Versions of TABOR
The so-called Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights (TABOR), a proposed constitutional
amendment to limit the growth of government spending, is the subject of
serious debate and negotiations among Republicans in both houses as
differences exist on several key proposals. The original version was
introduced as
AJR 55.
Governor Announces New
Brownfields Grant
On Tuesday, Feb. 10, Governor Doyle
announced that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) had granted
brownfield funds totaling $250,000 to the communities of Fond du Lac and
Oshkosh. The grants, which require local matching, will assist the
communities in cleaning up contaminated land for public use.
Wisconsin
Politics
Veteran Lawmaker
Mark Meyer Will Not Seek Re-election
State Senator Mark Meyer of
La Crosse
has announced that he will not seek re-election this fall and will
pursue other opportunities at an appropriate time. Mark has served
in the State Senate for four years after serving six years in the
State Assembly.
Krug, Flynn to Run for
Congress
State Representative Shirley Krug and former State Democratic Party Chair
Matt Flynn have announced their intentions to run for Congress to fill the
vacancy created by U.S. Rep. Jerry Kleczka’s announced retirement at the
conclusion of this term. State Senator Gwen Moore has announced the
formation of an exploratory committee and there is substantial speculation
that State Senator Tim Carpenter will also enter the race. There are likely
to be additional candidates, some of whom might surface after the Milwaukee
Mayor’s race is over.
Appeals Court Refuses to
Dismiss Chvala Complaint
On Thursday, Feb. 12, the Fourth District Court of Appeals
ruled not to dismiss four of the ten criminal complaints against State
Senator Charles Chvala (D-Madison) based on the Senator’s contention
that the charges are unconstitutionally vague, overbroad, and in violation
of Wisconsin’s speech and debate doctrine and the separation of powers
doctrine. The court of appeals disagreed and, accordingly, ruled that the
charges may stand.
Federal Developments
Hearing Held on
Sykes Nomination
On Wednesday, Feb. 11, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Diane Sykes
had her confirmation hearing for the U.S. Circuit Court before the
Senate Judiciary Committee. There appeared to be no controversy,
but rather, bipartisan praise. Justice Sykes’ confirmation by the
full U.S. Senate is expected in March.
Political News
Democrats
play it safe in Milwaukee: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Feb. 16,
2004.
Familiar name bids for Senate: Appleton Post-Crescent, Feb.16, 2004.
Wisconsin at center stage of U.S. politics: Appleton Post-Crescent,
Feb.16, 2004.
Two join race for 41st seat: Oshkosh Northwestern, Feb. 16, 2004.
WMC, Doyle
make odd but pragmatic bedfellows: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Feb.
16, 2004.
Jobs take center stage in Wisconsin primary: Green Bay
Press-Gazette, Feb. 16, 2004.
‘Main Street Crime’ bill may finally advance in Legislature: Green
Bay Press-Gazette, Feb. 16, 2004.
Halt highway spending abuses: Wisconsin State Journal, Feb. 16,
2004.
Transportation bill shorts Wisconsin taxpayers, Kohl and Feingold say:
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Feb. 16, 2004.
State’s future in our hands (opinion): Green Bay Press-Gazette, Feb.
15, 2004.
Environment grades all over map for legislators: Marshfield News
Herald, Feb. 15, 2004. scale.
Area jobs
decline for 4th year: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Feb. 14, 2004.
Mercury problem needs state, national solutions (opinion): Appleton
Post-Crescent, Feb.14, 2004.
Candidate Russ Darrow says it's time for a change: Ashland Daily
Press, Feb. 12, 2004.
Federal
lawmakers praise state judicial nominee: Janesville Gazette, Feb.
12, 2004.
Getting on the high-tech stick: Wisconsin State Journal, Feb. 12,
2004.
G-P’s Broadway mill under EPA probe: Green Bay Press-Gazette, Feb. 12,
2004.
Assure stable energy with nuclear power: Wisconsin State Journal,
Feb. 12, 2004.
State revenue estimates fall short: Wisconsin State Journal, Feb.
11, 2004.
State's tax
collections falling short of forecast: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Feb.
11, 2004.
Republicans look to resurrect Taxpayers Bill of Rights: Wisconsin
State Journal, Feb. 11, 2004.
Lawmakers tweaking bill to add spending amendment: Green Bay
Press-Gazette, Feb. 11, 2004.
Lawsuit alleges
that drug Pitocin given too soon: Janesville Gazette, Feb. 11, 2004.
Upcoming Fundraisers
Monday,
February 16, 2004:
Wednesday, February 18,
2004:
Thursday, February 19, 2004:
Monday February 23, 2004:
-
Tim Michels for US
Senate, 4:45 p.m., Madison, WI
-
St. Sen. Jeff Plale (D-S.
Milwaukee), and St. Rep. Tony Staskunas (D-West Allis),
5:00 p.m.,
Milwaukee,
WI
-
St. Sen. Ted Kanavas
(R-Brookfield),
5:00 p.m., Brookfield, WI
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