This week Hamilton Consulting's Political Tidbits bring you all the updates in Wisconsin politics and elections, and gives you an in-depth view on a number of issues: find out if the $281 million tax revenue shortfall will affect Wisconsin's budget; what the latest Marquette University Poll really said; a state budget preview for 2015-2017; and info on the amicus curiae brief submitted to the Wisconsin Supreme Court on behalf of WCJC and WMC. All this, and more, is in this week's Political Tidbits.
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| $281 Million Tax Revenue Shortfall |
The Department of Revenue (DOR) recently reported that actual state tax collections came in at $281 million less than was previously estimated for Fiscal Year 2014. The shortfall represents roughly 2% of the $14 billion in tax revenue the state expected to collect in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014. While Republicans see the lower tax revenue as a positive reflection of the tax relief packages of early 2014, Democrats see the gap as "fiscally irresponsible."
Read more...
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| Election Update |
- Results of 6th Congressional Canvass
- 17th Senate District: Bomhack Wins Recount
- Primary Election Results
- Ballot Referendums
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| Recent MU Poll Results Still Have Governor's Race Tied |
The latest Marquette University poll came out last week and it once again showed the race deadlocked.
Walker expanded his lead amongst registered voters to 47.5 to 44.1 while Burke gained amongst likely voters and leads 48.6 to 46.5. As expected, both sides have declared themselves to be leading the race.
Pundits are debating which number is closer to the truth, but pollster Charles Franklin believes that it only shows the race is a dead heat with much left to play out.
In fact he was quoted in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as saying the margin between the two candidates was "indistinguishable and meaningless".
Read more...
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| Business Groups Submit EPA Comments |
A broad coalition of business groups responded to a joint Public Service Commission-Department of Natural Resources request for comment on the proposed Environmental Protection Agency carbon regulation (called the Clean Power Plan) for existing power plants. The comments outline the potential negative impact of the proposed rule on Wisconsin's economic competitiveness, several legal challenges, and policy considerations.
This request for comment from utility, business, and environmental groups was the first step in a joint PSC-DNR effort to respond to EPA's proposed rule. EPA released the proposed rule in June and is asking states and stakeholders to submit comments on the proposal by October 16.
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| WCJC and WMC File Amicus Curiae Brief with Wisconsin Supreme Court in Employment Law Case |
On Tuesday, Sept. 2, the Wisconsin Civil Justice Council (WCJC) and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) filed an amicus curiae brief with the Wisconsin Supreme Court in Runzheimer Int., Ltd. v. Friedlen. The case involves a very important issue to Wisconsin employers that hire employees on an at-will basis and seek to protect themselves with non-competition, confidentiality, and non-solicitation agreements (hereinafter, "Non-Competes" or "Agreement(s)"). It is particularly important to employers who seek to update such agreements periodically to ensure the agreements are adequate and enforceable, as is necessary in this frequently-changing area of law.
Read more...
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| 2015-2017 State Budget Preview |
While it is early in the budget process, there are some current financial factors that are likely to impact the next budget and provide a preview of key budget issues ahead; factors include:
- State Financial Condition
- Tax Reduction & Property Tax Relief
- Transportation Infrastructure Funding
- Medicaid Program Funding
- K-12 Public School Funding
Read more...
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President Obama Visits Milwaukee Labor Fest
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President Barack Obama visited Milwaukee on Labor Day to speak at Laborfest. While there, Obama discussed the economy and job creation, and lobbied for raising the minimum wage.
 | | Morning Minute: President Obama Speaks at Labor Fest |
Read more...
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| TIF Legislative Study Committee Update | |
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| Entreprenuership in Wisconsin |
Check out the latest feature on economic development in Wisconsin -- Entrepreneurship.
 | Entrepreneurship in Wisconsin
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| State Gets Ahead on Propane Supply |
As was reported multiple times by Hamilton Consulting and in the news, Wisconsin and other Midwestern states experienced major propane supply shortages during the extraordinarily cold winter in 2013-14. The average price of a gallon of propane was $1.70, and by January 2014 had risen to $4.49 per gallon.
Read more...
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| WEDC Website #3 in US for Economic Development |
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) website InWisconsin.com was ranked #3 in the United States for providing economic development site selection information, according to a report by Sigala Inc., a California based consulting firm that deals with public and private sector planning and development processes.
Read more...
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| 11 UW Entrepreneurs Receive Seed Fund Money |
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Extension, have selected 11 new entrepreneurs for Ideadvance Seed Fund money up to $25,000. Those winners who complete the first stage will be granted up to $50,000 in stage two.
Read more...
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Hamilton Consulting: Your Government Relations Easy Button
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