I would like to thank you all for taking the time to read through my newsletter. Each week, I'll include information to keep you up-to-date with what's happening in Madison.
Pollution Prevention Program
Sen. Robert Cowles and I have been working together to introduce a bill this week that will reduce the amount of contaminants in Wisconsin’s water by creating a system for buying and selling pollution credits through a third-party central clearinghouse.
While our current pollutant trading program is well intentioned, we have found that the lack of a third-party system is slowing everything down to the point of ineffectiveness and, as a result, we are not getting the desired outcomes.
Our Pollution Prevention Partnership Act will authorize the state Department of Natural Resources to allow a permit holder to marginally increase a pollutant discharge if they purchase credits from a statewide clearinghouse or other third-party brokers certified by the DNR. The clearinghouse would act as a statewide broker and credit bank, making them responsible for the management of buying and selling water pollution credits and maintaining a registry of credits from all third-party operators in the state.
By having a central clearinghouse that serves as the broker and manager of the program, the permit holders – especially those with smaller staffs – will have an easier time buying and selling credits because they will no longer be responsible for administering the cumbersome process. It’s a win-win for both the environment and the agriculture industry, which is keeping in line with my philosophy of finding solutions that balance the needs of both sides.
Under our bill, the production and purchase of credits must lead to an improvement in water quality. To help ensure that happens, credits will be generated at a ratio of 1 credit of pollution from a point-source to a minimum reduction of 1.2 credits of nonpoint-source pollution. Greater ratios will be required depending on the specific practice.
The trades must also occur within the same hydrologic area and involve the same pollutants and water quality standards.
Pollutant trading is a strong strategy recognized by the federal Clean Water Act, but unfortunately it has fallen largely under-the-radar for decades. With our bill, we will be helping lower the compliance costs for permittees while simultaneously reducing nonpoint sources of pollution. With a renewed focus on water quality in the state Legislature, and the support that this bill has received from the conservation and agriculture communities, I am hoping my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will come together to pass this important legislation.
Reducing Homelessness
I am pleased to announce that I am co-sponsoring all eight bills contained in the new Hand for the Homeless package, which will address the unfortunate reality of homelessness in Wisconsin.
With thousands of homeless citizens throughout the state, we have to recognize that this is not an urban issue, nor is it a rural issue. This is a Wisconsin issue, and we have a moral obligation to do what we can to ensure that those who have found themselves on the street have the resources and help they need to rebuild their lives.
This council worked with stakeholders throughout Wisconsin to develop a comprehensive plan aimed at decreasing homelessness, culminating in the creation of these eight bills.
I was especially encouraged by the approach that the council took, which involved taking the time to listen to numerous experts from across the state in order to get a better understanding of the homelessness problem. This step was essential so that the legislature could obtain an accurate picture of the entire scope of this epidemic and learn how best to serve those who lack access to stable housing.
This legislative package will allow us to double our annual investment to $3.75 million while also ensuring that our tax dollars are spent wisely on proven programs that effectively tackle homelessness.
The legislation from last session received bipartisan support and I hope the same happens with these eight new bills. Homelessness is not a partisan issue and we can’t let politics get in the way of helping those in need.
Preparing for Tax Season
There are few better feelings in this world than filing your taxes and getting a hefty refund.
But for some who live in Wisconsin, that dream can end up becoming a nightmare.
The state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is reminding residents to be on the lookout this tax season for the threat of tax-related identity theft and scams.
In order to help combat these crimes, officials are recommending that citizens protect their personal information throughout the year, file their taxes early to get a jump on identity thieves and report questionable tax preparation practices to DATCP.
Those who would like further information on how to prevent being a victim of tax identity theft, please click on this report from DATCP.
While keeping an eye out for fraud, please keep in mind that your tax return will most likely look different this year due to the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act being signed into law in 2017.
You may see a smaller return this year if your take-home pay increased in 2018 because of the tax cuts.
If you are unhappy with the amount of your tax return this year, I would encourage you to revise your tax withholdings by filling out and submitting Form W-4.
If you would like a bigger return in future years, you will need to increase your tax withholding. If you want to keep more of your money throughout the year and get a smaller return in the spring, you will have to decrease your tax withholding.
Please use the calculator at www.irs.gov/W4App if you are unsure of how much to withhold from your paycheck.
Upcoming District Events!
What: Children's Carnival Where: Zion Lutheran & Early Childhood Center, 3937 Cty Rd V, Egg Harbor, WI When: Saturday, March 2, at 10:00 am Details:"Featuring a bounce house, carnival games, prizes, face painting, tattoos, raffles, food and more."
What:Door County Talks Where: Door County Auditorium, 3924 Hwy 42, Fish Creek, WI When: Saturday, March 2, at 10:00 am Details:"Developing Fairness, Respect, Empathy, and Equality in Children, presented by Dr. Jason Cowell. Discussing the neural, cultural, and behavioral development of morality and empathy in children, adolescents, and adults. Free-will donations appreciated."
What: Film Screening Where: Hope United Church of Christ, 141 South 12th Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, WI When: Sunday, March 3, 4:00 pm Details:"Becoming More Visible by Pamela French. Free. Popcorn and beverages available."
In Closing...
Thank you for taking the time to read my E-Update. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact my office. My staff, Adam and Joe, look forward to working with you. Also, if you would like a State of Wisconsin 2017-2018 Blue Book or 2017-2018 State Highway map free of charge, just send us an email!
