|
Serving the Northwoods Communities of Rhinelander, Eagle River,
Minocqua, Phelps, Three Lakes, Florence and Forest County. |
District Dialogue |
October 23, 2015 |
State Unemployment Rate Reaches 14-Year Low at 4.3% |
BLS Data: State Unemployment Rate Reaches 14-Year Low
at 4.3%
September rate at lowest rate since April 2001, also lowest September
rate since 2000
MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD)
today released the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) revisions for
August and preliminary estimates for September, covering unemployment
and employment statistics for the state of Wisconsin. In brief, the
estimates show:
· Place of residence data: A preliminary seasonally adjusted
unemployment rate of 4.3 percent in September 2015, its lowest point
since April 2001, down from 4.5 percent in August 2015. The 4.3 percent
rate is below the national unemployment rate of 5.1 percent for the
month and below the state's rate of 5.3 percent in September 2014. The
state's September rate is the lowest for the month since September 2000,
when the rate was 3.7 percent. Additionally, the state's labor force
participation rate of 67.4 percent in September outpaced the national
rate of 62.4 percent.
· Place of work data: Wisconsin added a statistically significant 45,300
private sector jobs and 53,400 total non-farm jobs from September 2014
to September 2015 (seasonally adjusted). Wisconsin also realized
significant year-over-year gains of 6,500 jobs in retail, 4,900 jobs in
financial activities and 12,800 jobs in education and health services.
The state posted a one-month gain of 1,700 in total non-farm jobs.
"Wisconsin hasn't seen its September unemployment rate reach this low
since former Governor Thompson was in office, and the last time the rate
was this low during any month was in April 2001," DWD Secretary Reggie
Newson. "And, with the one-year addition of 45,300 private sector jobs,
Wisconsin's long-term trend continues to be one of economic growth. At
DWD, we remain committed to advancing strong policies to develop the
workforce and further strengthen the economy."
The BLS uses three data sets to measure employment and unemployment:
· Current Employment Statistics (CES): compiled from a monthly survey
sent to about 5,500 employers (3.5 percent of Wisconsin employers). CES
data has been shown to be volatile and subject to revision.
· Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS): compiled from a monthly
survey of 985 households and unemployment insurance claims. Measures the
labor force, employment, unemployment, and the unemployment rate.
· Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW): compiled quarterly
based on Unemployment Insurance records from some 96% of Wisconsin
business establishments. Considered by most economists to be the most
accurate measure of jobs, the QCEW includes data from almost all
employers in Wisconsin.
Other indicators of the state of Wisconsin's economy include:
· Average Initial Unemployment Insurance (UI) claims for the first 40
weeks of 2015 dropped to the lowest point since 1990, and the annual
average weekly continued UI claims are at their lowest levels since
2000.
· Department of Financial Institutions new business formation: The
number of new business entities formed in Wisconsin in the first nine
months of 2015 grew by 3.4% percent compared to same period in 2014. As
of September 30, 2015, new business filings totaled 31,062, compared to
30,046 in the same period in 2014.
· Chief Executive Magazine ranked Wisconsin the "12th Best State for
Business" in its annual survey of CEO's, an increase of 2 spots over the
2014 ranking, and a big increase over 2010, when the state ranked 41st. |
Assembly Bill 372: Relating to Membership of Lake District Boards |
On Wednesday, October 14,
Assembly Bill 372 (AB 372), a bill that Senator
Tom Tiffany and I authored, was given a public hearing in the Assembly
Natural Resources and Sporting Heritage Committee. The bill
relates to the membership of the board of commissioners of public inland
lake protection and rehabilitation districts (lake districts).
Lake district boards are five member bodies that are responsible for
enacting boating ordinances and water safety patrols. lake district
membership was debated earlier this session under Assembly Bill 47 (now
Act 25), a bill that my colleague Representative Kleefisch authored. Act
25 made minor changes to the appointment process for one of the
positions on lake district boards. Additionally, Act 25 directed the
local governing body to appoint a resident of the lake district to serve
as a commissioner on the lake district board. I supported this
legislation because it gave local governing bodies the flexibility to
meet quorum requirements to conduct business.
After this legislation was enacted, a member of a local lake district
contacted my office because their lake district president was no longer
permitted to serve on the board due to unintended consequences of Act
25. This was because the individual was a member of the governing body,
but not a resident of the lake district – making him ineligible to be
appointed by the governing body. Assembly Bill 372 is a simple fix which
allows a resident of the lake district or a member of the local
governing body to serve on the lake district board.
The proposal received bipartisan support at the public hearing, I am
hoping it is scheduled for an executive session shortly.
Senator Tiffany and
Representative Swearingen testifying on Assembly Bill 372 |
Session Update |
During the
week of October 19, the Wisconsin State Assembly held two separate floor
sessions to vote on issues such as John Doe reform, GAB restructuring,
and Campaign Finance modernization. Below you will find links to
each of the bills.
Assembly Bill 68: Relating to: John Doe proceedings and
providing a penalty. (FE)
Assembly Bill 387: Relating to: campaign finance.
Assembly Bill 388: Relating to: reorganizing the Government
Accountability Board, requiring the exercise of rule-making authority,
and making appropriations. (FE)
John Doe:
Under a John Doe proceeding, the presiding
judge is given discretionary powers, without oversight or
accountability. Because of the nature of a John Doe, the target of the
proceeding can be left entirely unaware that the investigation has been
closed without charges.
Assembly Bill 68 will do the following:
-
Limits the secrecy orders
to the judge, law enforcement, prosecutorial and court-staff involved in
the proceeding
-
Mirrors
the secrecy laws for a federal grand jury
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Penalizes violations of a secrecy order
-
Puts a 6-month
time limit on a John Doe proceeding, which can be extended in 6-month
increments, however many times necessary, by a vote of a majority (6 of
10) of the chief judges in the 10 judicial administrative districts in
the state
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Requires a majority vote (6 of 10) of the chief judges to
expand the scope of a John Doe proceeding from the original complaint.
The votes of the chief judges on time extension and expansion of scope
are available to the public
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Records reflecting the cost of a John Doe
proceeding are publicly available
-
Requires notice be given to
individuals who have ownership claims on property seized during a John
Doe proceeding at the close of the proceeding
-
Requires that a John Doe
judges must be an active judge, not a reserved judge
-
Limits the
circumstances under which a judge may appoint a special prosecutor
in a John Doe proceeding; all classified A, B, C and D felonies
under the Wisconsin Criminal Code, chapters 940 to 948 as well as
chapter 961 will be included under this bill
Majority Leader Steineke and Rep. Swearingen leading the Assembly
proceedings.
Campaign
Finance:
The Seventh
Circuit Court of Appeals told the legislature that our campaign finance
laws need attention to account for court rulings that protect political
speech. Chapter 11 hasn't had a major revision since it was created in
1973 and has not been updated to keep pace with the evolution in Supreme
Court doctrine marking the boundaries on the government’s authority to
regulate election-related speech. This bill responds to the court
decisions, protecting the first amendment rights of free speech. The
goal is codify these decisions so that the public has clear direction on
what activity is regulated and what is not, consistent with these court
rulings.
GAB Reform:
The board that will be created under Assembly Bill 388 is
a bipartisan board, and each party will have equal representation on
each commission. This bill will create two bipartisan commissions: the
Ethics Commission and the Election Commission.
Each will have six
citizen members:
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Two appointed by Republican legislative leaders, two by
Democratic legislative leaders, and the final two are appointed by the
governor from two separate lists submitted by each party and then
confirmed by the Senate.
-
The gubernatorial appointees for the Election
Commission must be current or former clerks to ensure that elections run
smoothly and efficiently.
-
The commissioners will serve five-year terms.
-
Each commission will have an administrator, appointed by the commission
members and confirmed by the Senate, serving a four-year term.
The new
law would be implemented on June 30, 2016 and allows the current board
to administer spring elections and handle ballot access for November
2016. Additionally, the new commissions and administrators would be
appointed prior to the implementation date to allow them to work with
current members.
|
Assembly Bill 409:
Relating to Sales and Use Tax Imposed on a Jukebox |
On Thursday,
Assembly Bill 409 (AB409), a bill authored by
Senator Tom Tiffany and I, was given a public hearing in the Assembly
Committee on Ways and Means. The bill relates to the sales and use
tax imposed on a jukebox.
Assembly Bill 409 is meant to clarify a Department of
Revenue interpretation of sales and use tax imposed on jukeboxes.
Rep. Swearingen Testifying to the Assembly Committee on Way and
Means
Small businesses, restaurants, and taverns that utilize jukeboxes in
their establishments pay 100% of the sales tax on all revenue inserted
into the jukebox. Currently, there are two taxes for jukeboxes in the
state of Wisconsin. Older, non-streaming jukeboxes that use CD’s or
records are only taxed when money is inserted into the jukebox. However,
more modern jukeboxes that stream music from the internet are subject to
a double tax. For example, when a patron puts a dollar into an internet
streaming jukebox, the business pays the full sales and use tax on that
dollar. DOR then imposes an additional sales and use tax charged to the
business when they pay AMI or Touchtunes who provided the song on the
jukebox.
Our bill clarifies that the small business will only be charged a sales
and use tax once on the revenue inserted into the jukebox regardless if
the jukebox streams music or not.
Assembly Bill 409 received bipartisan, unanimous support
from members of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee.
|
WPS projects heating bills to be lower this winter |
(Green Bay, WI) If temperatures this heating season are
near normal, typical residential customers of Wisconsin Public Service
Corporation (WPS) will likely enjoy lower heating bills due to a
combination of low natural gas prices and warmer weather. Temperatures
last year were about seven percent colder than normal. The company
projects the typical residential customer will pay about 18 percent less
than last winter ($400 from Nov. 1, 2015 through Mar. 31, 2016 compared
to around $470 during the past heating season). Also of note, this
year's heating bills project to be:
· More than 40 percent lower than the polar vortex experienced during
the heating season of 2013-2014 ($680)
· Nearly 50 percent lower than the 2005-2006 heating season ($730)
An adequate supply of natural gas is forecast to keep prices at stable
levels through this winter. WPS uses a mix of natural gas purchasing
options to mitigate any price volatility that may occur during the
winter. WPS also encourages customers having difficulty paying their
utility bills to contact us for information about energy assistance or
payment options. More information is available at
www.wisconsinpublicservice.com, or by calling 800-450-7260.
http://www.integrysgroup.com/news/view_article.aspx?reckey=02727
|
Walter Olson
Memorial Library (WEOML) Opening |
NEWS REVIEW
RELEASE: OCTOBER 14
Walter Olson Memorial Library (WEOML) opened at its new,
temporary site on 150 E. Hospital Road, Eagle River. That site, known as
the Ministry Annex now houses all the library’s services including
computers, books, dvd’s, and magazines. It will be known as the WEOML/Ministry
Annex to honor this temporary library location given by Ministry Medical
Health Group.
The move was completed last week with the assistance of Yerges Van Line
Movers of Fort Atkinson. The organization of the move was a coordinated
effort between Yerges and Nan Andrews, Library Director, as well as
Mickee Stuckemeyer, Administrative Assistant; and Pat Lamon, Children’s
Librarian.
Patrons who make their way to the temporary facility, the Ministry
Annex, will find the same friendly volunteers and staff who worked
behind the circulation desk and in the stacks at the Olson Library’s
Main Street site. Patrons will also find computer stations, interlibrary
loan, book stacks, and the on-going programs for children and adults
that have been the core of the WEOML.
The WEOML Annex opened its doors for the first time Monday, October 12,
and will remain open during regular library hours until renovating and
expanding the current building is completed sometime during the Fall of
2016. Parking spaces are marked for the major, Hospital Road entrance. A
smaller number of parking spaces can be found on the Indiana St. side of
the building for the lower level entrance. This entrance will not be
open after 4 p.m. each day.
Meanwhile the Eagle River Master Gardeners and the UW Extension staff
have been assisting in removing and transplanting the greenery still at
the old site, so that the plants will become a living reminder of the
original space in which they grew.
Volunteers from among library patrons, as well as the Master Gardeners
and UW Extension staff will be available from 10a.m. to 2 p.m. on
Wednesdays to help remove chokeberry bushes and shrubbery on the
property, as well as taking cuttings from lilac bushes. The deadline for
removal will be later in October when construction will begin on the
new, expanded facility.
Bid opening for the expanded and renovated WEOML is planned for later in
October.
Questions about hours and library services can be directed to
715-479-8070.
|
DNR Outdoor Report |
Northern Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - Fishing on the river continues to be slow and
many are attributing this to the lack of rain and lower river levels.
The Brule River remains open north of highway 2 until November 15. The
area has experienced seasonably pleasant temperatures this past week,
cool in the mornings and at nights (ranging in the high 30s to low 40s)
but warming up to the 50s during the day. Leaf drop is progressing
rapidly. Local snowmobile clubs and trail associations have been putting
in time this past week getting trails cleared for the recreational
seasons ahead of us. Geese and ducks are still in their southern
migration. Grouse numbers seem to be up as local hunters are flushing
birds frequently in the woods. Woodcock numbers are healthy this year
and wildlife biologists are noticing larger sized birds based on their
observations. Although the peak is still a couple weeks ahead, bucks are
showing signs that they are entering the breeding season. You will
notice bark rubbed off smaller trees and patches of ground cleared down
to the dirt as this is a sure sign that bucks are trying to attract does
and send signals that they are ready to mingle. This can be a great time
of year to target deer as bucks are usually more active during the day
and less aware of their surroundings as they are focused on breeding. -
Edwin Koepp, visitor services associate
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Pattison State Park - Peak leaf color has come and gone due to the very
windy days we have received. Some maples, oaks, and aspens are still
holding on to their leaves but the trails are covered by a lot of leaves
already. With the combination of unseasonably warm temperatures and
wonderful fall colors, the park has been very busy. The dam on
Interfalls Lake has been lowered and the lake water level is very low.
This is done for flood control in the spring during spring thaw.
Lowering the dam does affect the amount of water flowing at Big Manitou
Falls, but does not affect Little Manitou Falls. Whitetail deer have
been spotted throughout the area, some with fawns. We have had a couple
reports of black bear sightings in the area as well. -Jacob Anderson,
Ranger
Hayward DNR Service Center area
Sawyer County - Most leaves are off the trees and covering the ground.
This has made locating partridge and deer much easier. Musky fishing
activity has increased as has the use of live bait, which is typical for
a fall tactic. Those using live bait are reminded that a quick set rig
or non-offset circle hook is required for using live bait which is 8
inches or larger. Water levels are still very low on rivers, streams and
some ponds in the area. This should make trapping for muskrat and mink
easier, which opens this Saturday, October 24, although prices are bleak
for both those furbearers. Animal population appear well for both these
species. Trappers are reminded that beaver and otter season does not
open the same date as muskrat and mink. The opening date for beaver and
otter is November 7. Otter require a permit received by application
process. Dryland trapping opened this past weekend, which a few trappers
ventured out to pursue those species. Prices are a little better for
land animals vs. water animals, except raccoon prices remain low. Animal
population for dryland species appear well for most. Bobcat and fisher
require a permit received by application process. Those trapping dryland
are reminded that traps need to be tended and checked in person at least
once a day (except weasel boxes. See requirements in trapping
regulations). Dryland trappers are also reminded that cable restraints
are prohibited to use until December 1. - Thomas Heisler Jr.,
conservation warden, Winter
Spooner DNR Service Center area
Burnett County - Deer movement continues to increase in the Burnett
County area. Rubs and scrapes are showing up in the woods, but the best
action is yet to come. Waterfowl numbers seem to be good in western
Burnett County. Grouse numbers in the area are low. Fall colors are past
peak in western Burnett. Governor Knowles State Forest campground and
trails are in excellent condition and open for use. Good luck and be
careful! - Christopher Spaight, conservation warden, Grantsburg
Crex Meadows State Wildlife - Winter birds are starting to show up
including snow buntings, Lapland longspurs and sparrows, along with lots
of raptors. There is still a merlin hanging around. Lots of sparrows
including the rare Harris sparrows and white-crowned sparrows. Peak
crane migration usually goes until the end of October at Crex. The best
times to view cranes on the refuge are from 7-10 a.m. and 5-6:45 p.m. -
Kristi Pupak, natural resources educator.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and
inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Variable and generally mild weather
has made for some comfortable fishing conditions in the Northwoods, but
the abundance of hunting opportunities seems to have limited fishing
pressure in the last few weeks. Water temperatures have now dropped into
the low 50s and fall turnover has just started on most lakes in the
Hayward and Park Falls area. Musky anglers have provided most of the
fishing pressure on our local lakes and their success has been real
variable. Most fishermen have switched from artificial baits to live
suckers, with a medium-size sucker (10 to 14 inches) on a quick-set rig
showing the best results. Most of the musky caught have been in the 32
to 40-inch size, though fish up to 46 inches have also been reported.
Walleye success continues to be erratic and it seems that the fish
haven't settled into a solid fall pattern yet. Late October and early
November should provide a little better walleye action with jig/minnow
and slip bobber/minnow combinations working best on deeper rocky
structure and along mid-depth break lines. There has been a recent surge
in crappie action with some nice fish being found along and near the
deeper water areas, with the fishing suspended about 4 to 5 feet off the
bottom. With the colder water temperatures, bass fishing is all but over
for the year. - Skip Sommerfeldt, senior fisheries biologist, Park Falls
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - Peak color was the
weekend of Oct 14 and strong fall winds over the past few days are
taking the leaves with them. There is still a glorious show out there
though and pretty soon the grouse won't be hidden by those blackberry
bushes! Golden hues of tamaracks and quiet times are at a premium right
now. Lack of rain in September has contributed to receding lake water
levels. Rhinelander is down over 4 inches for the year. The lower lake
water levels have had little effect on boat landings and canoe sites.
Lake water levels have dropped recently but nothing as substantial as
the drought of 2000-2010. The Northern Highland American Legion state
Forest has begun to take out seasonal boarding docks. There are 46 docks
to remove so we need to start the process with enough time to avoid the
snow and ice that November can bring. Water levels on area rivers such
as the Wisconsin and Manitowish varies this time of year depending on
volume of water being released by water control structures, but not
enough to impede travel. All shower buildings and dump station water
towers are turned off for the season. Potable water is available using
the hand pumps located throughout the campgrounds. Campers can still use
the dump stations, but no rinse water is available. Buffalo Lake, Cunard
Lake, East Star Lake, Plum Lake, Starrett Lake, South Trout Lake, Upper
Gresham Lake, and Sandy Beach Lake Campgrounds are all closed for the
season. Ten campgrounds remain open as long as snow conditions allow and
a few campsites at Clear Lake will be plowed for winter use, so there
are still plentiful camping opportunities for late season campers. Fall
project work in the campgrounds will wrap up over the next couple of
weeks. Lots of hazard trees have been cut in the campgrounds this fall
and firewood gatherers (with a permit) are allowed to take downed wood
in campgrounds beginning November 1. - Kimberly Krawczyk, Visitor
Services Associate
Antigo DNR Service Center area
Langlade County - Most trees have dropped their leave. Tamarack trees
are turning a brilliant yellow. Grouse hunters will find better hunting
conditions with the leaves dropped. Still good numbers of Canada geese,
mallards, ring-necked ducks and woodcock in the area.- Eric J. Borchert,
wildlife technician, Antigo
|
Passing of
Rocco "Rocky" Caffarella |
Last week I
received sad news that Rocco "Rocky" Caffarella, a Vilas County Board
member and outdoors enthusiast had suddenly passed away. Over my short
time in the Wisconsin State Legislature, Rocky served as a great
resource in all Vilas County related issues. He was a great asset to my
office during a number of policy decisions in Madison.
In addition to serving the people of the 5th District – Arbor Vitae,
Rocky was a vital asset in educating myself and staff on snowmobile
related issues throughout the Northwoods. Rocky had a wealth of
knowledge, which he shared with my office in regards to the snowmobile
industry.
Please keep Rocky’s close friends and family in your thoughts and
prayers during this time of mourning.
Rocco "Rocky" Cafferella
Photo Credit : Vilas County
|
Trick-or-Treating in the Northwoods |
Minocqua, Woodruff and Arbor Vitae
Trick-or-Treating in the communities of
Minocqua, Woodruff and Arbor Vitae will be from 4-7 p.m., Monday, Oct.
31.
In Minocqua, The Island Business
Association invites trick-or-treaters to start downtown from 3-6 p.m.
Trick-or-treaters are invited to
celebrate Halloween at the Minocqua Public Library. Monday, Oct. 31, is
an early release day for area schools, so we're showing a special
"spooky" movie at 1 p.m. Halloween snacks are featured, too!
Lake Tomahawk
Town Halloween Party: 2-4 p.m., Sloan
Community Center, Lake Tomahawk. Children should come in costumes and
enjoy fun, games and food.
Town's annual trick-or-treating to
follow.
Manitowish Waters
Trick-or-Treat at Manitowish Waters businesses will be offered
Saturday, Oct. 29, noon-2 p.m.
St. Germain
Trick-or-Treating will be held from 4-7 p.m.
Fall Colors in Arbor
Vitae WI!
Boulder Junction
Boulder Junction's In-Town Trick-or-Treating
will be held at participating businesses on Oct. 29, 3-5 p.m.
Rhinelander
Downtown Trick or Treating, October 24, 2-4 p.m.
City of Rhinelander Trick or Treating,
October 31, 4-7 p.m.
Three Lakes
Trick or Treating: Oct. 31 starting at dusk.
Eagle River
Eagle River has no set trick-or-treating
times. The police department asks trick-or-treaters to only visit homes
with porch lights on.
Florence
Trick-or-Treating will be held from 3-6:30 p.m. |
Upcoming Community Events |
Please click the following links for
upcoming community events!
Fall Activities out at Hanson's Garden Village: October 23-30,
Rhinelander
YMCA Friday Family Fun Nights - MVP: October 23 & 30, Rhinelander
Minocqua Winter Farmers Market: October 23 & 30, Minocqua
Trig's Flea Market: October 23 & 30, Rhinelander
YMCA Not-So-Scary Halloween Trail: October 23, Rhinelander
Evil Falls - Haunted House: October 23, Eagle River
The Lawdogs Haunted Lair: October 30-31, Minocqua
44th Annual Kornstalk Karnival: October 30, Manitowish Waters
Spooky Splash: October 31, Minocqua
Boo Bash: October 31,
Land O' Lakes
Lions Halloween Party:
October 31, Conover
Reggie's Roadside
Halloween Costume Contest: October 31, Pelican Lake
WXPR Annual Fall Concert: November 1, Rhinelander
Art in the Library November & December Exhibits: November 1 -
December 31, Boulder Junction
|
Please
contact me at
Rep.Swearingen@legis.wi.gov
if you would like to UNSUBSCRIBE from my E-Updates |
Office of Representative Rob Swearingen
Room 123 West
PO Box 8953, Madison WI 53708
Office: 608-266-7141
Toll Free: 888-534-0034 |