I want to begin by thanking everyone who provided input in regards to the budget deliberations over the past eight months. On September 13, the full Assembly voted to pass the 2017-2019 biennial state budget. I voted in favor of the budget with my one vote because it focuses on transforming education, growing the economy, developing our workforce and investing in infrastructure. Below you will find highlights of the major initiatives in this budget.
Education
I am very encouraged that my colleagues in the Wisconsin State Legislature voted to prioritize K-12 education and level the playing field to help fund rural schools. Republicans voted to increases state aid to school districts by more than $600 million, with more money directed into the classroom. This package provides an additional $200 in per-pupil funding in FY18 and $204 in FY19 that will be guaranteed to each student throughout the state.
Below are provisions in the budget education package that address K-12 education in rural areas:
Increases the low-revenue ceiling to $9,400 per pupil by the second year of the biennium and $100 each year until it reaches $9,800 per pupil.
Fully funds the sparsity aid program.
Expands eligibility for high-cost transportation aid so that more districts may receive aid and fully funds the program.
Creates an incentive-based aid program to encourage school districts to share administrative positions.
Builds on the Whole Grade Sharing Agreement program created in the last budget by providing incentive aid to encourage school districts to enter into an agreement.
Provides $1M to connect future teachers with rural school districts facing teacher shortages.
Provide additional funding for Fab Labs.
Broadband
In addition to K-12 education funding, the Legislature provided $14,000,000 to improve broadband expansion throughout the state. Time and time again, it has become evident that broadband expansion remains a top priority for the Northwoods. In order to attract new businesses, enhance educational opportunities, and create more family sustaining jobs, it was important for the legislature to prioritize additional grant funds to connect rural areas. I am confident that this funding, coupled with the work being done by the Public Service Commission (PSC), will help bring new opportunities to businesses, schools and citizens alike in the area.
Taxes
Partial Repeal of Personal Property Tax - Beginning January 1, 2018, non-manufacturing machinery, tools, and patterns will be excluded from the personal property tax. To hold municipalities harmless, the state will provide $74.4M to offset the exemption.
Property Taxes - Provide $48M over the biennium to keep property taxes below 2014 levels (Property taxes will be lower in two years than they are today, in 2014, and 2010)
Restored current law for the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit program and modified the program to implement a $5M per project cap beginning July 1, 2018. The program offers tax credits to developers for renovating certain historic buildings.
Eliminated another two taxes (the soda water tax and the alternative minimum tax)
University of Wisconsin System
The Assembly provided $5M in the first year for grants to institutions to increase enrollments in high demand degree programs. The budget also provides $26.25M in the second year to be distributed based on the performance of individual campuses.
The budget freezes resident tuition for undergraduates for another two years. The freeze has been in place for four years and has saved the average student $6,300.
Transportation
The budget modifies the Governor’s recommendations for transportation funding by reducing overall bonding levels to just over $400M (a reduction of about $100M from the Governor’s recommendations), adding a number of reforms to reduce DOT and project costs, and increasing funding for local road aids. Highlights include:
A new fee on hybrid and electric cars to support $75M in transportation bonding.
Eliminating 200 DOT positions and using related funding to support the transportation fund.
Funding to complete the tolling study.
Additional $10M for the Local Bridge Improvement Assistance Program.
The Committee also added a number of DOT reforms to ensure accountability for any new revenues received by the transportation fund. They include:
Federal Aid “Swap”.
Repeal of prevailing wage, effective September 1, 2018.
Reforms the Transportation Projects Commission, which is currently responsible for recommending projects for enumeration, and directs it to study transportation “best practices” in other states, recommend projects for denumeration, and evaluate the allocation of transportation funds among different highway funding programs.
The budget bill passed the Assembly with a 57-39 vote. Moving forward, the budget will be taken up by the Senate before going to the Governor’s desk for review. If you have any further questions on the state budget, please feel free to contact my office.
If you would like to view my post budget interview, please click on the picture below.
Assembly Approves Final Foxconn Package
As you may recall, the Assembly passed August 2017 Special Session Assembly Bill 1, relating to the Foxconn incentives package, a couple of weeks ago. Today, the Assembly concurred a revised version of the bill based off of changes made last week by the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) and ultimately passed through the state Senate.
The following changes were made by the JFC:
Geographic Limit for an EITM Zone
Under the bill, WEDC could not designate more than one EITM zone. The amendment would specify that the zone would be located in this state and could not include any area outside this state.
Geographic Limit for EITM Zone Payroll Credits
The amendment would prohibit WEDC from certifying a business to claim EITM zone payroll credits for services performed outside this state.
Hiring Goals for EITM Zone Credits
The amendment specifies that before certifying a business to receive EITM zone capital expenditure credits, WEDC would have to attempt to ensure that the business has sought, and is seeking, to satisfy certain hiring goals in this state, as identified by the WEDC, in connection with the business’s capital expenditures.
I-94 North-South Corridor Project
The amendment would authorize $252,400,000 in general fund-supported, general obligation bonds, which could be used for the I-94 North-South corridor project in the southeast Wisconsin freeway megaprojects program. The bill would specify that DOT could not expend the proceeds of these bonds unless the state receives an award of federal moneys for the I-94 North-South corridor project section and submits a request to expend the bond proceeds to the Joint Committee on Finance. The Committee would have to meet to approve, or modify and approve, such a plan, no later than 14 days after having received the plan.
Foxconn will only receive the amount of incentives proportioned to the amount of jobs they create in Wisconsin. Because the incentive agreements are contingent upon actual performance, Foxconn can only earn the maximum amount of incentives if they fulfill the agreement to create 13,000 new jobs at an average salary of around $54,000 and spend $10 billion in Wisconsin. The 13,000 jobs that Foxconn is expected to create does not include the amount of jobs generated by an estimated 150 suppliers. Foxconn is expected to make $4.26 billion in supplier purchases annually, about one-third of which will be sourced within Wisconsin. In addition to the 13,000 jobs created directly by Foxconn, the project is expected to create at least 22,000 indirect and induced jobs throughout the state.
Office Staff Update
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to Sascha Glaeser, the new Legislative Assistant in my office. Sascha comes to my office as a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2016, where he earned his degree in International Studies. Sascha grew up in New Hampshire but has strong family ties to Wisconsin. I am confident that Sascha will be prove to be an asset in his role helping constituents of the 34th Assembly District.
Matt Wimmer, who has been in my office since January of 2015, will remain in his role as the Research Assistant. In addition, he serves as the Committee Clerk for the Assembly Committee on State Affairs, which I chair. Matt is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was the Legislative Assistant in my office during the 2015-2016 legislative session before assuming the role of Research Assistant this past January.
Sascha Glaeser, Rep. Swearingen, and Matt Wimmer
Governor Walker Tours Three Lakes High School Fab Lab
Governor Walker visited Three Lakes High School last Thursday to tour the school’s Fabrication Laboratory (Fab Lab) facilities and highlight the state budget’s historic $639 million increase for K-12 education.
The Three Lakes High School Fab Lab was the first established Fab Lab in the Northwoods and continues to be a model for other schools in Wisconsin. It continues to amaze me what an exceptional learning tool these labs are for students and the skill sets that they can gain from utilizing them.
Governor Walker, Rep. Swearingen, Three Lakes School District Administrator George Karling, and Three Lakes Fab Lab Director Dr. Steve Yahr at the Three Lakes Fab Lab
Governor Walker Discussing the 2017-2019 Budget's Historic Investment in K-12 Education at Three Lakes High School
The growth of Fab Labs in the state can be credited to the Fab Lab Grant Program. The Fab Lab Grants Program, established during the 2015-2017 budget, aims to prepare students for the workplace with high-technology workshops equipped with computer-controlled manufacturing components such as 3D printers, laser engravers, computer numerical control routers, and plasma cutters. In these facilities, students use the equipment for instructional and educational purposes, gaining valuable hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering, and math.
In addition the Governor highlighted the 2017-2019 Biennial Budget, which will include more actual dollars for K-12 education than ever before in Wisconsin’s history. The $639 million increase will support all the state’s K-12 schools. Investments include career exploration programs, such as the Early College Credit Program, Career and Technical Education grants, Fabrication Laboratories, and other programs that help ensure every student succeeds. This package provides an additional $200 in per-pupil funding in FY18 and $204 in FY19 that will be guaranteed to each student throughout the state.
Governor Walker visiting with Three Lakes Fab Lab Student
School District of Florence County Groundbreaking Ceremony
It was an exciting day last Friday for the Florence School District where they hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking to celebrate the commencement of their middle/high school additions and renovations project. The goal of this project is to revive and preserve the integrity of the 1930’s school building and improve teaching and learning areas to enhance student education.
School District of Florence County School Superintendent Ben Niehaus addressing the crowd at the Groundbreaking Ceremony
Rep. Swearingen discussing the importance of this project for the Florence County School District and Florence Community
Per the media alert released by the school district, the inside of the original building will be refurbished, while infrastructure upgrades will bring it up to current codes and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. The middle/high school will receive a secure entrance and a full HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), electrical, and plumbing replacement. A renovation to the Tech Ed space will create a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) area in which students can focus on college and career readiness skills. In the wake of the demolition of the two-story, 1956 section of the building, a classroom addition will reduce the overall footprint of the building and create better flow within the building.
The School District of Florence County is a countywide school district in upper northeast Wisconsin. The District is the 10th largest school district geographically in the state, and serves approximately 400 students. I would like to thank Florence School Superintendent, Ben Niehaus, and the entire Florence community for their work and ongoing support for this important project.
Rep. Swearingen taking a "selfie" with the Florence County School student body and guests at the Groundbreaking Ceremony
Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Presentation in Minocqua
The Wisconsin Department of Tourism awarded the Minocqua Chamber of Commerce a $3,250 Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant for its event, the Minocqua No Frills Marathon, which took place on September 9.
This specific race is intended to accommodate those who aspire to run their first marathon, as well as veteran runners trying to better their times or qualify for the Boston Marathon. The course this year began at Nokomis Community Park, 20 miles south of Minocqua, and followed the Bearskin Trail back to finish at the trail head behind the Minocqua Post Office. The No Frills Marathon is a certified qualifying race for the Boston Marathon.
Minocqua Chamber of Commerce Director Krystal Westphal, Chamber of Commerce Staff, Rep. Swearingen, and Department of Tourism Northern Regional Specialist Jeff Anderson during the JEM Grant Presentation
JEM grants, awarded by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, are presented to non-profit organizations. The state can provide up to 75 percent in funding of a project’s first year costs, and provide support for second and third year projects until they become self-sustaining. This is the second year of the Arctic Warrior Races. For more information on the JEM Program and application materials, visit http://industry.travelwisconsin.com/.
Rhinelander Block Party
As a resident of Rhinelander, I am sure I can speak for a lot of people when I say it was exciting to celebrate the completion of the downtown construction this past weekend! Last Saturday, I attended the Rhinelander Block Party where Mayor Dick Johns declared downtown Rhinelander open for business!
Rhinelander Mayor Dick Johns Announcing Rhinelander is Open for Business during the Block Party
2017 Phelps Scarecrow Fest
If you get the chance, I would highly suggest attending the Phelps Scarecrow Fest this Saturday, September 16. This year’s event will feature a scarecrow contest, pumpkin chuckin', sea plane rides, free kids games, a quilt & fine arts display, hay rides, craft fair (40+ vendors), music, and food and beverages.
New Events for 2017 Kid's & Adult's Cake Walk Adult Giant Jenga Kid's Scarecrow Costume Parade
Schedule
11:30 Scarecrow Entries Close 12:00 Homemade Wine Tasting 12:00 Wildside Flyboarding Show 1:00 Kids Scarecrow Parade 1:30 Kids Cake Walk 2:00 Wildside Flyboarding Show 3:00 Stateline Line Dancing 4:00 Wine Tasting Closes 4:30 Drawing for Raffle Winners 5:00 Contest Winners Announced 50/ 50 Announced
To find more details, you can visit the Scarecrow Fest Facebook page by clicking here.
DNR Outdoor Report
Published September 14, 2017 by the Central Office
A lot of hunters will be going out in the woods this weekend for the numerous season openers, including the archery and crossbow deer, fall turkey, Canada goose, ruffed grouse, cottontail rabbit and squirrel. Many areas of the state are reporting a great crop of acorns, hickory nuts and walnuts. These foods will help deer, turkey, black bears and more build up fat reserves to survive the winter and areas with a good mast crop should provide great places to hunt for squirrels, grouse, and deer. Just in time for this weekend's season openings, the 2017 Fall Forecast is now available at by searching the DNR website for keyword "forecast." [PDF]
Leaves are continuing to change, with several northern counties already reporting fall color at 50 percent on the Wisconsin Department of Tourism's Fall Color Report(exit DNR).
Fishing has been very good on the Wolf River from New London down the mouth at Lake Poygon, with anglers having good success with catfish, bass, northern pike and panfish. Mid-September is typically the peak of the Lake Superior coho run on the Bois Brule river, and there have been some reports of angling success. The fall salmon run on Lake Michigan is picking ups some, with a few kings moving up tributaries, but there haven't been huge numbers reported yet, and some rain and cooler temperatures would be helpful to get more fish moving up.
Fly fishermen have been targeting the first few pods of kings moving upstream on the Kewaunee River with limited success. Both chinooks and browns have been caught upstream of the harbors in the East and West Twin Rivers. The Root and Pike rivers are currently extremely clear and very low and very few anglers have been fishing and no fish were reported caught this week.
On the western shores of Green Bay, anglers have been targeting crappie and smallmouth bass, with some attempts at walleye and musky as well. While there was some success for yellow perch, the bite was inconsistent for walleye and musky, with more success reported from early morning anglers. On the eastern shore anglers found themselves, again, with tough odds for walleye and greater success for perch.
Along Door County smallmouth bass fishing has been consistent and good with a better offshore bite. Yellow perch fishing was great this past week and some anglers reported catching limits while fishing in the Sturgeon Bay canal.
In the southeastern harbors, a few salmon balanced out the brown trout catch at Port Washington, Racine and Kenosha.
The early teal and goose season is showing moderate success. Birds are still spending time around weedy fields and standing water, with the abundance of water on area wetlands keeping duck populations dispersed.
Bull elk are starting to bugle in the Clam Lake area and this week a woman captured a couple of bull elk sparring on video that is available on the DNR Facebook page. Whitetail deer are transitioning from a red to grey winter coat.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - The past few glorious days have brought outdoor enthusiasts to the state forest. Red maples, pin cherry and sumac are showing off some lovely reds, especially along Highway 47 north of Lac du Flambeau to Mercer and points north and east of there. Fall mushrooms are popping up luring the hunters and gatherers to the woods! Conditions are a little drier making for good walking on area trails. It is a great time to be out in the woods and out on the water. - Rosalie Richter, visitor services associate
Community Events
Please click the following links for upcoming community events!
