December 22, 2017

Working for you!

Protecting Wisconsin's Natural Wetlands

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of visiting WOW Logistics in Little Chute where the Lt. Governor Kleefisch and I had a productive discussion with CEO Howard Kamerer about the need to improve Wisconsin's wetland management. After reviewing all the facts, I was moved to coauthor AB 547, a bill that will maintain consistency with the federal definitions of wetlands, improve the permitting process, clear the way for expanded mitigation opportunities, and ensure that Wisconsin prioritizes the protection of natural wetlands.

Artificial, non-federally regulated wetland management and mitigation is costly, inefficient, and ineffective at improving the ecology of Wisconsin. Current restrictions are forcing businesses to build on good farm land in order to avoid artificial wetland issues and the potential regulatory burden, resulting in corporate sprawl.

Howard and other business owners and local officials traveled to the Capitol for the December 21 public hearing on AB 547. You can watch the Joint Senate and Assembly committee hearing about the bill by clicking on the photo below:

Bringing Research Opportunities to Wisconsin

On Tuesday, I introduced a bipartisan bill that University of Wisconsin faculty have requested to improve Wisconsin's research spin-off environment.

Current law unnecessarily delays our public universities from entering into contracts with commercial businesses or non-profit organizations in which a University of Wisconsin System employee has a financial interest, even when potential conflicts of interest are disclosed and appropriately managed. This barrier to economic growth does not provide any public good or additional oversight. The Wisconsin economy is losing ground in research and development business-creation. This is due to unnecessary delays preventing entrepreneurs from starting up businesses with patents and spin-off opportunities produced by our public universities’ research.

Under my bill, AB 748, Wisconsin’s conflict of interest regulations for university employees will still be consistent with those of other public universities, while removing the impediments currently in place that suppress Wisconsin small business creation. The bill will also open the door for campuses to participate in contracts with non-profit research corporations, which are not allowed due to current law defining a “research company” exclusively as one engaged in “commercial activity.”

Merry Christmas

On Wednesday, I had a great time taking my staff and their significant others out for a Christmas dinner.

A Very Merry Cintas, Too

The State of Wisconsin is committed to creating jobs right here in the Fox Valley. On Wednesday, Governor Walker announced that the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is providing the Cintas Corp. with up to $575,000 in state tax credits to support the construction of a new facility in the Town of Greenville–a project expected to create about 60 jobs.

Construction is now underway on a 54,000-square-foot laundry and maintenance facility near State Highway 15 and County Highway CB. The facility, which should be completed within a year, will provide cleaning and storage for the company’s uniform, floor mat and towel rental services. The building also will include a state-of-the-art operations center for the company.

About 80 employees from the company’s existing operation in Greenville will work at the new facility, bringing total the employment to 140.

WEDC has authorized the company to receive the Business Development Tax Credits over the next three years. The amount of credits Cintas actually receives is contingent upon the number of jobs created and the amount of capital investment the company makes during that time.

Cintas will be the first company to be part of the Town of Greenville’s new 250-acre tax incremental financing (TIF) district. Greenville will use the additional property tax revenue generated by development within the TIF district to help fund public improvements for the new development.

Up with Christmas Trees

WisconsinEye, a non-profit, private public affairs network that covers Wisconsin government, has compiled a video of the installation of the Capitol Christmas tree, which was donated by Winneconne's own Ryf family.

The Gift of Service

There is no greater gift than the ability to volunteer. Fortunately the Volunteer Center of East Central Wisconsin has compiled a volunteer guide for the holidays offers an abundance of opportunities to volunteer in and around the community.

The guide is available on their website www.volunteercenter.net

Begin the Year with a Non-Tax Hike

Since taxes are decreasing, you should instead experience a hike this year by visiting one of our beautiful state parks. The Wisconsin State Park System is hosting First Day Hikes on New Year's Day. These hikes offer visitors an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenated and connected with nature. In its biggest year yet, First Day Hikes will be happening at 17 state properties, spanning all four corners of the State.

A 2018 Wisconsin state park admission sticker is required for entrance to most parks for these events and will be on sale at park offices.

Locations of the First Day Hikes can be found by clicking the photo below:

Check out other upcoming events near us by visiting the Wisconsin Tourism website, and if you run into me while you’re out and about be sure to stop and say hi!

"Like" Representative Murphy's Facebook Page

I use Facebook to update constituents more frequently on my work in Madison and the 56th Assembly District. I look forward to using this as another way to connect with constituents and encourage you to follow it and watch for regular updates.