Activity in the Capitol is picking up after closures and cancellations caused by last week’s frigid weather. More bills are being introduced, committees are meeting, and the Legislature will be in session next week.
In this newsletter, you will find updates about the competing tax proposals offered by Governor Evers and Assembly Republicans, efforts to close the so-called “dark store” loophole, and some information about the Wisconsin Civics Games and a new cyber safety course being offered by the state.
If you have any questions or need assistance with any matter, please feel free to contact my office.
Sincerely,
Lisa Subeck
State Representative
78th Assembly District
In This Week's Update:
Middle Class Taxes
Black History Month
Dark Stores
Madison Memorial and Waunakee Advance to Civics Games State Finals
Department of Justice and Department of Public Instruction Launch interact!
This month, Governor Evers will introduce his proposed biennial budget. He has announced that he intends to provide meaningful income tax relief for middle class Wisconsinites. His plan will cap a particular tax credit that is currently taken advantage of by some wealthy business owners, redirecting those funds to hardworking Wisconsin families.. The tax break he intends to cap was intended to boost agriculture and manufacturing, but instead 80% of the credits claimed go to millionaires with no requirements for job creation. It makes no sense to keep this massive giveaway to the wealthiest Wisconsinites when so many working families are struggling to pay the bills.
At the same time, Republicans have countered with a reckless proposal that uses one-time tax revenues to fund an unsustainable tax gimmick. Their plan would spend $490 million in its first year, and $338 million in subsequent years, leaving a big hole in future budgets with no plan to pay for it. As has become the norm, Republicans are ramming this boondoggle through the State Assembly in less than two weeks’ time with a final vote on the bill scheduled for next Tuesday.
Governor Evers offers a fair and responsible plan to cut taxes for the average Wisconsinite within the context of the budget and without breaking the bank. I look forward to supporting his proposal when the full budget is introduced later this month.
Last Friday, the Legislative Black Caucus joined Governor Evers and Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes in the State Capitol to mark the start of Black History Month. Barnes is the highest ranking African American elected official in Wisconsin history. Also present was State Representative Sheila Stubbs, the first African American state legislator from Dane County.
These historic firsts should make Wisconsinites proud, but we are certainly still a long way from parity. Wisconsin ranks among the worst states in the nation on a number of measures of racial inequality. Serious disparities in unemployment, income, education, and incarceration rates still persist.
Black History Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of African-Americans in Wisconsin, as well as a reminder of the stark inequalities that still exist in our state. As Governor Evers said on Friday, we should honor Black History Month by “renewing our commitment to equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion for everybody, every day, for our future.”
Earlier this week, Governor Eversannounced his planto close what is known as the “dark store” tax loophole. The loophole allows big box retailers to avoid paying their fair share of local property taxes by basing their tax assessments on their value as a vacant store rather than as a store in operation, in turn shifting millions of dollars in property tax burden from large corporate retailers to homeowners and small businesses.
Local communities and homeowners across the state, including here in Madison, have been hit hard by big box retailers exploiting this loophole. When these retailers avoid paying their fair share, either homeowners are forced to pay more or basic services like public education and police and fire protection suffer. I applaud Governor Evers for his leadership on this issue and look forward to working with him to close this unfair loophole and protect Wisconsin families.
Madison Memorial and Waunakee Advance to Civics Games State Finals
On Saturday, nearly 100 students from 25 schools competed in the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation’s Civics Games. I enjoyed having the opportunity to spend the day serving as one of the judges for the regional competition held in Madison.
The teams of up to four students faced off head-to-head to answer questions about the state budget, local elections, legislative term limits, quorums and other civics related issues. Memorial High School placed first, followed by Waunakee High School. Both of these teams now advance to the statewide finals to be held in the Capitol on February 23.
It is great that the Wisconsin Newspaper Association and their partners have launched these games in an effort to promote civic education and engagement. It is a wonderful experience for all involved and I hope you will encourage students you know to take part in future games.
Department of Justice and Department of Public Instruction Launch interact!
The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, in partnership with the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), is launching interact!, which is an online, interactive tool families can use to discuss online safety. At a time when children have access to a multitude of electronic devices putting the world at their fingertips, it is critical that families take steps to keep their children safe.
According to the DOJ and DPI, frequent discussions with parents or guardians about online activity have the biggest influence on a child’s online behaviors. Interact! helps families to start and continue these discussions and provides tips to help break the ice on awkward topics.
To receive more information from DOJ about online safety, subscribe to the Wisconsin ICAC Community & Parent newsletter, see archived publications, or contact icac@doj.state.wi.us.
This week, the launch of Kiva Greater Madison has been in the headlines. Kiva provides crowdfunded microloans to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in Greater Madison. The City of Madison has provided three years of seed funding and other supporters include Madison Gas and Electric, The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC), WBD, Wells Fargo, The Evjue Foundation, and State Bank of Cross Plains.
Under the program, a borrower applies for the loan. A Kiva review team considers the application and, if approved, the borrower is then asked to raise the first round of funds from 20 family members or friends – who are each willing to contribute $25 within 15 days. Once that goal is achieved, the borrower can raise funds on Kiva’s website for 30 days by seeking loans from individuals of $25 or more with no interest.
The loans prove especially helpful to people who have a sound entrepreneurial vision and all the tools to succeed, but lack capital or ready access to capital. Small business loans crowdfunded through Kiva Greater Madison are on average $5,000 and are offered at 0% interest with no fees.
The City of Madison Economic Development Division hopes this will be a transformative program for our local economy. Visit us.kiva.org/greatermadison/ to learn more.
No matter how long ago someone attended UW-Madison, seeing Bascom Hill brings back a flood of memories. While some remember repeatedly trekking up the hill in the middle of brutal Wisconsin winters, others remember snowball fights, pink flamingoes and studying outside on a sunny day.
Bascom Hill itself is actually a large drumlin, formed by glacial deposits about 18,000 years ago.
Things happening in the district & around Madison:
Free Family Night@ The Madison Children's Museum+ African-American History Celebration Wednesday 2/6/19
5 pm - 8 pm Madison Children's Museum
100 N Hamilton St
On the First Wednesday of each month, the Madison Children's’ Museum has a free night for families. For February, African-American art and traditions will be featured in the Museum.
The Odd Couple 7:30 pm on 2/7-8 & 2/14-15 and 2 & 7:30 pm, 2/19 & 16 Verona High School
300 Richard St
Verona Area Community Theater is putting on a comedy about two mismatched roommates. $15.75/ticket
Yola's Cafe Arthritis Fundraiser February 1-28 Yola's Cafe, 494 Commerce Dr
For each waffle creation sold, $1 will go to the Arthritis Foundation and Camp Mash, a camp for kids with arthritis.
Arboretum Volunteer Work Party Saturday, February 9 9 am The Arboretum, 1207 Seminole Highway
Volunteer to help restore the arboretum and learn about prairie ecosystems. Groups welcome, but call in advance.
Arboretum Walk: Life Underground Sunday, February 10 1 pm The Arboretum, 1207 Seminole Highway
Learn about how animals survive the cold weather by burrowing. Meet at the Visitors' Center.
Pottery Wheel Demonstration Friday, February 15 3 pm Madison Children's Museum, 100 N Hamilton
A demonstration of how a pottery wheel works, with some hands-on experience. $9 admission
MadWest Winter Farmers' Market Saturday, February 16 8 am Lussier Community Center, 55 S Gammon Rd
Second to last winter farmers' market.
Dane County Farmers' Market Saturday, February 16 8 am - Noon Madison Senior Center, 330 W Mifflin
Breakfast also sold, $7/half serving, $10/full serving
Saturday Family Movie Matinee: Candleshoe Saturday, February 16 2 pm - 4 pm Alicia Ashman Library, 733 N High Point Rd
Small-time crook Harry Bundage discovers that the old manor house where Lady St. Edmund resides, with three orphans and her butler Priory is the resting place for a hoard of treasure.
Slide Slide Dancing Saturday, February 16 3 pm - 5 pm Meadowridge Library, 5726 Raymond Rd
Join us for "slides" and some hip-hop line dancing. All skill levels are welcome!