Middle Class Taxes

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.

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Black History 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.”

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Dark Stores

Earlier this week, Governor Evers announced his plan to 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.

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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.

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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 participate in the eCourse, visit https://media.dpi.wi.gov/calt/cyber-safety/story_html5.html.

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.

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Kiva Greater Madison

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.

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Fun Wisconsin Fact

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. 

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