Supporting Wisconsin Farmers

Early this week I joined Representative John Spiros, Representative Scott Krug, and Will Hsu of Hsu Ginseng Enterprises, Inc. at a press conference to unveil a package of bills that will help farmers in both the short and long-term. The package aims to alleviate some of the stresses that farmers are experiencing in the current markets. 

This package includes increases in dairy processing grants, resources for increasing export markets and a property tax credit for agricultural buildings for farmers.  The bills are still moving through the legislative process, but we hope to vote on them next week. 

Tax Season

Tax season is upon us! 

As you file your tax returns with the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR), I want to share some resources. There are two helpful programs that the Wisconsin Department of Revenue provides to citizens of Wisconsin during tax season: the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program. Both programs are operated in partnership with the IRS, and the TCE is also a collaboration with the AARP Tax-Aide Foundation. 

The programs provide free basic tax preparation by trained volunteers for disadvantaged individuals, veterans, and the elderly. VITA is for individuals with income of $56,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. 

The (TCE) program offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly for those that are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. The IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.  There are close to 200 VITA and TCE sites throughout the state. 

Do you have a coworker, friend, or family member in the child welfare profession who deserves recognition for their efforts with children, schools, hospitals, or community organizations? Please nominate them to be formally honored and thanked for the incredible work they do each and every day. Nominations can be made online and will be accepted through Sunday, February 16, 2020.

Weekend Events

• The Rib Mountain Candlelight Snowshoe Hike will occur tomorrow February 15th from 6-8PM. This event is one of many candlelight hikes at State Parks throughout the state. 
• Celebrate the Beatles with stories based on some of the band's most famous songs and craft-making. The Marathon County Public Library-Wausau Branch will be hosting their Beatles Story Time Saturday, February 15th from 10:30 am-11:30 am. This event is free and open to all kids and families.
• Local food products direct from farmers, bakers, roasters, chefs, and beekeepers will be at the Boys and Girls Club of the Wausau Area from 8 am to 12 pm February 15th for the Wausau Winter Market.