Second Special Session On Jobs
Last week the legislature was called into its second special session on jobs by Governor Scott Walker. I welcome this session because Assembly Republicans have made jobs their number one priority since January.
We started this year with the first special session on jobs and our efforts to help Wisconsin’s economy have paid off so far. This spring Wisconsin moved up 17 spots (to 24 from 41) in CEO Magazine’s list of most friendly states to do business in this country. Wisconsin’s jobs numbers have outpaced the nation for the first six months of the year. Also, 88 percent of job creators, in a recent poll, said the state is going in the right direction.
Currently there are 20 – 30 bills going through the committee process with public hearings and committee votes in preparation for Assembly and Senate debate. These bills deal with regulatory reform, tax incentives for creating jobs, etc.
I don’t want the legislature to try to create jobs. The private sector has to do that. Our efforts have to give the private sector the confidence that we will allow them to succeed by getting out of their way by not over regulating or mandating what they must do. I think we did that successfully earlier this year and the business community responded in a positive way.
That needs to be our focus later this month as we debate our jobs agenda. The best effort we can make will be to bring back confidence in Wisconsin so people start buying products and services again. Then we can step back and watch the private sector flourish.
If we can duplicate our success from the January Jobs Session Wisconsin will be the state in the country to expand and create jobs when the national economy starts to grow again. That is the environment we need to create now.
Committee Work
While the Legislature has not been on the floor as much the last few months I have stayed busy with my committee work on the Joint Finance Committee and the Administrative Rules (JCRAR) Committee.
JCRAR is tasked with oversight of the rulemaking authority of state agencies. The legislature makes law and state agencies apply and implement these laws and the intent of the legislature in the state administrative code.
When a state agency promulgates a rule that rule goes through a legislative committee process that gives elected officials oversight of that rule. The final step in that process is the JCRAR committee.
The last two weeks JCRAR has been dealing with two interpretations the Government Accountability Board (GAB) has decided on in regards to the recent Voter ID Bill that was passed by the legislature.
The GAB was going to allow electronic nomination papers and recall petitions to be sent with one person’s name and address pre-printed on the form. This would be an expansion of what is currently allowed. The other ruling would allow stickers to be attached to student ID cards for voting purposes. The decision to make these changes was made by the GAB without using the rule making process.
Some of us thought this was an expansion of legislative intent and at the very least should be authorized under the rules process instead of simply the GAB authorizing it on their own. Thursday the GAB agreed to reconsider their decisions prompting JCRAR to delay their motions forcing the GAB to make rules.
This is an example of a state agency trying to take over the role of the legislature by changing law. That is the job of elected officials not an appointed board.
Other Activities
Recently I had the honor of attending a sendoff for the 238th Aviation Support Battalion stationed out of West Bend. These 30 soldiers are being deployed to Kosovo after a months training in Indiana.
It was humbling observing the pride these soldiers have in serving their country and the pride they take in their work as a helicopter medical transport team. They were surrounded by their family and friends that day who also showed tremendous pride for our country and their loved ones serving our country.
I have attended a number of sendoffs and homecomings for our troops and am always encouraged by these volunteers and their families who continue to protect us and our freedoms. We pray for their safe return next year.
I also had the privilege to attend a celebration of Regal Ware’s 100th Anniversary. What a wonderful time to honor a family run business that has offered employment opportunities for 100 years. It was obvious that Regal Ware is an example of an employer that has been faithful to its employees and community and a great work force that manufactures a quality product that consumers want to buy.
We wish Regal Ware success in the future as owners and employees continue to work together for another 100 years producing quality products in the Kewaskum and West Bend area.
What Is The Wisconsin Blue Book?
The Wisconsin Blue Book is a compilation of biographical and contact information for state and federal legislators, the governor and lieutenant governor, and state constitutional elected officers. It also contains a brief biography of the 7 Supreme Court Justices. Additionally, the Blue Book is filled with in depth information about the three branches of government as well as interesting facts about the state.
Every legislative session the Wisconsin Blue Book is updated and issued by the non-partisan Legislative Reference Bureau. October 11th the 2011-2012 Wisconsin Blue Books will be available for distribution. If you are interested in obtaining a copy please contact our office. If you have any additional questions or concerns on this issue, or any other, please do not hesitate to contact my office. I am always happy to respond and be of service to you.
|
|
Visit My Website
Subscribe
Did a friend forward this email to you? Subscribe yourself and receive the latest updates from Madison. Click here.
If you know anyone who would enjoy receiving updates on state issues, please forward this e-update to them, or encourage them to contact Rep. LeMahieu's office to subscribe. If at any time you want to be removed from this list, please Click Here.
|