FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 8, 2015
CONTACT: Rep. André Jacque - (920) 819-8066
Rep. Jacque Hails Budget Passage
Praises inclusion of prevailing wage reform, key legislative initiatives
(Madison, WI) State Rep. André Jacque applauded the passage earlier today of the 2015-’17 biennial budget, highlighting a handful of the provisions included that he requested which will result in very significant taxpayer savings, assist local redevelopment efforts, and enhance public safety, including several proposals he authored in previous sessions:
LOCAL GOVERNMENT COST SAVINGS
Significant Reform of Prevailing Wage-
“I am very excited that this budget includes full repeal of prevailing wage mandates on all local governments, which will save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars each year in artificially high costs for public projects. This change will reduce long term debt and improve budget flexibility for every form of local government-from school districts and counties, to towns, villages, cities and technical colleges. Today’s changes will also streamline the application of prevailing wages at the state level, and I am convinced that today’s action will pave the way for full repeal of prevailing wage next session as savings are realized by local government throughout the state. I am honored to have been able to play a significant role in
building momentum for today’s very significant victory for taxpayers, and I am grateful to my many colleagues, including, but certainly not limited to Representative Hutton and Senators Vukmir, Nass, Stroebel, and Lasee for their tireless efforts to make it happen.”
Local Government and Non-Profit Construction Sales Tax Reform-
“I was pleased to introduce bi-partisan legislation the past two sessions (2013 AB 76 and 2011 AB 380) which would allow local governments and non-profit entities to utilize their existing sales and use tax exemption through their contractors to directly purchase the building materials that become a part of the tax exempt entity’s facilities, rather than pass those costs on to taxpayers or use inefficient administrative compliance workarounds. By incorporating this important reform within the budget, taxpayers and non-profits stand to benefit by nearly $20 Million over this biennium alone without creating any new tax exemptions, but merely reducing government red-tape, simplifying current tax procedures, and providing a cost effective way for schools, local governments and other tax-exempt entities to add infrastructure at a lower cost. I greatly appreciate the help from Sen. Marklein on the Joint Finance Committee to make this a reality.”
LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Historic Preservation Tax Credit Restoration-
“Last session, I was pleased to work with Sen. Gudex as the lead Assembly co-author in establishing a competitive Historic Tax Credit (HTC) program that would greatly benefit redevelopment efforts in our communities statewide. This initiative has been an overwhelming success since its implementation, and in both Wisconsin and many other states, Historic Preservation Tax Credits serve as one of, if not THE, single-most effective economic development and tools, dollar for dollar. The budget bill passed today reverses proposed changes which would have been harmful to the program and fully restores HTC funding, and I thank Sen. Gudex for his outstanding work to help ensure that would happen.”
PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime Prevention and Victims Services Funding-
“For the past two sessions (2013 AB 74), I have led the effort to require those convicted of crimes to provide community restitution in support of crime prevention efforts, providing taxpayer relief and vital funds to prevent and solve crime or reduce repeat offenses. I am very thankful that my legislation has been included in the budget at the request of the Attorney General, with the support of the Badger Sheriffs Association, Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association, League of Wisconsin Municipalities, Wisconsin Professional Police Association, and the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators. I am further pleased that this budget significantly increases funding for prevention and services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault made jointly with Sen. Wanggaard and through my involvement as a member of the Wisconsin Council on Domestic Abuse.”
Jacque stated, “I am proud of my vote tonight for the 2015-'17 Budget and the many improvements made that I requested throughout the budget process on these and many, many other issues, including millions in taxpayer savings through culvert permit reform, reducing the marriage penalty in our tax system, creating ABLE accounts for individuals with disabilities, restoring Harbor Assistance Program funding, matching the federal tax deduction for school supplies, supporting the establishment of an Agricultural Education Center at Lakeshore Technical College, and increased investment in postadoption resource centers, education, health services and worker training.”
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