2021-23 State Budget 

Sen. Jacque joins Senators in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance before a June Floor Session

Exempting Military Pay from State Taxation

The 2021-23 State Budget will make military service less taxing thanks to my initiative exempting active-duty income from state taxation.  Many native Wisconsin service members change their legal addresses outside the state just to avoid being taxed while on active duty, and they never return.  The state tax code should encourage service members to return to Wisconsin’s civilian workforce, instead of sending these skilled individuals to other states.  I have also co-authored bipartisan legislation exempting active-duty military pay from state taxation, (Assembly Bill 39)/(Senate Bill 43), which unanimously passed the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions and Revenue earlier this year.  

DNR to Preserve Potawatomi Park Tower

Photo: DNR

Local citizens recently convinced the Evers’ Administration to reverse course and repair the historic 90-year-old Potawatomi State Park Observation Tower.  The campaign to save the landmark is an example of public engagement at its best.  I commend local citizens, local governments and community groups, especially the Sturgeon Bay Historical Society Foundation (SBHSF), for preserving this structure.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary Preston Cole announced the reversal in a meeting in May with me, Rep. Joel Kitchens, and Christie Weber, President of the SBHSF. The DNR had planned to tear down the historic structure after deeming it unsafe in 2018.

It appears pretty evident that the administration’s position has moved from recommending demolition to supporting and funding repair and looking at additional accessibility accommodations.

My goal has always been to help save this treasured landmark in a manner that preserves it for future generations and respects the history of the Potawatomi Nation. This is also a big win for local tourism, which we all know has taken a hit from the pandemic.

Licensure Fee Relief for Military Spouses

At a public hearing of the Assembly Committee on Regulatory Licensing Reform, Sen. Jacque discussed the burden of license fees for military spouses seeking employment

Wisconsin is a leader in employing veterans. However, spouses of active duty military members faced a pre-COVID 24% unemployment rate, and over 31% are working part-time even if they would prefer to work full-time. Research by the Syracuse University Institute for Veterans and Military Families finds that up to 35% of military spouses are employed in fields that require licensure, which can be a costly burden for military families who must frequently move.  To reduce this barrier to employment - and increase the pool of well-trained, qualified workers to help fill the thousands of jobs that remain open - I have introduced legislation to waive licensure fees for military spouses.

Senate Approves ABLE Account Expansion

Earlier this month, the Senate unanimously approved my legislation directing state officials to draw up plans for tax-exempt savings accounts. These funds can help cover the cost of services those with physical and cognitive challenges need to live full, independent lives.

Similar to 529 college savings accounts, federal law allows states to create tax-exempt savings accounts to cover expenses - such as education, housing, transportation, and more - for disabled individuals under the age of 26.  This bill moves our state closer to establishing an Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account program in Wisconsin, while still keeping out-of-state programs available for our citizens.

Sen. Jacque Leads Clean Water Efforts in Midwest

Stateline Midwest, published by the Council of State Governments, recently featured the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Legislative Caucus’ (GLLC) Nutrient Management Task Force, which I lead.  We held a two-part web meeting earlier this Spring.  Clean water knows no boundaries, so it's important for state officials throughout the region to work together. 

Breakfast on the Farm

To celebrate June Dairy Month and the farm families that make Wisconsin The Dairy State, I've volunteered at dairy breakfasts throughout the 1st Senate District this month.  These events would not be possible without the work of volunteers and host families, and generous donations. Thank you to everyone who took the time to come out and say hello. I know it feels great to be able to get together with our families, friends, and neighbors again! 

Congratulations, Graduates!

Last month I had the opportunity to participate in Lakeshore Technical College's Spring 2021 virtual graduation ceremony.  Earning a degree after years of hard work and dedication should be extremely gratifying under any circumstances; given the historic, extraordinary year we have all just experienced, this accomplishment is even more incredible.

To all graduates, I join your parents, relatives, friends, and teachers in expressing how very proud we are of your achievements.  No matter where you go in life from here, this certificate will go with you, along with your other life experiences that have shaped you into who you are today.  You will also be stronger for these times you have endured.