Serving the Northwoods Communities of Rhinelander, Eagle River, Minocqua, Phelps, Three Lakes, Florence and Forest County.

District Dialogue

October 23, 2015

State Unemployment Rate Reaches 14-Year Low at 4.3%

BLS Data: State Unemployment Rate Reaches 14-Year Low at 4.3%

September rate at lowest rate since April 2001, also lowest September rate since 2000

MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today released the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) revisions for August and preliminary estimates for September, covering unemployment and employment statistics for the state of Wisconsin. In brief, the estimates show:

· Place of residence data: A preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 4.3 percent in September 2015, its lowest point since April 2001, down from 4.5 percent in August 2015. The 4.3 percent rate is below the national unemployment rate of 5.1 percent for the month and below the state's rate of 5.3 percent in September 2014. The state's September rate is the lowest for the month since September 2000, when the rate was 3.7 percent. Additionally, the state's labor force participation rate of 67.4 percent in September outpaced the national rate of 62.4 percent.

· Place of work data: Wisconsin added a statistically significant 45,300 private sector jobs and 53,400 total non-farm jobs from September 2014 to September 2015 (seasonally adjusted). Wisconsin also realized significant year-over-year gains of 6,500 jobs in retail, 4,900 jobs in financial activities and 12,800 jobs in education and health services. The state posted a one-month gain of 1,700 in total non-farm jobs.

"Wisconsin hasn't seen its September unemployment rate reach this low since former Governor Thompson was in office, and the last time the rate was this low during any month was in April 2001," DWD Secretary Reggie Newson. "And, with the one-year addition of 45,300 private sector jobs, Wisconsin's long-term trend continues to be one of economic growth. At DWD, we remain committed to advancing strong policies to develop the workforce and further strengthen the economy."

The BLS uses three data sets to measure employment and unemployment:

· Current Employment Statistics (CES): compiled from a monthly survey sent to about 5,500 employers (3.5 percent of Wisconsin employers). CES data has been shown to be volatile and subject to revision.

· Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS): compiled from a monthly survey of 985 households and unemployment insurance claims. Measures the labor force, employment, unemployment, and the unemployment rate.

· Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW): compiled quarterly based on Unemployment Insurance records from some 96% of Wisconsin business establishments. Considered by most economists to be the most accurate measure of jobs, the QCEW includes data from almost all employers in Wisconsin.

Other indicators of the state of Wisconsin's economy include:

· Average Initial Unemployment Insurance (UI) claims for the first 40 weeks of 2015 dropped to the lowest point since 1990, and the annual average weekly continued UI claims are at their lowest levels since 2000.

· Department of Financial Institutions new business formation: The number of new business entities formed in Wisconsin in the first nine months of 2015 grew by 3.4% percent compared to same period in 2014. As of September 30, 2015, new business filings totaled 31,062, compared to 30,046 in the same period in 2014.

· Chief Executive Magazine ranked Wisconsin the "12th Best State for Business" in its annual survey of CEO's, an increase of 2 spots over the 2014 ranking, and a big increase over 2010, when the state ranked 41st.

On Wednesday, October 14, Assembly Bill 372 (AB 372), a bill that Senator Tom Tiffany and I authored, was given a public hearing in the Assembly Natural Resources and Sporting Heritage Committee.  The bill relates to the membership of the board of commissioners of public inland lake protection and rehabilitation districts (lake districts). 

Lake district boards are five member bodies that are responsible for enacting boating ordinances and water safety patrols. lake district membership was debated earlier this session under Assembly Bill 47 (now Act 25), a bill that my colleague Representative Kleefisch authored. Act 25 made minor changes to the appointment process for one of the positions on lake district boards. Additionally, Act 25 directed the local governing body to appoint a resident of the lake district to serve as a commissioner on the lake district board. I supported this legislation because it gave local governing bodies the flexibility to meet quorum requirements to conduct business.

After this legislation was enacted, a member of a local lake district contacted my office because their lake district president was no longer permitted to serve on the board due to unintended consequences of Act 25. This was because the individual was a member of the governing body, but not a resident of the lake district – making him ineligible to be appointed by the governing body. Assembly Bill 372 is a simple fix which allows a resident of the lake district or a member of the local governing body to serve on the lake district board.

The proposal received bipartisan support at the public hearing, I am hoping it is scheduled for an executive session shortly. 
 

Senator Tiffany and Representative Swearingen testifying on Assembly Bill 372

Session Update

During the week of October 19, the Wisconsin State Assembly held two separate floor sessions to vote on issues such as John Doe reform, GAB restructuring, and Campaign Finance modernization.  Below you will find links to each of the bills.

Assembly Bill 68: Relating to: John Doe proceedings and providing a penalty. (FE)

Assembly Bill 387: Relating to: campaign finance.

Assembly Bill 388: Relating to: reorganizing the Government Accountability Board, requiring the exercise of rule-making authority, and making appropriations. (FE)

John Doe:

Under a John Doe proceeding, the presiding judge is given discretionary powers, without oversight or accountability. Because of the nature of a John Doe, the target of the proceeding can be left entirely unaware that the investigation has been closed without charges.

Assembly Bill 68 will do the following:

• Limits the secrecy orders to the judge, law enforcement, prosecutorial and court-staff involved in the proceeding

• Mirrors the secrecy laws for a federal grand jury

• Penalizes violations of a secrecy order

• Puts a 6-month time limit on a John Doe proceeding, which can be extended in 6-month increments, however many times necessary, by a vote of a majority (6 of 10) of the chief judges in the 10 judicial administrative districts in the state

• Requires a majority vote (6 of 10) of the chief judges to expand the scope of a John Doe proceeding from the original complaint. The votes of the chief judges on time extension and expansion of scope are available to the public

• Records reflecting the cost of a John Doe proceeding are publicly available

• Requires notice be given to individuals who have ownership claims on property seized during a John Doe proceeding at the close of the proceeding

• Requires that a John Doe judges must be an active judge, not a reserved judge

• Limits the circumstances under which a judge may appoint a special prosecutor in a John Doe proceeding; all classified A, B, C and D felonies under the Wisconsin Criminal Code, chapters 940 to 948 as well as chapter 961 will be included under this bill
   

Majority Leader Steineke and Rep. Swearingen leading the Assembly proceedings.

Campaign Finance:

The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals told the legislature that our campaign finance laws need attention to account for court rulings that protect political speech. Chapter 11 hasn't had a major revision since it was created in 1973 and has not been updated to keep pace with the evolution in Supreme Court doctrine marking the boundaries on the government’s authority to regulate election-related speech. This bill responds to the court decisions, protecting the first amendment rights of free speech. The goal is codify these decisions so that the public has clear direction on what activity is regulated and what is not, consistent with these court rulings.

GAB Reform:

The board that will be created under Assembly Bill 388 is a bipartisan board, and each party will have equal representation on each commission. This bill will create two bipartisan commissions: the Ethics Commission and the Election Commission.

Each will have six citizen members:

• Two appointed by Republican legislative leaders, two by Democratic legislative leaders, and the final two are appointed by the governor from two separate lists submitted by each party and then confirmed by the Senate.

• The gubernatorial appointees for the Election Commission must be current or former clerks to ensure that elections run smoothly and efficiently.

• The commissioners will serve five-year terms.

• Each commission will have an administrator, appointed by the commission members and confirmed by the Senate, serving a four-year term.

The new law would be implemented on June 30, 2016 and allows the current board to administer spring elections and handle ballot access for November 2016. Additionally, the new commissions and administrators would be appointed prior to the implementation date to allow them to work with current members.

On Thursday, Assembly Bill 409 (AB409), a bill authored by Senator Tom Tiffany and I, was given a public hearing in the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means.  The bill relates to the sales and use tax imposed on a jukebox.

Assembly Bill 409 is meant to clarify a Department of Revenue interpretation of sales and use tax imposed on jukeboxes.
 

Rep. Swearingen Testifying to the Assembly Committee on Way and Means

Small businesses, restaurants, and taverns that utilize jukeboxes in their establishments pay 100% of the sales tax on all revenue inserted into the jukebox. Currently, there are two taxes for jukeboxes in the state of Wisconsin. Older, non-streaming jukeboxes that use CD’s or records are only taxed when money is inserted into the jukebox. However, more modern jukeboxes that stream music from the internet are subject to a double tax. For example, when a patron puts a dollar into an internet streaming jukebox, the business pays the full sales and use tax on that dollar.  DOR then imposes an additional sales and use tax charged to the business when they pay AMI or Touchtunes who provided the song on the jukebox. 

Our bill clarifies that the small business will only be charged a sales and use tax once on the revenue inserted into the jukebox regardless if the jukebox streams music or not.

Assembly Bill 409 received bipartisan, unanimous support from members of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee. 
 

WPS projects heating bills to be lower this winter

(Green Bay, WI) If temperatures this heating season are near normal, typical residential customers of Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPS) will likely enjoy lower heating bills due to a combination of low natural gas prices and warmer weather. Temperatures last year were about seven percent colder than normal. The company projects the typical residential customer will pay about 18 percent less than last winter ($400 from Nov. 1, 2015 through Mar. 31, 2016 compared to around $470 during the past heating season). Also of note, this year's heating bills project to be:

· More than 40 percent lower than the polar vortex experienced during the heating season of 2013-2014 ($680)
· Nearly 50 percent lower than the 2005-2006 heating season ($730)

An adequate supply of natural gas is forecast to keep prices at stable levels through this winter. WPS uses a mix of natural gas purchasing options to mitigate any price volatility that may occur during the winter. WPS also encourages customers having difficulty paying their utility bills to contact us for information about energy assistance or payment options. More information is available at www.wisconsinpublicservice.com, or by calling 800-450-7260.

http://www.integrysgroup.com/news/view_article.aspx?reckey=02727

NEWS REVIEW
RELEASE: OCTOBER 14
 

Walter Olson Memorial Library (WEOML) opened at its new, temporary site on 150 E. Hospital Road, Eagle River. That site, known as the Ministry Annex now houses all the library’s services including computers, books, dvd’s, and magazines. It will be known as the WEOML/Ministry Annex to honor this temporary library location given by Ministry Medical Health Group.

The move was completed last week with the assistance of Yerges Van Line Movers of Fort Atkinson. The organization of the move was a coordinated effort between Yerges and Nan Andrews, Library Director, as well as Mickee Stuckemeyer, Administrative Assistant; and Pat Lamon, Children’s Librarian.

Patrons who make their way to the temporary facility, the Ministry Annex, will find the same friendly volunteers and staff who worked behind the circulation desk and in the stacks at the Olson Library’s Main Street site. Patrons will also find computer stations, interlibrary loan, book stacks, and the on-going programs for children and adults that have been the core of the WEOML.

The WEOML Annex opened its doors for the first time Monday, October 12, and will remain open during regular library hours until renovating and expanding the current building is completed sometime during the Fall of 2016. Parking spaces are marked for the major, Hospital Road entrance. A smaller number of parking spaces can be found on the Indiana St. side of the building for the lower level entrance. This entrance will not be open after 4 p.m. each day.

Meanwhile the Eagle River Master Gardeners and the UW Extension staff have been assisting in removing and transplanting the greenery still at the old site, so that the plants will become a living reminder of the original space in which they grew.

Volunteers from among library patrons, as well as the Master Gardeners and UW Extension staff will be available from 10a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays to help remove chokeberry bushes and shrubbery on the property, as well as taking cuttings from lilac bushes. The deadline for removal will be later in October when construction will begin on the new, expanded facility.

Bid opening for the expanded and renovated WEOML is planned for later in October.

Questions about hours and library services can be directed to 715-479-8070.

Northern Region

Superior DNR Service Center area

Brule River State Forest - Fishing on the river continues to be slow and many are attributing this to the lack of rain and lower river levels. The Brule River remains open north of highway 2 until November 15. The area has experienced seasonably pleasant temperatures this past week, cool in the mornings and at nights (ranging in the high 30s to low 40s) but warming up to the 50s during the day. Leaf drop is progressing rapidly. Local snowmobile clubs and trail associations have been putting in time this past week getting trails cleared for the recreational seasons ahead of us. Geese and ducks are still in their southern migration. Grouse numbers seem to be up as local hunters are flushing birds frequently in the woods. Woodcock numbers are healthy this year and wildlife biologists are noticing larger sized birds based on their observations. Although the peak is still a couple weeks ahead, bucks are showing signs that they are entering the breeding season. You will notice bark rubbed off smaller trees and patches of ground cleared down to the dirt as this is a sure sign that bucks are trying to attract does and send signals that they are ready to mingle. This can be a great time of year to target deer as bucks are usually more active during the day and less aware of their surroundings as they are focused on breeding. - Edwin Koepp, visitor services associate

Ashland DNR Service Center area

Pattison State Park - Peak leaf color has come and gone due to the very windy days we have received. Some maples, oaks, and aspens are still holding on to their leaves but the trails are covered by a lot of leaves already. With the combination of unseasonably warm temperatures and wonderful fall colors, the park has been very busy. The dam on Interfalls Lake has been lowered and the lake water level is very low. This is done for flood control in the spring during spring thaw. Lowering the dam does affect the amount of water flowing at Big Manitou Falls, but does not affect Little Manitou Falls. Whitetail deer have been spotted throughout the area, some with fawns. We have had a couple reports of black bear sightings in the area as well. -Jacob Anderson, Ranger

Hayward DNR Service Center area

Sawyer County - Most leaves are off the trees and covering the ground. This has made locating partridge and deer much easier. Musky fishing activity has increased as has the use of live bait, which is typical for a fall tactic. Those using live bait are reminded that a quick set rig or non-offset circle hook is required for using live bait which is 8 inches or larger. Water levels are still very low on rivers, streams and some ponds in the area. This should make trapping for muskrat and mink easier, which opens this Saturday, October 24, although prices are bleak for both those furbearers. Animal population appear well for both these species. Trappers are reminded that beaver and otter season does not open the same date as muskrat and mink. The opening date for beaver and otter is November 7. Otter require a permit received by application process. Dryland trapping opened this past weekend, which a few trappers ventured out to pursue those species. Prices are a little better for land animals vs. water animals, except raccoon prices remain low. Animal population for dryland species appear well for most. Bobcat and fisher require a permit received by application process. Those trapping dryland are reminded that traps need to be tended and checked in person at least once a day (except weasel boxes. See requirements in trapping regulations). Dryland trappers are also reminded that cable restraints are prohibited to use until December 1. - Thomas Heisler Jr., conservation warden, Winter

Spooner DNR Service Center area

Burnett County - Deer movement continues to increase in the Burnett County area. Rubs and scrapes are showing up in the woods, but the best action is yet to come. Waterfowl numbers seem to be good in western Burnett County. Grouse numbers in the area are low. Fall colors are past peak in western Burnett. Governor Knowles State Forest campground and trails are in excellent condition and open for use. Good luck and be careful! - Christopher Spaight, conservation warden, Grantsburg
Crex Meadows State Wildlife - Winter birds are starting to show up including snow buntings, Lapland longspurs and sparrows, along with lots of raptors. There is still a merlin hanging around. Lots of sparrows including the rare Harris sparrows and white-crowned sparrows. Peak crane migration usually goes until the end of October at Crex. The best times to view cranes on the refuge are from 7-10 a.m. and 5-6:45 p.m. - Kristi Pupak, natural resources educator.

Park Falls DNR Service Center area

Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Variable and generally mild weather has made for some comfortable fishing conditions in the Northwoods, but the abundance of hunting opportunities seems to have limited fishing pressure in the last few weeks. Water temperatures have now dropped into the low 50s and fall turnover has just started on most lakes in the Hayward and Park Falls area. Musky anglers have provided most of the fishing pressure on our local lakes and their success has been real variable. Most fishermen have switched from artificial baits to live suckers, with a medium-size sucker (10 to 14 inches) on a quick-set rig showing the best results. Most of the musky caught have been in the 32 to 40-inch size, though fish up to 46 inches have also been reported. Walleye success continues to be erratic and it seems that the fish haven't settled into a solid fall pattern yet. Late October and early November should provide a little better walleye action with jig/minnow and slip bobber/minnow combinations working best on deeper rocky structure and along mid-depth break lines. There has been a recent surge in crappie action with some nice fish being found along and near the deeper water areas, with the fishing suspended about 4 to 5 feet off the bottom. With the colder water temperatures, bass fishing is all but over for the year. - Skip Sommerfeldt, senior fisheries biologist, Park Falls

Woodruff DNR Service Center area

Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - Peak color was the weekend of Oct 14 and strong fall winds over the past few days are taking the leaves with them. There is still a glorious show out there though and pretty soon the grouse won't be hidden by those blackberry bushes! Golden hues of tamaracks and quiet times are at a premium right now. Lack of rain in September has contributed to receding lake water levels. Rhinelander is down over 4 inches for the year. The lower lake water levels have had little effect on boat landings and canoe sites. Lake water levels have dropped recently but nothing as substantial as the drought of 2000-2010. The Northern Highland American Legion state Forest has begun to take out seasonal boarding docks. There are 46 docks to remove so we need to start the process with enough time to avoid the snow and ice that November can bring. Water levels on area rivers such as the Wisconsin and Manitowish varies this time of year depending on volume of water being released by water control structures, but not enough to impede travel. All shower buildings and dump station water towers are turned off for the season. Potable water is available using the hand pumps located throughout the campgrounds. Campers can still use the dump stations, but no rinse water is available. Buffalo Lake, Cunard Lake, East Star Lake, Plum Lake, Starrett Lake, South Trout Lake, Upper Gresham Lake, and Sandy Beach Lake Campgrounds are all closed for the season. Ten campgrounds remain open as long as snow conditions allow and a few campsites at Clear Lake will be plowed for winter use, so there are still plentiful camping opportunities for late season campers. Fall project work in the campgrounds will wrap up over the next couple of weeks. Lots of hazard trees have been cut in the campgrounds this fall and firewood gatherers (with a permit) are allowed to take downed wood in campgrounds beginning November 1. - Kimberly Krawczyk, Visitor Services Associate

Antigo DNR Service Center area

Langlade County - Most trees have dropped their leave. Tamarack trees are turning a brilliant yellow. Grouse hunters will find better hunting conditions with the leaves dropped. Still good numbers of Canada geese, mallards, ring-necked ducks and woodcock in the area.- Eric J. Borchert, wildlife technician, Antigo

Passing of Rocco "Rocky" Caffarella

Last week I received sad news that Rocco "Rocky" Caffarella, a Vilas County Board member and outdoors enthusiast had suddenly passed away. Over my short time in the Wisconsin State Legislature, Rocky served as a great resource in all Vilas County related issues. He was a great asset to my office during a number of policy decisions in Madison.

In addition to serving the people of the 5th District – Arbor Vitae, Rocky was a vital asset in educating myself and staff on snowmobile related issues throughout the Northwoods. Rocky had a wealth of knowledge, which he shared with my office in regards to the snowmobile industry.

Please keep Rocky’s close friends and family in your thoughts and prayers during this time of mourning.

Rocco "Rocky" Cafferella

 Photo Credit : Vilas County
 

Minocqua, Woodruff and Arbor Vitae
Trick-or-Treating in the communities of Minocqua, Woodruff and Arbor Vitae will be from 4-7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 31.

In Minocqua, The Island Business Association invites trick-or-treaters to start downtown from 3-6 p.m.

Trick-or-treaters are invited to celebrate Halloween at the Minocqua Public Library. Monday, Oct. 31, is an early release day for area schools, so we're showing a special "spooky" movie at 1 p.m. Halloween snacks are featured, too!

Lake Tomahawk
Town Halloween Party: 2-4 p.m., Sloan Community Center, Lake Tomahawk. Children should come in costumes and enjoy fun, games and food.

Town's annual trick-or-treating to follow.

Manitowish Waters
Trick-or-Treat at Manitowish Waters businesses will be offered Saturday, Oct. 29, noon-2 p.m.

St. Germain
Trick-or-Treating will be held from 4-7 p.m.

Fall Colors in Arbor Vitae WI!

Boulder Junction
Boulder Junction's In-Town Trick-or-Treating will be held at participating businesses on Oct. 29, 3-5 p.m.

Rhinelander
Downtown Trick or Treating, October 24, 2-4 p.m.

City of Rhinelander Trick or Treating, October 31, 4-7 p.m.

Three Lakes
Trick or Treating: Oct. 31 starting at dusk.

Eagle River
Eagle River has no set trick-or-treating times. The police department asks trick-or-treaters to only visit homes with porch lights on.

Florence
Trick-or-Treating will be held from 3-6:30 p.m.

Upcoming Community Events

Please click the following links for upcoming community events!

Fall Activities out at Hanson's Garden Village: October 23-30, Rhinelander

YMCA Friday Family Fun Nights - MVP: October 23 & 30, Rhinelander

Minocqua Winter Farmers Market: October 23 & 30, Minocqua

Trig's Flea Market: October 23 & 30, Rhinelander

YMCA Not-So-Scary Halloween Trail: October 23, Rhinelander

Evil Falls - Haunted House: October 23, Eagle River

The Lawdogs Haunted Lair: October 30-31, Minocqua

44th Annual Kornstalk Karnival: October 30, Manitowish Waters

Spooky Splash: October 31, Minocqua

Boo Bash: October 31, Land O' Lakes

Lions Halloween Party: October 31, Conover

Reggie's Roadside Halloween Costume Contest: October 31, Pelican Lake

WXPR Annual Fall Concert: November 1, Rhinelander

Art in the Library November & December Exhibits: November 1 - December 31, Boulder Junction

Please contact me at Rep.Swearingen@legis.wi.gov if you would like to UNSUBSCRIBE from my E-Updates

Office of Representative Rob Swearingen

Room 123 West

PO Box 8953, Madison WI 53708

Office: 608-266-7141

Toll Free: 888-534-0034