Thank you for taking the time to read this week's e-update. I always strive to include information you find interesting and informative as it relates to my work in Madison and the 60th Assembly District.
My most important goal remains serving you, my constituents. Helping you find solutions to difficult problems when it seems like the state is unresponsive is the single greatest reward for my staff and me. I take constituents' input seriously and continually work hard on your behalf.
I always have your thoughts and concerns in mind when deciding whether or not to support legislation. Furthermore, I appreciate when you take time out of your schedules to contact me.
Have a great week,
This week's survey question
Under current law, seasonal employees are eligible for unemployment benefits during the off-season, even if they have a proven track record of returning to the same employer after the end of winter. For example, a construction worker who has returned to the same company after the off-season for the past 5 years would be eligible to receive unemployment.
Also, for example, teachers who have a written contract or reasonable assurance that they can return to the same job, are not eligible for those benefits.
Please, take a minute to answer my one-question survey relating to eligibility for unemployment benefits.
Thank you to everyone who participated in last week's survey question regarding highway funding. In total, 103 individuals responded to this week's survey. 25 percent of respondents did not believe any new revenue was necessary; 24 percent supported a gasoline tax increase; 18 percent supported tolling; 16 percent supported increasing the vehicle title and registration fees, beginning October 1; and 16 percent responded "other."
Some of the responses from those who selected "other," are as follows:
"We should consider a mileage-based usage tax."
"Gasoline taxes should be used exclusively for roads and the emissions program."
"Ensure that any money collected by the DOT actually be spent on transportation-related projects."
"Smarter spending by the DOT on transportation-related projects."
Assembly Bill 210
Last week, Senator André Jacque and I testified on behalf of Assembly Bill 210, a common-sense, bipartisan bill relating to the state's Environmental Compliance Audit Program.
The bill removes disincentives relating to Wisconsin's Environmental Compliance Audit Program compared to similar EPA offered programs. Furthermore, Assembly Bill 210 seeks to more closely align DNR notification and timeline requirements with those of the EPA. The goal, quite simply, is to make participation easier for businesses and encourage both programs to be used simultaneously. This will offer greater benefits to businesses, while still maintaining environmental protections.
Assembly Bill 210 originated and was unanimously supported by the bipartisan appointees of the DNR's Small Business Environment Council.
Testifying with Senator André Jacque on behalf of Assembly Bill 210.
Task Force on Employee Misclassification and Payroll Fraud
This week, the Governor's Task Force on Employee Misclassification and Payroll Fraud, of which I am a member, held its first meeting. I am honored to serve on this task force that was established by the Department of Workforce Development to help improve compliance with labor laws by providing better awareness, education, clarity.
The Task Force was created to evaluate current law and potential options, whether through change to statute or administrative rule, that will help prevent worker misclassification of thousands of workers, while also leveling the playing field for businesses that follow the law. This issue is not unique to Wisconsin--employers across the country in certain industries commonly misclassify workers as "independent contractors," even when under the law those workers should be classified as employees.
60th District Events
The following are events that will be held this week in the 60th Assembly District. If you have any upcoming events that you would like included in our e-update, please contact my office.
One of the best ways to date with what is happening in Madison is to sign up for the legislature's notification tracking system. This service affords you with the opportunity to track legislative activities in Madison. Upon creation of a free account, you can sign up to receive notification about specific bills of committees as well as legislative activity pertaining to a subject (i.e., health care, education, etc.).
If you have any comments regarding the subject of this E-Update, please feel free to contact me.
Rep. Rob Brooks State Capitol, Room 216 North P.O. Box 8952 Madison, WI 53708 Toll-Free (888) 534-0060 or (608) 267-2369 Rep.Rob.Brooks@legis.wi.gov| |
