Legislative Session Ends

The Senate met for its final floor session on March 8.  As you might expect, the bulk of the Senate's calendar, besides executive appointments, consisted of legislation the Assembly already passed, which needed Senate concurrence before going to Governor Evers for his consideration.  I am happy to say that one of the bills the Senate concurred in was Assembly Bill 940, a proposal I introduced to get the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to act more quickly on workforce talent attraction and retention programs.  The 2021-2023 budget act directed WEDC to spend at least $3 million for this purpose, but WEDC has been slow to act, despite the current labor shortage in Wisconsin.

I am also happy to say that after my March 4 E-Update went out last Friday, Governor Evers signed Senate Bill 518 into law as Act 149.  This proposal, which I introduced with Sen. Rob Cowles (R-Green Bay), expands the definition of "environmental pollution" for the purposes of environmental rehabilitation tax increment districts.  This will make it more cost-effective for developers to take on projects involving buildings that contain asbestos, lead, and other hazardous materials.  Under Act 149, more blighted properties are likely to be redeveloped to their best use and benefit the community in myriad ways, including increased housing.

At this time, I don't believe either the Senate or the Assembly will reconvene this year, so any legislation that hasn't made it through both houses by now will go no further and would have to be reintroduced in the 2023-2024 session that begins next January.  In the meantime, feel free as always to share your comments and ideas, as I will continue to work on bills throughout 2022.