PPP Fix Becomes Law

As I mentioned in a previous E-Update, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue had issued guidance that suggested employers who took out federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans would face unexpected state income tax liabilities.  Congress had fixed a similar issue with regard to federal income taxes late last year, but unless the Wisconsin Legislature acted, Wisconsin employers would have had to pay hundreds of millions of dollars more than expected over the next four years.  Since PPP loans are supposed to be a lifeline to struggling businesses during the pandemic, this was unacceptable.

That is why I introduced, with the support of several other legislators, an amendment to Assembly Bill 2 that would make Wisconsin's tax treatment of PPP loans reflect federal law.  The Legislature's Joint Finance Committee subsequently approved a substitute amendment to AB 2 that included a PPP fix, and both the Assembly and the Senate passed AB 2 as amended on February 16, with large, bipartisan majorities.

I am happy to say that Governor signed AB 2 into law as 2021 Act 1 on February 18.

Budget Season Begins

Governor Evers presented his 2021-2023 budget proposal to the Legislature earlier this week.  It has been introduced as Assembly Bill 68 and Senate Bill 111.

Budget bills are massive and often include policy proposals that don't really belong in fiscal documents, and AB 68/SB 111 is no exception.  For example, Governor Evers has taken this opportunity to try to legalize marijuana and to repeal Act 10.  Policy items like this should be introduced as standalone legislation so they can be properly vetted, not lumped in with hundreds of other proposals in a single budget bill that will ultimately come down to an up or down vote on the whole package on the Assembly and Senate floors.

Fortunately, the budget bill must first go through the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee, which will spend the next several months reviewing the budget, holding agency briefings and public hearings, and likely making many changes along the way.  The goal will be a responsible budget that stays within Wisconsin's means and reflects Wisconsin values.

There are a number of useful resources to help you navigate the budget and follow the budget process.

Career and Technical Education Month

During Tuesday's floor session, the Assembly adopted Assembly Resolution 10, a resolution I introduced with Assembly workforce development chair Rep. Warren Petryk to recognize February 2021 as Career and Technical Education Month in Wisconsin.  Before the vote, I gave my "maiden speech" in the Assembly on the resolution's behalf.  You may watch it on my Facebook page.

In keeping with Career and Technical Education Month, on Wednesday I had Zoom meetings with representatives from Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, as well as with a number of officers of high school career and technical education organizations from the 75th Assembly District and elsewhere in Wisconsin.

Legislative Website

If you are interested in learning more about bills that I have authored, co-sponsored, or voted on, please click here.  This link will take you directly to my Wisconsin State Legislative page.  Also, if you are interested in viewing my office website, click here.