Thank you for taking some time from your busy schedule to read this edition of my e-update. It was another eventful week serving the hardworking folks of the 87th Assembly District down in Madison. I participated in multiple committee hearings, met with stakeholders on legislation being considered by the legislature, and called back constituents to discuss their thoughts and concerns that they had shared with my office.
This week we celebrate the unofficial start of summer with Memorial Day weekend. As you spend time with your family and friends this weekend, please take a moment to pause and remember the brave heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation and the freedoms we hold dear. It is because of their sacrifice that we are free to gather with those we love this weekend.
Remember the Fallen
Click on the photo above to watch my Memorial Day message.
Tax Relief for Our Disabled Veterans
On Tuesday, I testified before the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions and Revenue in support of Senate Bill (SB) 243. This important proposal that I've authored with Senator André Jacque will expand the eligibility for the Disabled Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit to more of our deserving disabled veterans.
Currently, in order to qualify for this tax credit, a veteran must have a service-connected disability rating of 100%. Due to their injuries, many disabled veterans live on a fixed income and struggle to pay their property taxes. Because of the way the tax credit is structured now, a veteran who has a service-connected disability rating of 80% or even 90% does not qualify for the tax credit even though they still face significant barriers to paying their property taxes.
SB 243 expands the eligibility for the Disabled Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit by lowering the threshold to claim the credit to 70%. Under this bill, the maximum credit that an eligible person could claim is multiplied by the percentage of that person's service-connected disability rating. For example, if an eligible veteran has a service-connected disability rating of 70%, they may claim a 70% property tax credit. By expanding the eligibility for this tax credit, we are providing needed tax relief that will allow more of our disabled veterans to stay in their homes.
As I’ve traveled around my district over the past few years, one of the top concerns I have heard from veterans and veterans’ organizations is increasing the eligibility for this tax credit. From my conversations with colleagues in the legislature and our statewide veterans’ organizations, I’ve learned that this is a priority for veterans across our state. It was awesome to see all the veterans down at the Capitol on Wednesday that came to support this legislation including John Willman who made the trip down from Stetsonville.
I am proud to author a bill that will provide tax relief for disabled veterans and look forward to working with my legislative colleagues to get this important legislation to the governor's desk. If you would like to learn more about this bill, click here to read my testimony.
Rep. Edming and Sen. Jacque with some of the veteran advocates for SB 243
Rep. Edming with John Willman
Under the Dome
Summer Camp Regulatory Reform Package Now Law
I am pleased to share that the Summer Camp Regulatory Reform Package is now law! This package eliminates unnecessary government red tape for Wisconsin summer camps. The bill I authored in this package with Senator Mary Felzkowski, Senate Bill (SB) 168, will make it easier for out-of-state physicians to serve as camp doctors here in Wisconsin. This is legislation that I have been working on for a couple of sessions now and it is great to finally get it across the finish line.
If you would like to learn more about SB 168 or the rest of the Summer Camp Regulatory Reform Package, click here to read the story from my e-update a couple of weeks ago.
Encouraging a Return to Work
On Wednesday, I spent the morning participating in a public hearing on Assembly Bill (AB) 336 in the Workforce Development Committee. This bill would end Wisconsin's participation in the temporary federal unemployment benefit programs that are currently scheduled to run until September. So far 23 other states have decided to end their participation in these programs early.
As our economy continues to recover many employers are once again struggling to find enough employees to meet their needs. As you travel across the 87th District you will see help wanted or now hiring signs near many businesses. Over the past few months, when I talk with job creators around the district the most common concern I hear about is not having enough people applying to fill all of their job openings. This is putting increased stress on the workers that are working in the form of longer hours and fewer days off.
With so many jobs available it just does not make sense to continue providing increased unemployment benefits that encourage people to remain on the sidelines instead of re-entering the workforce. That is why I am a co-sponsor of AB 336 and look forward to voting in the Workforce Development Committee soon to advance it to the full Assembly for consideration.
Around the 87th
Upcoming Events Around the 87th District
One of my favorite parts about serving as your state representative is getting out and interacting with constituents at many of the wonderful community events across the 87th District. Check out some of the upcoming events around the district below. Also, if you know of any other events, please contact my office and let me know, so I can include them in a future e-update and try to attend myself.
Check out some of the events coming up around the district:
As I mentioned in my e-update last week, I'm looking for constituents to share their thoughts on the 2021-2023 state budget by completing my spring survey. Due to the mailing cost, I am not able to send a paper copy to every household in the district. However, the easiest way to complete my survey is online on my website. You can take the survey by clicking here or on the picture below. Thank you in advance for your sharing your feedback!
|
If you have any thoughts regarding the subject of this E-Update, please feel free to contact me.
State Capitol Room 109 West - PO Box 8952, Madison, WI 53708 Toll-Free (888) 534-0087 or (608) 266-7506 Email: Rep.Edming@legis.wisconsin.gov
