Kenosha County Youth in Governance Holds Meeting

This week, Sen. Wirch and I had the privilege of meeting with the Kenosha County Youth in Governance student delegation.  During this meeting, he and I discussed policies and issues currently confronting state government as well as our respective roles within the Legislature with the students. 

It was an enjoyable evening and I loved the enthusiasm the students demonstrated.  Whether they plan to run for office or not, I think it's very important that students like those among the Kenosha County Youth in Governance delegation are active in learning more about their government and serving their communities.  Either way, they are our future.

The Kenosha County Youth in Governance program was established in 2002 as part of the Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development.  The program involves a collaboration of students with adult leaders in charge of decision-making on behalf of organizations, communities, and democratic society as a whole.  Through the program, youth participants develop leadership skills and confidence in their abilities to communicate with others.  Participants are also encouraged to become involved with their communities as they learn how to be effective leaders themselves as well as active and informed citizens.

Rep. Samantha Kerkman pictured with Sen. Bob Wirch and the Kenosha County Youth in Governance student delegates.

 "Green Jobs" Legislation Introduced

With the end of the 2009 - 2010 legislative session only three months away, Governor Jim Doyle and the majority leaders of the Assembly and of the Senate have finally introduced legislation intended to create jobs.  This legislation, however, will end up costing Wisconsin more jobs.

The Clean Energy Jobs Act (Assembly Bill 649 and Senate Bill 450) was crafted under the direction of the Governor's Global Warming Task Force and introduced early last month by Rep. Spencer Black (D-Madison), Rep Jim Soletski (D-Green Bay), Senator Mark Miller (D-Madison) and Senator Jeff Plale (D-South Milwaukee).  Both bills are currently under consideration by the newly-created Special Committee on Clean Energy Jobs.

Provisions of AB 649, specifically, include: ensuring that newly-constructed residential and commercial buildings use no more energy than what is generated on-site with renewable resources; establishing a Climate Change Coordinating Council comprised of heads of state agencies or their designees which would work with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in proposing new climate change programs or upgrades to existing programs; imposing greater restrictions on the use of nuclear power (a clean, renewable and affordable source of energy); and authorizing the DNR to implement rules identical to California's zero emissions vehicle requirements.  It should be noted that California's emissions standards are more strict than those recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

According to the nonpartisan Beacon Hill Institute, an economics think tank based in Boston, enacting the Clean Energy Jobs Act would result in a $15 billion increase in annual utility costs to consumers, and cost Wisconsin 43,000 jobs.  AB 649 contains a mandate that would require all utility companies in our state to produce 25 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2025.  Additionally, if Wisconsin were to adopt California's zero emissions vehicle requirements, we will be looking at a $968 increase in the cost of each car sold within our state.  This provision alone would cost Wisconsin consumers more than $350 million annually.  Last, but certainly not least, the Virginia-based George C. Marshall Institute found that under AB 649, the cost of gas would increase by $0.61 per gallon.

I fully recognize and understand the importance of renewable energy, particularly in reducing our dependence on foreign sources of energy.  In the long run, renewable energy will greatly benefit our environment, our economy, and our national security.  The only way to accomplish these objectives, however, is to take a thorough approach to legislation encompassing energy reform.  This includes promoting research and development into renewable sources of energy while giving industries and the business community the time and resources they need to conform to reasonable standards.  Essentially, we need to work toward legislation that will increase our use of clean energy without cleaning more jobs and residents out of Wisconsin.

Boy Scout Troop 328 Holds Breakfast Fundraiser

In celebration of Super Bowl Sunday, Senator Bob Wirch and I attended a pancake breakfast in Salem that was organized by Boy Scout Troop 328.  The purpose of the breakfast was to raise money for troop members to attend Boy Scout summer camps and other activities this year.

There was a great turnout for the event and the tasty food was prepared by the Boy Scouts, their parents, and other volunteers from the community.  After breakfast, Sen. Wirch and I presented Troop 328 with an American flag and a citation in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.

Rep. Samantha Kerkman pictured with (from left to right) Tim Maiter, Kenosha County Supervisor Kim Breunig, Bob Lamar, Sen. Bob Wirch, and Scoutmaster Bill Harreid.

Assembly Floor Period on Tuesday

The Assembly will reconvene for floor period this Tuesday, February 16th to vote on a number of different bills referred to us by our majority leaders.  Among them are AB 447, AB 454, AB 515, and AB 650 to name a few.  AB 447 would impose additional requirements on payday lenders in thoroughly reviewing loan applications and interest rates with prospective customers before any paperwork is signed; AB 454 limits the wording of an independent candidate's statement of party or principle on their nomination papers in running for public office to five words or less; AB 515 doubles the fine for causing bodily harm to a child from $25,000 to $50,000 and increases the maximum prison sentence from 10 years to 15 years; and AB 650 would allow minors to play bingo as long as they are accompanied by an adult guardian or relative.    

Happy Valentine's Day!

Whether you are spending this weekend with your sweetheart, family or friends, I hope that you have a very nice, enjoyable Valentine's Day with the people that you love.