Governor Walker Delivers State of the State Address
While a massive mid-winter blizzard carried on outside, Governor Scott Walker highlighted the blizzard-like conditions of the challenges facing Wisconsin during his first State of the State address at the Capitol on Tuesday night. As Governor Walker stated in his opening remarks: "We have an economic and fiscal crisis in this state that demands our immediate attention. The solutions we offer must be designed to address both job creation and our budget problems."
The fiscal challenges we face include a $200 million budget shortfall for the current fiscal cycle as well as a $3 billion deficit in the next state budget. On top of that, we have an unemployment rate of approximately 7.5 percent in Kenosha County.
In just 30 days, my colleagues and I in the Legislature passed four pieces of legislation that have since been signed into law by Governor Walker, with four more on the way. The legislation signed thus far accomplishes the following goals in fostering economic growth and development for our state:
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Making health care more affordable for small business owners, family farmers, and blue collar workers by eliminating taxes imposed on Health Savings Accounts.
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Reducing the prevalence of frivolous lawsuits in Wisconsin by enacting tort reform.
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Attracting and retaining new businesses to Wisconsin by expanding our available income and franchise tax credits for relocation and development.
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Providing additional tax relief to small businesses through offering either a $2,000 or a $4,000 tax deduction (depending on the employer's gross receipts) for each new full-time job created.
My colleagues and I are also working on regulatory reform. This measure is intended to grant the Governor final authority over agency rule changes before they would go into effect. As Governor Walker pointed out, "The smallest change in a rule can have unintended consequences that drive up costs for business and stand in the way of job growth. Our regulatory reform bill will help get government's hands off our job creators and make it easier for employers to put people to work in Wisconsin."
I commend Governor Walker on a job well done in laying out a clear, concise agenda to help our state's economy recover and rebound. I agree with him that the challenges we face at this time must be confronted now and not left for future generations to grapple with. The decisions that must be made will not be easy; however, I believe that by working together with the business community and the people of Wisconsin, we will see brighter days ahead.
Kessler Brothers and Ryne Strom Awarded Eagle Scout Honors
This has certainly been a busy month as Kenosha County gained three more Eagle Scouts. On behalf of Senator Bob Wirch and Representative Peter Barca, I recently attended the Court of Honor ceremony held for Payden and Wyatt Kessler of Kenosha. Their parents are Paige and Scott Kessler and they are members of Troop 522, based in Kenosha.
In working to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor attainable through the Boy Scouts of America, Payden earned 29 merit badges and Wyatt earned 27 merit badgers. Additionally, the brothers have served in the Order of the Arrow and are active participants during services held at United Methodist Church.
For his community service project, Payden designed and installed a paved memorial patio with stone benches at the Kenosha Moose Lodge in recognition and honor of the founding members of Moose Lodge 286. Meanwhile, Wyatt raised money through fundraising efforts to purchase supplies needed to design and install a raised-bed garden at Harmony Assisted Living Center. With his project, Wyatt wanted to provide residents with an opportunity to use gardening as a form of therapy and to create a local food source.
In addition to Payden and Wyatt Kessler, Ryne Strom of Randall also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He is the son of David and Paula Strom, and a member of Troop 380.
En route to becoming an Eagle Scout, Ryne served as Senior Patrol Leader and organized a lake clean-up effort for his community service project. He organized a number of area underwater rescue teams to help clean up Lake Mary, in addition to local Boy Scout and Cub Scout troops to clean the shoreline along Lance Park in Twin Lakes. About 45 participants took part in cleaning Lake Mary and the surrounding shoreline.
Ryne will graduate this year from Badger High School in Lake Geneva. He will then attend the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire to study Criminal Justice and participate in the Army ROTC program.
I commend these fine young men on a job well done and wish them the very best in their future endeavors. They truly have a very bright future ahead of them.
Representative Kerkman is pictured with (from left to right) Alderman Eric Haugaard of the City of Kenosha, and Eagle Scouts Payden and Wyatt Kessler.
Representative Kerkman and Senator Wirch are pictured with Eagle Scout Ryne Strom.
Reince Priebus Elected RNC Chairman
A resident of the 66th Assembly District recently made national news. Our very own Reince Priebus was elected Chairman of the Republican National Committee! I've known Reince for a very long time and cannot think of anyone better to serve in this capacity. Regardless of party differences, Wisconsin is fortunate to have someone like Reince representing our state at the national level. I offer Reince and his family my sincerest congratulations and best wishes with their new life in Washington, D.C.
Go Packers!!
As many - if not all - of you know by now, the Green Bay Packers are in the Super Bowl!! They will face off this Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an effort to bring the Lombardi Trophy home to Wisconsin. I hope everyone has an enjoyable time celebrating and watching the game, and then has a safe commute home afterward. Have a safe and wonderful Super Bowl weekend and Go Packers!
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(608) 266-2530 - Fax (608) 282-3666 - Toll Free: (888) 534-0066 - Rep.Kerkman@legis.wisconsin.gov
On the Internet: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/assembly/asm66/news