Authorship of Enterprise Zone Expansion Bill
This week I authored
legislation to expand Wisconsin’s highly successful Enterprise Zone Program.
As one of the state’s most effective tax credit programs, Enterprise Zones
provide credits for job creation, job retention, employee training, and
significant capital expenditures within the state of Wisconsin. It is one of
the state’s most effective tools in promoting and retaining jobs in a
fiscally responsible manner.
The program is currently returning tremendous dividends to Wisconsin
taxpayers: the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in June reported that after
allocating the first four enterprise zones, the state had committed up to
$135.6 million in tax credits and was on track to recoup $164 million from
economic activity and new revenue. So, while the program pays for itself, it
likewise creates new tax revenues over the long run. The initial four zones
likewise helped create and save 7,400 jobs.
The Expansion Bill will authorize the creation of three additional
enterprise zones throughout the state. The bill is scheduled for a public
hearing in the Assembly Jobs, Economy, and Small Business Committee on
Tuesday, March 22nd.
Assembly Passes Consumer Choice in Auto Insurance Act
A budget provision from Governor Doyle’s last session increased minimum
insurance mandates on Wisconsin drivers. In the last eight months alone,
nearly 17,000 people were convicted for not having auto insurance. The
unemployment and the uninsured rates correlate with one another, and in
these tough economic times too many people are choosing to forego auto
insurance when money is tight. Unfortunately, this provision detrimentally
affects low and middle income families across the state – doubling or
tripling coverage in some households and causing premiums to skyrocket. That
is why I have joined many of my colleagues in cosponsoring this important
legislation. This legislation repeals the costly Doyle mandates to allow
consumers a choice in their auto insurance purchase.
Although it took two attempts to pass this legislation through the Assembly
due to a partisan procedural maneuver, the bill was referred on to the
Senate with bipartisan support where it awaits further action.
Meetings with Local Area Schools
This budget cycle will bring challenges
to individuals and institutions across the state. One of those institutions
being hit by our budget shortfall is our public schools. I have met with and
spoken to administrators at schools throughout the 67th district, and I
appreciate everyone’s willingness to discuss these issues frankly and
politely. Our public schools are an essential resource for our children and
the future of our state, and I hope my discourse with these public servants
can continue. A stated goal of our current administration is to make
Wisconsin “open for business,” and we need an educated public – and an
educated future generation – in order to make that a reality. While we have
some very difficult problems to solve in this budget cycle, I am confident
that we can bring needed change by discussing these issues together.
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