CONTACT ME
MAIL:
Room 20 South
State Capitol
P.O. Box 7882
Madison, WI 53707
TELEPHONE:
Office Phone
(608) 266-5490
Toll Free
(800) 385-3385
EMAIL:
Sen.Shilling@legis.wi.gov
WEBSITE:
legis.wi.gov/senate/shilling
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SENATE COMMITTEES:
Joint Legislative Council
Joint Committee on Finance
Committee on Government Operations, Public Works, and Telecommunications
Committee on Universities and Technical Colleges
Special Committee on Reporting of Child Abuses and Child Neglect
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September 19, 2013 |
Dear Friends and Neighbors - After a long and hot summer, the fall session of the State Legislature has finally begun. This newsletter will highlight changes for health care due to the Affordable Care Act, an update on the Sporting Heritage Grant, and two informational forums in the 32nd Senate District. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about these or any other state legislative issues. Sincerely, |
| New Federal Health Care Laws Begin on January 1st, 2014 and Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollment Starts October 1st |
 As
you may have heard, a number of federal health care law changes
are going into effect on January 1, 2014 that may impact you and
your family. Soon, the new online Health Insurance Marketplace will provide families and small businesses who currently don’t have health care coverage, or are looking for a better deal, a new way to find the coverage that fits their needs and their budgets. Open enrollment in the Marketplace starts October 1, with coverage starting as soon as January 1, 2014. But you can visit HealthCare.gov right now to find the information to prepare for open enrollment and get answers to your questions about the new federal health care laws. Four things to know about the Marketplace and the new federal health care laws: 1. All insurance plans will have to cover doctor visits, hospitalizations, maternity care, emergency room visits, and prescriptions. 2. If you have a pre-existing condition, insurance plans cannot deny you coverage. 3. You might be eligible for financial assistance to help pay for coverage. 4. All insurance plans will have to show the costs and what is covered in simple language with no fine print. Through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you and your family can compare qualified health plans, get answers to questions, find out if you are eligible for lower costs for private insurance or health programs (like BadgerCare), and enroll in health coverage. Remember, open enrollment in the Marketplace begins October 1, with coverage starting as soon as Jan 1, 2014. For more information about the Marketplace and to find out what you need to prepare for open enrollment, you can visit HealthCare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY users should call 1-855-889-4325. |
| Sporting Heritage Grant Update |
| On Wednesday, at a meeting of the legislature’s Joint
Finance Committee (JFC), I joined several legislators in asking
for clarification of the status of the Sporting Heritage Grant
which has been at the center of a growing controversy. When
asked about the grant, Rep. John Nygren (R-Marinette) shut down
the Committee discussion and stated that “the process worked.”
He added, “There was information that may not have been accurate
at every step of the process. But at the end of the day, the
process worked.” I strongly disagree with that assessment. In May, during the budget process, Rep. Dan LeMahieu (R-Cascade) introduced the budget motion to create the Sporting Heritage Grant program. The grant was intended to be used for “outdoor education, recruitment, and retention of sportsmen and sportswomen” and “to preserve and protect Wisconsin’s hunting, fishing, trapping, and shooting traditions.” Rep. LeMahieu assured the committee that the grant created by his motion would be available to anyone who met the criteria, that the grant was not guaranteed to anyone and that it would involve a competitive grant process. There was strong bipartisan support for the goals of this program and the motion was passed unanimously. We now know that we were duped. Investigative journalists have uncovered that this grant was created to benefit one specific politically-connected organization – the United Sportsmen of Wisconsin, a group with close political ties to several high ranking Republican officials and little, if any, environmental education experience. After the grant was approved by the Walker Administration, it was later rescinded amid growing public concerns with the lack of transparency, questions regarding the nonprofit status of the organization, and news that one of the group’s leaders was convicted of illegally hunting and killing a bear. Unfortunately, Walker Administration officials and Republican members of the Joint Finance Committee are now refusing to reopen this grant for other Wisconsin organizations to apply. There are many well-established and respected groups in our state who could put this program to good use and expand hunter outreach, education, and retention efforts in our state. I believe that we need to move forward, fix the mistakes that were made, and honor our commitment to the hunting, fishing, trapping and shooting heritage in Wisconsin. That is why I joined my Democratic colleagues in urging JFC Co-Chairs Darling and Nygren to re-open the application process for the Sporting Heritage Grant and ensure an open, transparent, and competitive grant process. I value the many outdoor recreational activities that our state has to offer, and I want to make sure that we uphold our commitment to expand these opportunities and preserve our strong sporting heritage. |
| Make College Affordable Tour at UW-La Crosse |
| Several state legislators will join students, families and
staff at UW-La Crosse on Sept. 26th for a public roundtable
event. This meeting will highlight a range of higher education
issues that affect campuses and students. UW-L students, faculty, staff, parents and alumni are encouraged to attend and speak directly with area legislators and statewide leaders regarding state higher education funding, financial aid, and the growing student loan debt crisis. Sen. Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse), Rep. Jill Billings (D-La Crosse), Rep. Steve Doyle (D-Onalaska), Rep. Chris Danou (D-Trempealeau), Senate Democratic Leader Chris Larson (D-Milwaukee) and other distinguished guests will be present at this event.  WHAT: Make College Affordable public roundtable event WHO: Sen. Shilling, Rep. Billings, Rep. Doyle, Rep. Danou, Sen. Larson, UW-L students, parents, staff, and alumni WHEN: September 26th, 2013, Noon to 1:00 PM WHERE: UW-La Crosse Cartwright Center, Port O' Call room 1725 State Street La Crosse, WI 54601 This event will be open to the public and the press. No RSVP is required. Please contact Tony in Sen. Shilling's office at 608-266-5490 or RSVP on Facebook for more information. |
| Local Affordable Care Act Community Forum |
| The League of Women Voters of the La Crosse Area and the
American Association of University Women (AAUW) are
co-sponsoring a community forum that answers questions about the
Affordable Care Act and the Health Insurance Marketplace that
begins on October 1st. Your questions will be addressed by five
expert panelists and a moderator in the Wisconsin Health System. Event Information: WHAT: Community Forum regarding the Implementation of the Affordable Care Act in Wisconsin WHEN: 5:30-7:30pm on September 25th, 2013 WHERE: Centennial Hall - UW-La Crosse Campus (Free parking included on any UW-L lot) The complete event information can be found here. |
| Oktoberfest |
| The 53rd annual Oktoberfest celebration will kick off in La
Crosse on Friday, September 27th and go through Saturday,
October 5th. The festival will feature the traditional activities such
as two parades, a variety of food and music, family fun
activities, and a carnival. For more information about the fest,
click here. Have a
safe and happy Oktoberfest! |
| Public Service Commission (PSC) Phone App |
| Are you tired of living in Wisconsin with
little to no cell phone service at your home? The PSC has
created an app to help broadband service to update maps, cell
phone towers and documents more efficiently and
cost-effectively. The app is called LinkWISCONSIN and is available here for free to anyone with an iPhone or Android smartphone. LinkWISCONSIN transmits service data to the PSC that will assist state planners to understand current performance of mobile wireless networks, negotiate improved cellular agreements, develop better mobile device policies and strategies, and utilize real data to assist in evaluating new cellular tower locations. The app is easy to use and can be uninstalled at anytime. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the PSC at PSCStateBroadbandOffice@wisconsin.gov. |
| Fall Hunting and Trapping Forecast Available |
| With the 2013 fall hunting season quickly approaching,
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials are releasing
the Fall Hunting and Trapping Forecast to help hunters or
trappers prepare for the upcoming season. The 52-page forecast contains details and reminders on season dates and regulations, plus research updates, population numbers, and season outlooks. To view the report, click here. |
| State Legislation Update |
| Introduced in the Senate: SB-280. Expenditure of $217,499 from the general fund in payment of a claim against the state made by J&L Steel and Electrical Services. Referred to Finance Committee. SB-281. Statutes of limitation on claims involving property damage and on claims arising from a motor vehicle accident and covered by a motor vehicle insurance policy. Referred to Judiciary and Labor Committee. SB-282. Reporting of the principal place of employment of certain individuals who make political contributions. Referred to Elections and Urban Affairs Committee. SB-283. Allowing representatives o certain protected individuals to restrict release of their credit reports, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and requiring the exercise of rule-making authority. Referred to Financial Institutions and Rural Issues Committee. SB-284. Allowing pupils in grades 7 and 8 to earn high school credit. Referred to Education. SB-285. Purchases or transfers of rifles or shotguns in other states. Referred to Transportation, Public Safety, and Veterans and Military Affairs Committee. SB-286. The student information system, a school and school district accountability system low-performing schools and school districts, and charter school contracts. Referred to Education Committee. SJR-48. Recognition of the Wisconsin Legislative Technology Service Bureau’s (LTSB) software development team by the National Association of Legislative Information Technology. Referred to Senate Organization Committee. SB-287. Allowing placement on net pens in navigable waters under a statewide general permit and exceptions for certain requirements that apply to fish farms. Referred to Natural Resources Committee. SB-288. Accountability provisions for private schools participating in a parental choice program and requiring the exercise of rule-making authority. Referred to Education Committee. SB-289. The net worth method of providing proof of financial responsibility for certain solid waste facilities. Referred to Natural Resources Committee. SB-290. Mortgage satisfaction and an exception to the real estate transfer fee. Referred to Financial Institutions and Rural Issues Committee. SB-291. The possession and consumption of alcohol beverages on, and operation of, commercial Quadricycles. Referred to Agriculture, Small Business, and Tourism Committee. SB-292. Electronic delivery by property and casualty insurers of notices and documents. Referred to Insurance and Housing Committee. SB-293. Development opportunity zones for areas experiencing mass layoffs or business closings. Referred to Economic Development and Local Government Committee SB-294. Access to presentence investigation report by an assistant attorney general. Referred to Judiciary and Labor Committee. SB-295. Conveyance of information from a firearms dealer to the Department of Justice to request a firearms restrictions record search before transferring a handgun. Referred to Judiciary and Labor Committee. SB-296. Transaction information for management of enforcement system. Referred to Judiciary and Labor Committee. SB-297. Absentee voting at residential care facilities. Referred to Elections and Urban Affairs Committee. SB-298. A grant or the relocation of a county trunk highway in Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties. Referred to Finance Committee. SJR-49. The Wisconsin Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission. Referred to Senate Organization Committee. SB-299. An exemption from the county property tax levy for municipalities on Madeline Island and Washington Island that levy taxes for airports or for public health or economic development services. Referred to Workforce Development, Forestry, Mining, and Revenue Committee. SB-300. Co-payments, deductibles, or coinsurance for oral chemotherapy and injected or intravenous chemotherapy. Referred to Insurance and Housing Committee. SB-301. Changes to the local room tax. Referred to Agriculture, Small Business, and Tourism Committee. SB-302. High capacity well approvals. Referred to Natural Resources Committee. Introduced in the Assembly: AB-352. Allowing placement of net pens in navigable waters under a statewide general permit and exceptions for certain requirements that apply to fish farms. Referred to Natural Resources and Sporting Heritage Committee. AJR-51. Commending the life and military service of Major Thomas C. Griffin (retired), U.S. Army Air Corps. AB-353. The scope of regulated activity under the campaign finance law, public financing of elections for certain state offices, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures. Referred to Campaigns and Elections Committee. AB-354. Political disbursements and obligations by corporations and cooperative associations. Referred to Campaigns and Elections Committee. AB-355. Annual or consecutive month permits for vehicles or combinations of vehicles transporting loads near the Wisconsin-Michigan border. Referred to Transportation Committee. AB-356. Grant for the relocation of a county trunk highway in Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties. Referred to Finance Committee. AJR-52. Proclaims Gerda Lerner Day. Referred to Rules Committee. AJR-53. Commends WFAW-AM/WSJY-FM radio for 50 years of quality community broadcasting. Referred to Rules Committee. AB-357. Penalty enhancer for certain crimes committed on the premises of a gas station if actor is armed. Referred to Criminal Justice Committee. AB-358. Exclusion of certain independent contractors from coverage under the worker’s compensation law and the unemployment insurance law. Referred to Labor Committee. AB-359. Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to least state land to the Boulder Junction Shooting Range for terms not exceeding 30 years. Referred to Natural Resources and Sporting Heritage Committee. AB-360. Emergency detention, involuntary commitment, and privileged communications and information. Referred to Corrections Committee. AB-361. Granting immunity from certain criminal prosecutions for a person who seeks aid for another person. Referred to Criminal Justice Committee. AB-362. Eliminating study on consolidated the Department of Safety and Professional Services and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Referred to Government Operations and State Licensing Committee. AB-363. Regulation of local ordinance of residential mortgage loans. Referred to Financial Institutions Committee. AB-364. Eliminating the requirement that the Group Insurance Board offer to state employees a health care coverage option that consists of a high-deductible health insurance plan and a health savings account. Referred to Insurance Committee. AB-365. Eliminating certain proposed changes to the Medical Assistance program and BadgerCare Plus that have not been approved by the federal government. Referred to Health Committee. AB-366. Various changes in the unemployment insurance law. Referred to Labor Committee. AB-367. Statutes of limitation on claims involving property damage and on claims arising from a motor vehicle accident and covered by a motor vehicle insurance policy. Referred to Judiciary Committee. AB-368. Purchases or transfers of rifles or shotguns in other states. Referred to Natural Resources and Sporting Heritage Committee. AB-369. Regulation of off-highway vehicles, creating an off-highway vehicle council. Referred to Natural Resources and Sporting Heritage Committee. AB-370. Allowing pupils in grades 7 and 8 to earn high school credit. Referred to Education Committee. AR-15. The public service of Timothy F. Cullen. Referred to Rules Committee. AJR-54. Congratulating Steve Walters on being named Wisconsin Journalist of the Year. Referred to Rules Committee. AB-371. Mortgage satisfaction and an exception to the real estate transfer fee. Referred to Financial Institutions Committee. AB-372. An exemption from the county property tax levy for municipalities on Madeline Island and Washington Island. Referred to Ways and Means Committee. AB-373. Electronic delivery by property and casualty insurers of notices and documents. Referred to Insurance Committee. AB-374. Deletion of the waiting period for collection of unemployment insurance benefits. Referred to Labor Committee. AB-375. Development opportunity zones for areas experiencing mass layoffs or business closings. Referred to Jobs, Economy and Mining Committee. AB-376. The net worth of providing proof of financial responsibility for certain solid waste facilities. Referred to Environment and Forestry Committee. AB-377. Accountability provisions for private schools participating in a parental choice program and requiring the exercise of rule-making authority. Referred to Education Committee. AB-378. Reporting of the principal place of employment of certain individuals who make political contributions. Referred to Campaigns and Elections Committee. AB-379. The student information system, a school and school district accountability system, low-performing schools and school districts, and charter school contracts. Referred to Education Committee. AB-380. A cumulative preference system for sturgeon spearing permits and the transfer of a sturgeon spearing license to a minor. Referred to Natural Resources and Sporting Heritage Committee. If you would like to track the status of these bills online, please feel free to visit the state legislative website at www.legis.state.wi.us and enter the proposal number in the column on the left. |
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