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SENATE COMMITTEES:

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March 6, 2014

Dear Friends and Neighbors -

With spring right around the corner (hopefully!), the legislative floor session is in full swing. This newsletter will highlight Gov. Walker's tax breaks for the wealthy, efforts to prevent texting and driving, and recent visitors to my capitol office. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about these or any other state legislative issues. 

Sincerely,

Jennifer Shilling
State Senate, District 32
 
Middle-Class Tax Relief Ignored
Republicans rejected a proposal by Senate Democrats to target property tax relief to working families and provide immediate funding for worker training during a special legislative session today. Rather than targeting tax relief to working families and seniors, Republicans rubber stamped Gov. Scott Walker's plan to provide millions in tax breaks to the wealthy and companies that are cutting jobs and outsourcing workers to countries like China and India.

While middle class families continue to struggle, I am deeply troubled that Republicans continue to fast-track tax breaks for the wealthy and businesses that ship jobs overseas. These misplaced priorities are hurting Wisconsin families and costing our state jobs. We need to take a more balanced approach that provides real property tax relief for families, invests in education and worker training programs, and balances our budget moving forward.

I supported the Democratic alternative that included:

Almost twice the property tax relief for middle-class families:
• The average Wisconsin homeowner would see $231 in property tax savings under the Democratic plan; $100 more than the GOP proposal
• This larger property tax relief was targeted toward working families through the First Dollar Credit rather than benefiting the wealthy and big businesses through the Alternative Minimum Tax in the GOP proposal.

Triple the funding for job training:
• $100 million for job training targeted at filling available jobs in high-demand fields compared with $35 million in the GOP proposal.
• Also provides funding for rural K-12 schools and special education programs to strengthen education opportunities for children.

Eliminates the deficit and doubles state savings:
• Deposits $228.7 million in Wisconsin's Rainy Day Fund to save for the future - double the amount proposed by Governor Walker.
• Unlike the Republican plan that leaves Wisconsin with a budget deficit of $658 million, the Democratic alternative would have eliminated Wisconsin's structural deficit.

The Democratic proposal can be viewed here and a Legislative Fiscal Bureau comparison of the Democratic and Republican plans can be found here.
 
Texting and Driving Event

I had the pleasure of speaking at Kickapoo High School for their partnership with AT&T's "It Can Wait" program, to discourage students from texting and driving.

            
I was proud to vote in the Wisconsin State Legislature in 2010 to pass legislation to ban this dangerous practice and help make our roads safer. Wisconsin is now among 41 states and the District of Columbia that ban texting and driving.

According to the National Safety Council, texting while driving causes more than 200,000 car crashes on American roadways each year, and these accidents are completely preventable. By paying attention to the road instead of to one's phone, we can avoid putting ourselves and others at risk. We've made large strides towards making our streets safer by making texting and driving illegal, but we need to continue to educate drivers on the dangers of distracted driving.

AT&T established the "It Can Wait" campaign in 2009, and created an online pledge that has inspired more than 3.5 million drivers to never text and drive. To sign the pledge to never text and drive, click here.
 
Wisconsin Local Foods Network's First Annual Capitol Lobby Day
This week I was honored to speak at the first annual Wisconsin Local Food Network’s Capitol Lobby Day. A great group of local food experts from across the state came to Madison to share their support for the Farm to School and Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin programs. After hearing from speakers from the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, REAP Food Group, Community and Regional Food Systems, Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and the WI Business Alliance, the group went to the Capitol to meet with legislators and share their support for these important programs. You can learn more or join the network by following the Local Food Network on Facebook.

       

In the Driftless Region, the local foods economy has fostered the growth of new small businesses and local economic growth. I was happy to share stories of the great things that are happening in western Wisconsin with the group and look forward to next year’s local foods lobby day!
 
Citizen Lobby Day Collage
It has been a busy couple of weeks with a number of citizen lobby days at the Capitol. I have had the pleasure of meeting with a variety of groups, including the Breast Cancer Coalition, the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year, the  Wisconsin Credit Union League, Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters and many more.

      
                        With members of the Breast Cancer Coalition

      
                      Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters Lobby Day

        
                                             Farmers Union Lobby Day
 
Hunting and Fishing Licenses on Sale
Wisconsin hunting, fishing, trapping, and other licenses for the 2014-15 seasons went on sale on March 5th. The new licenses are valid until March 31, 2015. Licenses from the 2013-14 will expire on March 31, 2014.

Also available is a Conservation Patron license. This gives the license holder all of the basic fishing and hunting privileges for a discounted price: $165 for Wisconsin residents who are 18 and older, and $75 for Wisconsin residents under 18.

Hunting and fishing licenses can be purchased through the Online Licensing Center on the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website, at all authorized license agents, at DNR Service centers, or by calling toll-free 1-877-945-4236.
 
Wisconsin Small Business 2013 Annual Report
The Wisconsin Small Business Development Center Network recently released their 2013 Annual Report where you can read regional small business success stories, look at photos, and view more information on the impact of professional business consultants on the state's economy.

Click here to read the report.
 
2014 Fish and Wildlife Spring Meetings
On Monday April 14th, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Conservation Congress will be hosting 72 public hearings in each Wisconsin county, starting at 7pm for people interested in an opportunity to provide their input on proposed hunting and fishing rule changes and advisory questions. These meetings will be combined with county DNR meetings where attendees can introduce and vote on solutions to natural resources related issues.

The spring meetings will cover three major areas; proposed wildlife and fisheries rule changes, election for county Conservation Congress delegates, and Conservation Congress proposals for future rule changes.

This year, there is only one rule change to allow trolling statewide. Additionally, DNR wildlife staff will be available to provide information and answer questions regarding the implementation of new deer hunting rules and how they will affect hunting in 2014.

If you would like to attend one of these county meetings, the locations are listed below. Meetings will occur at 7pm on Monday, April 14th.
Crawford County: Prairie du Chien High School (800 E. Crawford Street)
La Crosse County: Onalaska High School Performing Arts Center (700 Hilltopper Place)
Monroe County: Meadowview School Cafetorium (1225 N. Water Street)
Vernon County: Viroqua High School Commons (100 Blackhawk Drive)
 
Information on Filing State Taxes
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) has officially launched the start of the individual income tax season and is encouraging state taxpayers to file your income tax return electronically in order to get your tax return more quickly. The DOR has its own free service for taxpayers to file taxes called Wisconsin E-file.  E-file is a secure and confidential site, and is available 24 hours, seven days a week. Go to revenue.wi.gov and click on the Wisconsin e-file button to get started.

Wisconsin E-file:
• Offers Wisconsin fill-in tax forms that do the math to help prevent errors
• Is secure and confidential so your information is protected
• Sends a confirmation once your return is electronically submitted and received
• Allows you to link e-filing options for your federal income taxes by clicking on ‘web-based filing'
• You can have your refund deposited directly into your bank account

What You Need to File:
• All documents about income you received during the year, including W-2s and 1099s
• Legal names and social security numbers of everyone you’ll include on your return
• Charitable donations
• Your federal income tax return, if filing using form 1 or form 1NPR
• Property tax bill or rent certificate, if claiming Homestead Credit
• Bank account information for direct deposit or withdrawal

You can also visit the DOR website to check the status of your tax refund, and to find important tax documents like W2 forms.

If you have any questions or need help filing taxes, you can visit the DOR's website here or call the customer service helpline at 608-266-2486.
 
Senior Tax Information
If you are a senior and need assistance filing taxes, the AARP Tax-Aide program is available to help prepare 2013 federal, state and Wisconsin Homestead Tax Credit income tax returns.

La Crosse County: The La Crosse library is offering help at filing taxes for seniors. You can call 608-789-7443 for an appointment, and visit their website for printable tax forms and ways to file online.

Crawford County: Tax counselors will be in Prairie du Chien at the Crawford County Administration Building (225 No. Beaumont Road, Room 326B) on Wednesdays, March 12, 13 (Thursday), 19 and 26 from 10am to 3pm. In order to secure a appointment, you must call the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) in Prairie du Chien at 608-326-0235.

Monroe County: AARP tax volunteers are available at the Sparta Barney Community Center (1000 E. Montgomery Street, Sparta) on Wednesdays and Fridays through April to prepare tax returns and answer questions for tax payers with middle and low incomes. Don't forget to bring your social security card(s), 2013 income information, property tax statements and taxes from the previous year to your appointment. You can schedule an appointment to meet with a tax volunteer by calling 608-269-8690.
 
Calendar of Events
Date Event Location
March 6th International Women's Day (5:30-7:30PM) Centennial Hall at UW-La Crosse, La Crosse
March 7-9th Home and Garden Show Onalaska
March 7-8th Curling Mississippi River Open Bonspiel La Crosse
March 8th Rockin' Out Hunger La Crosse
March 8th St. Baldrick's Charity Event La Crosse
March 8th Creative Communities Art Demonstration & Sale La Farge
March 8th Sparta Sports Expo Sparta
March 14th Matt Antoine Open House Reception Prairie du Chien
March 15th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade Prairie du Chien
March 15th Irishfest St. Patrick's Day Parade La Crosse
State Legislation Update
Signed into Law:
SB-208. Experience requirements for real estate brokers. ACT 133
AB-496. Releases of customer information by municipal utilities. ACT 134
SB-523. Tests administered to newborns for congenital disorders. ACT 135.

Introduced in the Senate:
SJR-79. Proclaiming May 10, 2014, as Motorcycle safety and Awareness Day. Referred to Senate Organization Committee.
SB-629. Substance abuse by employees performing work on public utility projects located in public rights-of-way and passing emergency or roadside vehicles stopped on or near the highway. Referred to Government Operations, Public Works, and Telecommunications Committee.
SB-630. The display of historical registration plates on collector vehicles. Referred to Transportation, Public Safety, and Veterans and Military Affairs Committee.
SB-631. Base pay paid to a former district attorney appointed to an assistant district attorney position. Referred to Judiciary and Labor Committee.
SJR-80. Memorial – Bruce Dahmen. Referred to Senate Organization Committee.
SB-633. Information on a person who is required to register as a sex offender and notification of law enforcement when certain sex offenders change residential addresses. Referred to Transportation, Public Safety, and Veterans and Military Affairs Committee.
SB-634. Procedures for establishing a claim to abandoned, intangible property and interest due on property determined to be abandoned and due to be paid or delivered to the Department of Revenue. Referred to Workforce Development, Forestry, Mining and Revenue Committee.
SB-635. The revenue limit of any school district that operates a four-year-old kindergarten program. Referred to Education Committee.
SB-636. Limiting the security a town or municipality may require as a condition of plat approval. Referred to Government Operations, Public Works, and Telecommunications Committee.
SJR-81. Syttende Mai Weekend. Referred to Senate Organization Committee.
SJR-82. Proclaiming April 2014 as Forestry and Paper Products Month. Referred to Senate Organization Committee.
SB-637. Eliminating voluntary intoxication as a defense to criminal liability. Referred to Judiciary and Labor Committee.
SB-638. The sale and purchase of lands by the Natural Resources Board for the purpose of the completion of a recreational trail. Referred to Natural Resources Committee.
SB-639. Physical qualifications for a restricted commercial driver license. Referred to Transportation, Public Safety, and Veterans and Military Affairs Committee.
SB-640. Form required for certain residential repair or construction contracts. Referred to Judiciary and Labor Committee.
SB-641. Revising various provisions of the statutes for the purpose of supplying omissions and eliminating defects (correction bill). Referred to Judiciary and Labor Committee.
SB-642. The definition of an oral communication for purposes off authorizing or prohibiting an interception of an oral communication. Referred to Judiciary and Labor Committee.
SB-643. County aid for town bridges and culverts. Referred to Economic Development and Local Government Committee.
SB-654. Disclosure of political activity. Referred to Elections and Urban Affairs Committee.
SB-655. Various changes in the campaign finance and lobbying laws. Referred to Elections and Urban Affairs Committee.
SB-656. Defining prepared foods for purposes of imposing sales and use tax. Referred to Workforce Development, Forestry, Mining and Revenue Committee.


Introduced in the Assembly:
AB-809. The sale and purchase of lands by the Natural Resources Board for the purpose of the completion of a recreational trail. Referred to Natural Resources and Sporting Heritage Committee.
AB-810. Marijuana possession, regulation of marijuana distribution, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana. Referred to Criminal Justice Committee.
AB-811. Creating a surcharge to be paid by persons convicted of certain crimes against children and certain crimes against sexual morality. Referred to Judiciary Committee.
AB-812. Fraudulent motor vehicle emission inspection reports. Referred to Transportation Committee.
AB-813. Closing hours for retail sales by wineries. Referred to State Affairs and Government Operations Committee.
AB-814. Municipal quotas for retail intoxicating liquor licenses. Referred to State Affairs and Government Operations Committee.
AB-815. Closing hours for retail sales by wineries and the possession and consumption of intoxication liquor and fermented malt beverages on retail premises of wineries. Referred to State Affairs and Government Operations Committee.
AB-816. Local regulation of nonmetallic mining and preservation of marketable nonmetallic mineral deposits. Referred to Jobs, Economy and Mining Committee.
AB-817. Creation of a grant program for teachers employed by sparsely populated school districts. Referred to Education Committee.
AB-818. Expunging a court record of an offense committed before the offender reaches the age of 25. Referred to Judiciary Committee.
AB-819. Requirements for the department of workforce development when issuing determination under the unemployment insurance law or any other law regulating employment that is administered by that department. Referred to Workforce Development Committee.
AB-820. Using force against a certified or licensed social worker, school social worker, mental health worker, human services or social services worker, or public health worker. Referred to Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee.
AB-821. The state main street program and business area revitalization services. Referred to Small Business Development Committee.
AB-822. Authorizing certain same-sex couples to file a joint individual income tax return. Referred to Ways and Means Committee.
AB-823. Agreements relating to liability for unauthorized use of credit cards or debit cards. Referred to Consumer Protection Committee.
AB-824. Enforcement of parking violations involving spaces reserved for persons with disabilities. Referred to Transportation Committee.
AB-825. Parking violations involving spaces reserved for persons with disabilities. Referred to Transportation Committee.
AB-826. The requirement to reserve parking spaces for persons with physical disabilities. Referred to Transportation Committee.
AB-827. Signs reserving parking spaces for persons with physical disabilities. Referred to Transportation Committee.
AB-828. Parking spaces reserved for persons with physical disabilities. Referred to Transportation Committee.
AB-829. Suspension of operating privilege for failure to pay monetary judgment ordinances. Referred to Transportation Committee.
AB-836. Activities affecting waters of this state carried out under the direction of the Department of Transportation, performance standards and effluent limitations for new and modified point sources of pollution, and termination of certain permits and authorizing discharges into waters of this state. Referred to Environment and Forestry Committee.
AB-837. Deceptive election practices. Referred to Campaigns and Elections Committee.


If you would like to read the bill texts or 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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