Revenue projections show $912M surplus

The non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau released updated figures regarding the state’s projected revenue at the end of the fiscal year. According to their analysis the state is projected to have increased revenue by an estimated $912 million.

The announcement yesterday by the Legislative Fiscal Bureau is encouraging. These strong revenue projections are in stark contrast to the figures we saw as I first joined the legislature when our state faced a $3.6 billion deficit. These figures are once again proof that fiscal responsibility, sound tax policy, and placing priorities in government spending is the way to put a budget back on track.

I will continue to encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, in both the Senate and Assembly, to refrain from putting together “wish lists” for this newly announced revenue. We must do what is in the best interest of Wisconsin’s taxpayers. After all, it is your money. We need to stay focused on being good stewards of the public trust and not allow this $912 million to burn a hole in our pocket as such knee-jerk reactions were what caused the fiscal irresponsibility of the past.

Legislative Fiscal Bureau: Status of the State's General Fund

Dr. Ray Cross tapped to lead UW System

On Thursday, January 10th, the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents announced that Dr. Ray Cross, the former Chancellor of the UW Colleges and UW-Extension, has been appointed to serve as the seventh UW System President. Dr. Cross is an excellent choice to lead our state's fine university system and I wish him all the best.

Disabled veteran bill passes Senate

On Tuesday, SB 370, a bill I authored along with Representative Tom Weatherston (R-Racine) passed the State Senate with bipartisan support and was messaged to the Assembly. This bill encourages state agencies to contract with disabled veteran owned businesses, similar to the minority owned business program. The bill had wide support from numerous veterans groups including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, WI Department of Veterans Affairs, the WI American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart and Veteran Entrepreneurial Transfer, Inc.

For a copy of the bill: click here
Living Lake Country: Farrow pushes bill to award contracts to veterans

Apply for Governor's Business Plan Contest

The Wisconsin Governor's Business Plan Contest is accepting entries online for the 2014 competition. To enter, submit your 250-Word IDEA Abstract now through 5 p.m. Jan. 31, 2014. Entries must fall into one of four categories: Advanced Manufacturing; Life Sciences; Information Technology or Business Services. The contest's finalists will share in more than $100,000 in cash and in-kind prizes.

Participants have the chance to win seed capital and valuable services that will help them launch or grow their businesses. Wisconsin residents 18 years old and older are eligible, as are teams from Wisconsin-based businesses and organizations. Entries from outside Wisconsin from people or companies planning to relocate in the state may be accepted. The contest is free to enter at www.GovsBizPlanContest.com

Please feel free to contact my office with any thoughts or questions you may have. It is a pleasure serving you in the State Senate.