Governor Walker signs Bucks arena bill

This week, Governor Scott Walker signed into law Senate Bill 209, the Bucks arena funding bill. The signing paves the way for thousands of new permanent jobs and even more temporary construction jobs. Provisions in the bill still require the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County to sign off on their parts of the deal to keep the deal intact.

The Milwaukee Bucks mean big bucks not just for Milwaukee, but for our entire state. Partisan GOP economic policies haven’t worked for Milwaukee’s economy. That’s why the signing of this bipartisan bill was such a great thing for us. Hard-working Milwaukeeans deserve a shot at a job and the American Dream. Today, we are one step closer to cranes in the sky, jobs on the ground and more money in the state coffers to fund things like public schools. This deal was one of the most bipartisan deals of this legislative session. That just goes to show that when Democrats and Republicans work together, Wisconsin wins. I hope legislative leaders have also learned that lesson and that we can look forward to more bipartisan economic development in the future.

Milwaukee Common Council to discuss Bucks arena at public meeting

Governor Scott Walker's signing of the Bucks arena bill clears the way for a Milwaukee Common Council vote on the proposal next month. The city's contribution to the arena project will get at least three public hearings before being voted on by the full Common Council on Sept. 22, council President Michael Murphy said.

The first of these public hearings will be August 31. Click here for more details on the Steering and Rules meeting, which is open to the public. The meeting is a public hearing and thus, no formal action will be taken at this meeting.

County Executive Chris Abele Town Hall budget meetings next week

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele will host two town hall meetings to discuss the county budget.

The first meeting will be Tuesday August 18, 4:00-5:30 pm at the Wauwatosa Civic Center, 7725 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53213. The second meeting is to take place in Milwaukee Wednesday August 19, 9:30-11:00 am, Mitchell Park Pavilion on the Lagoon, 2200 W. Pierce St., Milwaukee, WI 53204.

In the words of former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Tip O’Niell, “All politics is local.” This is a great opportunity for citizens to participate in local government. Your input is encouraged. Attend these events and ensure your views are part of the local county budget process. For further information check here.

Minor Home Repair program grants now available

The Minor Home Repair (MHR) Program will serve low to moderate income homeowners in need of a minor home repair in the counties of Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha. This program provides a rebate match grant up to $1,000 to homeowners who complete pre-approved repairs and improvements on their residential properties.

To be eligible for the program the applicant household income must be at or below 80% of the county median income based on family size and county. Funding will only be given once a year to applicants who have lived in the home for at least 90 days prior to project approval.

Applicants will need to complete an Application and Direct Benefit Statement plus receive approval before beginning any reimbursable activity. They must also supply proof of household income and homeowners insurance. To see all guidelines for the program please look here.

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- Frank Gifford

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