Governor Signs Two Nass Bills

Senator Steve Nass (R-Whitewater) participated in two bill signings with Governor Scott Walker today.  The Governor signed Senate Bill 265 relating to the library board size for the new Waukesha and Jefferson County Library System.  He also signed Assembly Bill 416 relating to updating Wisconsin’s unemployment insurance program to be in compliance with federal rules.

“Both reform bills make government more efficient and reduce unnecessary spending.  I am pleased that Governor Walker recognized the value of both proposals by signing the bills into law,” Nass said.

Senate Bill 265

The bill co-authored by Senator Nass and Representative Cody Horlacher (R-Mukwonago) will permit the new library board for the two counties to contain no less than 11 members instead of the previous minimum of 15 members.  An 11 member board will create some cost savings, but it also addresses the difficulty that counties sometimes face in finding enough individuals willing to serve on library system boards. 

Officials from both Waukesha and Jefferson Counties are confident that an 11 member board for the Bridges Library System can meet the expectations of all citizens in effectively administering the services of this important institution.

Assembly Bill 416

The bill co-authored by Senator Nass and Representative Dan Knodl (R-Germantown) made three changes to Wisconsin’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) Law:

-Requires the state to use the Treasury Offset Program (TOP), also known as the Tax Refund Intercept Program, to recoup UI-related employer debts.  This change will allow the state to collect about $21 million annually in unpaid debt to the UI Fund from employers.

-Repeals a requirement that the state implement a flawed computer system update for the Workshare Program with costs that would have exceeded a federal grant.  This repeal saves at least $750,000.

-Expands state law definition of “employer” to include out-of-state employers.  The change will allow DWD to issue appealable determinations in combined-wage claim cases.  Currently, Wisconsin’s definition of “employer” under UI law doesn’t include out-of-state employers.  As a result, the department can’t issue an appealable decision against an out-of-state employer.