Capitol Update
by Senator Howard Marklein
November 13, 2020
 

What Does This Mean for You?

Marklein Appointed Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Finance

On Wednesday, November 11, 2020, incoming Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) appointed me to serve as Co-Chair of the legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance (JFC).
 
I am extremely honored, humbled and excited to be appointed to serve as co-chair of the JFC. Having served as a member of this committee for three sessions, I recognize the extraordinary opportunity before me and appreciate Majority Leader LeMahieu’s trust in me to lead this committee on behalf of the State Senate.
 
I will also have an enhanced role, working on behalf of the 17^th Senate District.  The JFC is responsible for all state appropriations and revenues, including the biennial state budget. The committee is comprised of 16 members, eight from the State Senate and eight from the State Assembly. Members of the committee are appointed by each house.
 
As co-chair of this committee, I will be leading the Senate’s work on the state budget and other legislation that impacts state finances. We will be working with my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle and in both houses, to steward your tax dollars, analyze our state spending and make decisions. As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), this role is right in my wheelhouse.
 
I am grateful for the experience I gained over the last three budgets as a member of this committee. I am also very glad that we made several good financial decisions and built a Rainy Day Fund worth $750 million. Wisconsin was in a positive financial position at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and we will continue to work hard to recover quickly.
 
I have already connected with the Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB), the legislature’s non-partisan support agency on state finances to discuss our revenue collections and projections. My team and I are putting together a plan for our new responsibilities while continuing the constituent services and communications that you deserve and have grown to expect from us.
 
There is no doubt, this appointment creates new challenges for me. I will be working in the State Capitol more as I dig deeper into state finances and work on behalf of my caucus. However, I promise to prioritize representing the unique interests of the 17^th Senate District. I will continue to draft legislation, problem-solve with constituents and seek your input. My team will continue working hard for you. Your voice will be amplified in this new role for me.
 
I look toward this new appointment with optimism and enthusiasm. I welcome the challenge and opportunity to contribute my skills and talents in this new way. Stay tuned for updates and news as we prepare for the next legislative session.
 
As always, please do not hesitate to connect with me to provide input, ideas or to seek assistance.  Send an email to sen.marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov or call 608-266-0703.