"WCA Outstanding Legislators" Named for 2011-2012 Session
 A select group of Wisconsin State Senators and Representatives have been named "WCA Outstanding Legislators" for their work on behalf of county government during the 2011-2012 Legislative Session. The winners include Senators Glenn Grothman and Robert Jauch, and Representatives Andre Jacque and John Nygren. The "WCA Outstanding Legislator Award" is handed out biennially to a choice group of legislators who have represented county interests in both the legislature and in their districts. These legislators have demonstrated leadership for counties on key issues and legislation, such as pothole liability and human services issues.
Learn more about the 2011-2012 "WCA Outstanding Legislators" here.
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Register Today for "Sand Mining: A Panel Discussion"
WCA Sponsoring Event; Dunn Co.'s Rasmussen on Panel
 WisPolitics.com and WisBusiness.com will host "Sand Mining: A Panel Discussion," on Monday, October 22, 2012 in Eau Claire from 11:45-1:00 p.m.
Location/Registration: The event will be held at Florian Gardens in Eau Claire, just off I-94. on sand mining issues. Registration begins at 11 a.m. and the format is a moderated panel discussion with Jeff Mayers, WisPolitics.com-WisBusiness.com president, as moderator. To register for the event, visit sandminingpaneldiscussion.eventbrite.com.
Panelists: Confirmed panelists include Assembly Majority Leader Scott Suder, State Rep. Chris Danou, Attorney John Behling of Weld, Riley, Prenn, Ricci in Eau Claire; Dunn County Board Chair Steve Rasmussen and WisDOT NW Region Systems Planning Chief Tom Beekman.
Cost: $18 per person; $15 if a member of Momentum West or Wisconsin Counties Association or an employee of Xcel Energy.
Sponsors: Momentum West, Wisconsin Counties Association, & Xcel Energy
Learn more here about the October 22nd "Sand Mining: A Panel Discussion event."
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Sheboygan County Clerk Glancey Named "WCA Friend in County Government"
 After 18 years of serving the citizens of Sheboygan County as county clerk, Julie Glancey was named as this year's recipient of the Wisconsin Counties Association's (WCA) "Friend in County Government" award.
This is the highest honor given by the Association to an individual who has performed outstanding service not only in their own county, but also for the Association and counties statewide. Ms. Glancey, who will retire from Sheboygan County when her term ends January 6, 2013, was honored September 24, 2012 at the WCA Annual Conference in La Crosse County.
Read more about this year's "WCA Friend in County Government."
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Former Waukesha County's Dwyer Awarded 2012 "Friend of County Government"
For his longtime dedication to county government in Wisconsin, former Waukesha County Board Chairman James Dwyer has been named the 2012 recipient of the Wisconsin Counties Association's (WCA) "Friend of County Government."
"Over the years, Jim Dwyer has been an incredible supporter of counties and the taxpayers of this state and his dedication to making our state a stronger place to work and live is greatly appreciated and recognized," said WCA Executive Director Mark D. O'Connell. "His service to not only the citizens of Waukesha County, but the rest of Wisconsin over his long career, truly impacted this state and we are proud to recognize him with this honor."
Read more about Jim Dwyer's "WCA Friend of County Government Award" here. |
Guest Editorial: Minnesota Tax Policy Impairs Tax Reciprocity Agreement
by DOR Secretary Richard G. Chandler
 Restoring Wisconsin's income tax reciprocity agreement with Minnesota has been a top priority for the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Here's an update on the status of those efforts. The bottom line is that Wisconsin has offered a very reasonable proposal to Minnesota, but we have so far been unable to reach agreement due to a demand for an additional payment that hadn't been mentioned by Minnesota when it cancelled the agreement in 2009. Wisconsin legislators and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue are continuing to work together to urge Minnesota to reach a reasonable compromise, so we can make taxpaying easier for residents in both states.
In 2009, Minnesota ended its 40-year income tax reciprocity agreement with Wisconsin. Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty had said he would end the deal unless Wisconsin accelerated its compensation payments to Minnesota. Read the full editorial by Wisconsin Department of Revenue Secretary Richard G. Chandler here.
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Governor's Weekly Drought Update:
 WCA has been actively involved in drought issues and solutions in the state. Attached please find the Governor's Weekly Drought Briefing which provides this week's activities and highlights, the crop and drought reports, and the past week and the week forward weather information. Read the "10.12.2012 Briefing" here. |
| Mark Your Calendars for TDA Annual Meeting
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WCA Conference Handouts Now Online
Presentations from concurrent workshops are now available online from last month's WCA Annual Conference in La Crosse.
Please note that not all handouts are online and vary with individual presenters. If you have a particular session you'd like to see that is not posted, contact us and we'll be happy to help you locate it.
2012 WCA Annual Conference materials can be viewed here.
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DNR Hosting Online Frac Sand Chat
The DNR will host an online chat about frac sand with Tom Woletz, senior manager, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012.
He will answer questions about the Department of Natural Resources role in regulating frac sand operations in Wisconsin.
To participate, visit the DNR home page and look for the advertisement or search the phrase "Ask the Experts"
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ETF Announces 2013 Contribution Rates
The Employee Trust Funds (ETF) Board approved the 2013 contribution rates for the Wisconsin Retirement System.
According to ETF the rates are increasing for most categories because of investment declines from the 2008 recession. ETF says the rate will continue to be affected through 2014.
The following are the changes approved for 2013:
* General, Teachers and Educational Support Personnel: increase 1.5%
* Executive, Elected and Judges: Decrease 0.1%
* Protective with Social Security: Increase 1.5%
* Protective without Social Security: Increase 1.8%
For more information, visit ETF here.
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Petition Period Opens for 2013 Ag Enterprise Areas
Farmers and local officials can now apply for 2013 Agricultural Enterprise Area designation, a process that can yield tax credits for farmers, keep land in agriculture, and stimulate the local farm economy.
"We strongly encourage our producers and their towns to consider petitioning for designation as ag enterprise areas, says Ben Brancel," Secretary of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. "This process supports agricultural production along with farm service and processing businesses. Communities should consider the whole range of things they can do locally to make a realistic plan to maintain their agricultural bases."
Application materials, including detailed instructions and petition forms, are available online by clicking here.
Completed petitions are due March 29, 2013. Petitions must be completed jointly by local landowners and local government officials.
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Follow WCA on Facebook Today!
 WCA regularly posts breaking news on Facebook. Search "Wisconsin Counties Association" and hit "Like" to ensure you receive regular association updates. Find our Facebook page here.
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