This Week in the Legislature: January 27, 2014
Governor Walker delivered his State of the State Address last week detailing his proposal for the state's surplus.  The Governor's "Blueprint for Prosperity" proposal includes:

*    $406 million in property tax relief by creating new revenue limits for the state's technical colleges.
*    $323 million to change the state's income tax withholding tables.
*    $117 million deposit in the state's Rainy Day fund.
*    $99 million to reduce the lowest income tax bracket from 4.4% to 4.0%.
*    $38 million for changes to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).

Governor Walker has called for a Special Session of the Legislature to consider his proposal.  

Three state legislators recently announced they will not be seeking reelection.  State Senator Dale Schultz (R-Richland Center), State Representative Garey Bies (R-Sister Bay) and State Representative Dan LeMahieu (R-Cascade) announced their intent to retire.     

Committee Hearings for the Week of January 27, 2014 
Note: The Committee hearings and bills listed below reflect action on legislation impacting county government.  For a complete listing of weekly hearings, click here.

Tuesday, January 28 - 9:30 a.m. - Assembly Transportation
  • Assembly Bill 41 - Freight bridge program. WCA supports this bill.
  • Assembly Bill 639 - Cell phone use in a construction zone.  WCA supports this bill.   
  • Assembly Bill 647 - Agricultural emergency permits issued by the Department of Transportation for vehicles transporting oversize loads. WCA is monitoring this bill.  
Tuesday, January 28 - 10:00 a.m. - Assembly State Affairs and Government Operations

Wednesday, January 29 - 1:00 p.m. - Assembly Committee on Urban and Local Affairs  

  • Assembly Bill 598 - Changing the method for charging interest that may be charged on special assessments and changing the interest rate paid on claims for certain unlawfully assessed property taxes and creating an exception for local levy limits. WCA is monitoring this bill.
Tuesday, January 28 - 11:00 a.m. - Joint Senate Transportation, Public Safety, and Veterans and Military Affairs and Assembly Transportation
  • Assembly Bill 648 - Operation of agricultural vehicles on highways. WCA supports this bill.
  • Senate Bill 509 - Operation of agricultural vehicles on highways. WCA supports this bill.
Wednesday, January 29 - 11:00 a.m. - Senate Health and Human ServicesThursday, January 30 - 10:00 a.m. - Senate Education
Upcoming WCA Legislative Meetings 
January 31: WCA Health and Human Services Steering Committee
January 31: WCA Judicial and Public Safety Steering Committee
January 31: WCA Agriculture Steering Committee
February 4 and 5: WCA Annual Legislative Exchange
February 19: WCA County Organization and Personnel Steering Committee

Questions? Contact Our Government Affairs Team  
If you have any questions about any legislative items, please feel free to contact any member of WCA's Government Affairs Team at 866.404.2700 or via email:

Kyle Christianson - Director of Government Affairs
Sarah Diedrick-Kasdorf - Deputy Director of Government Affairs
David Callender - Government Affairs Associate
Daniel Bahr - Government Affairs Associate 
 
 
Member Services: WisPolitics & The Wheeler Report
Members of the Wisconsin Counties Association are eligible for a free email subscription for WisPolitics.com and The Wheeler Report. These daily email updates are an invaluable resource for those interested in keeping up with the day-to-day activities of the Legislature and include in-depth "insider" information on state politics. 

 

To begin your free subscription, please contact Amy Dias of WCA at 866.404.2700 or
with your name, your county name and the email address where you would like subscriptions sent.   
Wisconsin Counties Association
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Madison, Wisconsin 53703
866.404.2700