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Capitol Notes
Wisconsin Political and Legislative Update
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TO: Clients/Friends of Capitol Consultants, Inc./Wimmer & Company, S.C.
FROM: Tony Langenohl
Capitol Consultants, Inc.
& Wimmer Company, S.C.
DATE: February 4, 2013
SUBJECT: Weekly Political & Legislative Update 
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Gov. Walker names Reed Hall CEO of Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.
 | | WEDC CEO Reed Hall |
On Wednesday, Governor Scott Walker announced that Reed Hall, who had been serving as the interim Chief Executive Officer and Secretary of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, had been chosen to succeed former CEO Paul Jadin, who left the post in 2012 to become Executive Director of Thrive, the 9 county regional economic development corporation surrounding the Madison area.
In making his selection, Governor Walker released the following statement:
"Reed brings a fresh perspective and strong leadership to the WEDC," said Governor Scott Walker. "Reed's experience at the Marshfield Clinic, in numerous civic organizations, and involvement in creating private sector jobs in Wisconsin makes him a perfect fit for this position. He will be guided by years of experience and a record of effective management in the private sector. I look forward to working with Reed and the WEDC to continue to improve Wisconsin's business climate."
Mr. Hall served as Interim Secretary/CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation since November 2012. Prior to that, Mr. Hall was Executive Director of Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield, Wisconsin, from January 2000 to July 2010, additionally from June 1976 until January 2000 he served as General Counsel to Marshfield Clinic. During the years Reed was at Marshfield Clinic, the clinic added 53 regional clinics and grew from 145 to 800 physicians, with a total staff of 7,500.
Mr. Hall received his M.S. in Health Law from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health in 1974, J.D. degree from the University of North Dakota in 1973, and B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1970. Hall is a member of the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) Board of Directors, WMC Executive Committee; Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters Board of Directors; WisconsinEye Board of Directors; Employee Benefits Corporation Board of Directors; and 7th Congressional District Health Care Advisory Council. Hall has served on numerous boards and councils including the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Alumni Association where he served as national chair in 2008-09, Auto Club Group Public & Government Affairs Committee, Board of Directors of Forward Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Idea Board of Visitors.
"I am excited about this opportunity, and I am pleased to have the confidence and support of the Governor and WEDC Search Committee," said WEDC CEO Reed Hall. "As interim CEO and Secretary, I have been impressed by the dedication of the WEDC staff and the success WEDC has had in transforming the state's approach to economic development. I am fully aware of the challenges and opportunities associated with this transition."
A national search committee, headed by former Wisconsin Congressman Scott Klug (R-2nd Madison), identified three finalists that were forwarded to Governor Walker for consideration: Ralph Howard, former VP of specialty brands for W.W. Grainger; Jason Jensen, formerly of Parts Now!; and Michael Jenkins, managing director of Denali Ventures. However, in an interview with Wispolitics.com, Governor Walker said, "While I thought highly of them, it became abundantly clear to me that our best candidate for the permanent CEO of the WEDC was Reed Hall."
Reaction to the announcement:
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester): I'm pleased to see Reed Hall has been named the CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. His interim leadership gave WEDC strong guidance and vision. His executive experience will help the agency focus on expanding economic development opportunities across the state."
Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau): Reed Hall has a superb reputation as a leader capable of strengthening the WEDC. His robust experience as an executive will serve him well as he works with us to continue improving Wisconsin's business climate.
Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha): "Given the need for dramatic improvement in Wisconsin's lackluster job-creation efforts, I had hoped that a nationwide search at significant taxpayer expense would bring a CEO with extensive economic development experience to turn around our state's troubled jobs agency. That was one of the primary intentions of the Be Bold committee in recommending the creation of WEDC.
"Wisconsin is ranked 42nd in the country in job creation. And Forbes magazine projects that we will have the nation's second-worst job growth through 2016.
"The priority for WEDC must be regaining public trust, putting people back to work quickly and reversing this negative economic trend. Reed Hall seems like a capable businessperson and I stand ready to work with anyone - including the new CEO, the governor and the rest of the WEDC board - to help achieve our economic goals."
Senate Minority Leader Chris Larson (D-Milwaukee): "Wisconsin's hastily-developed job creation entity WEDC has now wasted even more tax dollars. Despite spending just under $40,000 of Wisconsin's scarce funds on a nationwide search for a new Secretary and CEO, the Governor has ultimately recommended the appointment of sitting interim Secretary and CEO Reed Hall.
"Secretary and CEO Hall, with very little economic development experience, is the least qualified of those considered for the position. Even as Wisconsin continues to lag in job creation nationally and the governor is 212,000 jobs short of his job creation promise, it's clear that government waste, cronyism, and a lack of accountability have again trumped the importance of turning around our failed job creation corporation that lost track of $57 million in taxpayer dollars."
Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council, said Reed has a good balance of the connections in the business community needed to understand economic development as well as the knowhow of running the quasi-governmental agency after several months at the helm. He also had no problem with Walker passing over the three finalists identified in the search.
"There was nothing wrong with the process, but you don't let process stand in the way of having the right person in the job," Still said. (Wispolitics.com 1/29/2013 PM Update)
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2013-2015 Budget Updates
In advance of the release of his 2013-2015 Executive Budget on February 20th, the Governor's Office has released several video press releases this past week highlighting initiatives that will play a central role in the Governor's 2013-2015 budget from the Governor's Talk with Walker listening sessions. The following three video releases were released last week and focused on education, developing the workforce and creating jobs.  | | Budget Priority: Transform Education |
 | | Budget Priority: Develop the Workforce |
 | | Budget Priority: Create Jobs |
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Democratic Leaders Announce Jobs Now! Package
On Thursday, Assembly and Senate Democratic Leaders announced a package of nine bills that they say are "designed to create jobs quickly, close the skills gap and rebuild Wisconsin's middle class."
Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) said, "We cannot wait for the next budget to pass or for a mine to be built to create jobs. Wisconsin families continue to struggle with unemployment, underemployment, declining wages and economic uncertainty. That's a crisis that cannot be ignored. These bills will help put people back to work, which puts money in middle-class wallets and will help rebuild our economy."
Senate Democratic Leader Chris Larson (D-Milwaukee) noted, "Wisconsin Democrats know the recipe for a strong middle class economy starts with an educated workforce, a sustainable healthcare system and most importantly, family-supporting jobs."
The nine pieces of legislation contain the following:
- Workforce Growth Skills Training Program
- Refundable Angel and Early Stage Seed Investment Credits
- Small Business Credit Now
- Made in America
- Expand Skills Enhancement Program (CAP Services)
- Buy Wisconsin, Buy Local
- Community Development Financial Institutions Investment Tax Credits
- The Marketing Manufacturers and Keeping Employees Legislation (Part1)
- The Marketing Manufacturers and Keeping Employees Legislation (Part 2)
A complete description of the proposed legislation can be found at this link.
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Senate Approves Gov. Walker's Appointees
Last week, the Wisconsin State Senate Approved two of Governor Walker's appointees.
 | | PSC Commissioner Ellen Nowak |
Public Service Commissioner Ellen Nowak, was appointed to a full six year term and confirmed by the Wisconsin State Senate on 30-1 vote (Darling and Shilling Absent, Carpenter No). Ellen Nowak was appointed to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission in July 2011 by Governor Scott Walker. Prior to her appointment, she was the chief of staff to Waukesha County Executive Dan Vrakas. From 2002-2006 she was the legal counsel and then chief of staff to the Speaker of the Wisconsin Assembly. She also worked as the deputy director of School Choice Wisconsin. From 1998-2002, Ellen practiced business litigation at Mallery & Zimmerman, SC in Milwaukee. Ellen has a law degree from Marquette University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.  | | Corrections Secretary Ed Wall |
Corrections Secretary Ed Wall was confirmed by the Wisconsin State Senate on a 31-0 vote (Shilling and Darling absent). Prior to his appointment, Wall was the head of the Justice Department's criminal investigation division. Secretary Wall was a state trooper in New Hampshire before moving to Wisconsin 13 years ago. Secretary Wall had been a drug agent with the Justice agency - and he ran its Investigative Services Bureau. He was also the head of Wisconsin Emergency Management under former Governor Jim Doyle.
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Election Update
On Thursday, January 31st campaign finance reports were due to the Government Accountability. Below please find the status of some campaign finance filings note:
- Governor Scott Walker raised $473,719 during the last half of 2012 and has cash-on-hand of $793,861.
- Supreme Court Justice Pat Roggensack has more than $55,000 on hand. Her challengers, Lemon law attorney Vince Megna had $6,930 and Marquette University associate law professor Ed Fallone had $5,400.
- In the race for state school super intendent, incumbent Tony Evers had $74,800 on hand and his challenger, Rep. Don Pridemore (R-Erin), had about $50,000.
The Spring Election Primary Date is Tuesday, February 19th.
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The Week Ahead
Monday, February 4th
Reception for DPI Superintendent Tony Evers
4:30 p.m.
Inn on the Park,
22 S. Carroll St.,
Madison
$25 suggested contribution; all contributions gratefully accepted.
Please make checks payable to: Tony Evers for State Superintendent
Tuesday, February 5th
Assembly Committee on Consumer Protection
10:00 AM
300 Northeast
The Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection will provide an overview of the agency for the committee members. Invited speakers only. No public testimony will be taken during this informational hearing.
Assembly Committee on Workforce Development
10:00 AM
415 Northwest
The Department of Workforce Development will provide an overview of the agency for committee members, followed by invited speakers on research and reports related to workforce development.
This is an informational hearing with invited speakers only. No public testimony will be accepted
Assembly Committee on State and Local Finance
10:30 AM
400 Northeast
Assembly Bill 2
Relating to: extending the expenditure period for a tax incremental district in the city of Marinette.
By Representatives Nygren, Jacque, Mursau, Steineke, Tauchen and Weininger; cosponsored by Senators Tiffany and Hansen.
An Executive Session on Assembly Bill 2 will follow the Public Hearing,
Senate Committee on Economic Development and Local Government
11:00 AM
330 Southwest
An Executive Session will immediately follow the Public Hearing.
- Grebe, Michael- Of Milwaukee, as a member of the Bradley Center Sports and Entertainment Corporation, to serve for the term ending July 1, 2013.
- Lawton, Patrick Of Oconomowoc, as a member of the Bradley Center Sports and Entertainment Corporation, for the term ending July 1, 2018.
- O Meara, Kristine Of West Bend, as a member of the Southeast Wisconsin Professional Baseball Park District Board, to serve for the term ending July 1, 2013.
- Johnson, Erik Of Madison, as a member of the Wisconsin Professional Baseball Park District Board, to serve for the term ending July 1, 2013.
- HALL, REED Of Madison, as the Chief Executive Officer of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, to serve for the term ending at the pleasure of the Governor.
01/30/2013: EA-HALL was added to the list of items to be heard.
2013 RACC reception
5 p.m.
Madison Club, 5 E. Wilson St., Madison. 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Reception, $250 per person 6:00 p.m. Program Sponsorship Levels: Gold Sponsor-$6000 Admission for 10 to reception Group & Hole Sponsorship at 2013 RACC at the TRAP Golf Outing Silver Sponsor-$3000 Admission for 5 to the reception Bronze Sponsor-$1000 Admission for 2 to the reception PAC accepted Please make checks payable to: Republican Assembly Campaign Committee Please RSVP by January 29th to Melanie Hubbard at 608-279-1275 or mhubbard@wisgop.org Fundraiser for Rep. Melissa Sargent
5 p.m. Francesca's, 111 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Madison As we begin a new fundraising cycle I would be grateful for your continued support with a donation of: $25.00, $50.00, $100.00, $250.00, or even $500.00 to help kick-start my legislative career. Checks should be made out to "Friends of Melissa Sargent" and can be mailed to: 1638 Mayfield Lane, Madison, WI 53704 or you can donate immediately via ActBlue @ https://secure.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/28967 All donations are gratefully accepted. Reception for 98th AD candidate Adam Neylon
5 p.m. Thunder Bay Grille, N14 W24130 Tower Place, Waukesha. Featuring Special Guest Speaker Pro Tem Bill Kramer. Host Committee: Platinum $500 Gold $250 Silver: $100 Suggested contribution of $50. Checks made payable to "Adam Neylon for Assembly" For more information, or to RSVP, please contact Adamforthe98th@gmail.com or call (262) 744-1381. RSVP not required. Wednesday, February 6th
Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economy and Mining
Executive Session
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
10:00 AM
417 North (GAR Hall)
Assembly Bill 1
Relating to: regulation of ferrous metallic mining and related activities, procedures for obtaining approvals from the Department of Natural Resources for the construction of utility facilities, making an appropriation, and providing penalties.
Senate Committee on Workforce Development, Forestry, Mining and RevenueExecutive Session10:00 AM 201 Southeast Senate Bill 1 Relating to: regulation of ferrous metallic mining and related activities, procedures for obtaining approvals from the Department of Natural Resources for the construction of utility facilities, making an appropriation, and providing penalties. Fundraiser for U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore
8:30 a.m. Johnny's Half Shell, 400 N. Capitol St. NW, Washington, D.C. Join us for a welcome back breakfast in DC for Congresswoman Gwen Moore, WI-4 Committee on Financial Services; Committee on the Budget Sponsorship Levels: $2,500 PAC Host $1,000 PAC Guest / Individual Host $250 Individual Guest for more information, please contact Chris Trull at 337-377-5857 (cell) / 202-741-7213 (office) or chris@christrullfundraising.com Make contributions payable to Moore for Congress PO Box 16646, Milwaukee, WI 53216 FEC ID# C00397505 Thursday, February 7th Senate Committee on Education10:00 AM 411 South
- Schroeder, Karen Of Birchwood, as a member of the Educational Communications Board, to serve for the term ending May 1, 2015.
- Wheeler, John Of Middleton, as a member of the Wisconsin 529 College Savings Program Board, to serve for the term ending May 1, 2015.
- AGAR, ALEXANDRA Of Madison, as a member of the Professional Standards Council for Teachers, to serve for the term ending June 30, 2014.
- ARMSTRONG, STEPHANIE Of De Forest, as a member of the Professional Standards Council for Teachers, to serve for the term ending June 30, 2015.
- Exo, Karin Of Portage, as a member of the Professional Standards Council for Teachers, to serve for the term ending June 30, 2015.
- GAIER, JOHN Of Neillsville, as a member of the Professional Standards Council for Teachers, to serve for the term ending June 30, 2015.
- Heyning, Katy Of Whitewater, as a member of the Professional Standards Council for Teachers, to serve for the term ending June 30, 2013.
- Luedtke, Linda Of Manitowoc, as a member of the Professional Standards Council for Teachers, to serve for the term ending June 30, 2015.
- Nelson, Sue Of Milwaukee, as a member of the Professional Standards Council for Teachers, to serve for the term ending June 30, 2014.
- Stephenson, Amy Of Appleton, as a member of the Professional Standards Council for Teachers, to serve for the term ending June 30, 2014.
- Hase, Paula Of Wausau, as a member of the Professional Standards Council for Teachers, to serve for the term ending June 30, 2015.
- Wegenke, Rolf Of Sun Prairie, as a member of the Educational Communications Board, to serve for the term ending May 1, 2015.
An executive session on these appointments will follow the public hearing. After the executive session concludes, an informational hearing will be held on International Baccalaureate program, with invited testimony only. Following the public hearing, there will be an informational hearing will include invited testimony only. - International Baccalaureate Program
Senate Committee on Transportation, Public Safety, Military and Veterans Affairs10:00 AM 330 Southwest
- Nicholson, Kevin Of Wauwatosa, as a member of the Board of Veterans Affairs, to serve for the term ending May 1, 2013.
Senate Joint Resolution 4 Relating to: creation of a department of transportation, creation of a transportation fund, and deposit of funds into the transportation fund (second consideration). Milwaukee area re-election kick-off reception for Justice Pat Roggensack
5 p.m. The University Club, 924 E. Wells St., Milwaukee. Host Levels: $2500, $1000, $500 and $250. Supporter: $100. Checks made payable to Justice Roggensack for Supreme Court Committee RSVP or Questions to: Mary Stitt : 262-268-6859 or marystitt@wi.rr.com Reception for 98th AD candidate Jeanne Tarantino
5:30 p.m. Country Springs Hotel, 2810 Golf Road, Pewaukee. You are invited to a reception for 98th Assembly Candidate Jeanne Tarantino with special guest, Wisconsin DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp To RSVP: email info@tarantinoforassembly.com or call Ashley at 414-688-5530 Friday, February 8th
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