Legislative Action on Jobs Creation Act Continues
On Thursday, January 8, the Assembly Select Committee on Job Creation voted 6-2 in favor of passage of AB 655, as amended by Assembly Substitute Amendment 1. As referenced in the introduction, additional amendment language is being drafted to revise some remaining technical concerns. It is anticipated that these corrections will resolve any disputes remaining over the draft language of the compromise that was reached last week between the Administration and Legislative leadership. The Substitute and correction amendments will be voted on by the full Assembly when it reconvenes in Extraordinary Session tomorrow, January 13. 

The Hamilton Consulting Group’s Update on AB 655, as amended, remains current for Chapters 285 (air) and 227 (administrative rule-making procedure). An updated and more comprehensive version of the Hamilton Consulting Group’s summary will be provided soon. 

Health Care Reform Plan Released
On Wednesday, January 7, the Wisconsin Hospital Association, the Wisconsin Association of Health Plans, and Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce joined together to announce a major health care reform plan aimed at lowering health care costs for workers, improving quality of care and providing more benefit flexibility. The plan, called “Healthier Choices for Affordable Health Care,” revolves around the following key elements: 

• Improving affordability of coverage;

• Promoting quality and safety improvement efforts in the marketplace;

• Reforming government-sponsored insurance programs, such as the Health Insurance Risk Sharing Plan (HIRSP) and Medicaid;

• Increasing provider numbers by restoring state funding for Graduate Medical Education;

• Eliminating unnecessary and burdensome government regulations; and

• Encouraging consumer knowledge and involvement in overall health care choices. 

Senate Committee Addresses Town, TIF’s, and Refundable Tax Credits
The Senate Committee on Economic Development, Job Creation and Housing has scheduled a public hearing, and possible executive session, on the following bills:

• AB 437, relating to granting towns limited authority to create tax incremental financing districts, and

• AB 508, relating to the income and franchise tax credit for sales tax and use tax paid on fuel and electricity consumed in manufacturing, including adopted Assembly Amendment 1, which provides for refundable tax credits for development and technology zones. 

The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, January 13, at 11 a.m. in room 300 SE. 

First Meeting of Minimum Wage Advisory Council
The Minimum Wage Advisory Council, created by Governor Doyle last year to investigate and propose changes to Wisconsin’s minimum wage law, has scheduled its first meeting for Tuesday, January 13 at 2:00 p.m. in the Governor’s Conference Room. The agenda includes opening remarks by the Governor, a presentation of the Council’s goals, staff introductions, review of the scope of the Council’s directive, and a summary of national and state minimum wage laws. 

Business Day in Madison
Wednesday, January 14 is Business Day in Madison. The event will provide a forum for several leading state business groups to discuss topics of mutual interest and will include detailed briefings and a panel discussion on the Jobs Creation Act of 2003. 

Smart Growth Bill Introduced in Senate
On Wednesday, January 7, SB 375 was introduced, relating to changes to the local government comprehensive planning law known as “Smart Growth.” The bill has been referred to the Senate Select Committee on Job Creation. 

Senate Bill Could Reduce Utility Contributions to Public Fund
On January 7, SB 377 was introduced, which would amend current law requiring certain electric and gas utilities to make yearly contributions to the public benefits fund (through the Public Service Commission) by authorizing the PSC to allow certain of these utilities to retain a portion of their mandatory contribution amount. The bill has been referred to the Senate Select Committee on Job Creation. 

Supreme Court Hands Down Liability Decision
On Friday, January 9, the Supreme Court of Wisconsin handed down its opinion in American Family Mutual Ins. Co. v. American Girl. The court found that insurance policies taken out by contractors to cover their work on construction projects covers negligence of subcontractors hired by the contractor.

For further information on legislative activity of interest to CTCW members, go to CTCW Legislative Tracking Report.

Doyle Delivers National Democratic Radio Address
On Saturday, January 10, Governor Doyle delivered the national Democratic Radio Address in response to President Bush’s address earlier that morning. Doyle’s address focused on the high cost of prescription medication. See the text of the Governor’s radio address. 

Doyle to Hold State of State Address
On Wednesday, January 21, Governor Doyle will deliver his “State of the State Address" to a joint session of the Legislature at 7:00 p.m. in the Assembly Chambers of the State Capitol.

George Faces Three New Indictments
On Tuesday, January 6, State Senator Gary George was indicted on three additional federal charges. The five federal charges George now faces include: 

• One count of conspiracy to defraud taxpayers by taking kick-backs from a taxpayer-hired attorney representing two federally funded organizations;

• One count of conspiracy to defraud taxpayers by ordering his Senate office staff to spend taxpayer funded work hours to work on George’s 2002 campaign for Governor;

• One count of improperly using his official position to rig bidding for the $5 million Milwaukee Police Athletic League construction project;

• One count of money laundering; and

• One count of illegally receiving a kick-back from a taxpayer-hired lawyer who represented George in a lawsuit while George was still in office.

Wednesday, January 14, 2004:

• Eric Peterson for State Senate, 5:30 p.m., McFarland, Wis.

• St. Sen. Kanavas (R-Brookfield), 5:00 p.m., Madison, Wis. 

Thursday, January 15, 2004:

• St. Rep. Mark Pettis (R-Hertel), 5:00 p.m., Dresser, Wis.

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For Further Information

Doyle’s first year deserves passing grade (opinion): Appleton Post-Crescent, Jan. 12, 2004.

Doyle, legislators agree on permitting process: Madison Capital Times, Jan. 12, 2004.

Republican announces candidacy: Marshfield News Herald, Man. 12, 2004.

Keep the spirit of bipartisan cooperation alive (opinion): La Crosse Tribune, Jan. 11, 2004.

Deal reached on fast-permits bill: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 11, 2004.

State considers job creation: Manitowoc Herald Times, Jan. 11, 2004.

Governor, legislators get solid marks for cooperation: Green Bay Press-Gazette, Jan. 12, 2004.

Wisconsin needs to wise up to compete with Minnesota: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 11, 2004.

Doyle calls governors to action against Medicare bill: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 11, 2004.

State court finds in contractor's favor: St. Paul Pioneer Press, Jan. 11, 2004.

George faces new criminal charges: Wisconsin State Journal, Jan. 7, 2004.

Stop making excuses to derail rule reforms (opinion): Wisconsin State Journal, Jan. 9, 2004.

Committee passes permit overhaul bill: Green Bay Press-Gazette, Jan. 9, 2004.

Fast-permit bill hits a bump: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 8, 2004.

Revised regulatory bill blasted: Wisconsin State Journal, Jan. 8, 2004. 

Education, finances dominate Doyle meeting: Marshfield News Herald, Jan. 8, 2004.

Bill to ease permits picks up speed: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 6, 2004.

Doyle: State committed to minority firms: Appleton Post-Crescent, Jan. 6, 2004.