Jobs & Economy

Assembly Democrats took the majority amid the largest economic downturn since the Great Depression. Our top priority has been to get our economy back on track by supporting business and creating family-supporting jobs.

Assembly Democrats have approved more than $200 million in business boosting tax credits and incentives to help businesses grow and retain workers.

• Extended 10% Research and Development tax credits
• Approved a 10% Jobs Tax Credit (tax breaks for businesses that create jobs)
• Increased the type of investments businesses can make to qualify for the Enterprise Zone tax credit to help businesses attract and retain jobs.
• Approved the American Jobs Act requiring state contracts go to American companies

I cosponsored the C.O.R.E. Jobs Act, a comprehensive economic development package that will create jobs, support worker retraining and assist businesses in our state. C.O.R.E. includes several important provisions to boost our economy such as grants to retrofit closed factories for renewable energy manufacturing and various grants and tax credits to encourage businesses to attract and retain businesses.

In February 2010, I met with over 50 regional economic leaders for a forum on job creation and economic development at the Chippewa Valley Technical College. The meeting was conducted by the Partnership for a Stronger Economy (PSE), a venture initiated by Assembly Democrats that provides Wisconsin businesses with a sustained voice in state economic policy.

Supporting Small Business

My family has had a small business in the Eau Claire area for over 50 years, so I have real-world understanding of the needs and concerns of the business community.

In December 2009, Rep. Kristen Dexter and I held an information session for area small businesses and entrepreneurs at the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce with the Small Business Administration. The session provided an overview of loans, training grants, and other resources available for small businesses.

I coauthored the Small Business Capital Access Bill that will help banks lend to small businesses. The tight credit market is limiting the critical capital access businesses need in order to expand operations and create jobs.

Supporting The Agricultural Industry

Assembly Democrats approved the Beginning Farmer Credit that refunds a new farmer for the costs of enrolling in a financial management program. The Farm Asset Owner Credit equals 15% of lease money received by an established farmer for the rental of land to a new farmer.

We increased the number of cooperatives that may be eligible for a tax credit for modernization of dairies and meat processing plants.

I authored an extension of the Dairy Modernization Tax Credit that has created over $500 million in investments for Wisconsin’s economy since its inception.

Assembly Democrats eliminated proposed fee increases on large Wisconsin farms and eliminated slaughter fees to help Wisconsin’s meat-processing industry.

Taxes

Legislative Democrats passed the budget on time for the first time in 30 years. The budget contained more than $3 billion in spending cuts, the deepest in state history. Assembly Republicans increased spending of state tax money by 74% during their 14-year majority.

• The budget shielded 99% of all Wisconsin residents from an income tax increase
• The budget protected every single Wisconsin resident from a general sales tax increase.
• The budget also featured no payroll tax and held the line on property taxes.

Assembly Democrats also closed a corporate tax loophole that for decades has enabled corporations to evade taxes in Wisconsin. Republicans have enabled this loophole choosing to defend Wall Street at the expense of Main Street.

Wisconsin actually ranks 30th nationally in business taxes – well below the national average – and our income tax ranking has improved to move closer to the national average.

Education

As a member of the Assembly Education Committee, I understand that supporting our school system is critical for improving Wisconsin’s economic future. Despite the challenging national economy, I was able to help limit cuts to education while increasing aid to small, low density-school districts.

I worked with members of the legislative rural caucus to develop education reform that will benefit our rural school districts. The Rural Caucus Education Reforms provide need support for rural schools:

• Allows greater flexibility for districts with SAGE contracts
• Provides funding for consolidation and efficiency studies
• Improves transportation aid including transportation support for private schools

Higher Education

As Vice Chair of the Assembly Colleges & Universities Committee, I understand how the UW System is the engine that drives our area economy. UWEC is one of our area’s largest employers and generates a lot of money throughout our region. For every $1 million invested into UWEC, the community receives revenue of $1.44 million. Many businesses are here primarily to serve the University community. I will fight to protect and enhance the UW System that has obviously been proven to be a true investment in our economic system and our community.

I authored and passed legislation that would create more regional balance on the UW Board of Regents. After that bill was vetoed, I was still able to help secure the appointment of a Regent from Eau Claire – the first time in over 30 years the Chippewa Valley has had a Regent appointed by the Governor.

I believe I have a responsibility to support not just institutions of higher learning, but students as well. I coauthored legislation that eliminates the sales tax on textbooks in order to lower prices for students. I also authored legislation that cracks down on deceptive marketing practice by credit card companies to help college students avoid falling into credit card debt.

Assembly Democrats have provided $5.2 million in increased funding for our technical colleges, the front line of worker retraining efforts.

Health Care

As a small business owner and former local town official, I understand how the lack of action on health care has harmed families and businesses. The inability of many entrepreneurs to acquire health insurance (including most farmers) kills even the best of business plans. The health care crisis is discouraging our most ambitious and capable entrepreneurs from striking out on new and innovative business ideas.

I coauthored legislation that would provide targeted tax relief for contributions to Health Savings Accounts. The bill would enable individuals and families under 500% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) – with current income maximums of $54,150 for an individual and of $110,250 for a family of four – to be eligible for a tax credit on their yearly contribution to their HSA.

I helped expand health care coverage to treat children with autism and people struggling with mental health problems. I also worked to restore funding for the respite care program that provides support for those tending to a family member struggling with a severe disability. Our new Democratic majority helped passed these benefits.

Honest Government

When I first ran for office, I promised to work to improve the integrity of Wisconsin elections. As Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Elections & Campaign Reform, I have a responsibility to work to uphold Wisconsin’s legacy of good government and honest elections. Last fall, my committee held several hearings around the state, including one in Eau Claire, to listen to Wisconsin citizens about the importance of clean elections.

Assembly Democrats passed a new policy that prohibited members for soliciting and accepting campaign contributions during budget negotiations.

I authored the Wisconsin Voter Protection Act to improve the efficiency and accuracy of Wisconsin elections. The bill streamlines absentee voting and utilizes secure technology to make Wisconsin a leader in voter registration.

I coauthored legislation to clean up Supreme Court elections by providing public financing to curb the influence of special interest groups. I steered the Impartial Justice Bill through committee and helped get it signed into law.

Another important part of campaign finance reform is addressing the problem of outside interest groups that run their own shadow campaigns. Any groups that places ads during campaigns should be mandated to report every individual donation they collected to raise the funds to pay for their ads. That is not currently the case, and we never know who really is endorsing the ads that often are misleading and usually maligning of the candidates’ character and stands on issues. It only makes sense that if you say it, you should be willing to have your name on it if you really believe it to be true. I coauthored, and steered through committee, legislation that would require third parties to disclose their contributions for their “issue” ads.

I will continue to work to defend Wisconsin’s record of open, honest government.

Environment

Wisconsin has a tradition in conservation that is unparalleled by any other state in the nation and is essential to our quality of life. We depend on a healthy, clean, preserved environment for our economy, our recreation, our food, and our livelihood. Our environment is an integral part of our culture.

As someone who grew up fishing and hunting, I treasure, and hope to preserve, these great traditions that are staples of Wisconsin outdoor life. I coauthored legislation that would restore the independence of the DNR. I supported a veto-override attempt that failed due to a lack of Republican support. The bill would have helped free the DNR from political pressure to help safeguard our natural environment.

I also coauthored legislation that will streamline regulations to enable wind energy development in Wisconsin. I believe Wisconsin must position itself to be competitive in the clean energy economy, and we must recognize that economic growth is compatible with environmental interests.

Our Community

I’ve been working on some things to help make our community and neighborhoods safer, like the comprehensive drunk driving reform package that was signed by the Governor in 2009.

During the budget process I was able to secure funding for the L.E. Phillips Library in Eau Claire and actively pushed for the inclusion of Regional Transit Authorities. High-speed rail will create thousands of good jobs in Wisconsin and build a durable commerce connection from Chicago to the Twin Cities.

I always want to hear from you, to help me represent our shared interests in Madison. I hold regular “Office Hours” in Altoona and Brackett to listen to constituents. I also have held dozens of listening sessions across the 9rd3rd District to be accessible to you. My electronic newsletter reaches almost 1,000 individuals monthly to keep you updated on my work as your legislator.

We still have a lot of work to do!