Area Lawmakers Look Ahead to New Session

After rolling through the most controversial session of the state Legislature in Wisconsin history, elected officials are ready to get back to work in the coming weeks.

Although Democrats and Republicans have been entrenched in controversial issues like collective bargaining rights for state employees and share revenues for local governments and school districts, one major issue still remains at hand—reviving the sluggish state economy.

However, as the Legislature gets back to work, elected officials from the area say they’re going to put job creation as the No.1 priority in the state.

“I think you’ve got to continue to work on all fronts,” state Sen. Rich Zipperer, R-City of Pewaukee, said. “That includes the legal front…and I think we need to continue to work to reduce the tax burden and across-the-board tax relief.”

Zipperer said two issues he expects to come back for debate are the proposed mine in northeastern Wisconsin and a proposal to increase venture capital in the state for small businesses. With both issues, he said it would be extremely beneficial in helping the state get back on the right track economically and allow more businesses to start up in the state.

In terms of tax relief, Zipperer said he has heard interest from residents about a possible sales tax holiday or pension tax relief that would allow senior citizens to stay in the state and invest their money.

State Rep. Dan Knodl, R-Menomonee Falls, said lawmakers hope to see some positive job growth numbers in the coming weeks from reforms and changes by the state earlier this year, but more changes need to come such as a proposed bill that would allow for businesses to gain quicker approval from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

“We need our government agencies to work at the speed of business, so we need faster approvals with the DNR when it comes to approvals for buildings and such, and what that will do is free up some investment dollars that are perhaps being sat upon right now,” he said. “In the business state of mind if they have confidence they’re going to invest their dollars and get their products out the door.”

Knodl said he also favors further tax credits for businesses, but only if they’re awarded after jobs are created because it can be a very effective tool for job creation.

And although both sides are still coming out from the tumultuous political session that was capped off by the recall elections of nine state senators, leaders said they’re confident they can put aside their differences and work together to help the state.

“When it comes to jobs, both sides are talking that it’s their No. 1 priority, so OK, let’s get together and do that, so I’m feeling very, very positive about that happening,” Knodl said. “Now Republicans like myself aren’t going to give up our conservative values, that’s for sure, but when it comes to jobs, that’s not a liberal or conservative thing.”