WEDA Legislative Agenda...WEDA Legislative Goals • Advance initiatives that ensure Wisconsin...
Transcript of WEDA Legislative Agenda...WEDA Legislative Goals • Advance initiatives that ensure Wisconsin...
WEDA Legislative Agenda
A Framework for the 2013‐14 Legislative Session
Amy Boyer, Legislative Director, Hamilton Consulting GroupPam Christenson and James Otterstein, WEDA Legislative Co‐Chairs
Interesting Times in Wisconsin
Interesting Times in Wisconsin
2012 Wisconsin Election Preview
Assembly
o Republicans currently hold 59‐32‐1 lead
o Republicans most likely to maintain majority, but will likely lose a few seats
o Should have solid majority for years to come based on newly drawn maps
Senate
o Democrats currently hold majority 17‐15 (one seat currently vacant, which is a solid Republican district)
o 3 key races in northern and eastern Wisconsin.
o Republicans should regain at least 17‐16 majority, with possibility of 18‐15
Governor Walker
Governor Walker won recall election in June 2012First term expires in 2014
Key themes for Governor Walker in the upcoming session:1) Economic Development / Job Creation2) Workforce Issues3) Government Reform / Efficiencies / Modernization4) Infrastructure (Transportation)5) Education
So, in these interesting times and in this seemingly perpetual election cycle, one theme remains consistent – Jobs and the Economy.
WEDA members are on the front lines of job creation, retention and facilitating investment. WEDA members are the experts in economic development policy and issues throughout Wisconsin.
We have an aggressive legislative agenda for the 2013‐14 legislative session. We need to start laying the groundwork for those policy items now.
WEDA Legislative Goals
• Advance initiatives that ensure Wisconsin workers have the skills to compete in a global economy, and establish programs to help match job seekers talents with employers needs.
• Continued implementation of WEDA’s Be Bold Wisconsin initiative by solidifying our partnership with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and promote related steps to reach specific economic development targets.
WEDA Legislative Goals
• Promote new or enhanced financial incentive programs that entice employers to create, retain and expand jobs in Wisconsin.
• Support fiscally responsible investments in Wisconsin’s transportation, energy and telecommunications infrastructure.
• Work with stakeholder groups on legislation that improves Wisconsin’s overall business climate, including reforms to our regulatory, litigation, and tax systems.
Workforce Development – Building on a Wisconsin Strength
o Worker training – WEDA will promote legislation that supports an incumbent worker model that provides workforce training assistance that is flexible, aligned and funded.
o Workforce Training Accounts
o Retirees as on‐the‐job trainers for new hires
Continued Implementation of Be Bold Wisconsin
One of the key overall objectives of Be Bold Wisconsin was to raise per capita income and create greater opportunities for Wisconsin residents. Through continued dialog and relationship with WEDC, WEDA will help the entity reach specific goals from Be Bold, which include:
Wisconsin will rank among the top 10 states for starting a business by 2016• In 2010, Wisconsin ranked #48 in Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity• In 2011, Wisconsin ranked #37 in the Kauffman Index
Wisconsin will rank among the top 10 states for expanding a business by 2016• In 2010, Wisconsin ranked #29 on CNBC’s America’s Top States for Business• In 2011, Wisconsin ranked $17 in the CNBC poll
Effective Financial Incentives
WEDA will continue to promote new or enhanced programs that will further entice investment opportunities from prospective or current employers to create, retain or expand jobs in Wisconsin.
• Tax Incremental Financing: WEDA recommends and supports legislation to allow the Wisconsin Dept. of Revenue the authority to lower the base value of an existing TIF district when property is demolished or destroyed or damaged by a natural disaster, or if there is a long‐term vacancy of an industrial property.
• Innovation Capital: Wisconsin’s innovation economy needs to remain robust and competitive to ensure that our strong tradition of entrepreneurship endures. WEDA will monitor and support capital investment recommendations designed to benefit all regions of Wisconsin.
InfrastructureTransportation
o Support amending the state’s constitution to prohibit transfers out of the segregated transportation fund to the general fund.
o Support alternative funding mechanisms such as dedicating a portion of auto‐related sales tax revenue to the transportation fund.
o WEDA will monitor and consider recommendations stemming from the Transportation Finance and Policy Commission targeted for roll‐out in mid‐December.
Telecommunications – Broadbando WEDA has consistently advocated for policy initiatives that foster broadband
deployment, particularly for small businesses located in non‐urbanized corridors, and will continue to encourage widespread deployment to promote and “infrastructure‐ready” environment for business.
General Business Climate
Regulatory Reformo Mining Legislationo Agency Permitting
Litigation Reformo Promote fairness and equity in Wisconsin’s civil justice system to
enhance the state’s litigation climate.Tax Climate
o Monitor tax reform proposals, with an emphasis on lowering personal income tax rates to facilitate business growth and talent recruitment.
Conclusion
The WEDA Legislative Agenda presented to you today provides the framework for our efforts for the 2013‐14 legislative session.
As with the political environment, policy priorities often shift, but these will serve as our top priorities going into the upcoming session.
Be prepared to help carry WEDA’s message with your elected officials. o Freshmen Meet & Greetso Regional Roundtableso WEDA Legislative Day
For further information, contact: Amy Boyer: boyer@hamilton‐consulting.comBob Fassbender: fassbender@hamilton‐consulting.com