Monday Morning Review  

5.14.10 

(A monthly report from Brad Boycks with WBA to update us on what is happening at the Capitol)

 

Global Warming Bills Fails to pass legislature  

One of the most debated and lobbied bills of the session, the global warming bill, failed to pass either house of the legislature upon adjournment of the legislature in late April.  

Both pro and con sides of the equation were fighting on this bill up until the end of session.  The state senate adjourned at approximately 2:00 pm without taking action on the bill and the assembly removed the legislation from the calendar at around 5 pm killing the legislation for the session.  

Defeat of this legislation is widely regarded as a victory for utility rate payers as the growing consensus of business groups like WBA was that passage of this bill would have meant substantial increase to both residential and commercial utility rates in Wisconsin. 

Department of Commerce says Amish need permits, registration 

WBA staff met with officials for the Department of Commerce, Safety and Buildings Division recently as part of our regularly scheduled quarterly meeting.  One topic that we discuss was the ongoing debate on whether the Amish in Wisconsin need to follow the UDC and if they need to be registered with the Department of Commerce. 

Short answer to both questions is yes. 

We were told that anyone, including those in the Amish community, need to follow the UDC and either need to have the BCR credential or the 12 credit/two year credential depending on what type of work they are doing. 

Van Hollen announces run for 2nd Term 

Recently Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced his intention to see a second term and run for re-election this fall. 

Van Hollen’s election in 2006 was one bright spot for the GOP nationwide in what was the first of two disastrous elections cycles. 

Most insiders on both sides of the political aisle see Van Hollen’s re-election prospects as very strong against presumed Democratic candidate and former DNR secretary Scott Hassett. 

GA Planning session date set, register on-line today!  

As a follow-up to the recent WBA GA meeting in late April we have finalized a date for a meeting to discuss what should be included in our upcoming WBA Government Affairs Agenda for 2011-2012. 

Tuesday, June 22
1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
WBA Conference Room
4868 High Crossing Blvd. 

Madison WI 53704 

You may remember we held a similar meeting during the summer of 2008 with good attendance and we would like to have another large group that represents all areas of the state. 

We will be discussing a number of issues including those dealing with development, codes, remodeler’s issues and general government affairs issues dealing with housing. 

A very special thank you to Axley Brynelson, LLP (www.axley.com) for agreeing to be the sponsor of this upcoming planning session!  We can fit 45 people in our conference room comfortably. 

In order to ensure we have enough space we are asking members to go to: https://builderfusion.wisbuild.org/bf/website/simple/eventView.jsp?event_id=4321&monthView=false to register by June 14.  There is no charge to attend this event.  If we exceed 45 registrants we will secure a larger venue for the meeting close to the WBA office on the eastside of Madison.  

Lassa to run for Obey seat 

With the surprise retirement announcement of long-time Congressman Dave Obey that he would not be seeking re-election this fall, Democrats were sent scrambling to unite behind alternate candidates. 

A meeting between Obey and a number of those that were interested in running took place recently.  Sources in the know said those at the table included state Senators Lassa, Kreitlow, Decker and state Representative Seidel. This week Kreitlow and Decker announced they would not run and state Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) announced her candidacy. 

Unlike Kreitlow and Decker, Lassa has a “free shot” at this seat meaning she does not need to give up her state Senate seat to run for Congress because she won another four-year term in 2008. 

Only one current office holder on the Democratic side is still considering a run for this open congressional seat, Representative Louie Molepkske, Jr. (D-Stevens Point). 

Whoever emerges from the Democratic side will likely take on Republican Sean Duffy for the right to replace Dave Obey in Congress this fall. 

Green for Walker, Gard for Neumann  

In mid-May both GOP candidates for governor announced the endorsement of prominent GOP leaders from the greater Green Bay area.  Scott Walker announced the support of former state Representative/U.S. Congressman and GOP gubernatorial candidate in 2006 Mark Green.  Former Assembly Speaker and candidate for the 8th Congressional District John Gard, and his wife Kate Zeuske (former state Representative, state Treasurer and Department of Revenue Secretary) announced their endorsement of Mark Neumann.  Gard and Zeuske will also be co-chairing Neumann’s campaign for governor as well. 

Green said of Scott Walker in a press release: “I was proud to work with Scott when we were lonely voices calling for fiscal responsibility as freshman state legislators in Madison back in 1993.  I was proud to watch Scott take on the political machine in Milwaukee and build a movement based on accountability to the taxpayers.  I will be proud to call Scott Walker my governor.” 

Gard stated about Neumann "I’ve followed the race for Governor closely and studied all the candidates because I want to back a conservative I can trust to stand strong for the principles of less government spending, lower taxes and a free market environment that will create jobs. Mark Neumann is that conservative leader." 

For more information on the above legislative matters please contact WBA Director of Government and Political  Affairs Brad Boycks (bboycks@wisbuid.org or 608-242-5155, ext. 16).  

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