Rep. Frank Lasee wants state map redrawn: GOP Rep. Lasee said the 2001 Kettl Commission inspired AB 438, which noted towns too lean to gain efficiencies, but counties, with expensive jails, courts, landfills and highway departments, offer more consolidation opportunities. "Economies of scale work better for counties than other governments. Wisconsin counties were laid out in the 1800s when you had to use a horse and buggy to get to the county seat. Now you get in your car and go."

The nine-member commission would set new boundaries: According to Outagamie Co. Supervisor Schmidt: "Do we need 50 states? This gets into the theory and practice of American government. The reason we have smaller governmental entities is they're closer to the people, there's more accountability and it's more efficient."

Have you used the new online Wisconsin County Purchasing Directory for your county's purchasing needs?  The new electronic format is in response to overwhelming feedback from county purchasing agents and those making purchasing decisions in Wisconsin's 72 counties.

Governors Tommy Thompson, Scott McCallum and Jim Doyle have fought for years to correct a serious problem for Wisconsin's main street merchants.  They have each proposed legislation to correct a court decision that favors out-of-state vendors over Wisconsin's main street merchants.  

The "Main Street Equity Act" will put Wisconsin retailers on the same level with out-of- state sellers. Governor Doyle included it in the current state budget and the Senate passed it.  The Assembly removed it and now it is in the hands of the Budget Conference Committee.  To read more of Wisconsin Merchant Federation President/CEO Chris Tackett's article, click below.