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Todd Berry of the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance sounds an alarm on Wisconsin's large and
growing state budget deficit. Read the Capital Region Business Journal article here.
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The percentage of Americans who are satisfied with the way things are going in the United States is now at only 15%, according to the latest Gallup Poll update. This marks the lowest reading on this measure since June 1992, and the third lowest Gallup has recorded since 1979. Read the full story here. |
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The WCA District Meetings begin next week on April 28, 2008 in the West Central District and run through May 7, 2008 in the Southeast District. The meetings are held by WCA staff and are open to county officials and any other interested parties, with no need to RSVP.
The meetings are held every two years following the election of county supervisors around the state to inform membership of the services of WCA, give legislative updates and share other association information. In addition, elections are held at the seven WCA District Meetings for the WCA Board of Directors, Wisconsin County Mutual Board of Directors and the Wisconsin NACo Representative.
To view the complete schedule, including times and locations, please click here. |
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The Economist recently published an article summarizing the recent Wisconsin Supreme Court election. The article looks at the race in light of the issues of tort reform, the business climate and campaign finance reform. Read the article here. |
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 As school districts see a substantial percentage of their budgets going toward employee benefits, it remains a challenge to provide affordable healthcare coverage to their employees. To accomplish this goal, the Lake Geneva School District has chosen the WCA Group Health Trust for their health insurance benefits.
"For school districts and other public entities, providing healthcare benefits for their employees can be a costly endeavor," said Josh Bindl, WCA Insurance Services Administrator. "The WCA Group Health Trust is unique because we are a close partner with our clients. By working in unison, we can provide benefits that meet the distinct needs of each group."
The WCA Group Health Trust, the employee benefit trust of the Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA), offers both fully insured and self-insured health plans, including prescription drug plans, dental and vision insurance, and wellness programs to counties, cities, school districts and other public entities. Full Story... |
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Read the Washington Briefs first quarter report here by WCA's federal lobbying organization, Waterman and Associates. |
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On May 19th, WCA will host an educational seminar, "Open Meeting and Public Records Law." The event will be held at the Ramada (formerly the Country Springs Hotel) in Stevens Point from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, click here.
To register online, click here and go to the seminar information on the top left side of your screen. |
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 The National Association of Counties (NACo) has applauded legislation introduced in the House of Representatives which would save counties hundreds of millions of dollars in medical expenses for individuals who immediately lose their federal health insurance benefits while being detained in county jails.
Read the full NACo media release here. |
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For fiscal year 2008, Congress appropriated funds for the first time under the Energy Policy Act (2005) to help reduce harmful emissions from heavy duty diesel engines. Through the National Clean Diesel Campaign, the EPA will award grants to assist its eligible partners in building diesel emission reduction programs across the country that improve air quality and protect public health. For fiscal year 2008, the amount of funding available is $49.2 million.
This year, Clean Diesel funding is split into two basic components:
- National Clean Diesel program (70% of funding)
- State Clean Diesel Grant program (30% of funding)
Full Story... |
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