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On September 29, WCA will host an educational seminar, "Working Lands Initiative," in Stevens Point at the Holiday Inn. The seminar features Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Rod Nilsestuen. Learn more here, including registration information. |
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Americans drove 50 billion fewer miles between November 2007 and June 2008 compared with the same period a year earlier, due in part to record gas prices. Source: Associated Press |
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The Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) has recognized a select group of legislators for their work on behalf of county government during the 2007-2008 Legislative Session with the "WCA Outstanding Legislator Award."
"This group of legislators has proven they are committed to the vast and complex issues facing Wisconsin's counties. With considerable fiscal challenges facing the state, as well as an ongoing demand for services, we recognize this was not an easy task," said WCA Executive Director Mark D. O'Connell. "These lawmakers have rallied for county interests and this award represents to our organization those individuals who fought hard for counties, and ultimately, the taxpayers."
The winners of the "WCA Outstanding Legislator Award" are: |
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 WCA has also recognized the important role legislative staff played in the day-to-day activities of not only Capitol offices, but also the entire Legislature, with the "WCA Outstanding Legislative Staff Awards."
The "WCA Outstanding Legislative Staff Award" winners are:
Wisconsin State Senate
- Amber Hodgson, Office of State Senator Jeff Plale
- Jamie Kuhn, Office of State Senator Mark Miller
- Kevin Brady, Office of Former State Senator Roger Breske
- Mike Wagner, Office of Former State Senator Carol Roessler
Wisconsin State Assembly
"Capitol staff is an integral part of the process and we are proud to recognize this group for their dedication to county issues," said O'Connell. "It would be very difficult to accomplish our legislative goals without the hard work and support of these key players in the process and we commend them for their work on behalf of Wisconsin's counties."
To see a photo of this year's award winners, read on... Full Story... |
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 If you haven't registered yet for the WCA Annual Conference, you can do it quickly and easily online by clicking here, and going to "Upcoming Featured Events" on the left side. This year's conference is October 12-14 at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center and is packed full of timely educational sessions on some of the biggest issues facing county officials today.
To see a glimpse of this year's sessions, click here. |
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As referenced in last week's WCA eNews, Milwaukee County voters will be asked in November if they want to raise the local sales tax by an extra one percent. The proposed referendum will specifically ask if three line items should be removed from the tax levy: parks/recreation/culture, transit and EMS. It is the goal of the referendum to restructure how these three line items are paid for and provide property tax relief.
It is estimated that a one-percent increase would bring in an extra $130 million per year to the county to pay for these three line items. The referendum is advisory and would have to be approved by the Legislature. |
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On August 28, 2008, DOR published the 2008 net new construction values for levy limit purposes at http://www.revenue.wi.gov/equ/nnc.html. DOR posted a revised net new construction report to the Internet on September 12, 2008. The revision was due to the 2007 equalized values representing only the value of the primary piece for the 52 split municipalities that are located in more than one county. This revision may impact the percent change due to net new construction for split municipalities. Full Story... |
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 The Wisconsin Channel is a new digital channel featuring a rich selection of programs about Wisconsin every day. It's all about Wisconsin. You can watch with an over-the-air antenna, through some cable providers or online. Learn more here.
Wisconsin Public Television and Wisconsin Public Radio are services of the Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Extension. |
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As the Federal Highway Trust Fund faces a huge deficit, Wisconsin's highway projects, including the $1.8 billion reconstruction and expansion of I-94 south of Milwaukee and the rebuilding of the Zoo Interchange, could be greatly impacted. Read the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article here. |
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Now you can listen to previously-aired radio shows as podcasts on the new "Business Solutions" blog. Simply visit the site at www.dianeonbusiness.blogspot.com, find the show you want to hear and click the play button. A media player will open up in the window and play the show right on your computer.
The show can be found at News/Talk 1130 WISN every Saturday from 1-2 p.m. or online at http://www.dianeonbusiness.com/. WCA Executive Director Mark D. O'Connell is a frequent guest host on the show. |
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The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) has recently updated the Public Records Law Compliance Guide they produce. In addition, DOJ also produces the Open Meetings Law Compliance Guide. Both can be accessed via the DOJ's web site here. |
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The Department of Administration has begun the administrative rules process to allow electronic recording of documents in the office of county registers of deeds statewide. DOA has submitted, on behalf of the Electronic Recording Council of Wisconsin, a proposed order creating rules with the Legislative Council Rules Clearinghouse.
So far, DOA has only a proposed order adopting rules. After review by the Legislative Council, the agency will put the order into final form and schedule a public hearing. Source: The Wheeler Report |
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The Wisconsin Preparedness Forum is an innovative and participatory approach to strengthening our communities and state through joint awareness, planning and exercising. The group will hold "Wisconsin Preparedness Forum II on October 27-28, 2008 in Madison.
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