PACKAGE OF TRANSPORTATION REFORM PROPOSALS INCLUDES TWO BILLS LIMITING MUNICIPAL POWERS
Last week, a group of GOP legislators circulated for co-sponsors a package of proposed transportation related reforms. Most of the bills relate to Wisconsin DOT contracting procedures. Two bills in the package, however, interfere with municipal powers:

  1. LRB 3334 requires local referendums in order to impose a local vehicle registration fee (wheel tax). The bill applies to existing local vehicle registration fees as well as future attempts to enact such a fee.
  2. LRB 3328 adds aggregate sites and concrete production sites to current law exemptions from local zoning ordinances that apply to borrow sites and material disposal sites.

The League has opposed similar bills in the past and will also oppose these.
JFC PASSES BUDGET AMENDMENT ALLOWING LONGER PAYBACK PERIOD FOR SDW LOANS
Earlier in May, the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) passed a budget amendment allowing recipients of Save Drinking Water Loans 30 years, rather than 20, to repay the principle and interest. Also under the amendment, payments would not have to be made until 18 months after a project is completed instead of 12 months. The City of Waukesha sought these changes, which the League supports.
JFC TO MEET TUESDAY AND THURSDAY THIS WEEK; TRANSPORTATION REMAINS TO BE DONE
The Joint Finance Committee (JFC) intends to meet on both Tuesday and Thursday this week as it continues to formulate a budget the GOP controlled Senate and Assembly can approve later in June. Tuesday's agenda includes Health Services, Medicaid, and Children and Families.

Thursday's agenda has not yet been announced, but all that remains is Transportation and Taxes. Last Friday, Senate Majority Leader Fitzgerald told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the Senate could not support the Governor's proposed 8 cent gas tax increased but could go along with various fee increases the Governor has proposed.
IN THE NEWS  

GOP leaders say no gas tax increase for road funding in this budget
Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Friday that Republicans on the budget-writing committee have ruled out a gas tax increase, but are considering raising registration fees, title fees and heavy truck fees. He did not specify how much fees may increase. Read the story...

 Proposal Would Allow For Electronic Early Voting In Wisconsin
Under the proposal, voters would still have the option to mail in early ballots or cast an early ballot in person and request it’s stored until Election Day, rather than be fed immediately into a machine.
 
Lori Stottler, clerk-treasurer for the City of Beloit, testified in support of the measure at the public hearing at the Capitol. She said it's a welcome way to "modernize" voting in Wisconsin.  
 
"This is going to save the city of Beloit hundreds of hours of time and thousands of dollars of money," Stottler said.
 
The Wisconsin Municipal Clerks Associations and the League of Wisconsin Municipalities have registered their support for the plan. Read the story...

#LOCALGOVMATTERS – LEAGUE LOBBY DAY
Gwyn Guenther, Wheeler Reports Inc. recorded the latest #LocalGovMatters podcast at the League's May 22 Lobby Day. She talks with Jerry Deschane, the Executive Director of the League, has the opportunity to talk with the Ashland Mayor Deb Lewis about roads and shoreline erosion and talks with Mayor of Lancaster, David Varnam about agriculture and roads in his district. She also talks with Mayor Eric Genrich of Green Bay about infrastructure needs and flooding issues in Green Bay and the Whitewater City Manager, Cameron Clapper, highlights special issues cities have when they host a university campus. Listen on your PC or Smartphone...

Women's Suffrage Centennial Celebration
June 10, 12:00 pm, Wisconsin State Capitol Rotunda
Wisconsin was the first state to ratify the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote! Be a part of this 100 year celebration and see an unveiling of the original 19th Amendment, hear from Wisconsin women in leadership, and more! This event is FREE and open to the public. Learn more here...
RECENTLY INTRODUCED BILLS

SB 248, Allowing 30-Year Term for Repaying Safe Drinking Water Loans. Allows recipients of Save Drinking Water Loans 30 rather than 20 years to repay the principle and interest. Also under the bill payments would not have to be made until 18 months after a project is completed instead of 12 months. By Sen. Kapenga (R-Delafield). The League supports this bill. Comment to the League on this bill.
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON MUNICIPAL BILLS

AB 251, Requiring marketplace providers to collect and remit sales and room tax from third parties. By Assembly Committee on Ways and Means, on Thursday, June 6, at 10:00 a.m. in room 328 Northwest, State Capitol. The League supports this bill.