LEAGUE WELL REPRESENTED ON GOVERNOR EVERS' TRANSPORTATION STAKEHOLDER TASK FORCE
At the request of Governor Evers, DOT has created a Transportation Stakeholder Task Force to solicit feedback on transportation needs and budget priorities. Three people with ties to the League have been appointed to the Task Force: League Board member and past President, Mayor Tim Hanna, Appleton; Executive Director Jerry Deschane; and Deputy Director Curt Witynski.

The Task Force was to meet today, January 28th, in Madison, but the meeting has been rescheduled for Thursday, January 31. A second and final meeting is scheduled for February 4th in La Crosse. DOT Secretary Thompson has asked the Task Force to discuss and answer the following questions:

  • How can the state ensure that adequate funds to preserve and maintain the current transportation system are available, while also making improvements that support the mobility needs of the state’s population and economic growth?
  • How can the state share transportation revenues equitably with local governments?
  • While the motor fuel excise tax continues to be the primary funding source for transportation, it is not growing commensurate with current system needs. Do revenue sources need to be expanded?
  • How should the state’s delivery of transportation services be modified to address changing needs?
  • Does the state’s current multimodal balance support the needs of businesses and citizens?
LEAGUE PRESENTS STATE BUDGET REQUESTS TO GOVERNOR EVERS' STAFF
Earlier this month, League staff met with Governor Ever's Policy Director, Jenni Dye, and presented a list of items we would like the Governor to include in his state budget proposal. While Jenni made no promises, our requests were welcomed and well received. We discussed many municipal priorities, including increased funding for shared revenue, providing municipalities more flexibility under levy limits, and closing the dark store and Walgreens loopholes.
GOVERNOR EVERS TO INTRODUCE STATE BUDGET FEBRUARY 28
Last week, legislative leaders declined Governor Evers' request to delay his state budget address until March 5. Instead, legislative leaders approved allowing the Governor to delay his state budget introduction and address until February 28.
JOIN US FEBRUARY 4 IN WAUPACA AND LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LEAGUE'S LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
Municipal officials and staff are invited to the PAR 4 Resort in Waupaca from 5:30-7:00 on Monday, February 4, to interact with League staff and learn more about the municipal agenda for the upcoming legislative session.

Please join us if you are able. There is no cost and no RSVP necessary. For more information contact Gail Sumi.

Please share our 2019-2020 Legislative Agenda with your state legislators. A copy of the League's agenda is posted on our web site here.
FIRST MUNICIPAL LOBBY DAY IS FEBRUARY 20
Municipal officials and staff are invited to participate in the League's first lobby day of the session on Wednesday, February 20. We meet at 9:30 at the Best Western Premier Park Hotel on the Capitol Square. The agenda for the day is as follows:

9:30 -- 10:30 -- League staff provides briefing on issues that will be lobbied on
10:30-12:15 -- Meet with state legislators
12:30-1:30 -- Lunch and Speaker
1:30 -- Adjourn

More information about the lobby day and how to sign up for the League's lobby team is posted on the League's web site, here.
IN THE NEWS 

Marquette poll finds support for Gov. Tony Evers' agenda, including nonpartisan redistricting reform - Read the full story here .

Tom German, Board of Commissioners of Public Lands, on the League's Local Perspective - Watch the Local Perspective here .

Police Chiefs Association Legislative Priorities & Demographics are the latest topics of the #LocalGovMatters podcast, brought to you by the League in partnership with the Wheeler Reports, Inc. and the Wisconsin Counties Association. (Listen to it on your PC or smartphone.) Access it here .
BILL DRAFTS CIRCULATING FOR CO-SPONSORS

LRB-0150, Restoring ability of local governments to use condemnation for bike and recreation paths. Restores ability of municipalities to use eminent domain powers to acquire land for recreational trails, bicycle ways or lanes, or pedestrian ways. By Sen. Fred Risser (D-Madison). The League supports this bill. Comment to the League on this bill draft .
RECENTLY INTRODUCED BILLS

SB 4 , Motor Vehicle Immobilization Devices. Current law defines “immobilization device" as a device that immobilizes a motor vehicle by locking around a wheel (A.K.A., the Boot), thereby making the motor vehicle inoperable. This bill creates a broad definition of “immobilization device" to allow communities to use other methods beside the Boot to immobilize a vehicle. The bill also authorizes a municipality to enter into a contract with a person that authorizes the person to immobilize motor vehicles. By Sen. Rob Cowles (R-Green Bay) and Rep. John Spiros (R-Marshfield). The League supports this bill. Comment to the League on this bill draft .
PUBLIC HEARINGS THIS WEEK

No public hearings on municipal bills are scheduled for this week.