Bills to keep an eye on

As the autumn legislative session progresses, I’m optimistic about passage of key bills to aid the economy and position our state to attract businesses. As chair of the Assembly Labor Committee, these are my chief priorities.

I support current efforts to spur growth in industries like sustainable energy development. Senate Bill 185, for example, will bolster wind-powered energy development. By encouraging energy innovation like wind turbine installation, we can reduce carbon emissions and energy bills while creating good jobs. I’m proud of my colleagues for working on this bipartisan bill, which all agree will benefit Wisconsin’s citizens. This bill has passed both the Assembly and Senate, and at time of writing, awaits Governor Doyle’s signature into law. 

Other key agenda items I’m supporting this session include West Allis Representative Tony Staskunas’ AB 283 to strengthen drunken driving laws, which has also passed the Assembly; Madison Representative Spencer Black’s AB 138 to protect natural resources for tourism and public health by returning to an independent Department of Natural Resources (DNR) secretary; and Racine Representative Cory Mason’s new Wisconsin Jobs Initiative (WJI). The WJI will support Wisconsin’s workers with training and education. Through this legislation, Wisconsin will be well positioned to access an estimated $135 million in federal matching funds from President Obama’s American Graduation Initiative, now moving through Congress. The WJI will also provide grants to employers to create and keep jobs by modernizing their facilities and equipment.

When Wisconsin’s working families have access to high quality jobs, they are positioned to focus on owning their homes, saving for the future, and pursuing all their goals on solid economic footing. Our workers have shown time and again they can compete and win in the national and international markets because they are an educated, skilled workforce. With passage of these and other pieces of key legislation, our employers will have additional tools, like investment incentives and preferred tax status for hiring new employees, and more. Working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, we can forestall continued declining prosperity, and get Wisconsin back on track for growth.

Chris Sinicki is the state representative for Wisconsin’s 20th state Assembly District, which includes southern Bay View, St. Francis, Cudahy, the airport, and other parts of the south side. Her website is chrissinicki.net and she can be reached at (888) 534-0020 or rep.sinicki@legis.wi.gov.