Help the census

Every decade, the United States conducts a census, a constitutionally mandated population count. In March, you will receive a 2010 census form. It is important that you participate in this year’s census for your quality of life and your community.

The census gathers information about populations, a task that sounds very general. However, the information is used for purposes that directly affect you as an individual in the state of Wisconsin.

Our population determines how many congressional seats we get. If numbers decrease enough, we lose a congressional seat and have one less Wisconsin voice in the House of Representatives. Conversely, substantial population growth could result in an additional seat and increase Wisconsin’s presence in Washington.

The information is also used to determine how billions of dollars are distributed by the government for programs based on demographics and populations. Greater participation provides more accurate data that is used to make decisions about schools, roads, and other local services. Your participation will ensure that you are considered when public health issues arise, when companies seek skilled labor populations, when businesses are making decisions about whether to locate in your community, and when decisions are made regarding emergency services.

The U.S. Census Bureau is hiring 48,000 people in Wisconsin alone. Most of these limited-term positions are census takers in field operations and pay $11.50 to $15 per hour. Each household receives a census questionnaire. Census workers will be sent to residences who fail to return the form.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, and pass a background check. Many of the positions involve going door to door, which requires a vehicle. Employees will be reimbursed for mileage and expenses. Applicants must complete a 30-minute basic skills test. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply, and materials will be provided in several languages.

Please pass on the word about census jobs and the importance of the census to others in the community. If you would like more information regarding positions with the Census Bureau call 1 (866) 861-2010, or visit 2010censusjobs.gov.

Jeff Plale is the state senator for Wisconsin’s Seventh Senate District, which spans from Milwaukee’s East Side to Oak Creek, including downtown, the Third Ward, Bay View, St. Francis, Cudahy, and South Milwaukee. He can be reached locally at (414) 744-1444 or in Madison at (800) 361-5487 or sen.plale@legis.wisconsin.gov.

Making bricks from coal fly ash

In last month’s column, I discussed the CORE Jobs Act and the state of Wisconsin’s focus on expanding local businesses and helping new ones establish themselves in our state. There are many success stories. In January, the spotlight was on CalStar, a California-based company that opened a new plant in Caledonia, Wis.

The plant will recycle coal fly ash-a byproduct produced at the We Energies power plant in Oak Creek-into bricks used for construction. Tens of thousands of tons of otherwise unused coal fly ash will be put to beneficial use. Forty percent of each brick will be made with recycled material. Because CalStar’s bricks will be steamed instead of fired as most traditional clay bricks are, their production will require 85 percent less energy.

I had the pleasure of meeting with the chief operating officer of CalStar in December, and I attended CalStar’s grand opening. Their innovative business, at 2825 4 Mile Rd., is an example of how we can harness the demand for “green” products and turn that demand into job creation. In our meeting, CalStar noted that they established themselves in Wisconsin because of our friendly business and regulatory climate. The plant will make 40 million bricks a year, ship to about five Midwestern states, and plans to employ 35 people in its Caledonia plant by 2011.

The Caledonia plant is one of eight Wisconsin businesses to receive money through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in the form of tax credits for clean energy manufacturing projects. It is the only business in the nation that makes coal fly ash bricks.

Historically, Wisconsin has been a leader in green job investment and in promoting businesses that sell green products. Green construction products, such as CalStar’s bricks, are an attractive concept to builders who want to be part of the rapidly growing market for green building materials. While construction overall has decreased during the economic downturn, green construction continues to grow. Wisconsin is benefiting from that new market and is at the forefront of a movement that will significantly reshape our economy in the future.

If you have any comments or questions regarding any state matter, please contact my office.

Jeff Plale is the state senator for Wisconsin’s Seventh Senate District, which spans from Milwaukee’s East Side to Oak Creek, including downtown, the Third Ward, Bay View, St. Francis, Cudahy, and South Milwaukee. He can be reached locally at (414) 744-1444 or in Madison at (800) 361-5487 or sen.plale@legis.wisconsin.gov.

Attracting and retaining private sector jobs

Lately in Wisconsin, we’ve seen some promising signs of economic recovery, but we won’t have true stability until there is substantial job growth across our state. In order for this job creation to occur, investment in the private sector is necessary. State government can help facilitate that investment through targeted credits that promote promising businesses and worker education programs. That concept is at the center of the CORE Jobs Act, Senate Bill 409, which was recently introduced by my colleagues Senators Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) and Pat Kreitlow (D-Chippewa Falls). I am a proud cosponsor of this legislation.

CORE stands for Connecting Opportunity, Research, and Entrepreneurship. The plan will create jobs by increasing assistance to schools and local services that strengthen communities, investing in research and development, and making Wisconsin more business-friendly through changes to our regulatory and tax code.  »Read more

Allowing youth workers and Cudahy dev.

On Nov. 5, the state Senate passed several pieces of legislation I authored including Senate Bill 349 (SB 349) and Assembly Bill 174 (AB 174). While very different in scope, both bills make it easier for our communities to work together to address shared concerns.

Earlier this year, the Cudahy-St. Francis Interfaith organization informed me that certain work regulations could prevent youth from participating in essential snow removal and basic yard work programs for the elderly. Current Wisconsin law prohibits the employment of minors under the age of 14, but the success of these programs is largely due to the involvement of the 12- and 13-year-olds who do the shoveling and yard work.  »Read more

Wind siting bill signed into law

On Sept. 30, Governor Doyle signed a bill I authored, Senate Bill 185, into law. Now known as 2009 Wisconsin Act 40, this bill creates uniformity standards for wind energy projects across the state. Until now, Wisconsin has had a patchwork of wind siting regulations that varied widely from one municipality to another. The creation of consistent siting standards is an important step for the advancement of renewable energy in Wisconsin.

Across the country, there is increasing support and demand for the expansion of green energy and the creation of green jobs. Currently, over 600 megawatts of proposed wind projects are stalled in Wisconsin due to the absence of clear, predictable regulations. This figure does not include potential projects that have not been pursued by developers at all. Lack of clear regulations has killed jobs and drained investment from our state. Act 40 makes Wisconsin a more viable option for the placement of wind farms so that we may take advantage of new investment opportunities.  »Read more

October legislative agenda

On Sept. 15., the Wisconsin Senate resumed its 2009-10 legislative session. Here’s an update on four important bills I’ve authored to help Wisconsin workers and families. Over the next few weeks I hope that these initiatives will move forward through the legislative process.

• Teacher Tax Credit (SB 111): A growing number of teachers are spending money out of their own pockets to pay for classroom supplies. This bill creates an individual income tax deduction of up to $500 for public and private school educators for educational materials and supplies they have purchased on their own for use in school.

• The Family Justice Bill (SB 203): Currently in Wisconsin, a parent does not have the right to recover damages for an adult child who dies as a result of medical malpractice, nor can an adult child recover damages for the loss of a widowed, single, or divorced parent who dies as the result of medical malpractice. This bill will change Wisconsin law to allow these grieving family members some recourse in the face of overwhelming tragedy.

• Renewable Resource Credits (SB 273): Act 141, Wisconsin’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires Wisconsin utilities to obtain 10 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2015. Currently, the law does not allow direct-use renewable energy sources-for example, certain systems that capture solar and geothermal power-to apply to RPS. SB 273 would change that. It maximizes use of renewable energy, saves Wisconsin ratepayers money, and creates “green” manufacturing jobs across the state.

• Capital Gains Tax: In the 2009-11 budget (Act 28), the state capital gains tax exemption in Wisconsin was trimmed back from 60 percent to 30 percent in order to help offset the state budget deficit. Representative Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) and I have coauthored legislation to alter these changes. Our bill creates a better balance between addressing the budget deficit and encouraging individual savings and investment.

These are just a few of my priorities as we move forward in the legislative session. If you have any questions regarding these or any other state initiatives, please contact my office.

Jeff Plale is the state senator for Wisconsin’s Seventh Senate District, which spans from Milwaukee’s East Side to Oak Creek, including downtown, the Third Ward, Bay View, St. Francis, Cudahy, and South Milwaukee. He can be reached locally at (414) 744-1444 or in Madison at (800) 361-5487 or sen.plale@legis.wisconsin.gov.

Keep Hoan Bridge standing

Recent news reports have discussed the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s (WisDOT) proposal to tear down the Hoan Bridge and replace it with a grade-level parkway and lift bridge. Like many of you, I am adamantly opposed to any plan to tear down the Hoan. I believe we would be best served by resurfacing the current bridge.

I have expressed my concerns with WisDOT Secretary Frank Busalacchi regarding this issue and I have strongly encouraged him to listen to the residents of the area in developing plans for the future of the Hoan.

WisDOT has hired a Madison engineering firm to study options and design alternatives to resurfacing the bridge. Supporters of the “tear-down” option tout opportunities for development in the area under the Hoan, arguing it could be more easily accessed with a grade-level parkway. However, these plans do not account for what currently exists in that area. Significant obstacles to development include the Jones Island salt piles, the Metropolitan Milwaukee Sewage District processing plant, and oil tank storage. The plans also fail to recognize the economic downturn that Milwaukee and the rest of the country are facing. When discussing development of the surrounding area it is important to note that the entire west side of the harbor could be redeveloped without removing the Hoan.  »Read more

Cudahy survives devastating fire

On July 5, a devastating fire broke out at Patrick Cudahy Inc. meat processing plant. The fire caused an estimated $50 million in damages. While portions of the plant saw major damage, much of the complex remains intact, including those structures most vital to production. The smokehouse, dating back over 100 years, and the onsite power plant were spared from damage in the fire. Loss of either of these would have been catastrophic for the company and the community. Most importantly, no lives were lost in the fire, and no one was injured battling the blaze.

Over 1,400 workers are employed at the Patrick Cudahy plant. They come from all over our area; they spend money at our restaurants, bars, gas stations, and drugstores. In short, regardless of where these workers live, they are our neighbors. I want to take this opportunity to thank the residents of the Seventh Senate District who helped our neighbors during this tragedy. Units from 27 area fire departments stepped in to assist the city of Cudahy. Relief organizations including the Red Cross and the Salvation Army were organized at evacuation sites and provided services throughout the emergency. Numerous local businesses donated resources to assist evacuees, and emergency personnel and many citizens volunteered assistance.

I also want to commend Smithfield Foods, Patrick Cudahy’s parent company, who within days of the fire, renewed their commitment to our community by announcing that they planned to rebuild and resume normal operations at the plant. Less than a week after the fire, hundreds of workers returned to work.

I pledge to work with Governor Doyle, Department of Commerce Secretary Richard Leinenkugel, and my colleagues to offer any available assistance to Smithfield Foods and its hard-working employees.

The response to this disaster is another reminder of the great community that we live in. I am proud to represent you and our community in the state Senate.

Jeff Plale is the state senator for Wisconsin’s Seventh Senate District, which spans from Milwaukee’s East Side to Oak Creek, including downtown, the Third Ward, Bay View, St. Francis, Cudahy, and South Milwaukee. He can be reached locally at (414) 744-1444 or in Madison at (800) 361-5487 or sen.plale@legis.wisconsin.gov.

July 8 parks & transit funding listening session hosted by Rep. Richards, Rep. Sinicki, and Senator Plale

Dear Neighbor,

Please join me, Representative Chris Sinicki and Senator Jeff Plale at a listening session this Wednesday, July 8, 2009, to discuss regional parks and transit funding. Please find the information below and attached to this email. I hope to see you there!

Listening Session to Discuss Regional Parks and Transit Funding with Representative Jon Richards, Representative Chris Sinicki and Senator Jeff Plale.

South Shore Park Pavilion
2900 South Shore Drive
Wednesday, July 8th
6:00pm - 8:00pm

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments about this or any other issue either by submitting a comment on my website at www.jonrichards.org or by emailing me at Rep.Richards@legis.wi.gov . Please stay in touch.

Sincerely,

Representative Jon Richards
19th Assembly District

Budget priorities

As I write this column, the state Legislature continues to deliberate over the 2009-11 Wisconsin state budget. As the budget process moves forward, I assure you that I am continuing to work for the priorities of my constituents.

Since Governor Doyle introduced his budget in February, I have heard from constituents from every corner of the Seventh Senate District on a broad array of budgetary items. Wisconsin and the entire nation are facing an economic crisis, making these budget deliberations even more important than in years past. My colleagues and I are working diligently to formulate a budget for Wisconsin citizens that balances the wide range of priorities represented within our borders.  »Read more

Summer fun in Wisconsin

As the days get warmer and the school year comes to a close, we are all looking for ways to enjoy the summer season. As vice chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources, I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of all the recreational activities Wisconsin has to offer.

Traveling in Wisconsin this summer can ease family budgets. It also provides a great opportunity to explore different parts of the state and learn the unique stories of our state’s residents past and present.

From Big Bay State Park on Madeline Island to Big Foot Beach State Park on Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is home to 99 state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas. I encourage you to visit the Department of Natural Resources website at www.dnr.state.wi.us to learn more.  »Read more

Plale and Richards letter supports UWM Freshwater facility at former Pieces of Eight property

May 22, 2009

Harbor Commission
Port of Milwaukee
2323 S Lincoln Memorial Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53207

Dear Harbor Commission Members,

We are writing in support of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s proposal to build the School of Freshwater Sciences on the lakefront to replace the abandoned Pieces of Eight restaurant. We are dedicated to making Milwaukee a global hub of freshwater science research and industry, and the School of Freshwater Science is an integral part of this plan. This building can capitalize on the existing resources along the waterfront and be the crowning jewel of this hub to draw more industry to our doorstep.

The Freshwater Sciences program at UWM has three projects in the works - the School building on the lakefront, expanded research facilities by the WATER Institute on Milwaukee’s south side and the Neeskay research vessel. The research capacities will be state of the art, and will be used as a draw for freshwater industry to join and supplement the school’s work in the field. The new building will help our efforts to make Milwaukee a premier destination in freshwater studies.

The School of Freshwater Sciences will not be a mundane office building, but instead a draw for all those in Milwaukee and across the globe who are interested in freshwater sciences. In addition to its role as an academic building the School of Freshwater Sciences can host visitors from nonprofit organizations, schools and industry. The School will have meeting rooms, an auditorium and touring exhibition spaces, which will serve as the focal point of Milwaukee’s freshwater science industry.

The proposed site will capitalize on the existing structures and resources already available on the lakefront. Discovery World is already an excellent resource to learn more about Lake Michigan. Thousands of visitors enjoy the scenic space to walk along the lakeshore and enjoy the Milwaukee Art museum, Lakeshore State Park, and the Summerfest grounds. This new facility will improve the aesthetics of the lakefront, making a more appealing destination by replacing the abandoned structure and creating an accessible walkway along the waterfront.

We applaud UWM for working with the Department of Natural Resources to ensure that the new building will meet all the requirements of the Public Trust Doctrine. The new structure will be no taller than two stories and make a better use of the green space. The public will be welcome, along the lakefront and in the building itself. The school will be an enjoyable destination and learning center for anyone wanting to enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan.

The School of Freshwater Sciences will use its design and the resources it will provide to complement Lake Michigan’s shoreline and draw more industry to Milwaukee, while promoting the city as an international water hub. This is an important field of study that must be nurtured. This building project will bring more investment to the region and put Milwaukee on the global stage of important freshwater sciences research.

Sincerely,

Representative Jon Richards & Senator Jeff Plale
District 19 District 7

CC:
Governor Doyle
Members of Wisconsin Joint Finance Committee
Mayor Tom Barrett

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