This week the reality of the upcoming recall election hit taxpayers statewide.  At least $9 million dollars of their tax dollars will be spent on the recall election of Governor Walker.  Now that several Democratic candidates have announced their intentions to run for that post, that $9 million cost will likely double due to a primary election day.  It is unfortunate and unnecessary cost for taxpayers and local governments.  Historically nationwide recall elections of governors fail and I am confident that this one will fail, too.   The general electorate is already fatigued with the recall …

This week the members of the Joint Committee on Finance are taking the first of many important votes on the state’s new two-year spending plan. As the co-chair of the committee, I’m looking forward to balancing the budget the right way, without passing along massive debt to our children, borrowing billions or raising your taxes.    Over the past eight years, Democrats balanced the state budget by using accounting tricks and gimmicks, raided segregated funds, borrowed money, raised taxes, or filled the gap with one-time federal stimulus money. Basically, we’ve used a band-aid approach but our …

The State Capitol is almost back to normal this week with only increased security and a few protestors and curiosity seekers.  Both chambers resumed their business Tuesday, without the 14 Senate Democrats who continue to hold up the budget repair bill by living in Illinois for the past few weeks.  What has continued are some misconceptions about the fiscal necessity of the budget repair bill, which I would like to address. Collective bargaining has a financial impact. Under the budget repair bill, collective bargaining will continue for wages and grievances.  However, eliminating the other …

Governor Scott Walker has just put forth an aggressive agenda to correct the state's fiscal crisis.  I believe the time has come to stop spending money we don't have and set the stage for future balanced budgets.  Major corporations and small businesses have had to deal with the massive downturn of the economy. Individual families have had to do more with less money.  It’s our turn to make good decisions with taxpayers' best interests in mind. We are nearly $140 million in the hole for the budget cycle that ends June 30th.  The Governor's Budget Office projects a $3.6 billion dollar deficit …

The Wisconsin State Legislature is putting its finishing touches on a historic “Open for Business” Special Session.   Governor Scott Walker proposed a package of 10 bills to promote job creation and economic growth.  Most have made their way to his desk.  While we accomplished a great deal in the first few weeks in office this year, it’s only a first step in jump-starting our economy and putting people back to work in Wisconsin. This week the Republican-controlled Assembly passed several measures that will help Wisconsin’s business climate.                Wisconsin Economic Development …

Taxpayers can claim victory this week as state lawmakers and the Governor make Wisconsin “Open for Business.”  State lawmakers have passed important job creation bills this week and the Governor has signed the first piece of legislation from our special session on jobs and the economy. Tax Relief for Small Businesses Small businesses will soon get some needed tax relief for creating jobs.  The Republican–controlled Assembly approved a bill, which I authored, to give deductions to business owners when they add new workers.  This is just what our struggling economy needs.  This bill gives $33.5…

Wisconsin taxpayers have many reasons to smile.  Republicans have passed a package of bills that will put Wisconsin’s economy on the right path.  The GOP jobs agenda will not only change the business climate in the state, it also will bring tax relief and jobs to Racine County and Wisconsin. Governor Walker’s “Open for Business” Special Session is illustrating that yes, Republicans really do mean business. Tax Holiday for Relocating Businesses Business owners will soon have a great incentive to operate their business in Wisconsin.  The Republican-controlled Assembly passed a two year tax …

This has been a great first week for the new Republican-controlled State Legislature. Since I was first elected in 2005, never have I been so optimistic about the future of the State of Wisconsin.  Just looking at our initial discussions, I am excited about what good we can do for the state this session.  This week we got right to work on Gov. Scott Walker's special session on jobs and the economy. Small Business: Public hearings were held on curbing lawsuit abuse, a 2-year tax holiday for businesses relocating to Wisconsin and tax relief for small businesses.  I was the first to testify …