Larson Weekly Report - June 7, 2012

                                                        Senator Chris Larson - 7th District
Dear Friend,

Given that all eyes have been on   Wisconsin's June elections, this week's newsletter will focus on issues   and legislative initiatives related to elections in our state.

  Sincerely,
  Chris Larson
  State Senator, District 7
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Moving Wisconsin   Forward
With   the power change in the Senate, the people of Wisconsin have put the   breaks on the extreme policies and politics that resulted from   unilateral Republican control over the past 18 months. Wisconsin now has   the opportunity to restore balance to our government by setting a new   course. This path should encourage swifter economic recovery, better   reflect our shared values, and aim to heal our divided state. I am   calling on the governor and Assembly to work with the Senate to help get   Wisconsin moving forward. Below are just a few of the priorities that   need to be addressed.
  
Jobs & Economy
The numbers do not lie. While the   nation has added jobs every month for 17 straight months and neighboring   states all posted job gains this past year, Wisconsin has fallen   tragically behind. A nationwide report released by the federal Bureau of   Labor Statistics shows Wisconsin lost 12,500 jobs from January 2011 to   January 2012, more than any other state over the past year. In fact, Wisconsin is one of only six states to lose jobs in the past year, and   our job losses are more than three times higher than the next state on   that unfortunate list. We need to get Wisconsin moving in the right   direction with the rest of the nation when it comes to job creation and   economic development. Below is a list of just some legislative proposals   that that could help get

Wisconsin moving on job creation:

-- Expand the Workforce Advancement    Training Program and create grants to assist local businesses with    expanding and diversifying (SB 316/AB 431)

-- Direct the Wisconsin Economic    Development Corporation to develop, implement, and fund a program to    link businesses that need more qualified workers with Wisconsin's    technical colleges so they can provide the necessary training for    those businesses to grow (AB 575)

-- Give the Wisconsin Economic    Development Corporation the authority to award grants to    Wisconsinites trying to qualify for income and franchise tax credits    to improve or expand their business (AB 90)

-- Increase the amount of tax credits    available for dairies to continue modernizing facilities and employ    workers for these projects (SB 120/AB 186)

-- Use unexpected surplus    transportation funds to restore cuts to our mass transit systems    ensuring neighbors can continue commuting to their jobs each day (SB    436/AB 577)

Education
The choices we make regarding   education in Wisconsin will play a significant role not only in the success of our children, but also in determining the economic success of   our state and local businesses. In his budget, Governor Walker chose to   cut education by $1.6 billion. The negative impact of these cuts can   already be seen in communities across Wisconsin through decreased educational opportunities, teacher layoffs, increased class sizes, and   school closures. Additionally, most schools expect to see a second round   of severe budget cuts for the next school year.
  
This attack on education does not   represent Wisconsin's values and runs counter to our aim of increasing   job creation and economic vitality. It is time that we work together on   initiatives that invest in all levels of education and ensure   that those education dollars are being spent wisely. Below is a list of   just some of the legislative initiatives that that could help get   Wisconsin's K-12 and higher education systems back on track:

-- Implement Superintendent Evers' "Fair Funding for our Future" plan

-- Implement the School Accountability Task Force's recommendations by introducing    legislation aimed at creating a unique accountability plan that    would be required of all schools that receive taxpayer money

-- Hold voucher schools to the same educational standards as public schools, such as providing quality    services for children with disabilities and requiring licensure of    teachers

-- Develop grants for technical colleges to provide additional training in advanced manufacturing    skills (SB 40/AB 97)

-- Reinstate legislation to ensure Wisconsin's youth receive comprehensive sex education that includes    information about both abstinence and contraception, which 87% of    voters support and helps reduce unplanned pregnancy and transmission    of STDs

For more info, use the contacts below.
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Office Phone: (608) 266-7505
Toll-free Phone: (800) 361-5487
Email:
Sen.Larson@legis.wi.gov

Mailing Address:
State Capitol
P.O. Box 7882
Madison, WI 53707

Web Site:
SenatorChrisLarson.com