Marshfield Area Rep. Scott Suder's Capitol Update

Friday, December 2, 2011

Creating 1000's of Jobs for  Generations of Wisconsin Workers... One year into the 2011-12 Legislative Session, I know that citizens across Wisconsin  still want jobs,  jobs and more jobs. Assembly Republicans have heard that call, and that is why we are committed to passing mining legislation that will bring thousands of jobs to communities across Wisconsin. Speaker Fitzgerald announced this week that the Committee on Jobs, Economy and Small Business will be introducing and holding a hearing on mining legislation in December that has the potential to be a game-changer for our economy. Highlights include:  The creation of 3,000 + construction jobs and a $2 Billion short-term economic impact  on Wisconsin’s economy; the creation of between 2,800 and 5,600 long-term mining jobs and a $600 Million  to $1.2 Billion annual impact on Wisconsin’s economy; an average pay and benefits package for workers of $82,000; and the creation of a reasonable permitting process and timeline that  doesn’t compromise environmental integrity. For an example of how important it is for our economy that we update our outdated  and archaic mining laws, look no further than Iron County. Iron County is home to one of the richest iron ore deposits in North America. Iron County also has the second highest unemployment rate in the state of Wisconsin, and its population has decreased by almost 14 percent over the last decade. Thousands of Wisconsin citizens are starving for work, and we have the opportunity to provide them with good-paying, family-sustaining jobs that will last for generations. Iron County will benefit, and so will communities across the state as the demand  for goods and services increases because of the mine. We owe it to you and our state to do everything in our power to get Wisconsin working again. By passing responsible, environmentally-friendly mining legislation, we’ll be doing just that. 69th District  Unemployment  Falls Again Once again last month, unemployment rates fell in counties across the 69th Assembly District. Clark County's rate fell to 6.8 percent; Chippewa fell to 6.2 percent; Eau Claire fell to 5.8 percent;  Marathon fell to 6.8 percent; and Wood fell to 6.5 percent. These numbers are more proof that our plan for Wisconsin's economy is working. In the weeks and months ahead, we will remain focused on passing pro-growth,  job-creation legislation like the mining bill that all of Wisconsin will benefit from. Business Leaders  Approve of  Our Agenda This fall, Chamber of Commerce executives from across Wisconsin were surveyed by Wisconsin Manufactures and Commerce to get a sense of our state’s business climate. The results are promising. 74 percent surveyed said they believe that Wisconsin is on the right track, and two-thirds of respondents expect at least moderate growth in their communities. Just one year ago, things were completely opposite —74 percent of respondents believed our state was on the wrong track.  In 2009, just 18 percent of executives thought Wisconsin’s business climate was improving. Again, our plan is working... Pension and Benefit Reforms  Expected to Save  Additional $155 Million The free-market health care forum HCTrends has released a study that shows Wisconsin taxpayers will save approximately $155 Million next year as a result of the pension and benefit reforms Assembly Republicans championed earlier this session. According to Dave Jensen, editorial director of HCTrends, approximately $90 million, will be realized as state employees pay a greater share of the premium costs; however, taxpayers will save an additional $65 million due to a new requirement that state employees pay 10 percent of their medical costs up to an out-of-pocket maximum of $500 for individuals and $1,000 for families. More good news for you, the taxpayer! Keep in Touch! As always I welcome your input and feedback on these issues.   Please feel free to send me an email with any questions you may have  on these topics or any other legislative issues that may be of concern.   Your correspondence is important and appreciated, so please keep in touch! Have a great week  and thanks for reading! If you would like to be removed from the update list at any time, please click here.

State Representative Scott Suder State Capitol - Room 215 West - Post Office Box 8953 - Madison, Wisconsin 53708 (608) 267-0280 - Toll Free: (888) 534-0069 Email: Rep.Suder@legis.wi.gov