Government Affairs

(Updated July 11, 2008)

Today’s topics:

Compromise on fee package offered

Candidates are set for election 2008

Rep. Wood jumps ship on GOP

Fire Sprinkler lawsuit update

Minutes from 6.18.08 Special GA/DC planning meeting available online

Updated Issue Grid

Upcoming Fundraisers

Compromise on fee package offered

After working with WBA President Jason Steen in consultation with WBA Senior Officers we have been in negotiations with the Department of Commerce on a compromise to the fee package that they recently offered.  We have traded offers for the past 2 weeks and we are hopefully that a final agreement will be reached very soon.  WBA would not support the package but we would remove our objections to the package and would not fight the package moving forward in the legislature if the Department of Commerce accepts our ideas on a compromise.

What is currently being discussed is that the Department of Commerce will increase the registration fee on the builder education credentials by only $5 (in the original rule the increase would have been $20, $35 and $20 total depending on what credential you were applying for); the seal fee would increase  by only $5 (in the original rule the increase would have been $15, this fee has not increased since 2000); no increase in the NOI fee (in the original rule the increase would have been $175 for residential NOI permits); the $100,000 for UDC training will remain and the $100,000 for  training to builders regarding business practices will be considered to go to bid after October 2008; we will not ask about the additional $600,000 in consumer education until after January 1, 2011.

We are hopeful that a compromise on this package will be accomplished by continuing to work closely with the Department of Commerce.

Candidates are set for election 2008

As of 5:00 pm on Tuesday, July 8 the “stage” is now set for candidates running for the State Assembly and State Senate.  This now gives candidates who must first win a primary to advance to the general election a full two months to take their case to the voters before the primary election on September 9.

We encourage all members and staff to meet as many candidates as possible before the primary or general election so you can learn more about where they stand on issues important to the housing industry.

For a complete listing of all the candidates that will be on the ballot this fall go to: http://elections.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=11290&locid=47 

Rep. Wood jumps ship on GOP

The biggest surprise of the filling deadline was Representative Jeff Wood of Chippewa Falls handing in his nomination papers for re-election not as a Republican (of which had run since his election in 2002) but as an Independent.  Wood cited dissatisfaction with positions the Republican Party has taken on government spending and the war as the main reasons he made the switch.

Wood was quoted in the Eau Claire Leader Telegram as saying: “It all comes down to fiscal responsibility and what our party is doing with this country at the national level mostly.  This used to be a fiscally conservative party. It's not anymore."

So what’s next for the GOP?  Apparently, they will need to launch an effort to get enough people to vote for a write-in candidate as a GOP in order for that person to get on the fall ballot.  Can this be done?  Yes.  However, there is no question this is a headache the Assembly GOP would rather not have as they work to keep their 3-seat majority intact.

Fire Sprinkler lawsuit update

This week we received word from our legal council that our appeal of the earlier fire sprinkler decision has now been filed with the court.  Our initial appellate brief is due on August 11 and the Department of Commerce’s response brief is due September 15 followed by our replay brief due on October 3.  It is very likely that the judge in the case will issue a written decision on the case without an oral argument.

We are obviously hopefully that the Court of Appeals has a different take on this case and they rule that the Department of Commerce did not have the legal authority to issues rules to change the number of units that require sprinkler systems.

Minutes from 6.18.08 Special GA/DC planning meeting available online

Just a quick reminder that the minutes from the special Government Affairs/Development Council meeting are now available to review on the members only side of WBA website. After you log in, hover under Member Login tab and go to “Government Affairs.” Then hover to the right “Minutes from 6.18” and click on the text to get a link to download.  A number of important issues were discussed and we encourage all members to review the minutes of the meeting and provide input on the subjects that were covered or give us additional ideas that should be part of our 2009-2010 legislative agenda.

As you may know, we are in the process of a complete overhaul of WBA website.  If you need clarification on how to access the minutes please just e-mail me back or review the minutes after you receive a packet for the upcoming WBA GA meeting on July 24 at Board Day.

Updated Issue Grid:

Fire sprinklers.  The WBA GA Committee voted to support a lawsuit against the Wisconsin Department of Commerce challenging their legal authority to make a change to state statute in the rule making process.  This lawsuit was filed on Friday, January 11.  On Wednesday, May 7, a judgment against WBA’s position was handed down.  Recently, WBA GA Chair and BIC Legal Sub-Committee Chair Terry Larson authorized our attorneys to move forward and file an appeal of this case. The appeal was filed with the court on Wednesday, June 4.  See above for details on the timeline for our appeal.

Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming.  The task force is winding down its work preparing a final report to present to Governor Doyle.  The task force has said they will meet publicly two more times to receive input from other committee members.  WBA has presented a number of papers to the task force to voice our concerns with some of the proposals that have been floated. WBA GA staff will continue to monitor the task force and provide input before the final report is published.

Upcoming Fundraisers:

Friday, July 11

5-7 pm:  Fish Boil for Reps. Tom Nelson and Jim Soletski, Green Bay Labor Temple, 1570 Elizabeth St, Green Bay.  Host: $500.  Sponsor: $250.  Individual and conduit accepted. 

Sunday, July 13

Kris (Wisnefske) for Wisconsin Birthday Celebration (80th AD), A Day at the Prairie, N5242 Rat Hollow Rd, Argyle.  Suggested minimum contribution $25.  Directions and questions;  maurat@widems.org. 

Tuesday, July 15

5-8 pm:  Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee - Take Back the Assembly, Milwaukee Athletic Club, 758 N. Broadway, Milwaukee.  Hosts:  Reps. Tamara Grigsby and Donna Seidel.  Special guests:  Michael Morgan and Reggie Bicha.  $500 host.  $250 sponsor, $100 friend. 

Monday, July 21

5:30-7:30 pm:  Cocktail Reception for Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch, The Holiday Inn, 2703 Craig Rd, Eau Claire.  Host level; $250.  Attendee: $50.  Individual and/or conduit contributions gratefully accepted.  No PAC checks please.  Please contact Mary Hegl to RSVP or with any questions at (608) 310-8119 or e-mail mhegi@gatewayventure.com. 

Thursday, July 22

5-7 pm:  Fundraiser for Trish O'Neil, candidate for Assembly District 47, Brocach Irish Pub, 7 West Main St, One the Square, Madison.  Hosts:  Reps Terese Berdeau and Sondi Pope-Roberts.  More information to follow.  Call Rep. Berceau at (608) 279-5220.

 ***If you choose to attend one of the above events, please remember to use the Builders Direct Fund Conduit so your local association receives credit toward your 2008 fundraising goal***

Brad Boycks
Director of Government Affairs
Wisconsin Builders Association ®

bboycks@wisbuild.org
888-285-9066, x16
Visit our web site: www.wisbuild.org

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