There seems to be quite a lot of uproar about Arizona's "new" law. I have to wonder how many of those protesting so vociferously are aware that this "new" law is nearly the same as the federal law that has been on the books for some time now. The only difference is that Arizona, tired of waiting for the federal government to do their job and actually enforce the federal law, has made it possible for agents of state level law enforcement to do that job too.
The lack of enforcement on the federal level seems like just one more indicator that the federal government of this nation has broken the contract with the people. The people elect legislators who are to govern "by the consent of the governed". These legislators all take an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. I don't see a whole lot of protection or defense out of the Obama administration or the 111th Congress for that venerable document, nor much respect for the governed either. Breach of contract is a serious thing in business, how much more grave is it when the breach is between We the People and those who have been elected to do our will.
I also can't help but wonder how many of those protesting this "racist" and "inhumane" law have really thought through the issue of illegal immigration. I have stated my opinion in previous posts to this blog and others. My opinion is basically that illegals are an overall detriment to this country. They drag down the character of her citizens and provide fodder for gangs and other groups that engage in illegal activities. Their children cannot expect legal employment or education, as they lack a social security number. The adults cannot perform the duties of citizenship for fear of being discovered and deported. Those who employ them are tempted to treat them as slaves, knowing that these people have made victims/slaves of themselves by coming here illegally.
I have to wonder, too, how these protesters can square their "humanitarian arguments against the pleas of those families left behind in Mexico? I am also very tired of everyone denigrating Christians for what they perceive as unchristian behavior, when, by my observations, most of those who claim the title of Christian today have no idea what they believe or why aside from some lovey dovey, goody-goody, "a Christian must be nice to everyone and never say anything mean" requirement.
True Christianity confronts evil and does not remain silent when people are behaving in a way that harms themselves or others.
"This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein." ~ John 12:6
Friday, April 30, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Time for TEA
Here are some photos from the TEA Party in Madison on Thursday. I will endeavor to get the videos posted to YouTube by the end of today. They can be found under the username CEMF100. This first batch belongs to the folks taking the bus arranged by the Sheboygan Liberty Coalition.
This second batch are signs from the rally in Madison.
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This second batch are signs from the rally in Madison.
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That's it for my photos. There was one young woman carrying a sign that said "Help me Mr. Obama, They want to make me work and stuff!" on one side and "I am not your ATM!" on the other.
As with my other TEA Party experiences, this one was well attended by a very polite and congenial group of people who picked up after themselves when they left.
I was pleased to note that Pastor King refrained from using the vulgar terms to describe our elected officials and our predicament that he has used in the past. Indeed, aside from a few references to hades by a couple of the speakers, the only vulgarity I heard all day was from one of the Feingold supporters who was making a nuisance of herself.
She and her fellow youth(My guess would be university students) barged through the crowd shouting cheerfully "We're all neighbors , people!" When they were a little ahead of me, they stopped and were greeted with smiles and questions about whether or not they are even old enough to pay taxes. Then someone near me had a sign saying "Democrats" with an arrow pointing down that he held over their heads. The leader of this little group kept trying to grab it, but wasn't tall enough. Another attendee told some of the folks with larger signs to stop blocking their signs from view of the podium (and cameras) remarking that they have the freedom of speech too. As these young people tired of trying to provoke a response and were leaving, the young woman(I won't say lady) turned to someone and, in an entirely different tone than she had used to push through the crowd towards the podium, snarled "go f*** yourself"to the man behind me. This man, to the best of my knowledge, had said nothing more provoking to her than "come back when you've grown up and pay taxes". It was not said in a nasty way either, but rather as a kindly adult to an erring youth. This is a perfect illustration of the difference in character between TEA Partiers and those who oppose them.
Enjoy the photos.
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. "~ Ephesians 6:12
Friday, April 9, 2010
To Affirm or Not to Affirm, That is the question.
The American College of Pediatricians has weighed in with an opinion on whether or not schools should encourage a student to declare a sexual preference. (And why is this the business of any school, might I ask? I thought schools were supposed to be teaching.) Their answer is a resounding "NO".
They have sent a letter to several school superintendents saying as much. Their reasons are that, while many students may feel some same sex attraction during their years of hormonal maturation, the great majority will settle solidly into heterosexuality by the time they are 25. Further they state that by encouraging students to act according to these fluctuating impulses, teachers may actually be doing them a disservice due to the many, many health risks, physical and mental, associated with homosexual behavior.
There is a new organization formed by pediatricians which claims to be non-religious and non-partisan that has put up their shingle at factsaboutyouth.com .
I encourage parents and school staff/administrators to check it out. I do have a religious bias and I freely admit it. Along with my Christian bias, my serious objections to the homosexual lifestyle have their roots in a concern for and love of people. (Even the ones that thoroughly annoy me.)
"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. "~ 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
They have sent a letter to several school superintendents saying as much. Their reasons are that, while many students may feel some same sex attraction during their years of hormonal maturation, the great majority will settle solidly into heterosexuality by the time they are 25. Further they state that by encouraging students to act according to these fluctuating impulses, teachers may actually be doing them a disservice due to the many, many health risks, physical and mental, associated with homosexual behavior.
There is a new organization formed by pediatricians which claims to be non-religious and non-partisan that has put up their shingle at factsaboutyouth.com .
I encourage parents and school staff/administrators to check it out. I do have a religious bias and I freely admit it. Along with my Christian bias, my serious objections to the homosexual lifestyle have their roots in a concern for and love of people. (Even the ones that thoroughly annoy me.)
"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. "~ 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Friday, April 2, 2010
He is Risen!
Wishing all my readers, Christian or not, a joyous Resurrection Day. This is the hope we had and how happy are we that the Lord has fulfilled that hope.
" And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
And he took it, and did eat before them.
And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
And ye are witnesses of these things.
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen." ~ Luke 24:36-53
But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
And he took it, and did eat before them.
And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
And ye are witnesses of these things.
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen." ~ Luke 24:36-53
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sen Leibham's Legislative Update
This is the text of the booklet Senator Leibham hands out for his constituents at his listening sessions. Since I know that I don't have all the video available of all his listening sessions and that not all of these issues get discussed at every listening session, I wanted to post the contents of that booklet here for those who have been unable to attend a listening session. Mr. Leibham's chief of staff, Mr. Gasper, kindly sent me a pdf copy so that I could copy and paste the relevant contents here without having to type them in myself.
Mr. Leibham remarked that his fellow legislators don't understand why he provides this guide to what has been done and is being considered in our legislature for his constituents. He believes it to be part of his job. It has been reproduced here with his permission and encouragement. Read it and get involved.
PAGE 1
Legislative Update
Actions of the Governor and the State Legislature
since January 1, 2009
This booklet contains information on many of the legislative
initiatives approved by Governor Jim Doyle and the majority of the
State Legislature since January 1, 2009. Also included is
information on various proposals that may be considered over the
next couple of months and highlights of Senator Leibham’s
legislative proposals.
For more information on the remainder of the 2009‐2010
legislative session and Senator Leibham’s efforts, please log on to:
http://www.leibhamsenate.com/
PAGE 2
New/Increased State Taxes = Approved
*Senator Leibham voted against each of these new taxes.
Combined Reporting Business Tax – $215 million new tax ‐ Require businesses (including many headquartered here in Wisconsin) to pay taxes on profits earned by subsidiaries in other states.
Phone Tax – $107.5 million increase – Impose a 75‐cent monthly tax on every wireless and land‐based telephone number.
Nursing Home Bed Tax – $71 million increase – Increase the tax on licensed beds in nursing homes from $75/month to $150/month in 2009‐10, and from $150/month to $170/month in 2010‐11.
Cigarette/Tobacco Products Tax – $334.7 million increase – Increase the cigarette tax by $0.75/pack (from $1.77 to $2.52). In addition, increase the general tax rate on other tobacco products like cigars and moist snuff.
Garbage Tax – $69 million increase – Increases the garbage tax from $5.90/ton to $13/ton – one of the highest in the nation.
Income Tax – $287 million increase – Create a fifth income tax bracket with a rate of 7.75% for small businesses structured as an LLC, “S‐Corp”, sole proprietorship or partnership, individuals earning over $225,000 and joint filers over $300,000.
Capital Gains Tax – $242 million increase – Decrease the individual income tax exclusion for long‐term capital gains from 60% to 30%.
Health Insurance Tax – $84.6 million increase – Postpone scheduled increases in the tax deductions for health insurance premiums.
Hospital Health Care Tax – $242.3 million increase – Increase the recently adopted hospital health care tax by $242.3 million over the next two years.
Surgical Center Tax – $44 million new tax – Impose a tax on the gross patient revenues of ambulatory surgical centers located in Wisconsin.
Sales Tax on Transactions between Related Businesses – $40.8 million increase – State sales tax was previously applied to SOME transactions between different companies with the same owner. This law specifies that ALL transactions between these businesses will now be subject to sales tax.
“Throwback Sales” for Business Taxes – $80.5 million increase – Current law taxes the sales of products made by companies in Wisconsin and shipped to a buyer in another state at 50 percent of the normal tax rate. This new law increases taxes on these “throwback” sales to 100 percent of the normal rate.
Streamlined Sales Tax – Enter Wisconsin into an agreement with other states to collect taxes when consumers purchase goods over the Internet. SST will also subject iced tea, marshmallows, chocolate chips and cloth diapers to sales tax.
“iPod Download” Tax – Extend the state sales tax to “digital property” downloaded off of the Internet, like songs, books and other digital files.
PAGE 3
Sen. Leibham’s Legislative Efforts
Job Creation Incentive ‐ Allow a company that creates or retains at least 15 Wisconsin jobs to keep a portion of the income tax revenue generated as a result of the new jobs to re‐invest in the company.
Capital Gains Reinvestment — Allow an individual to be exempt from capital gains tax if the gain is reinvested into certified Wisconsin‐based businesses.
Roth IRA Conversion ‐ Allow taxpayers to convert funds from a traditional individual retirement account to a Roth IRA without penalty. This legislation will also adopt higher contribution limits set by the IRS.
Alternative Energy Sources ‐ Allow new “light pipe” technology to be included in Wisconsin’s Renewable Portfolio Standard.
Health Care Freedom Amendment ‐ Constitutionally safeguard an individual’s right to purchase private health care services/health insurance and prohibit government from forcing participation in any public or private health care/insurance program.
Improving the CIP program – Gives MA‐eligible Wisconsin seniors, who would otherwise be forced to reside in a nursing home, the option to live with more freedom in a less costly community‐based assisted living type facility.
Workplace Wellness Incentives — Provide incentives for businesses to implement workplace wellness programs to reduce the costs of health care.
Health Savings Accounts (HSA’s) — Make investments into HSA’s tax deductible. Wisconsin is one of the last states to tax these investments.
Tax Deductibility of Out‐of‐Pocket Health Expenses ‐ Allow for all out‐of‐pocket health care costs, including insurance premiums and care expenses, to be deducted from state income taxes.
Tax Relief for Seniors ‐ Exempt income from retirement accounts & pensions from state taxation.
Repeal Auto Insurance Changes ‐ Repeal the mandatory auto insurance limits that were passed as a part of the 2009‐11 state budget.
Vehicle Emissions Program ‐ Eliminate the ineffective, inefficient and discriminatory state vehicle emissions testing program.
Nuclear Moratorium ‐ Repeal Wisconsin’s moratorium on the expansion or construction of nuclear power plants in our state.
Voter Photo ID ‐ Require a voter to verify their identity by presenting a valid state issued photo ID before voting or registering to vote.
Citizenship Requirement ‐ Require proof of identification and citizenship before receiving taxpayer‐subsidized state benefits.
PAGE 4
Items Pending for Consideration
Minimum Wage Increase ‐ Increase the state minimum wage from $6.50/hour
to $7.60/hour and index the minimum wage to inflation.
Wage Claim Lien ‐ Raise the cap on wage claim liens from $3,000 to $10,950
and index the cap to the rate of inflation.
Driver Cards for Illegal Immigrants ‐ Provide state‐issued picture ID driver
cards to illegal immigrants living in Wisconsin.
Appointment of the DNR Secretary ‐ Change the way in which the DNR
Secretary is appointed by giving that authority to the Natural Resources Board.
Under current law, the Governor nominates the DNR Secretary with Senate
confirmation.
Global Warming Bill ‐ Enact many recommendations of the Governor’s Task
Force on Global Warming, including mandated reductions in the use of fossil
fuels, requiring that 25% of the state’s energy come from “renewable” sources,
instituting a low carbon fuel standard, adopting California auto emission
standards and reducing statewide electricity use by 2% each year
Allowing Felons to Vote ‐ Allow felons to vote if they have been released from
prison but are still on extended supervision, parole or probation.
Beer Tax Increase ‐ Increase Wisconsin’s beer tax from $2/barrel to $10/barrel.
Concealed Carry for Retired Police Officers ‐ Allow retired law enforcement
officers to carry a concealed firearm in Wisconsin.
Ban on Cell Phones while Driving ‐ Ban the use of wireless communication
devices while driving, including telephones, text and e‐mail devices. A driver
over age 18 would still be able to use a cell phone with a hands‐free device.
Joint and Several Liability – Allow plaintiff to recover ALL damages in a lawsuit
from a defendant even if the defendant is only 1% liable. Currently, a defendant must be at least 51% liable for an injury before having to pay all damages.
Discrimination Complaints – Make the appeal of “no probable cause” findings
in Wisconsin Fair Employment Act claims subject to appeal directly to state
circuit courts, bypassing the Labor and Industry Review Commission.
Payday Lending Law Changes ‐ Prevent payday loan companies from charging
interest rates in excess of 36%/year and require them to obtain a license if the
payday lender makes a consumer loan of $5,000 or less.
Restricting Bisphenol A ‐ Prohibit the manufacture and sale of certain baby
bottles and cups for children that contain bisphenol A.
Medical Marijuana ‐ Legalize the medical use of marijuana in Wisconsin.
PAGE 5
New/Increased State Fees = Approved
*Senator Leibham voted against each of these new fees.
Phone Taxes ‐ $108 million increase ‐ Institute a 75 cents/month tax on each active wireless, land‐based or VOIP telephone. The tax will be called a “Police and Fire Protection Fee,” but no new funding will be directed into police and fire protection. Also, extend the state Consumer Complaint assessment and the Universal Service Fund assessment to cell phone providers, resulting in an additional 56 cents/month tax on cell phone users and including a provision forbidding cellular service providers from adding a separate line on your billing statement describing the tax.
Low‐Income Energy Assistance Fee ‐ $18.2 million increase ‐ Raise the low‐income assistance fee on utility bills to provide funding for District Attorneys.
Animal Slaughter Fee – Unknown fiscal impact ‐ Require the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to impose a new slaughter fee/food tax on farm animals after July 1, 2010.
Child Care Licensing Fee ‐ $1 million increase ‐ Increase licensing fees for group child care centers by increasing the per child biennial fee from $10.33 to $16.94.
Securities Trading Fees ‐ $22 million increase ‐ Increase fees on securities trading by raising the mutual fund filing fee from $750 to $1,500. Also, the 0.05% fee on securities sold to persons in Wisconsin will be maintained, but the minimum/maximum annual amounts of the fee are increased from $150/$1,500 to $750/$15,000.
Vital Records Fee – $6 million increase ‐ Make permanent the vital records fee increases that were enacted in 2007 on a temporary basis.
Increase Work Permit Fee – $960,000 increase ‐ Double the work permit fee from $5 to $10.
Vehicle Environmental Impact Title Fee – $16.7 million increase ‐ Under current law, the $9 vehicle Environmental Impact Title Fee was supposed to end at the end of 2009. The new budget makes this fee permanent.
Title Lien Fee – $4.7 million increase ‐ Increase the title lien fee for each notating and subsequent release of a lien on an auto title from $4 to $10.
Fee for Paper Copies of Driver Records – $130,000 increase ‐ Establish a $2 fee for providing a paper copy of a driver record upon request, in addition to the fee for the record search ($5 for a computerized request and $6 for a phone request).
Boat Registration Fee – $1.1 million increase ‐ Increase the fees for a three‐year motorized boat registration.
Handgun Background Check Fee ‐ $417,000 increase ‐ Increase the handgun purchaser record check fee from $8 to $13.
PAGE 6
New Policies Approved by the Legislature and Enacted by the Governor
In‐state tuition for the children of illegal immigrants – Allow the children of illegal immigrants to pay in‐state tuition to UW System institutions and Wisconsin technical colleges. They currently pay higher international student tuition rates.
Domestic Partner Benefits – Extend taxpayer‐subsidized health insurance and retirement benefits to same‐sex and opposite‐sex domestic partners of state employees. Also, allow a domestic partner to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Domestic Partner Registry ‐ Establish same‐sex domestic partnerships and provide
domestic partners with many of the same rights and benefits provided to traditional husband‐wife married spouses under current law.
Smoking Ban – Ban smoking in all privately‐owned Wisconsin workplaces and establishments, with certain limited exceptions, effective July 5, 2010.
Mandatory Auto Insurance Limits ‐ Increase mandatory auto insurance limits from
$25,000/person, $50,000/accident and $10,000/property damage to $50,000/person, $100,000/accident and $15,000/property damage.
Mandatory Auto Insurance ‐ Specify that no one may operate a motor vehicle on a Wisconsin roadway unless the owner or operator has purchased an auto liability policy for the vehicle.
QEO – Repeal the Qualified Economic Offer (QEO), which allows a school district to avoid mediation arbitration if they offer their teachers a salary and benefit increase of at least 3.8 percent.
Prevailing Wage Expansion – Expand the prevailing wage law to projects not currently covered, such as certain private projects that receive public financing. Lower the threshold for projects subject to prevailing wage from $150,000 down to $25,000.
Taxpayer Funded Condoms – Extend the Family Planning Waiver program to provide taxpayer‐subsidized condoms and other contraceptives to boys as young as 15 and men as old as 44.
Expungement of Criminal Convictions – Increase the age for which a person may have a conviction expunged from their criminal record from 21 to 25. Allow certain felonies to be expunged in addition to the misdemeanors allowed under current law.
Good Behavior Credit for Inmates ‐ Repeal Truth in Sentencing by allowing certain
incarcerated felons to get reduced sentences for good behavior.
Primary Enforcement of Seat Belt Laws ‐ Allow law enforcement officers to pull over a driver for the specific purpose of enforcing seat belt laws. Increase the forfeiture for a seat belt violation from $10 to $25.
Jobs Tax Credit ‐ Create a refundable jobs credit under Wisconsin individual and corporate income taxes. The total amount of jobs tax credits that may be claimed from January 1, 2010 to June 30, 2013 is $14.5 million. In future years, the amount of total assets that may be claimed will be limited to $5 million/year.
Tax Exemptions for Biotechnology and Manufacturing Research ‐ Create exemptions from state sales and use taxes for purchases of machinery and equipment as well as tangible personal property sold to manufacturing or biotech businesses.
CORE Jobs Act ‐ Spend $15 million to spur economic growth through a series of strategies, some of which include the expansion of education and angel investment tax credits, farmshoring grants, business micro‐loan programs and funding for manufacturing skills training.
Drunk Driving ‐ Strengthen penalties for highly intoxicated and repeat drunk drivers by making third‐time OWI convictions a felony and requiring offenders to install an ignition interlock device. These changes may be funded through a 50‐ cent/quart tax increase on hard liquor products.
“Sex Ed.” Curriculum Mandate ‐ Sets the requirements for sex education curriculum through a statewide mandate, removing local control in an effort to ensure sex education curriculum is "age‐appropriate and medically accurate."
Wind Turbine Siting ‐ Direct the state Public Service Commission to determine what restrictions a municipality may impose on the construction of wind turbines.
Electronic Product Recycling ‐ Require manufacturers of household electronic devices like TV’s and computer monitors to make arrangements for the recycling of those devices when they are disposed of by consumers.
Mercury in Household Items ‐ Regulate the sale of consumer products containing
mercury, including fever thermometers, thermostats and other household items.
Sale of Home‐Canned Foods ‐ Exempt the makers of home‐prepared and homecanned pickles or other acidic fruits or vegetables from having to obtain a “food processing plant” license if they sell their products at a community or social event or a farmers’ market.
Federal Stimulus Funding Allocation ‐ Modify the way in which federal stimulus dollars are allocated to Wisconsin counties for use. This proposal seeks to cut through federal government red tape that prevented even a single dollar of these funds from being spent.
Regulation of Mixed Martial Arts ‐ Require the state government to regulate mixed martial arts fighting contests and make several changes to the way in which the state regulates boxing matches.
"And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king.
And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.
And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.
And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers.
And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants.
And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.
And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work.
He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.
And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.
Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; "~ 1 Samuel 8:10-19
Mr. Leibham remarked that his fellow legislators don't understand why he provides this guide to what has been done and is being considered in our legislature for his constituents. He believes it to be part of his job. It has been reproduced here with his permission and encouragement. Read it and get involved.
PAGE 1
Legislative Update
Actions of the Governor and the State Legislature
since January 1, 2009
This booklet contains information on many of the legislative
initiatives approved by Governor Jim Doyle and the majority of the
State Legislature since January 1, 2009. Also included is
information on various proposals that may be considered over the
next couple of months and highlights of Senator Leibham’s
legislative proposals.
For more information on the remainder of the 2009‐2010
legislative session and Senator Leibham’s efforts, please log on to:
http://www.leibhamsenate.com/
PAGE 2
New/Increased State Taxes = Approved
*Senator Leibham voted against each of these new taxes.
Combined Reporting Business Tax – $215 million new tax ‐ Require businesses (including many headquartered here in Wisconsin) to pay taxes on profits earned by subsidiaries in other states.
Phone Tax – $107.5 million increase – Impose a 75‐cent monthly tax on every wireless and land‐based telephone number.
Nursing Home Bed Tax – $71 million increase – Increase the tax on licensed beds in nursing homes from $75/month to $150/month in 2009‐10, and from $150/month to $170/month in 2010‐11.
Cigarette/Tobacco Products Tax – $334.7 million increase – Increase the cigarette tax by $0.75/pack (from $1.77 to $2.52). In addition, increase the general tax rate on other tobacco products like cigars and moist snuff.
Garbage Tax – $69 million increase – Increases the garbage tax from $5.90/ton to $13/ton – one of the highest in the nation.
Income Tax – $287 million increase – Create a fifth income tax bracket with a rate of 7.75% for small businesses structured as an LLC, “S‐Corp”, sole proprietorship or partnership, individuals earning over $225,000 and joint filers over $300,000.
Capital Gains Tax – $242 million increase – Decrease the individual income tax exclusion for long‐term capital gains from 60% to 30%.
Health Insurance Tax – $84.6 million increase – Postpone scheduled increases in the tax deductions for health insurance premiums.
Hospital Health Care Tax – $242.3 million increase – Increase the recently adopted hospital health care tax by $242.3 million over the next two years.
Surgical Center Tax – $44 million new tax – Impose a tax on the gross patient revenues of ambulatory surgical centers located in Wisconsin.
Sales Tax on Transactions between Related Businesses – $40.8 million increase – State sales tax was previously applied to SOME transactions between different companies with the same owner. This law specifies that ALL transactions between these businesses will now be subject to sales tax.
“Throwback Sales” for Business Taxes – $80.5 million increase – Current law taxes the sales of products made by companies in Wisconsin and shipped to a buyer in another state at 50 percent of the normal tax rate. This new law increases taxes on these “throwback” sales to 100 percent of the normal rate.
Streamlined Sales Tax – Enter Wisconsin into an agreement with other states to collect taxes when consumers purchase goods over the Internet. SST will also subject iced tea, marshmallows, chocolate chips and cloth diapers to sales tax.
“iPod Download” Tax – Extend the state sales tax to “digital property” downloaded off of the Internet, like songs, books and other digital files.
PAGE 3
Sen. Leibham’s Legislative Efforts
Job Creation Incentive ‐ Allow a company that creates or retains at least 15 Wisconsin jobs to keep a portion of the income tax revenue generated as a result of the new jobs to re‐invest in the company.
Capital Gains Reinvestment — Allow an individual to be exempt from capital gains tax if the gain is reinvested into certified Wisconsin‐based businesses.
Roth IRA Conversion ‐ Allow taxpayers to convert funds from a traditional individual retirement account to a Roth IRA without penalty. This legislation will also adopt higher contribution limits set by the IRS.
Alternative Energy Sources ‐ Allow new “light pipe” technology to be included in Wisconsin’s Renewable Portfolio Standard.
Health Care Freedom Amendment ‐ Constitutionally safeguard an individual’s right to purchase private health care services/health insurance and prohibit government from forcing participation in any public or private health care/insurance program.
Improving the CIP program – Gives MA‐eligible Wisconsin seniors, who would otherwise be forced to reside in a nursing home, the option to live with more freedom in a less costly community‐based assisted living type facility.
Workplace Wellness Incentives — Provide incentives for businesses to implement workplace wellness programs to reduce the costs of health care.
Health Savings Accounts (HSA’s) — Make investments into HSA’s tax deductible. Wisconsin is one of the last states to tax these investments.
Tax Deductibility of Out‐of‐Pocket Health Expenses ‐ Allow for all out‐of‐pocket health care costs, including insurance premiums and care expenses, to be deducted from state income taxes.
Tax Relief for Seniors ‐ Exempt income from retirement accounts & pensions from state taxation.
Repeal Auto Insurance Changes ‐ Repeal the mandatory auto insurance limits that were passed as a part of the 2009‐11 state budget.
Vehicle Emissions Program ‐ Eliminate the ineffective, inefficient and discriminatory state vehicle emissions testing program.
Nuclear Moratorium ‐ Repeal Wisconsin’s moratorium on the expansion or construction of nuclear power plants in our state.
Voter Photo ID ‐ Require a voter to verify their identity by presenting a valid state issued photo ID before voting or registering to vote.
Citizenship Requirement ‐ Require proof of identification and citizenship before receiving taxpayer‐subsidized state benefits.
PAGE 4
Items Pending for Consideration
Minimum Wage Increase ‐ Increase the state minimum wage from $6.50/hour
to $7.60/hour and index the minimum wage to inflation.
Wage Claim Lien ‐ Raise the cap on wage claim liens from $3,000 to $10,950
and index the cap to the rate of inflation.
Driver Cards for Illegal Immigrants ‐ Provide state‐issued picture ID driver
cards to illegal immigrants living in Wisconsin.
Appointment of the DNR Secretary ‐ Change the way in which the DNR
Secretary is appointed by giving that authority to the Natural Resources Board.
Under current law, the Governor nominates the DNR Secretary with Senate
confirmation.
Global Warming Bill ‐ Enact many recommendations of the Governor’s Task
Force on Global Warming, including mandated reductions in the use of fossil
fuels, requiring that 25% of the state’s energy come from “renewable” sources,
instituting a low carbon fuel standard, adopting California auto emission
standards and reducing statewide electricity use by 2% each year
Allowing Felons to Vote ‐ Allow felons to vote if they have been released from
prison but are still on extended supervision, parole or probation.
Beer Tax Increase ‐ Increase Wisconsin’s beer tax from $2/barrel to $10/barrel.
Concealed Carry for Retired Police Officers ‐ Allow retired law enforcement
officers to carry a concealed firearm in Wisconsin.
Ban on Cell Phones while Driving ‐ Ban the use of wireless communication
devices while driving, including telephones, text and e‐mail devices. A driver
over age 18 would still be able to use a cell phone with a hands‐free device.
Joint and Several Liability – Allow plaintiff to recover ALL damages in a lawsuit
from a defendant even if the defendant is only 1% liable. Currently, a defendant must be at least 51% liable for an injury before having to pay all damages.
Discrimination Complaints – Make the appeal of “no probable cause” findings
in Wisconsin Fair Employment Act claims subject to appeal directly to state
circuit courts, bypassing the Labor and Industry Review Commission.
Payday Lending Law Changes ‐ Prevent payday loan companies from charging
interest rates in excess of 36%/year and require them to obtain a license if the
payday lender makes a consumer loan of $5,000 or less.
Restricting Bisphenol A ‐ Prohibit the manufacture and sale of certain baby
bottles and cups for children that contain bisphenol A.
Medical Marijuana ‐ Legalize the medical use of marijuana in Wisconsin.
PAGE 5
New/Increased State Fees = Approved
*Senator Leibham voted against each of these new fees.
Phone Taxes ‐ $108 million increase ‐ Institute a 75 cents/month tax on each active wireless, land‐based or VOIP telephone. The tax will be called a “Police and Fire Protection Fee,” but no new funding will be directed into police and fire protection. Also, extend the state Consumer Complaint assessment and the Universal Service Fund assessment to cell phone providers, resulting in an additional 56 cents/month tax on cell phone users and including a provision forbidding cellular service providers from adding a separate line on your billing statement describing the tax.
Low‐Income Energy Assistance Fee ‐ $18.2 million increase ‐ Raise the low‐income assistance fee on utility bills to provide funding for District Attorneys.
Animal Slaughter Fee – Unknown fiscal impact ‐ Require the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to impose a new slaughter fee/food tax on farm animals after July 1, 2010.
Child Care Licensing Fee ‐ $1 million increase ‐ Increase licensing fees for group child care centers by increasing the per child biennial fee from $10.33 to $16.94.
Securities Trading Fees ‐ $22 million increase ‐ Increase fees on securities trading by raising the mutual fund filing fee from $750 to $1,500. Also, the 0.05% fee on securities sold to persons in Wisconsin will be maintained, but the minimum/maximum annual amounts of the fee are increased from $150/$1,500 to $750/$15,000.
Vital Records Fee – $6 million increase ‐ Make permanent the vital records fee increases that were enacted in 2007 on a temporary basis.
Increase Work Permit Fee – $960,000 increase ‐ Double the work permit fee from $5 to $10.
Vehicle Environmental Impact Title Fee – $16.7 million increase ‐ Under current law, the $9 vehicle Environmental Impact Title Fee was supposed to end at the end of 2009. The new budget makes this fee permanent.
Title Lien Fee – $4.7 million increase ‐ Increase the title lien fee for each notating and subsequent release of a lien on an auto title from $4 to $10.
Fee for Paper Copies of Driver Records – $130,000 increase ‐ Establish a $2 fee for providing a paper copy of a driver record upon request, in addition to the fee for the record search ($5 for a computerized request and $6 for a phone request).
Boat Registration Fee – $1.1 million increase ‐ Increase the fees for a three‐year motorized boat registration.
Handgun Background Check Fee ‐ $417,000 increase ‐ Increase the handgun purchaser record check fee from $8 to $13.
PAGE 6
New Policies Approved by the Legislature and Enacted by the Governor
In‐state tuition for the children of illegal immigrants – Allow the children of illegal immigrants to pay in‐state tuition to UW System institutions and Wisconsin technical colleges. They currently pay higher international student tuition rates.
Domestic Partner Benefits – Extend taxpayer‐subsidized health insurance and retirement benefits to same‐sex and opposite‐sex domestic partners of state employees. Also, allow a domestic partner to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Domestic Partner Registry ‐ Establish same‐sex domestic partnerships and provide
domestic partners with many of the same rights and benefits provided to traditional husband‐wife married spouses under current law.
Smoking Ban – Ban smoking in all privately‐owned Wisconsin workplaces and establishments, with certain limited exceptions, effective July 5, 2010.
Mandatory Auto Insurance Limits ‐ Increase mandatory auto insurance limits from
$25,000/person, $50,000/accident and $10,000/property damage to $50,000/person, $100,000/accident and $15,000/property damage.
Mandatory Auto Insurance ‐ Specify that no one may operate a motor vehicle on a Wisconsin roadway unless the owner or operator has purchased an auto liability policy for the vehicle.
QEO – Repeal the Qualified Economic Offer (QEO), which allows a school district to avoid mediation arbitration if they offer their teachers a salary and benefit increase of at least 3.8 percent.
Prevailing Wage Expansion – Expand the prevailing wage law to projects not currently covered, such as certain private projects that receive public financing. Lower the threshold for projects subject to prevailing wage from $150,000 down to $25,000.
Taxpayer Funded Condoms – Extend the Family Planning Waiver program to provide taxpayer‐subsidized condoms and other contraceptives to boys as young as 15 and men as old as 44.
Expungement of Criminal Convictions – Increase the age for which a person may have a conviction expunged from their criminal record from 21 to 25. Allow certain felonies to be expunged in addition to the misdemeanors allowed under current law.
Good Behavior Credit for Inmates ‐ Repeal Truth in Sentencing by allowing certain
incarcerated felons to get reduced sentences for good behavior.
Primary Enforcement of Seat Belt Laws ‐ Allow law enforcement officers to pull over a driver for the specific purpose of enforcing seat belt laws. Increase the forfeiture for a seat belt violation from $10 to $25.
Jobs Tax Credit ‐ Create a refundable jobs credit under Wisconsin individual and corporate income taxes. The total amount of jobs tax credits that may be claimed from January 1, 2010 to June 30, 2013 is $14.5 million. In future years, the amount of total assets that may be claimed will be limited to $5 million/year.
Tax Exemptions for Biotechnology and Manufacturing Research ‐ Create exemptions from state sales and use taxes for purchases of machinery and equipment as well as tangible personal property sold to manufacturing or biotech businesses.
CORE Jobs Act ‐ Spend $15 million to spur economic growth through a series of strategies, some of which include the expansion of education and angel investment tax credits, farmshoring grants, business micro‐loan programs and funding for manufacturing skills training.
Drunk Driving ‐ Strengthen penalties for highly intoxicated and repeat drunk drivers by making third‐time OWI convictions a felony and requiring offenders to install an ignition interlock device. These changes may be funded through a 50‐ cent/quart tax increase on hard liquor products.
“Sex Ed.” Curriculum Mandate ‐ Sets the requirements for sex education curriculum through a statewide mandate, removing local control in an effort to ensure sex education curriculum is "age‐appropriate and medically accurate."
Wind Turbine Siting ‐ Direct the state Public Service Commission to determine what restrictions a municipality may impose on the construction of wind turbines.
Electronic Product Recycling ‐ Require manufacturers of household electronic devices like TV’s and computer monitors to make arrangements for the recycling of those devices when they are disposed of by consumers.
Mercury in Household Items ‐ Regulate the sale of consumer products containing
mercury, including fever thermometers, thermostats and other household items.
Sale of Home‐Canned Foods ‐ Exempt the makers of home‐prepared and homecanned pickles or other acidic fruits or vegetables from having to obtain a “food processing plant” license if they sell their products at a community or social event or a farmers’ market.
Federal Stimulus Funding Allocation ‐ Modify the way in which federal stimulus dollars are allocated to Wisconsin counties for use. This proposal seeks to cut through federal government red tape that prevented even a single dollar of these funds from being spent.
Regulation of Mixed Martial Arts ‐ Require the state government to regulate mixed martial arts fighting contests and make several changes to the way in which the state regulates boxing matches.
"And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king.
And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.
And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.
And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers.
And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants.
And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.
And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work.
He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.
And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.
Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; "~ 1 Samuel 8:10-19
Friday, March 26, 2010
Oppose Healthcare
For all those in Wisconsin who are incensed, as am I, that healthcare was passed by the Congress, here is the next step, or at least one of them. Wisconsin Attorney General Van Hollen has examined the legislation, determined that it violates the Constitution and is asking for the authorization to join other states in challenging the legislation.
In order for this to happen, Mr. Van Hollen requires authorization from either the governor (fat chance), the State Assembly (again, not likely) or the state Senate. Mr. Leibham and others have joined in crafting a resolution to give Mr. Van Hollen that authorization from the Senate.
The legislation is LRB−4576 and it will be coming before Senator Decker (R-Weston) the Senate majority leader within the next few days. The authority to bring this resolution up for a vote rests in his hands. I would suggest that we all contact Mr. Decker at Sen.Decker@legis.wisconsin.gov to share a wish that the Senate authorize Mr. Van Hollen to pursue a challenge this legislation legally along with the Attorneys General of several other states.
"Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? "~ Matthew 24:45
In order for this to happen, Mr. Van Hollen requires authorization from either the governor (fat chance), the State Assembly (again, not likely) or the state Senate. Mr. Leibham and others have joined in crafting a resolution to give Mr. Van Hollen that authorization from the Senate.
The legislation is LRB−4576 and it will be coming before Senator Decker (R-Weston) the Senate majority leader within the next few days. The authority to bring this resolution up for a vote rests in his hands. I would suggest that we all contact Mr. Decker at Sen.Decker@legis.wisconsin.gov to share a wish that the Senate authorize Mr. Van Hollen to pursue a challenge this legislation legally along with the Attorneys General of several other states.
"Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? "~ Matthew 24:45
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Planned Parenthood does the DO-SI-DO with GIRL SCOUTS
Planned Parenthood does the DO-SI-DO with GIRL SCOUTS
I know that, in the past, I have advocated for the Scouting program to teach values and build character for young people. I hereby withdraw that recommendation for the Girl Scouts of America. Ginny Maziarka has posted an article on WISSUP that is a must read for parents of Girls who were planning to utilize the Girl Scouting program. I am appalled.
Would it be appropriate for Jim Beam, Southern Comfort, Pabst, Budweiser or etc. to give a similar presentation to young people on drinking? I think not.
" A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail. "~ Proberbs 22:3-8
I know that, in the past, I have advocated for the Scouting program to teach values and build character for young people. I hereby withdraw that recommendation for the Girl Scouts of America. Ginny Maziarka has posted an article on WISSUP that is a must read for parents of Girls who were planning to utilize the Girl Scouting program. I am appalled.
Would it be appropriate for Jim Beam, Southern Comfort, Pabst, Budweiser or etc. to give a similar presentation to young people on drinking? I think not.
" A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail. "~ Proberbs 22:3-8
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