As kids around the state go back to school, activity in the Capitol is beginning to ramp up. Committees are meeting, constituents are visiting my office, and bills continue to make their way through the legislative process. Now that we have finished the state budget, my full attention can be on legislation that will help the people and the communities I serve. I want to share with you some of my legislation that I hope to see move forward before the Legislature adjourns next spring.

Senate Bill (SB) 3 – Local Control of Wind and Solar – This legislation would require local elected officials to sign off on large-scale wind and solar projects before they go through the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) approval process.

SB 170 – Rehired Annuitants – This legislation would allow Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) employers, such as the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS), local units of government, and schools, to rehire individuals who had previously retired. Current restrictions prevent retired employees receiving WRS benefits from maintaining those benefits if rehired by another WRS employer. This restriction worsens our workforce challenges and forces WRS employers to look out of state for qualified workers rather than hiring from Wisconsin.

SB 181, 182, and 183 – EMS Package – This package of legislation (which is explained in depth here) focuses on supporting our EMS providers and lowering barriers for volunteers in our local EMS departments.

SB 291 – Child Care Business Development Tax Credits – This legislation expands an existing refundable tax credit, which provides up to 15% of the cost of offering child care services for employees. Under current law, the only expenses eligible for the tax credit are capital expenses such as a building. This bill broadens the credit to include expenses associated with providing childcare, such as paying child care staff, or purchasing child care slots for employees. This bill furthers my goal of making meaningful reforms to the child care system by creating new slots and making child care more affordable.

SB 337 – Local Grant Writing Assistance – This legislation would create a grant program to help municipalities of fewer than 7,500 residents pay for professional grant writing services. Grants can be very important to rural community finances, helping offset the cost of public safety, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and more. Unfortunately, most part-time local officials do not have the time or expertise necessary to apply for these grants. This legislation would help make grants more accessible and allow small communities to better compete for financial assistance.

SB 413 – Sexual Assault Survivor Assistance – This legislation aims to provide stronger protections for victims of sexual assault and give them the resources they need to seek justice. It would extend the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault, provide immunity for victims and witnesses who report sexual assault, and make it easier for victims to terminate their lease.

Local Legislation – While much of my legislation would have an effect on the whole state, a number of bills I have authored are aimed at specific issues in communities of the 17th Senate District. These include fixing a bureaucratic mistake affecting Oregon’s Fire and EMS District, adding the Brooklyn Area Veterans Memorial to the state highway map, and installing signs to designate an official route for the Great River Road along the Mississippi River.

These bills are my top priority for the remainder of the legislative session. A full list of my active legislation can be viewed on my website. I will continue to add to this list as new ideas and challenges are shared with me. As these bills move through the process, I will keep you updated. Thank you to everyone who has shared their input on this legislation and those who have inspired it. The best ideas come from you!

If you need assistance with any state-related matters, please call my team at the State Capitol – 608-266-0703 – or email me – Sen.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov. My team is ready and willing to help navigate your state government, clear obstacles, and receive your input.