Conservatively Speaking

State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) represents parts of four counties: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Walworth. Her Senate District 28 includes New Berlin, Franklin, Greendale, Hales Corners, Muskego, Waterford, Big Bend, the town of Vernon and parts of Greenfield, East Troy, and Mukwonago. Senator Lazich has been in the Legislature for more than a decade. She considers herself a tireless crusader for lower taxes, reduced spending and smaller government.

Investing in Wisconsin’s Taxpayers and Workers; Senator Lazich's Weekly Insight

Investing in Wisconsin’s Taxpayers and Workers
Governor Walker laid out a simple, yet significant plan to provide tax relief to all Wisconsin residents during his State of the State address.  I applaud the Governor’s plan to apply $332.6 million in withholding table adjustments.  The effect on returning this money to its rightful owner will be immediate.  Workers are going to keep more of their paycheck and hard-earned money, putting more money in the hands of consumers, spurring economic and job growth throughout the state.

The Legislative Fiscal Bureau announced a projected $912 million surplus by the end of the 2013-2015 biennium.  This surplus must not be withheld from Wisconsin’s families, seniors, farmers, and business owners.  Wisconsin residents have been living in a tax hell far too long, it’s about time we get off the backs of taxpayers and provide them much needed relief.  This is taxpayers’ hard earned money; bureaucrats do not deserve to spend it.

Last fall, the legislature approved $100 million in property tax reductions.  I look forward to continuing to deliver property tax relief by voting for the Governor’s proposal to reduce property taxes by an additional $406 million.

While a vast majority of the surplus will be used to deliver much needed tax relief to all taxpayers, Governor Walker also proposed making targeted investments in worker training and education.  His proposal will invest $35 million in the Wisconsin Fast Forward program.  The investment will provide support for dual enrollment programs between school districts and technical colleges, increased funding for manufacturing, agricultural, and IT at technical colleges, and additional programs for supporting people with disabilities to enter the workforce.

I am anxious for the legislature to start work approving Governor Walker’s proposals and rapidly returning money back into your pocket.  Visit prosperity.wi.gov to use the Tax Savings Calculator to see the amount of money you may expect back, and view Governor Walker’s Blueprint for Prosperity.

The State Senate this Week
The State Senate met Wednesday with a full docket of bills.  During session the senate approved a package of  12 bills addressing mental health issues,  a bill reinstating original birth certificate information, legislation providing parents and relatives greater opportunities and incentives to set aside money in college savings programsAs a sponsor I am pleased my colleagues joined me in approving Senate Bill 375, allowing the use of epinephrine auto-injector on school premises or at a school-sponsored activity. 

Thursday, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Elections and Urban Affairs I chaired a public hearing about six bills.  Public testimony was heard for the Assembly and Senate bill about nomination paper requirements, proof of residence while registering to vote, counting votes for write-in ballots, lowering signature requirements for local officials in second and third class cities to appear on the ballot, and creating a property tax exemption for nonprofit youth baseball associations.

While the legislature is not scheduled to be on the floor until February 11, 2014, the next two weeks will be filled with committee meetings.    Click here to view the schedule of upcoming committee hearings.  

Walker Creating Wisconsin-Based Model Academic Standard
Governor Scott Walker announced he is working with legislators to create Wisconsin-based model academic standards, replacing the Federal standards adopted by State Superintendent Tony Evers during 2010.  Governor Walker made the announcement to education leaders during the State Education Convention.

Ready Wisconsin Warns of Oncoming Weather Triple Whammy
Ready Wisconsin is warning residents of a potential weather triple whammy getting ready to strike Wisconsin starting Friday afternoon and lasting through next week.  The threatening weather is snow storms, artic cold and high winds.  Click here to see Ready Wisconsin’s recommendations about dealing with this onslaught of challenging weather. 

Wisconsin 2013 Tax Year Forms and E-Filing Information
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) provides tax forms at the agency’s website:  http://www.revenue.wi.gov/html/formpub.html

DOR provides information about e-filing at this link:  http://www.revenue.wi.gov/wi_efile/index.html.

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