Legislative News

By Mike Kirby, Rehabilitation For Wisconsin, Inc.

Michael Kirby is the Executive Director of Rehabilitation For Wisconsin, Inc. (RFW) and a former state legislator for 8 years, representing an Assembly district in Milwaukee.

The Legislature is not scheduled to be in session for the rest of the year. The reason there is no session is due to the election cycle. Every two years, in the fall, all 99 state representatives and half of the 33 state senators stand for re-election. This fall there will also be an election for the state constitutional officers. The four year terms for Governor/Lt. Governor, Attorney General, State Treasurer and Secretary of State are ending and the incumbents must face re-election.

RFW was very active during the past year and a half with the Legislature. RFW had bills introduced that would have given businesses a tax credit if they provided contracted work to Community Rehabilitation Programs. The bills passed out of their respective committees, but could not make it through the Joint Finance Committee before the end of session. RFW intends to reintroduce the bills early in 2007 when the new Legislature takes office.

Other issues RFW was involved in included seeking additional funding for the CIP 1B program, opposing legislation that would allow carrying a concealed weapon in businesses without their permission, and opposing legislation that would have put spending and revenue limits in the state constitution. RFW also had a day set up for members to visit their legislators at the State Capitol to discuss disability related issues.

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