The Chamber Legislative Breakfast, sponsored by AT&T and the Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce, was held on Monday, February 19, 2018 at the Kenosha Country Club. Attending from the Village of Somers were George Stoner, President; Dave Geersten, Trustee; Mark Molinaro, Chairman of the Town of Somers; Bill Morris, Village and Town Administrator, and Jason Peters, Village and Town Assistant Administrator.
The speakers highlighted what has happened and what is pending in the remaining 2018 regular session. Presentations were made by State Representative Peter Barca, State Representative Samantha Kerkman, State Representative Tod Ohnstad, State Senator Van Wanggaard and State Senator Robert Wirch.
Topic highlights:
- Transportation solutions regarding how to get workers to and from jobs at Foxconn and other new development along the I-94 corridor.
- Cooperative efforts of Gateway Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside as they offer new academic programs in response to meet Foxconn’s workforce demand.
- Legislation that would close the loophole on the Dark Store strategy that impacts the tax burden of all homeowners.
- Legislation task forces continue to introduce bills to improve Wisconsin’s foster care system.
- Alicia’s Law that helps internet crimes against children by funding investigations, law enforcement, and prosecutions.
- Discussions to open five new regional centers for juvenile offenders and overhaul Wisconsin’s juvenile corrections system.
- ACE program which provides alternatives to corrections through education for youth.
- Marcy’s Law which provides equal rights to crime victims.
- Lead Pipe Bill designed to help Wisconsin homeowners cover the cost of replacing lead pipes through grants, loans, or both.