Energy and Utilities Committee
Welcome back to the Sortwell Scoop! Can you believe how fast October is flying by? It’ll be 2024 before we know it!
Yesterday, the Energy and Utilities Committee held a public hearing on AB 470. This legislation seeks to maintain Wisconsin’s regulatory oversight of the state’s transmission infrastructure and to help keep Wisconsin on track.
More specifically, this legislation preserves the role of the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin. These members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed with the advice and consent of the State Senate in deciding who owns and operates the transmission infrastructure in the state versus federal regulators. It also requires Wisconsin’s transmission developers to competitively bid on the construction of their infrastructure, which will be reviewed and approved by the PSC in an open, transparent process.
Those who support the bill presented information claiming that even if the projected savings of the federal process (unproven as of yet) are realized, the end result would be a savings of $0.001 per customer per month. In contrast, there were some free market folks who opposed the bill, arguing that the federal process of bidding on these projects would result in cost savings.
We also held an executive session on AB 303 and AB 73.
AB 303 makes certain statutory reforms to the Wisconsin broadband expansion grant program, administered by the PSC, in order to modernize it and make it more efficient and effective at expanding broadband access across the state.
AB 73 focuses on decommissioned power plants. Currently, if a power production plant that is exempt from property taxes is decommissioned or closed (therefore becomes taxable), the county and municipality where the plant is located each receive a utility aid payment for the first five years in which the plant is subject to the property tax. Under AB 73, these post-exemption utility aid payments are made only for a production plant that is decommissioned. This bill also defines what decommissioned means more closely.
To hear my thoughts on AB 73, click here.
Both pieces of legislation passed out of committee.
Regulatory Licensing Reform Committee
Today, my committee held a public hearing on AB 410, which finalizes and enters Wisconsin into the PA Licensure Compact, which allows physician assistants (PA) to become eligible to practice in other compact states.
Wisconsin has recently passed legislation allowing our state to participate in a number of interstate compacts, including the Physical Therapy Compact, the Occupational Therapy Compact, the Enhanced Nurse Licensing Compact (eNLC), and others. Interstate compacts allow states to coordinate across state lines and implement standards for licensing specific professions.
We also held an executive session on AB 144. As a way to expedite getting these trained and educated professionals into the workforce, AB 144 requires DSPS to grant preliminary credentials to individuals who have recently completed the requirements to obtain a healthcare credential, submitted a license application, and have been engaged by a qualifying healthcare employer. The preliminary credential becomes effective once the health care employer submits evidence regarding the requirements and expires on the date that the application for the permanent or training credential is granted or denied.
An amendment to AB 144 was put forth that incorporates Social Worker Compact language into this bill. It would allow for social workers to practice either in person or other than in person across state lines in states that have enacted it.
This legislation passed out of committee.
In-District Events
Friday, October 13th, there will be a fish boil at the Rockwood Volunteer Fire Department (5401 County Road R, Manitowoc) from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, October 14th, will be the 39th annual Applefest in Downtown Two Rivers from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, October 14th, there will be a fall and holiday craft show at West De Pere High School from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is a $2 admission fee.
Saturday, October 14th, there will be a craft fair at Wrightstown High School from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is a $2 admission fee.
Saturday, October 21st, will be the Mishicot Pumpkin Fest at the Mishicot Country Store (150 E Main St.) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, October 28th, will be the Craft and Vendor Show at the Wrightstown American Legion from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday, October 29th, there will be Booyah and Chili at the Morrison Fire Department. This event will be drive-through and will start serving at 10 a.m.
