Advancing Nuclear Power in Wisconsin
Continuing with my policy goals this session, I was proud to introduce, along with my legislative colleagues, a pair of bills that will lay the groundwork for Wisconsin’s nuclear energy future. These bills build upon the resolution introduced last month, declaring Wisconsin’s commitment to developing and investing in nuclear power.
The first proposal instructs the state to conduct a nuclear power siting study to identify potential host communities for nuclear power generation. In addition to identifying potential nuclear generation sites, the proposal also establishes an expedited nuclear facility approval process by the state to ensure the efficient review of future projects at our level.
The second proposal is for the state to host the “Wisconsin Nuclear Power Summit.” The Summit will bring together industry leaders, subject-matter experts, investors, and public policy officials to showcase Wisconsin’s leadership in the nuclear industry and to identify the next steps for nuclear development in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin has all the ingredients to be a nuclear energy leader—from our advanced research and development sectors to our robust manufacturing industry, we are well-positioned to lead on this future energy source. We must begin taking the necessary steps today to set the stage for nuclear development and investment so that we can meet the growing energy demands of tomorrow. A siting study and summit are meaningful first steps in moving nuclear energy and related investments in Wisconsin forward.
The bills are early in the process at this point, but I look forward to updating you on their status as they move ahead in the legislative process.
A Looming Threat to Fiscal Stability
As the Legislature composes the current biennial budget, we continue to hear about the surplus and new spending proposals. It is important to recognize that 2011 Act 10 has played a central role in the stability of our state finances. Since its passage, Wisconsin has experienced a declining tax burden, sound budgets, and the lowest debt in 25 years.
Unfortunately, our solid fiscal position is in jeopardy as the State Supreme Court may uphold the repeal of Act 10. Discussions we’ve been having about surpluses, the declining tax burden, and new tax reductions, could be rendered moot, given the sums of new spending and taxes our state and municipalities may have to enact.
It is very telling that the potentially successful repeal effort is being orchestrated not through proper legislative and executive channels, but instead through selective litigation. As this situation develops, I encourage you to utilize the property tax calculator below to see how these changes could impact you:
https://will-law.org/
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Contact Me
My office is always available to help with any state-related questions or concerns you may have. You can reach my office at (608) 237-9104, or email me at [email protected].
