Bill Signings This Week
This week, we had two of our bills signed into law! It is a gratifying and celebratory occasion when one of our bills is signed by the Governor.
The first was a bill that would keep our state road construction projects on time and on budget by eliminating some of the hassle contractors go through when experiencing utility infrastructure-related delays. Under current law, if a construction contractor runs into utility infrastructure that has not been properly relocated, it is up to them to litigate with the utility to resolve the dispute. This often leads to contractors building these risk costs into their bids, resulting in higher costs to the taxpayers. The bill that was signed into law this week changes these scenarios so that the Department of Transportation will compensate the contractor, and the DOT will in turn collect compensation from the responsible utility. By reducing the expensive and time-consuming litigation process between the contractor & utility, this law will save Wisconsinites time and money on state construction projects.
The other bill that was signed creates a timeline for the swift processing of sexual assault kits by the State Crime Lab. Last session, I authored a bill that created clear timelines for law enforcement and hospitals when it comes to the collection, submission, and storage of kits. This bill builds upon the success of that law to create processing timelines for the one party that wasn’t included in last session’s law: the State Crime Lab. Under the new law, the Crime Lab must begin processing the kit within five days of receiving it, and must finish processing that kit within the next 60 days. Victims of sexual assault deserve justice, and they deserve it as quickly as it can be properly administered. This bill is the final piece to ensuring that sexual assault kits are processed efficiently in Wisconsin.
Tax Credits for the Working Blind
Earlier this week I testified with Senator Rob Hutton on a bill that would provide tax credits for individuals who are blind to help cover transportation costs associated with getting to and from work. With an unemployment rate of roughly 70% in Wisconsin’s legally blind community, a talented, productive segment of our population remains untapped. This bill would eliminate some of the barriers to employment this community faces, strengthening our workforce and benefiting our state.
The Capitol Christmas Tree is Lit!
This year’s Capitol Christmas Tree is now fully decorated and lit! Some fun facts about this tree:
- It’s 32 feet tall
- Like previous Capitol Christmas trees, this one was donated by a member of the public
- 2,000 LED lights hang on the tree
The tree will be on display through the first week of January, so be sure to stop by and see it if you have the opportunity!
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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 Rep.Steffen@legis.wisconsin.
