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Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Republican lawmakers propose sweeping deregulation
Rep. Nate Gustafson said his bill would implement a 'net zero' rule process. (Photo by Baylor Spears/Wisconsin Examiner) Wisconsin Republican lawmakers are introducing bills to review every statewide administrative rule and impose new limits on the rulemaking process, saying there are too many regulations currently and they put operational obstacles and financial burdens on businesses. GOP Lawmakers have raised objections to agencies' administrative rulemaking process — and the power of the executive branch — for many years and have taken action to exert more control over the process and to limit the authority of state agencies and the governor. The REINS Act, signed into law by former Gov. Scott Walker in 2017, for example, required lawmakers' approval for regulations that might cost more than $10 million over a two-year period. 'A lot of what's been done in the past has looked at when you're implementing new rules — what is the process? Who is writing the rules?' Rep. Adam Neylon (R-Pewaukee), who introduced the bill that became 2017 Wisconsin Act 57, said at a press conference last week. 'What [the] REINS Act is not able to do is go back and reset it all,' Neylon added. 'We're looking at the stack of rules that have accumulated over the years that are piling up… We need a reset.' One of four GOP bills would require agencies to make cuts to offset the cost associated with new regulations. Under the bill, coauthored by Rep. Nate Gustafson (R-Fox Crossing) and Sen. Julian Bradley (R-New Berlin), agencies with a new rule proposal would have to stop work on the process until they've figured out how to eliminate the cost of a new regulation, or, alternatively, until a different rule reduces the costs to businesses, local governmental units and individuals over any two-year period. Gustafson calls it a 'net zero' rule process. 'So if there's an existing regulation or rule output that is of equal cost or greater, you're going to have to cut that rule if you want to implement a new one.' Another of the four bills — coauthored by Neylon and Sen. Steve Nass — would put an expiration date on every administrative rule seven years after implementation. Currently, administrative rules are in effect indefinitely unless repealed, amended by the agency or suspended by the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules (JCRAR). JCRAR is a 10-member committee responsible for reviewing proposed administrative rules to ensure they align with state law. Lawmakers on the committee have the ability to approve, suspend, or request modifications to proposed rules. Under the new measure, the year before a rule expires an agency would need to send notice to JCRAR about its intention to readopt the rule. If there is no objection by a lawmaker on the committee, then the rule would be considered readopted, but if there is an objection, then the rule would expire unless the agency goes through the rulemaking process again. Neylon said the point is to create a more modern process and do away with 'outdated or duplicative rules, creating unnecessary burdens on businesses.' Another bill — coauthored by Sen. Rob Hutton and Reps. Dan Knodl (R-Germantown) and Amanda Nedweski (R-Pleasant Prairie) — would limit scope statements, the first step in the rulemaking process, so they could only be used for one proposed rule and would set a six month expiration date when a scope statement can be used for an emergency rule. Currently, people can challenge the validity of an administrative rule in court. The final bill — coauthored by Rep. Ron Tusler (R-Harrison) and Sen. Eric Wimberger (R-Oconto) — would award people who challenge a rule attorney fees and costs if a court declares a rule invalid. The bill package is based on a report from the right-wing Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL), which also launched a webpage about the effort to cut 'red tape' on Wednesday. WILL states in the report that Wisconsin is the 13th most regulated state in the country and lays out proposals similar to the new GOP bills. WILL said the actions would build off steps taken in other states, including Idaho, Ohio, Nebraska and Oklahoma, to reduce regulations. Neylon said WILL provided research and worked with lawmakers' offices on the legislation. But, he added, 'these are issues that we've all worked on for a lot of years, issues that we care deeply about. This is our initiative… and nobody else's.' Economist Michael Rosen told the Examiner that the bills come out of Republicans' 'national playbook,' and that the research from WILL is based on the idea that 'any regulation impedes economic growth.' 'It has been a cornerstone of Republican policy since the election of Ronald Reagan to deregulate, get rid of regulation, and [to insist] that getting rid of regulation promotes economic growth,' Rosen said. He calls that theory 'nonsense.' Rosen points out that some of the most heavily regulated states — including California and New York — are also the most prosperous. He noted that the majority of the states cited in WILL' s research are those with Republican-dominated government. 'All regulations really are the rules under which the market operates,' Rosen said, adding, 'there have to be rules that govern the behavior of the buyers and sellers. That's what regulation is. It's very simple, and what they're arguing is to get rid of them.' Rosen challenges broad assertions in WILL's research, including WILL's finding that a 36% cut to regulations across the board in Wisconsin could grow the economy by 1 percentage point annually. That analysis fails to take into account 'negative externalities,' Rosen says — actions by companies that impose a cost on people who are not directly involved. He pointed to environmental regulations as an example of how these costs are paid by the public. 'In economic terms, companies that pollute… part of the cost of production should be disposing of the waste that a company produces…. If there aren't any rules, the cheapest way to dispose of your waste is to release it into the atmosphere or release it into the rivers and streams,' Rosen said. 'That's what we had in this country at the beginning of the 20th century, when we didn't have any environmental regulations, and rivers, like the Milwaukee River, and streams and lakes were polluted by manufacturers because that was the cheapest way for them to dispose of their waste.' Rosen said that some might argue that rules meant to protect the environment impede growth because they impose an additional cost on a company, however, he said that rules can ensure they aren't passing on that cost to the public. Since passage in 2017, the REINS Act has posed an obstacle to proposed environmental protection rules in Wisconsin. Without the regulations, Rosen said, people would have 'no assurance' about the products they buy — 'whether it's a can of tuna fish, whether it's an automobile, whether it's a ride on an airplane.' 'Is it impeding economic growth that we have regulations on air travel? No, because if we didn't have the regulation of the airline industry, we would have far more accidents and many fewer people would want to travel on airplanes,' Rosen said. 'These are all regulations that we take for granted,' but assure people they can trust the products and services they purchase, 'and we won't crash and die.' A better way to address onerous or outdated rules, Rosen said, is to take them up one at a time, rather than through the sweeping anti-regulatory bill package Wisconsin Republicans are proposing. 'Are there some regulations that maybe are antiquated? I'm not going to sit here and tell you there might not be,' Rosen said. 'But rather than pass sweeping legislation, which is ideologically driven and could have catastrophic consequences, people should raise the particular regulation.' Rep. Amanda Nedweski (R-Pleasant Prairie) said that she is excited for the bills to go through the Assembly Government Operations, Accountability and Transparency (GOAT) committee, which she chairs. The committee was created this session, inspired by billionaire Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency project, which has sought to remake the federal government by unilaterally firing employees and making deep cuts to federal agencies. 'Excessive regulations have serious economic consequences. They slow economic growth. They increase costs for businesses and consumers and they stifle innovation, all while the compliance costs put the greatest burden on our small businesses and working families,' Nedweski said. Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) said the bills are another action from the 'tired Republican playbook' and compared them to the actions being taken by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. 'These bills are an attempt at a power grab, akin to what we are seeing from the Trump-Musk administration,' Hesselbein said. 'The bills would, among other things, undermine the fundamental democratic principle of separation of powers. They are unnecessary, anti-democratic, and wholly wrong for Wisconsin.' Republicans in the Senate and Assembly, who hold majorities, could pass the bills without support from Democratic lawmakers, however, they would need Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' sign-off to become law. Neylon conceded that it's unlikely Evers will support them. 'Unfortunately Gov. Evers makes a lot of mistakes,' Neylon said. 'He's showing to be a failure as a governor, and I'm not optimistic he'll make the right decision here, but I think that we're doing the best we can to try to reform the regulatory process, and we think that it's time for a reset.' Evers' office hasn't responded to a request for comment. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Daylight saving time in Wisconsin would end under bipartisan bill in state Legislature
Among the legislation introduced in the state Capitol in March addresses a topic that sees yearly debate every fall and spring — doing away with daylight savings. The bill would end daylight saving time in Wisconsin and establish a consistent standard time throughout the year. Federal law allows states that sit entirely in one time zone, like Wisconsin, to forego daylight saving if it's a statewide policy. So far, 14 lawmakers from both parties have signed up in support of the bill. While introduced by Republicans, supporters include one of the Legislature's most liberal members, Sen. Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee. The bill authors — Rep. Nate Gustafson, R-Fox Crossing, and Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara, R-Appleton — cited research that daylight saving affects mental health and productivity, increases workplace injuries and traffic accidents, and is especially difficult for kids in school. State lawmakers have debated doing away with daylight saving time before, but it's never changed. In 1999, 2001 and 2003, lawmakers wrote resolutions encouraging Congress to make daylight saving time permanent. Some received public hearings but never passed. President Donald Trump has also pushed to end daylight savings. If the bill gets signed into law — a long and difficult process in the Legislature — Wisconsin would join Hawaii and Arizona in no longer observing daylight savings. Several states have seen similar efforts to end the practice. Here's a roundup of other interesting bills lawmakers circulated in March, seeking support from their colleagues. None have received a public hearing or committee votes so far, some of the first steps toward becoming law. This bill would create tax credits to encourage video game production in Wisconsin. Employers are interested in leaving California, lawmakers say, and Wisconsin has an opportunity to attract them and create high-paying jobs. Wisconsin is already home to a handful of video game studios, including Raven Software in Middleton. Similar tax credits have been pitched for filmmakers in Wisconsin, including in Evers' budget proposal. But those bipartisan bills didn't go far in previous sessions, and there was no public hearing for them in 2024. The video game tax credits could see the same outcome. Supporters: Rep. Clint Moses, R-Menomonie; Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point More: Milwaukee has seen a boost in tourism from 'Top Chef' fans Wisconsin courtrooms face a backlog of cases, including divorces and legal separations. After resolving all steps to dissolve a marriage, parties must appear in court for a final hearing — a "formality that can be stressful and time-consuming," the authors argue. The bill allows a signed affidavit instead, if the parties are represented by attorneys or working with an attorney mediator. Some counties used affidavits temporarily during the pandemic with "positive feedback," lawmakers say. The bill doesn't change the legal process for divorce, including the 120-day waiting period and six-month remarriage timeline. Supporters: Rep. Ron Tusler, R-Harrison; Sen. Eric Wimberger, R-Oconto More: Milwaukee County has a backlog of court cases. A shortage of court reporters isn't helping. Democrats reintroduced a resolution to declare an Economic Justice Bill of Rights, which includes a job that pays a living wage, adequately funded public education, affordable child care, unions and collective bargaining, accessible health care and a sustainable environment. The resolution is almost certain not to gain Republican support — it's been introduced in 2021 and 2023 and didn't advance. Democrats said they put forward the resolution this year "as a reaffirmation of our commitment to these rights" while working on policy in 2025. Supporters: Reps. Francesca Hong, D-Madison; Angelito Tenorio, D-West Allis; Ryan Clancy, D-Milwaukee; Angelina Cruz, D-Racine; Darrin Madison, D-Milwaukee; Christian Phelps, D-Eau Claire; Robyn Vining, D-Wauwatosa; Sens. Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee; Jeff Smith, D-Brunswick Lawmakers circulated a package of bills aimed at staffing shortages and funding issues affecting emergency medical services providers across Wisconsin. One bill would allow flexibilities for municipalities that choose to work together or consolidate their EMS services. Another provides tuition reimbursement for the cost of initial EMS education through the Wisconsin Technical College System. A third bill creates a pilot program for Live911, which lets dispatchers talk to callers via video. Republicans say they intend to include funding for both in the state budget. Evers also pitched solutions to EMS challenges in his budget, including making it easier for first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder to access worker's compensation, an idea Republicans also support. Supporters: Reps. Tony Kurtz, R-Wonewoc; Todd Novak, R-Dodgeville; Rob Summerfield, R-Bloomer; Nate Gustafson, R-Fox Crossing; Shannon Zimmerman, R-River Falls; David Armstrong, R-Rice Lake, Sens. Howard Marklein, R-Spring Green; Jesse James, R-Thorp; Andre Jacque, R-New Franken More: Rising 9-1-1 call loads, recruitment struggles put Wisconsin fire and EMS agencies on shaky ground, new report says This bill would require restaurants who advertise maple syrup on their menu to serve real maple syrup with the meal, instead of an imitation product. There are no penalties if restaurants don't comply. The bill is intended to support the maple syrup industry in Wisconsin, which produced nearly half a million gallons in 2024. In 2023, the same bill got a public hearing but never made it to a vote. Similar "truth-in-labeling" bills, like one that would prohibit plant-based beverages from being marketed as milk, have not made it to the governor. Wisconsin does have a longstanding law that says restaurants can't substitute margarine for real butter unless the customer asks for it. There are potential fines and jail time, but the law isn't enforced in practice. Supporters: Rep. Tara Johnson, D-Town of Shelby; Sen. Kelda Roys, D-Madison This bipartisan bill would designate and mark a stretch of U.S. 12 in Lake Delton as the 'Tom Diehl Memorial Highway.' Diehl, who died last year, was the president and co-owner of the Tommy Bartlett waterskiing show. He also served on Lake Delton's village board. "Though Tom has departed from us, his unparalleled influence in building the entertainment community and shaping Wisconsin Dells into the tourism landmark it is today will never be forgotten," lawmakers wrote in a memo seeking support. Other bills naming highways after Wisconsin figures have had success in the Capitol. Evers approved naming 'Corporal Benjamin H. Neal Memorial Highway" in honor of a Orfordville native who died while serving in Afghanistan. Green Bay's Walnut Street Bridge was renamed in honor of Packers legend Bart Starr. Evers vetoed a 2019 bill that would have established criteria for bills seeing to rename a highway or bridge, objecting to "limiting the ability to commemorate those who have made significant contributions to or sacrifices for the people of Wisconsin." Supporters: Rep. Tony Kurtz, R-Wonewoc; Sen. Sarah Keyeski, D-Lodi This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Daylight saving time would end under bipartisan bill in Wisconsin
