http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=828&mname=ArticleGroup Recent Press Releases en-us 60 For Immediate Release July 21, 2010 Contact: Leah Vukmir (414) 759-1100 Leah@LeahVukmir.com www.LeahVukmir.com Vukmir Campaign Leads in Legislative Fundraising Raises over $200,000 for State Senate bid Wauwatosa, WI – State Senate candidate Leah Vukmir released strong fundraising numbers for the current reporting period. Since announcing her candidacy last summer, Vukmir has raised over $200,000. During the six-month finance period, Vukmir raised twice as much as her opponent, liberal incumbent Jim Sullivan, and leads all State Senate candidates in Wisconsin. “I am humbled by the outpouring of support I’ve received so far in the campaign,” said Vukmir. “Our campaign to put Wisconsin back on the right track continues to build steam, which is reflected by the large amount of individual donors.” Vukmir is pleased with her progress, despite her opponent having nearly a three year lead. In addition to having raised the most money in both reporting periods, Vukmir has over $120,000 in her war chest, topping her incumbent opponent. When compared to all contested State Senate races, the Vukmir campaign’s cash on hand is topped only by Senate Democrat Majority Leader Russ Decker. “After knocking on thousands of doors, it is clear folks in our area are fed up with the same old politics in Madison,” Vukmir explained. “It is encouraging to see so many people connecting to our message of more jobs and less government spending.” Vukmir expects her strong fundraising numbers to continue into the fall campaign season. -30- Share | Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:38:00 CST http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=28561&mname=Article http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=28561&mname=Article For Immediate Release July 20, 2010 Contact: Leah Vukmir (414) 759-1100 Leah@LeahVukmir.com www.LeahVukmir.com Vukmir Statement on Supreme Court Ruling Court rules in favor of Injured Patients & Families Compensation Fund (Wauwatosa,WI)…State Representative Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) released the following statement following the Supreme Court ruling on the state government’s unconstitutional raid on the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund. “I am pleased, yet not surprised, by today’s ruling by the Wisconsin Supreme Court regarding the unconstitutionality of the state government’s raid on the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund in the 2007 state budget. “The Supreme Court confirmed the arguments I made to my colleagues during the budget process. The government has no authority to raid money out of a private group’s fund. “Proposed by Governor Doyle and approved by the Legislature, the $200 million raid of the private fund was nothing more than a gimmick to support out of control spending in Madison. In the future, I hope my colleagues will agree we must embrace truth-in-budgeting principles and enact a responsible budget. Unfortunately, this is something Madison has been without for many years.” -30- Share | Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:40:00 CST http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=28536&mname=Article http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=28536&mname=Article For Immediate Release April 29, 2010 Contact: Leah Vukmir (414) 759-1100 Leah@LeahVukmir.com www.LeahVukmir.com Vukmir Calls for Extraordinary Session to Repeal Combined Reporting Tax Repeal needed to save Harley Davidson jobs (Wauwatosa,WI)…State Representative Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) released the following statement today regarding today’s announcement by Harley Davidson that they must cut $54 million in costs to prevent losing Wisconsin jobs: "There can no longer be any doubt that the Democrat’s combined reporting tax has created a significant burden on Harley Davidson and other Wisconsin employers. “Shortly after this tax was passed in 2009, Harley Davidson was forced to pay the state an additional $22.5 million in taxes and lay off another 400 employees. “Today, Harley executives made it clear that they need to reduce their Wisconsin operating costs or they may be forced to shut down even more of their operations here. “The legislature must act now to eliminate this job-killing tax or we run the risk of permanently losing even more jobs and a company that made Milwaukee famous. “I am calling on Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker and Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan to call an extraordinary session for the purpose of repealing this tax. “Instead of authoring feel-good legislation to make Harley Davidson the ‘official’ state motorcycle, State Senator Jim Sullivan should join me in fighting to keep these jobs in Wisconsin. “Senator Sullivan should have fully considered the impact his vote would have on our district, particularly when he was told repeatedly that the combined reporting provisions he supported are among the worst in the country." -30- Share | Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:19:00 CST http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=27318&mname=Article http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=27318&mname=Article For Immediate Release April 13, 2010 Contact: Leah Vukmir (414) 759-1100 Leah@LeahVukmir.com www.LeahVukmir.com Vukmir Endorsed by West Milwaukee Police Earns Third Police Endorsement of Senate Campaign (Wauwatosa,WI)…The West Milwaukee Professional Police Association announced recently their full endorsement of State Representative Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) in her campaign for State Senate. "I am humbled and honored to receive the support of the law enforcement in West Milwaukee." said Vukmir. "Keeping our communities safe has always been and will continue to be a top priority of mine." The endorsement is a sign of strong momentum for Vukmir’s 2010 campaign for the 5th State Senate District. Vukmir has also earned the endorsements of the Brookfield and Milwaukee Police Associations. "It is important to ensure the police in our area have the resources they need." said Vukmir. “I look forward to working with those who protect and keep our neighborhoods strong." -30- Share | Tue, 13 Apr 2010 15:03:00 CST http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=27060&mname=Article http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=27060&mname=Article For Immediate Release December 16, 2009 Contact: Leah Vukmir (414) 759-1100 Leah@LeahVukmir.com www.LeahVukmir.com Vukmir Earns Milwaukee Police Endorsement (Wauwatosa,WI)…The Milwaukee Police Association recently announced their endorsement of State Representative Leah Vukmir's candidacy for the 5th State Senate District. "I am honored to have received the support of those on the front lines of the fight against crime," said Vukmir. "I am proud to stand with law enforcement and to ensure they have the necessary tools to do their job." Vukmir's record of striking a balance between her support for strong crime legislation while maintaining fiscal responsibility earned her the sole endorsement in the race. Share | "We need to continue supporting our police officers who perform their duties under tough circumstances and high pressure," Vukmir said. "I look forward to continuing to work with the Milwaukee Police Association and all levels of law enforcement to make Wisconsin safe.” -30- Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:06:00 CST http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=25365&mname=Article http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=25365&mname=Article Rebuilding Wisconsin’s Economy NOW September 16, 2009 Jobs Tax Credit NOW (Williams) FACT: Wisconsin needs jobs now. The Department of Workforce Development tells us that Wisconsin has lost 134,000 jobs over the last year. Unemployment is at a staggering 9 percent in the state. PROBLEM: The Jobs Tax Credit doesn’t go in effect until next year and cannot be claimed until 2012. Wisconsin’s economy and labor force are suffering and cannot wait until 2012 for relief. SOLUTION: Assembly Republicans would give employers a financial incentive to hire employees, through the Jobs Tax Credit, in 2009. Our economy, and as a result our state budget situation, will be net winners with this economic development tool in place NOW. Rep. Mary Williams authored this as a budget amendment (AA 1 to ASA 1 to AB 75), but Assembly Democrats voted in lockstep to table it. Recruit & Retain Jobs NOW (Budget Motion & LRB-3431; Rhoades) FACT: Wisconsin is losing jobs to other states, not just other countries. PROBLEM: Sheboygan lost Thomas Products jobs to Louisiana, Jefferson and Watertown lost Briggs & Stratton jobs to Georgia, Janesville lost General Motors jobs to Michigan, and the list goes on. SOLUTION: Assembly Republicans would require Wisconsin’s Department of Commerce to submit a report to the Joint Finance Committee detailing its business retention methods, a plan identifying businesses seeking to expand or relocate, and develop a Rapid Response Team for relocation or expansion prospects. Rep. Vos, on behalf of Rep. Rhoades, authored this as a budget motion in JFC, where it passed 16-0. From then on, every dversion of the budget contained this provision except the final…Gov. Doyle vetoed it.   Banning Secret Tax Increases (Zipperer) FACT: The Department of Revenue (DOR) has unilaterally increased the tax burden in Wisconsin by over $100 million over the years without legislative approval. PROBLEM: We all learned in elementary school civics class that the legislative branch has the power to tax, but Wisconsin’s executive branch has assumed that power, too. DOR has imposed new taxes or creatively interpreted current tax laws in very imaginative ways. Internet access, computer software, temporary service agencies, business transfers, and others have all been subject to DOR’s self-appointed power of new taxation. SOLUTION: Assembly Republicans would restore legislative accountability and protect families and employers from this bureaucratic overreach by banning this practice all together. Small Business Expense Flexibility NOW (AB 184; Roth) FACT: Small business owners would be in a better position to hire additional employees if they could claim an immediate deduction on the purchase of equipment needed to run their business. Small business will be the catalyst to jumpstart our state and national economies. PROBLEM: Currently, Wisconsin only allows employers to claim depreciation on purchased equipment over 5-7 years. The Small Business Expense Flexibility Act (AB 184) would address this problem, but it has sat in the Assembly Committee on Jobs, the Economy and Small Business since 4/2/09 where it received a public hearing 4 months ago but no committee vote. SOLUTION: Assembly Republicans would increase the expense deduction limit to $50,000 (up from the current $25,000) to more closely mirror the federal tax code. Putting more money in the hands of small business employers in a quicker manner will allow them the ability to hire more employees. Wisconsin Jobs Investment Act NOW (AB 38; Strachota) FACT: Today, Wisconsin investors have no incentive to reinvest their assets in Wisconsin. PROBLEM: Wisconsin ranks as the 9th worst state in which to do business, and one of the reasons is our poor ranking in access to capital. The Wisconsin Jobs Investment Act (AB 38) would address this problem, but it has sat in the Assembly Committee on Jobs, the Economy and Small Business since 2/12/09 where it has not even received a public hearing. A similar provision in the budget would first apply in 2011, but our unemployed labor force cannot wait until 2011 for start-up businesses and the jobs they provide. Last session, the Assembly passed an identical bill, AB 671, on a voice vote. SOLUTION: Assembly Republicans would give individual employers and shareholders a financial incentive to reinvest their assets in a Wisconsin business, through the Wisconsin Investment Act, in 2009. These individuals would be eligible for a capital gains exclusion of up to $10 million for long-term reinvestment in a Wisconsin business, under certain circumstances, NOW. We want to give investors a reason to invest their money back into our economy, creating jobs here, instead of sending it to out-of-state companies. Health Insurance Flexibility NOW (Vukmir) FACT: Wisconsin employers cannot purchase health insurance plans from out-of-state insurers. PROBLEM: Small business owners are suffering not only through a crippling economy, but skyrocketing health insurance costs, as well. They need more choices so that they can purchase quality health insurance for their employees at an affordable rate. SOLUTION: Assembly Republicans would allow Wisconsin’s employers to purchase health insurance plans from out-of-state insurers, which would facilitate some competition among all health insurance providers. These insurers would be subject to evaluation by Wisconsin’s Commissioner of Insurance, required to be in good standing with their own state’s insurance commissioner, and comply with other regulations such as fair marketing and medical privacy laws. Sunset Phone Line Tax, Cap Gains Tax Increase & Combined Reporting FACT: In their budget, Democrats imposed a new $107.6 million tax on all telephone owners, a $242.5 million tax increase on individuals’ savings & investments, and a new $215 million tax on job-creators. PROBLEM: During the worst recession in generations—while unemployment is hovering near 25-year highs—raising taxes on employers, families, and individuals will only lead to more job loss, less hope for Wisconsin’s unemployed workers, and tougher budgets for Wisconsin’s families saving for college and retirement. SOLUTION: Assembly Republicans would sunset these new taxes and tax increases in 2011. VIDEO: Watch the press conference on Wisconsin Eye     Share | Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:33:00 CST http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=24275&mname=Article http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=24275&mname=Article July 21, 2009 Contact: Jorge Amselle (202) 742-8536 jamselle@alec.org Vukmir honored as "Legislator of the Year" by peers at national gathering (Atlanta, Ga.) — Wisconsin State Rep. Leah Vukmir was honored as “Legislator of the Year” by her peers at the 36th Annual Meeting of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) in Atlanta on Friday, July 17. This award goes to state legislators who are ALEC members in good standing and have distinguished themselves by advancing, introducing and/or enacting policies based on the fundamental Jeffersonian principles of free markets, limited government, federalism and individual liberty. Rep. Vukmir is a Registered Nurse and Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. In November of 2002, Rep. Vukmir was elected to her first term as Representative to Wisconsin’s 14th Assembly District. She serves as the former Chair and Ranking Member of the Assembly’s Committee on Health and Health Care Reform. She also serves on the Public Health Committee and is a member of the Assembly committees on Education and Education Reform. Rep. Vukmir worked tirelessly to stop a government-run health care proposal in Wisconsin in 2007. She is a stellar legislator who introduces many ALEC HHS model bills each session. “Thanks to ALEC, I have enjoyed the privilege of working with some of the finest legislators and policy experts in the country. To have been chosen for this distinction is an honor for which I will always be grateful and proud,” said Vukmir. ALEC’s Annual Meeting featured former U.S. Senator and Georgia Governor Zell Miller, along with Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and others who addressed an audience of nearly 1,600 state legislators and business leaders in Atlanta at the American Legislative Exchange Council’s 36th Annual Meeting held July 15 to 18. “The annual Meeting of the American Legislative Exchange Council provides a unique opportunity for legislators from all 50 states to come together to discuss policy solutions collectively along with public-policy experts and the private sector,” said Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, Bill Howell, ALEC's 2009 National Chairman. “ALEC's process of producing principled model legislation is unparalleled among its type,” he added. Other notable speakers included Dr. Art Laffer, renowned economist & author; Stephen Moore, Wall Street Journal editorial board member; syndicated radio host Herman Cain; and Daniel Hannan (MEP). ALEC’s annual meeting also featured special workshops on medical innovation, higher education, energy and economic recovery, virtual learning, state budget transparency, legal reform, and climate change. Most of the business conducted at ALEC occurs in one of its nine Task Forces which include; Health and Human Services; Natural Resources; Education; Tax and Fiscal Policy; Public Safety and Elections; Civil Justice; Commerce, Insurance, and Economic Development; Telecommunications and Information Technology; and International Relations. These Task Forces have considered, written, and approved hundreds of model bills, offering real policy solutions for states on a wide range of issues. Each year, state legislatures consider close to 1,000 bills that are based, at least in part, on ALEC Model Legislation. Hundreds of these bills are enacted every year.    —30—   The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is the nation's largest nonpartisan, individual membership organization of state legislators. www.alec.org Share | Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:29:00 CST http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=22982&mname=Article http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=22982&mname=Article For Immediate Release June 25, 2009 Contact: Leah Vukmir (414) 759-1100  Leah@LeahVukmir.com www.LeahVukmir.com Vukmir Announces Candidacy for 5th Senate District District deserves a Senator focused on creating jobs and rebuilding our economy (Wauwatosa,WI)…Citing a need for a Senator who better reflects the priorities of the people of the 5th Senate District, State Representative Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) today announced her candidacy for the State Senate. “Wisconsin has lost 130,000 jobs in the last year. We need a Senator who cares about getting people back to work instead of figuring out how to squeeze more tax revenue from our families and employers,” Vukmir said. “This campaign isn’t about me. It’s about the people of the 5th Senate District getting the representation they deserve.” Standing before a crowd of supporters gathered at Gilles Frozen Custard in Wauwatosa, Vukmir touted her record of supporting private sector job creation, tax relief, education reform, and health care reform. “The 400 Harley Davidson workers laid off in April needed a senator who understands that higher taxes kill jobs,” Vukmir said. “When the economy soured, some politicians in Madison were concerned only with how to raise enough tax revenue to fund their spending addiction. My priority has been, and will always be, creating jobs and providing core services in the most efficient way possible.” A Registered Nurse and Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Leah Vukmir was first elected to the State Assembly in 2002 and has been reelected three times. In 2008, she received 62% of the vote. In the current session, Vukmir is the Ranking Member on the Assembly Committee on Health and Health Care Reform. She is recognized by her colleagues as a leading advocate for taxpayers. Vukmir holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Marquette University and a Master of Science in Nursing from UW-Madison. The 5th Senate District is comprised of portions of the cities of Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, West Allis and Brookfield and the villages of West Milwaukee and Elm Grove.  -30- Share | Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:02:00 CST http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=22726&mname=Article http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=22726&mname=Article May 28, 2009 For Immediate Release Rep. Rich Zipperer 608-266-5120 Rep. Leah Vukmir 608-266-9180 Reps. Zipperer, Vukmir: Blast budget earmark for recycling bins in Wrightstown Author of recycling bin earmark is unknown; proposed Zipperer/Vukmir legislation would require disclosure of all budget motions and earmarks. Madison – Today Representative Rich Zipperer (R-Pewaukee) and Representative Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) blasted a provision added to the state budget by the Democrat-controlled Joint Committee on Finance earlier this week. The provision provided $46,000 for new recycling bins in the town of Wrightstown at a time when Legislators are trying to solve Governor Doyle's $6.6 billion state deficit. The $46,000 represents a 735% increase over what the town received for recycling aid in the last budget. "This provision is preposterous," said Vukmir. "This is exactly the kind of nickel-and-diming that has put Wisconsin in such a mess over the years. Wasteful earmarks for things like recycling bins for only one town should not be a priority of the state, but to the Democrats on the Joint Finance Committee, it apparently is." According to a recent news article in the Green Bay Press Gazette, the Wrightstown Clerk didn't know about the spending provision, and the Democrat co-chairs of the Finance Committee claimed that they didn't know who brought the provision forward. Wrightstown's representative in the Assembly, Democrat Ted Zigmunt, did not return a press call seeking answers. "The fact that the Democrat co-chairs of the Finance Committee, who control every motion and vote brought forward to the committee, can claim they don't know how the provision was included is ridiculous," said Zipperer. "Taxpayers deserve transparency in the state budget, and they deserve to know who thought recycling bins in Wrightstown are important enough to have priority at a time when we are trying to fix Governor Doyle's $6.6 billion state deficit." Zipperer and Vukmir are the authors of the Earmark Transparency Act, which is before the Joint Committee on Finance but has not yet been given a public hearing. The Earmark Transparency Act would require complete disclosure of the state budget, including disclosing who brought motions and earmarks forward during the Finance Committee proceedings. "This is just one example of multiple spending provisions that should not be in the state budget. Once the budget reaches the full Assembly, we will watch out for the taxpayers and work to remove these wasteful earmarks," Zipperer concluded. ### Read the Press Release Read the Legislation Fri, 29 May 2009 11:35:00 CST http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=22454&mname=Article http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=22454&mname=Article For Immediate Release March 26, 2009 Contact: Senator Ted Kanavas (608) 266-9174 or Representative Leah Vukmir (608) 266-9180 Kanavas / Vukmir Introduce Bill to Dissolve MPS (Madison, WI)…Earlier today, State Senator Ted Kanavas (R-Brookfield) and State Representative Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) introduced a bill to dissolve Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) and permanently replace it with eight smaller, independent school districts. “MPS will never change on its own because it’s controlled by people committed to the status quo. Right now the status quo is failure. I honestly don’t know how the folks in MPS leadership sleep at night knowing they have enabled failure and done nothing aggressive enough to change MPS,” said Kanavas. Currently, MPS has one superintendent, 207 schools and over 87,000 students. The bill would permanently dissolve the district and replace it with 8 smaller more manageable and accountable school districts. Each of the new districts would be independent of one another allowing citizens to elect their own local school boards. “This legislation will end the Vilet Street bureaucratic road block to education reform in Milwaukee. Smaller districts will enable parents and teachers to have more control over their schools,” Vukmir stated. If passed, the bill would require new school board members of each district to be elected in the spring of 2013 with students beginning classes in new districts that September. Legislators have until April 10, 2009 to cosponsor the bill. To learn more about Senator Kanavas or the 33rd Senate District, please visit www.SenatorKanavas.com, or www.LeahVukmir.com. -###- Read the legislation Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:46:00 CST http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=21588&mname=Article http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=21588&mname=Article February 12, 2009 For Immediate Release Rep. Bill Kramer 608-266-8580 Rep. Leah Vukmir 608-266-9180 Statement from Representatives Kramer and Vukmir on Minimum Markup (Flying J) Ruling Madison – Yesterday afternoon, Judge Rudolph Randa of the Eastern District of Wisconsin ruled that Wisconsin's Unfair Sales Act with respect to gasoline sales is unconstitutional. In short, this means that the minimum markup provisions in state law that require gasoline retailers to artificially increase the price of gas by upwards of nine percent are now unenforceable by DATCP. Given the difficult economic times the citizens of Wisconsin are facing, this is a welcomed decision from the U.S. District Court. Moreover, it was expected. It is our opinion that it is now imperative to pass the Kramer/Vukmir/Fields (The Competitive Marketplace Act, 2007 AB 820) repeal of the entire Unfair Sales Act, setting up a statutory framework that mirrors Federal antitrust policy. This would free prescription drugs, and a host of other goods from the strictures of state law. It is our hope that the Attorney General chooses not to appeal the Court’s decision. In this uncertain economic climate, the Legislature should seek remedies to ease the pain of Wisconsin consumers and repealing this provision in law that prohibits cheaper gas, cheaper prescription drugs, and cheaper consumer goods can and will help our working families and the larger economy. We will be reintroducing The Competitive Marketplace Act for immediate consideration by the Legislature. Under the provisions in the bill, we provide DATCP with the authority to investigate and stop predatory pricing practices that harm consumers and competitors. ### Read the Press Release Read the 2009-2010 CoSponsorship Memorandum Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:10:00 CST http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=20827&mname=Article http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=20827&mname=Article February 10, 2009 For Immediate Release Rep. Bill Kramer 608-266-8580 Rep. Leah Vukmir 608-266-9180 Rep. Rich Zipperer 608-266-5120 Rep. Brett Davis 608-266-1192 Representatives Propose New Agenda to Stabilize, Expose State Spending Legislation will provide transparency, responsibility for government appropriations Madison – Representatives Bill Kramer (R-Waukesha), Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa), Rich Zipperer (R-Pewaukee), and Brett Davis (R-Oregon) today unveiled a bold new package of legislation aimed to allow greater accountability and public scrutiny of the state budget. As the Wisconsin Legislature begins drafting its biennial budget for 2009-2010 amid the current economic crisis and facing a nearly $6 billion deficit, the proposed legislative agenda will bring enhanced transparency to the budget process and state expenditures. It is important that the Legislature work to ensure the long-term fiscal health of state government. One big step towards putting Wisconsin on the fiscal road to recovery is honest budgeting. Relying on one-time funding sources and creative accounting over the past two-decades has left state government with a nearly $3 billion structural deficit. The Truth in Budgeting Act (LRB-1356) requires the legislature to achieve a balanced budget according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles with the 2015-16 budget. While we would all prefer to accomplish this far sooner, we also recognize that this process will take time. In addition, this proposal requires each government agency, once every ten years to prepare their budget utilizing the principles of zero-based budgeting which each component is justified based on cost, need, and relation to the statutory responsibilities of the agency. Representative Vukmir noted, “As stewards of the taxpayers’ money, it’s the responsible thing to do. Our budget problems have very little to do with the economic downturn. We have been spending beyond the means of the taxpayers and relying on budget tricks for too long. These proposals mark the first step towards putting Wisconsin on the road to economic recovery.” In an effort to increase public awareness of the state’s spending proclivities and priorities, the state budget must be fully transparent. The State Expenditure Transparency Modernization Act (LRB-1205) will create a first-of-its-kind state database and website that is fully interactive and searchable. The database and website will disclose all state expenditures over $25, from office supplies to salaries. So the public is fully informed and all expenditures fully disclosed, the database will include contracts, grants, salary history and benefit information for all state employees, and also sets these same disclosure requirements for school districts. Representative Kramer remarked, “Frankly, government waste is an offense to Wisconsin’s taxpayers. It is the stories of failed computer project after failed computer project that infuriates the hardworking families of Wisconsin. It is the news of government contracts that seem to always go to the politically well-connected. This is an idea whose time has come.” The Earmark Transparency Act (LRB-1277), landmark legislation shepherded by Representative Rich Zipperer will bring sunshine into the budget process, particularly in the area of earmarks. The bill requires a report listing all earmarks be made public at least 48 hours before any votes are cast in committee or in either houses of the legislature, prohibits agencies from requesting earmarks, and prohibits a conference committee from inserting ‘airdrops’ into the budget. Airdrops are earmarks or non-fiscal policy items inserted into a conference committee budget that were not previously approved during any step of the budget process. Last year, the bill was introduced as AB739 and received broad bipartisan support, gaining unanimous approval by a voice vote in the Assembly. “Now more than ever, taxpayers simply cannot afford costly earmarks and pet projects that don’t go through the public vetting process,” said Zipperer. “When this bill becomes law, lawmakers will no longer have the luxury of hiding earmarks and pork requests in future budgets without the public, the media, and government watchdog groups knowing. That public accountability will help end the culture of pork barrel spending in Madison and let taxpayers know where their taxes are being spent.” Representative Brett Davis noted, “Just like families all across the state, state government needs to tighten its belt and make responsible decisions regarding the upcoming budget process. We need to stop putting spending on the state's credit card and need a plan to eliminate the deficit. By passing these responsible budgeting practices we can end the harmful budgeting gimmicks that have plagued the state's budget for years and finally achieve a truly balanced budget." ### Read the Press Release Read the State Expenditure Transparency Modernization Act (Rep. Kramer and Rep. Vukmir) Read the Truth in Budgeting Act (Rep. Vukmir and Rep. Davis) Read the Budget and Earmark Reform Act (Rep. Zipperer and Rep. Vukmir) Tue, 10 Feb 2009 22:55:00 CST http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=20791&mname=Article http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=20791&mname=Article Yet Another Education Leader Endorses Rose Vukmir Backs Fernandez for State Superintendent Rose Fernandez, the parental advocate running for Superintendent of Public Instruction, has won the endorsement of yet another prominent education policy leader in Wisconsin. Today, State Representative Leah Vukmir (R-Brookfield) announced she is supporting Rose in her race for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Rose is a proven leader with the right balance of passion, courage and judgment to bring about real education reform in Wisconsin, and she has already demonstrated her ability to take on the establishment and do what is right for our children,” said Vukmir. “Rose is a strong supporter of School Choice and she is not afraid to call for higher standards throughout our public schools and of course I admire and respect her desire to focus on improving Wisconsin schools without pushing for increased sales or property taxes.” Prior to entering the legislature, Vukmir was an education reform advocate and president of Parents Raising Educational Standards in Schools (PRESS), a statewide organization committed to raising academic standards and increasing parental involvement in the school reform process. “Representative Vukmir's backing adds to a growing network of support, and I am particularly honored to have her on the team,” said Fernandez. “As a nurse and education advocate before entering the Assembly, Representative Vukmir and I share a common history and a common passion for children.” About Rose Rose Fernandez is a former pediatric trauma nurse and former senior administrator at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, a world-renowned academic medical center. The former president of the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families, Fernandez helped lead a group of parents, teachers and administrators to ensure passage of a bipartisan compromise through a split legislature, which enabled online public charter schools to continue to operate in the state, thus rescuing dozens of schools for thousands of students. She is also a small business owner. She and her husband Javier, a Waukesha firefighter, raise their five children in Mukwonago. Fernandez is the only candidate from outside the education bureaucracy establishment and is determined that this campaign focus on real issues. She’s holding a series of listening sessions across the state. She said she wants to hear from parents, teachers, administrators and students from across Wisconsin about what works, what doesn’t and how DPI can be a partner in their pursuit of educational excellence. For more information go to www.ChangeDPI.com. Wed, 04 Feb 2009 12:06:00 CST http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=20685&mname=Article http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=20685&mname=Article For Immediate Release Contact: Bill G. Smith (608) 255-6083 or Jason Brewer at (202) 406-4435 Representative Leah Vukmir Named NFIB Guardian of Small Business Madison, Oct. 28, 2008—Representative Leah Vukmir was honored today by the National Federation of Independent Business/Wisconsin as a 2008 “Guardian of Small Business,” recognizing the representative’s strong support of small business and her solid voting record with NFIB over the past two years. In addition to a 100 percent voting record in support of small business, Rep. Vukmir has been a leading force to make healthcare more affordable for small employers and their employees. As chairman of the Assembly Committee on Health and Health Care Reform, Vukmir has led efforts to introduce market-based solutions that address the rising cost of healthcare—a cost which continues to be cited by small employers as one of the top problems facing their business. “Even with a credit crisis and high energy prices, the cost of healthcare continues to be the number one long-term threat to small business,” said NFIB/Wisconsin state director Bill G. Smith. “Rep. Vukmir has pushed for real reform, tackling issues like price disclosure and wellness incentives that are too often ignored by those seeking a big government solution to healthcare.” Smith also commended legislation authored by Vukmir that would give small business owners more flexibility with state mandates, and allow them to purchase insurance across state lines—concepts many conclude would lead to more competition and better prices for small business healthcare plans. Smith said NFIB Guardian awards are only given to those elected officials who back up their promises with votes at the Capitol that protect the interests of Wisconsin’s small businesses and their employees. “We are grateful for Rep. Vukmir’s support and leadership on healthcare reform and other important issues facing the small business community, and we are proud to name her a Guardian of Small Business, NFIB’s highest honor,” said Smith. ### NFIB is the nation’s leading small business association, with offices in Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small and independent business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB’s powerful network of grassroots activists send their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America’s free enterprise system. NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information about NFIB is available online at www.NFIB.com/newsroom. www.NFIB.com/WI View the PDF Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:26:00 CST http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=19579&mname=Article http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=19579&mname=Article July 22, 2008 For Immediate Release Contact: Rep.Leah Vukmir (608) 266-9180 Rep. Bill Kramer (608) 266-8580 Reps. Kramer, Vukmir urge Governor Doyle to call special session of the Legislature to repeal minimum markup law Sharp increase in CPI exacerbates the effect of state mandated price increases (Madison) – Last week, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics released data indicating that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) had shot up 1.1 percent in June, for an annual pace of 5 percent, the sharpest such increase since June of 1982. Consequently, Representatives Bill Kramer (R-Waukesha) and Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) have joined a growing chorus seeking relief from increasingly high prices and urge Governor Jim Doyle to call the Legislature into special session for a vote on repeal of Wisconsin’s outmoded minimum markup law. The minimum markup law, passed in 1939, mandates that retailers include a minimum price increase on gasoline, and also prohibits the sale of goods below cost. Last summer, and then again in November of last year, news reports indicated that Wisconsin law prohibits residents from taking advantage of cost savings and sales on such things as prescription drugs, computers, and gasoline. During this session, Representatives Kramer and Vukmir and Senator Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee) introduced the Competitive Marketplace Act (AB 820). The Competitive Marketplace Act repeals the current price increase requirement and modernizes Wisconsin’s statutes to reflect a century of anti-trust case law and the experience of the Federal Trade Commission. Enactment of AB 820 would allow consumers to take advantage of $4 prescription drug programs, ensure that fuel and food prices in the state are competitive and allow retailers to price their merchandise according to the market forces, not an arbitrary formula established by state government. Representative Bill Kramer noted, “The data from BLS clearly shows the cost of living is increasing for all of us. As lawmakers and leaders, we can and should take this step to help alleviate the rising prices of gasoline, food, and other consumer goods. The current economic downturn is really hurting our working families in Waukesha and across Wisconsin, and government certainly shouldn’t be contributing to the pain and rising cost of living.” Governor Doyle dating back to his time as a District Attorney has advocated for the repeal of the markup law and he has consistently urged the legislature to take bipartisan action. Additionally, several major newspapers have called for repeal of the law, with the Wisconsin State Journal stating that, “Lawmakers should repeal this anti-competitive, anti-consumer regulation.” Representative Leah Vukmir concluded, "Consumers are feeling the impact of higher prices, not just at the gas pump, but in every other area of our economy. If there was ever a time to repeal this statutory relic and return to a free market, it is now.” -###- Read the 2007-2008 CoSponsorship Memorandum Read the 2007-2008 Legislation (AB 820) Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=13415&mname=Article http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=13415&mname=Article May 16, 2008 For Immediate Release Contact: Leah Vukmir (608) 266-9180 Rep. Vukmir’s Statement Regarding Governor Doyle’s Action on the Budget Repair Bill (Madison) - State Representative Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) released the following statement following Governor Doyle’s action on the budget repair bill: “I am very pleased that Governor Doyle vetoed the non-fiscal policy provision related to low-income property tax exemptions. This item had no place in a budget repair bill. The Governor’s action today will help preserve this thirty-year-old exemption that many seniors living in not-for-profit, benevolent facilities depend on. “I also applaud the Governor’s use of his veto pen to restore $20 million of taxpayer money for the implementation of the federal RealID Act. Governor Doyle properly recognizes that we cannot simply ignore this important federal law. “I was also pleased to hear the Governor pledge to cut spending. I am confident that the administration can find real and significant savings in every area of state government. I would encourage the administration to focus on these efforts and resist the easy path of relying on fund raids to close the budget shortfall.” -###- Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=13414&mname=Article http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=13414&mname=Article May 14, 2008 For Immediate Release Contact: Leah Vukmir (608) 266-9180 Rep. Vukmir’s Comments Regarding Budget Repair Bill (Madison) - State Representative Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) made the following remarks on the Assembly Floor today regarding the “Budget Repair Bill:” "Much has been said about how the national economy brought about our budget woes. In some ways – that statement is true. However, the real problems with the state budget are entirely of our own doing. "Economic downturns happen, often without warning – it is our job to be prepared for them. We were not, never have been and at this rate, we never will be prepared or capable of dealing with economic challenges. This body cannot even control it’s spending in the good times – let alone the bad times. "The Senate Joint Finance Co-Chair offered his budget strategy in this morning’s paper. He said legislators should “cross our fingers” and “hope there is no new economic downturn.” "That’s exactly what happened last October when this house passed a budget compromise. We saw the telltale signs that our economy was slowing and we knew our revenue projections were unrealistically optimistic, yet this body passed a budget without any spending adjustments with their fingers crossed, while hoping for the best. "Members proclaimed that we had “passed a budget the taxpayers could afford.” That laughable claim hasn’t been true for a decade – but this time the claim was proven wrong within two months. I guess the taxpayers just aren’t working hard enough to meet the spending priorities the legislature set, because it is quite clear they cannot afford them. "We warned you then. We told you we would not meet our revenue projections and we told you we would be back here with a repair bill. And we may very well be back again very soon because we have repaired precisely – nothing. This compromise leaves us in a precarious fiscal position and it is clear that the only strategy being offered today is – crossed fingers. "What we need to do is exactly what taxpayers are doing right now - adjust our spending priorities. If we cannot find the resolve to actually cut spending during an economic slowdown, we never will. "Wisconsin’s families are feeling the burden of higher prices and they are adjusting their household budgets, reprioritizing their spending and cutting back. They expect the same from us as stewards of their tax dollars. "Businesses all over Wisconsin are trimming expenses and working to run more efficiently and more lean. They are in a struggle for survival. In the end, as the economy improves, their business will be more competitive and more effective. "This is exactly what the State of Wisconsin must do and now is the time to do it. We need to cut spending, trim waste and become more efficient – government needs to become lean. Instead, this budget repair compromise just borrows more, delays payments, raises taxes, and amazingly, manages to spend even more money. This isn’t a repair, this is a sham. "We are quickly running out of tricks and one-time funding sources – the day of reckoning is coming soon. But that’s okay, we have it under control, and we have our fingers crossed. "This compromise represents the abandonment of fiscal responsibility for the purpose of political expediency. Rather than starting the long process of addressing our real budget problems, we defer, delay and deny – just to get through another election cycle. When we come back for the next budget, we will again defer, delay and deny – fingers crossed and singularly focused on political expediency. "The repair bill also gives us tax increases. Of course, because no one wants to admit that they are tax increases, we claim we are merely closing tax loopholes. Some of you may believe it, but the taxpayers know better. This bill eliminates a tax deduction that’s valid for federal tax purposes. Make no mistake, this is a tax increase. "This tax is being pushed by the Senate’s myopic hatred of big-box stores, particularly Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart of course is guilty of the crime of being non-union and apparently needs to be punished. "Unfortunately, this new tax on interest and rental income will impact far more than a few big-box retailers. The tax is far more expansive than the talking points or LFB have indicated. These tax policy changes also mark a new era for businesses in Wisconsin. A business will now be required to demonstrate that their “primary motivation” for a particular business practice was not simply to reduce their state tax burden. But, what if the businesses primary motivation for reducing their tax burden is to expand their business and create jobs? Well, we don’t know, this will be up to the bureaucrats at the Department of Revenue. "This provision is outrageous and sets an awful precedent that is sure to have serious consequences on our economy. These are the kinds of tax policies one would find in Venezuela, not Wisconsin. I would have said the former Soviet Union, however these changes are retroactive to the beginning of this year and the Soviet Constitution prohibited retroactive taxation. "If this tax increase isn’t bad enough, the compromise also contains a non-fiscal policy change that will result in the elimination of a 30-year-old property tax exemption for senior living facilities. "I have been fortunate to have bipartisan allies standing with me as we defeated effort after effort to go after our seniors over the past several years. I would also like to thank the many members from the Democratic side of the aisle who joined me to prevent similar legislation from making it to the floor in the final days of this session. "This property tax provision has no place in this budget compromise. It will not have a positive state revenue impact. In reality, putting thousands of seniors on the tax rolls will make them eligible for the Homestead Tax Credit. It will also have the very unfortunate consequence of driving hundreds of seniors onto Title 19 which will increase our MA costs. "The property tax provision will expand the exemption for low-income for-profit corporations, but it will also effectively eliminate the exemption for not-for-profit, benevolent senior housing. How does this even begin to make sense? "These facilities support under-reimbursed nursing homes that offer a continuum of care for our seniors. Many of them will be unable to afford the increased rent. These seniors have chosen to invest their life-savings, typically the proceeds from selling their homes, into their long-term care. They chose to be self-reliant rather than divesting of their assets and becoming dependent on government for their care. And for this, we are going to punish them by removing a thirty year-old property tax exemption. This is wrong! "What a great message for this legislature. We protected for-profit corporations at the expense of non-profit religious homes for seniors. "I am ashamed that this provision is in this budget repair and I am ashamed at the tactics that were used. This is little more than a sop for a single lobbyist. "When I look around these chambers and recall the sanctimony of those who were going-on-and on about how we need to protect SeniorCare, I am amazed that any of you could vote for this today. "SeniorCare could have been reformed. In fact, moving most of the enrollees to Medicare Part D would have cost the seniors less money; actually it would cost them no money at all, and it would have saved the state money. But that is an issue for a different day. "The effect that this provision will have on our seniors is far more reaching. "This budget repair is no repair at all. For these reasons, I will be voting no, and I won’t have to cross my fingers, but I will rely on hope. I am hopeful that the Governor will veto this tax exemption provision. In fact, I am hopeful that he vetoes the entire bill. We need to start over, we need to get serious and we need to address our fiscal problems right now. -###- Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=18752&mname=Article http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=18752&mname=Article January 4, 2008 For Immediate Release Contact: Rep. Rich Zipperer (608) 266-5120 Rep. Leah Vukmir (608) 266-9180 Rep. Roger Roth (608) 266-7500 Earmark Transparency Act Unveiled Budget reform measure will bring needed public scrutiny to state budget process. Madison-State Representatives Rich Zipperer (R-Pewaukee), Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa), and Roger Roth Jr. (R-Grand Chute) today unveiled landmark legislation to force public scrutiny into future state budgets. Dubbed the 'Earmark Transparency Act,' the bill will prohibit state agencies, the Governor, and individual legislators from hiding earmarks in an omnibus budget bill. Earmarks are specific expenditures that would not receive funding under standard formulas used to appropriate taxpayer dollars. The bill also prohibits last-second additions by a budget conference committee that were never included in previous version of the budget. "It is time to end the costly game of hide-and-go-seek that has been played with taxpayer money," said Zipperer. "While earmark frustration is normally reserved for special-interest giveaways or pork projects in federal budgets, such as the infamous bridge to nowhere or the latest federal budget that included over 9,000 earmarks, Wisconsin's budgets are nearly as bad and we cannot afford to waste taxpayer dollars," said Zipperer. "The Earmark Transparency Act will help restore the public's faith and confidence in our budget process by bringing strong public scrutiny to future budgets, so taxpayers can know what their money is being spent on." The Earmark Transparency Act requires that the Legislative Fiscal Bureau prepare an 'Earmark Transparency Report' and that the report be released to the public for 48 hours before the Joint Committee on Finance, the Assembly, or the Senate can approve a budget bill. The report will bring to light all earmarks, including the cost, location, beneficiary, and requesting representative or senator. The legislation also prohibits state agencies from requesting earmarks when submitting their budget requests to the Department of Administration, and it prohibits a conference committee from inserting 'airdrops' into the budget. Airdrops are earmarks or non-fiscal policy items inserted into a conference committee budget that were not previously approved during any step of the budget process. The most infamous airdrop during the budget debate last year was a provision to allow the sampling of liquor in grocery stores, which was later vetoed by Governor Doyle. "Our state can little afford to continue the practice perfected by Governors and Legislators in recent years, of hiding earmarks and pork projects in the shadows of budget bills and amendments," said Roth. "The time to pass the Earmark Transparency Act is now. I don't think it's too much to ask that Legislators stand up and defend their earmarks in the light of day. It's responsible legislation as well as the right thing to do." When Governor Jim Doyle signed the 2007 state budget into law, the 1,633 page document contained many earmarks that were never vetted through the public hearing process. While many of the items were worthwhile, many others would fail to pass public scrutiny if introduced as stand alone legislative items. Select earmarks inserted during the 2007 budget process include: $2.8 million for a Green Bay riverside boardwalk $125,000 to the Painters and Allied Trades Council 7 $1.2 million for street improvements in Pleasant Prairie $142,000 to the International Crane Foundation $4 million for a soybean crusher in Evansville numerous highway earmarks throughout the state $800,000 for a bike trail in West Allis $1 million for youth summer jobs program in Milwaukee $950,000 for Kenosha streets $100,000 for two ice arenas in Ashwaubenon & Eau Claire $25,000 for a youth center in Mondovi $500,000 for a civil war exhibit in Kenosha $100,000 for a pedestrian path in Milwaukee "Every two years, sadly, Wisconsin citizens are treated to stories about the bloated federal budget; pork and earmarks for a bridge to nowhere. Unfortunately, the Wisconsin Biennial Budget is not immune from pork & earmarks, except ours are not for bridges but rather, for example, raiding $4 million dollars from the State Recycling Fund for a soybean crushing facility or a $1 million dollar earmark for a conservation fund run by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage District, each at the behest of an individual legislator," said Vukmir. "The Bill that we are introducing certainly is not a silver bullet, but it is an important first step and certainly not the last, in making the budget process here in Wisconsin more open to the citizens who foot the bill." Reps. Zipperer, Vukmir, and Roth began circulating the Earmark Transparency Act for cosponsors today, and hope to gain the bipartisan support necessary to move it through the Legislature before the legislative session ends in mid-March. Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=13445&mname=Article http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=13445&mname=Article October 23, 2007 For Immediate Release Contact: Leah Vukmir (608) 266-9180 Rep. Vukmir’s Comments Regarding the State Budget (Madison) - State Representative Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) made the following remarks on the Assembly Floor today regarding the"Senate Bill 40 - The Budget Bill:” "I want to say that I am proud of the Speaker for doing the best he could with this budget. We all understand the need for compromise and we all understand the need for a budget. I am grateful for the efforts to eliminate so many of tax increases that the Governor pushed for. That is something we can all be proud of. "I know it isn’t easy, particularly as the Governor was threatening to begin unnecessary shutdowns of state government – as though state agencies had magically burned up two-years of revenue in the three months of this fiscal year. "The governor has the bully pulpit and he used it to great advantage during the negotiations. In many ways – he won. In fact, I don’t see this budget as a bipartisan compromise – it is what happens when you have very narrow control of just one-third of the budget making process. "This budget however simply isn’t good enough – in fact it is not good at all. I have clearly heard this message from the people of the 14th Assembly District. We continue to grow the size of government using one-time money and by expanding a tax on a revenue stream that will probably not meet projections. Every other state that has increased the cigarette tax – has not met its budget. "That is the problem with such a tax. We are trying to discourage the use of a product by increasing the tax. Yes, some will quit. Others will buy cigarettes from other states and the black market for the products will grow as well. "While I know that many in this chamber are sincere about using this tax to discourage smoking – but even more simply want the tax money. "What I am particularly concerned about is the raid on the Injured Patients Compensation Fund. In 2003, all but three of the legislators that were here then – and are here now – voted to protect this fund from the whims of the legislature. This bill was passed in both houses and signed into law – Act 111. In Chapter 655.27 paragraph 6 – is a section titled “PURPOSE AND INTEGRITY OF FUND.” It says in part “The fund, including any net worth of the fund, is held in irrevocable trust for the sole benefit of health care providers participating in the fund and proper claimants. Moneys in the fund may not be used for any other purpose of the state.” It couldn’t be any more clear. Our legislative intent is very clear for the courts – and they will not ignore this provision as this legislative cash grab is challenged in court. "Some can talk about a deal that the Medical Society was working with the Administration on and how it somehow now justifies this raid – that’s absurd. The society was merely trying to protect the trust fund from a larger raid. It makes sense – to stave off a $175 million raid they offered $100 million with a move to privatize and protect against any future raids. It’s like paying the troll to cross the bridge. "The state will lose and we will be returning the money to the fund – the fund that is paid for by assessments on doctors – the fund that has prevented Wisconsin from having a medical malpractice crisis for the last 30 years – the type of crisis that 43 other states are having. "On one hand, we talk about controlling health care costs – and then with the other hand we reach into a fund that helps keep costs down and attract high-quality doctors to Wisconsin. "How are we going to fill this $200 million spending hole? Are we going to come back and raise the cigarette tax again? What are we going to do when the tobacco revenue drops off below the projections? How are we going to meet the new spending found in this compromise budget? "What are we going to do if our economy slows down and the revenue coming in fails to meet our overly optimistic revenue projections? It could very well happen. We are beginning to see signs of that already. "Well – for my part – while the Governor may be willing to break his promise and turn his back on the taxpayers. I will not. I will vote to keep my word to my voters and to help the Governor keep his word as well. "This budget is not a Republican budget – it can’t be because we only control one-third of the process. This is a Democrat budget, riddled with earmarks and favors and new spending that we simply cannot afford. We fund this with money that we don’t have and new tax dollars that will probably not cover the bills. "This is the wrong way to go – and I have to take issue with those who want to tell the taxpayers that this compromise “lives within the means of the taxpayers.” It does not. In fact – our current spending – with no increase at all – already spends far more than our taxpayers can afford. This budget simply makes their burden worse. And when we come back here again – which we know we will – to pass a budget repair bill – what will we do? Increase taxes or cut spending? "Wisconsin’s taxpayers need and deserve a reprieve – they need a break from spending increases. This budget DOES NOT MOVE US FORWARD, it simply digs us deeper into the hole. "When will we stop taking more and more of the taxpayers’ money? When will we Republicans hold our ground? "I can think of a billion reasons to vote against this package – but I only have one vote to cast, and it will be no. ### Tue, 23 Oct 2007 10:03:00 CST http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=20858&mname=Article http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=20858&mname=Article March 15, 2007 For Immediate Release Contact: Leah Vukmir (608) 266-9180 Rep. Vukmir Responds to Democrat Party Chair Joe Wineke’s Bogus Claims About the Budget Repair Bill (Madison) – State Representative Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) issued the following statement in response to Democrat Party Chairman Joe Wineke’s misleading comments following her vote on the Budget Repair Bill: “My vote against the Budget Repair Bill was due entirely to Governor Doyle’s insistence that the legislature clean up his budget mess by using more than $20 million in segregated fund raids and transfers from designated user-fees. "Do the math, Joe. Did we really need to transfer $20 million from those funds in order to appropriate $96,000 to fix the backlog at the State Crime Lab? Clearly, the answer to that question is no. The analyst positions accounted for less than one-half of one percent of the fund raids. "The repair bill had more to do with addressing Doyle’s mismanagement and broken promises such as the administration’s failure to sell or subcontract state-owned power plants and water treatment facilities. Doyle’s last budget also under-funded childcare subsidies by $30 million. "If Joe Wineke is honestly concerned about public safety and criminal justice, he should ask Jim Doyle why his 2007-09 state budget only fills 15 of the 31 requested crime lab analyst positions. Even better, he should ask Doyle to explain why he is gutting the GPS sexual predator monitoring program he signed into law before the last election. "Instead, Wineke is interested in taking political cheap-shots. Is Joe also willing to accuse his party’s Assembly members – Rep. Frank Boyle and Rep. Mary Hubler – of turning their backs on crime victims? Whatever their reasons were for voting against the Budget Repair Bill, I am certain it had nothing to do with the crime lab positions. "Our Republican budget for 2007-09 will make public safety and criminal justice a high priority. Our budget will fully fund the 31 analyst positions at the Department of Justice and we will restore the funding for GPS monitoring of sex offenders. "After 16 years of mismanagement under Democrats Jim Doyle and Peg Lautenschlager, we are pleased to fully support Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen as he works to fix the problems he inherited at the Department of Justice. "Hey, Joe! The next time you have a question about my position on an issue – call me. Get the facts; it’s better than sending out press releases containing wild speculations.” ### Thu, 15 Mar 2007 00:00:00 CST http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=22816&mname=Article http://www.leahvukmir.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=22816&mname=Article