Blog Articles


Joint Committee on Finance Members

May 23, 2017

Please select Read More for the full listing of all Joint Committee on Finance Members and their contact information.

Wisconsin Property Tax = Forestry Mill Tax

May 19, 2017

While we in the forestry community have been discussing the proposed state budget provision which eliminates the collection of the Forestry Mill Tax and instead will use General Purpose Revenue to fund the Forestry Fund for this budget cycle – the Governor and some legislators have been broadcasting their message of eliminating Wisconsin’s Property Tax.

Bat disease takes its toll; Wisconsin sites see 30-100 percent decreases

May 15, 2017

Contact(s): Owen Boyle, 608-576-2446; Paul White, 608-267-0813 Call goes out to report surviving bats this summer MADISON — A bat disease that has raced across the eastern U.S. and Canada , killing upwards of 7 million bats, is following the same pattern in Wisconsin, winter hibernacula surveys show.

Legislators surveys on Property Tax issue – Don’t throw it away!

May 12, 2017

Wisconsin citizens have been receiving surveys from their State Legislators on the Property Tax issue.  The ones we have seen make all kinds of claims such as – property taxes have gone sky high, hell is freezing over, elimination of the property tax will increase funds for schools, or it will help someone be able to afford a home. What they don’t tell you – WISCONSIN’S PROPERTY TAX IS THE FORESTRY MILL TAX.

Zdanovecs Awarded 2017 Forest Conservationists of the Year by WI Wildlife Federation

May 11, 2017

2017 Forest Conservationists of the Year presented by WI Wildlife Federation to Jim & Marlene Zdanovec In 1985, dreams of eventually returning to their roots were realized when Jim and Marlene Zdanovec purchased 160 acres of land in Marathon County, Wisconsin. Wildlife was the main reason the Zdanovecs purchased the property.

Stracke Condolences

May 9, 2017

Richard Stracke, Pardeeville – passed away January 4, 2017.

Simkowski Condolences

May 9, 2017

Daniel Simkowski, Rosholt – passed away May 4, 2017.

Governor’s Weekly Address on Forestry Mill Tax

May 4, 2017

The Governor’s weekly radio address  discusses “lasting property tax relief” in the proposed budget.  Sounds good doesn’t it?  Until you realize that he is talking about saving you an average of $26/year by defunding the Forestry Mill Tax. Talk about “lasting” – look at Wisconsin’s beautiful and healthy forests!

Forestry Mill Tax Needs Your Help!

Apr 28, 2017

Budget Update – Efforts to Save the Mill Tax Last week, the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) concluded their public hearings across the state.  I’d like to thank all of you who came out to share your thoughts on the Governor’s Budget Proposal.  It’s crucial for the Committee to hear what’s important to the folks who live up north.

Return of the Canadian Softwood Lumber Tariff

Apr 27, 2017

The Trump administration is slapping duties on billions of dollars of lumber imported from Canada, marking an escalation of trade tensions. The Commerce Department said that countervailing duties ranging from 3% to 24% would be applied retroactively on five Canadian lumber exporters. Overall the duties average about 20% and could amount to $1 billion. Additional penalties could be levied if Commerce determines Canadian lumber is being dumped into U.S. markets.