Gov. Walker to sign his first bill into law

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Governor Scott Walker is scheduled to sign his first bill into law Monday.

He’s planning a ceremony at EVCO Plastics in De Forest to sign the bill that eliminates the state income tax for contributions to health savings accounts. Those contributions are not subject to the federal income tax – and only four states tax them.

Walker starts his fourth week in office today. He’s been working on an agenda to boost Wisconsin’s economy and create jobs. The HSA deduction would provide about $49 million per year in new tax breaks. Some Democrats say it’s a cost Wisconsin cannot afford, given a $3 billion state deficit.

More tax breaks for businesses

Both houses of the Wisconsin Legislature on Tuesday are expected to pass a bill that gives companies an income tax break for every new job they create.

The bill is part of Walker’s plan to improve the state’s economy and business climate – and put people back to work.

The minority Democrats say income tax break for jobs probably isn’t enough to encourage employers to add workers. They say the actual tax break will be around $90 to $300 per job per year.

Democrats say those measures and others will most likely add $120 million to Wisconsin’s budget deficit over the two-year period beginning in July.

State vet keeps job

Wisconsin will keep the state veterinarian it’s had for the last eight years. Dr. Bob Ehlenfeldt has been reappointed by the state’s new agriculture secretary, Ben Brancel.

Brancel said Ehlenfeldt knows veterinary science and law, and that he works well with people.

The late Ag Secretary Rod Nilsestuen first appointed Ehlenfeldt as the state vet in 2003.

The state vet oversees the surveillance, prevention and responses to diseases in Wisconsin’s multi-billion-dollar animal agriculture sector.

Ehlenfeldt has held various posts for the state Ag Department since 1985 – including the director of what’s now called the state’s Veterinary Diagnostic Lab.

Tags: news, wisconsin, politics