What to Do when the Power Goes Out

In the event of a power outage, City residents should call Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) at 800-450-7240. Do not assume a neighbor has already reported the outage. The City does not control power restoration, so do not call the Dispatch Center/Police Department to report the outage unless downed power lines are creating a dangerous or emergency (fire) situation. In that case, please contact the Dispatch Center by calling 911. Assume all lines are energized – do not touch or move them.

Power outage status information is available on the WPS website and you can follow #WPSstorm on Twitter. If a traffic signal is out, please notify the Police Department via the non-emergency number 715-346-1500.

If the temporary stop signs have already been put in place to control traffic, the Police Department is aware of the outage and it does not need to be reported.

We encourage you to sign up for emergency alerts using the “Notify Me” module on this website. Click the link on this page and then follow the instructions at the top of the Notify Me page. “Emergency Alerts” are listed under the “News Flash” heading. Click to select the icons for e-mail alerts and/or text message alerts. Subscribers will receive notices about emergencies declared in the City of Stevens Point.

Lassa Statement on Governor’s Venture Capital Commission

Madison — State Senator Julie Lassa released the following statement in reaction to Governor Scott Walker’s announcement that he has suspended his Venture Capital Commission:

“I want to thank Governor Walker for the opportunity to serve as a member of the Venture Capital Commission. The venture capital proposal that Governor Walker is backing, which is based on the work of the commission, is a good basis for continued discussion in the legislature. As we move forward, however, there are important details still to be worked out. These details include what oversight will be in place to provide openness and transparency for taxpayers, how the bond debt will be repaid, and insuring that the plan creates good-paying jobs in all areas of Wisconsin. A venture capital bill also has to be looked at in the context of proposals that address other elements of the state’s economy, such as access to capital for small businesses and our need to train workers for highly-skilled jobs, especially the hundreds of thousands of unemployed individuals in Wisconsin.

“I understand the pressures to pass a venture capital bill quickly; however, we’re talking about investing millions of taxpayer dollars. Crafting a proposal that will successfully foster job growth in Wisconsin while protecting the interests of taxpayers is a complex process, and it’s important that we get it right. The past failure of CAPCO in Wisconsin demonstrates what can happen when the legislature doesn’t do it correctly. I look forward to continuing to be part of the process of building our state’s investment infrastructure so we can grow the businesses that will create good-paying new jobs.”

Lassa Says Services Available for Ramada Workers

State offers resources to help the unemployed

Madison — State Senator Julie Lassa urged workers affected by the recently-announced closing of the Stevens Point Ramada Inn to explore the state services available to them right away.

Owners announced Tuesday that the hotel and restaurant at 1501 Northpoint Drive will close at 6 p.m. Sunday, putting 104 employees out of work.

“Losing your job suddenly is difficult both economically and emotionally. Securing your unemployment benefits and getting your job search underway quickly can ease the strain and help individuals take charge of their future. The State of Wisconsin has resources to help,” Lassa said.

A good first step is to visit the Job Center of Wisconsin at jobcenterofwisconsin.com. In addition to over 30,000 job listings, the site has information on training opportunities and other state and federal benefits unemployed individuals may be entitled to. There’s also advice on coping with job loss and guidance to community resources.

Help is also available at the Job Center office at 320 W. Grand Ave., Suite 102 in Wisconsin Rapids. Along with specialists on various assistance programs, the Center offers a resource room with telephones and fax machines, copiers, computers, and video viewing stations to help with job searching. Call the Job Center at (715) 422-5000 for more information.

It’s also important for unemployed individuals to file an unemployment insurance claim as soon as they’re eligible. New state regulations require a one-week waiting period before payment of new benefit claims. Learn more about eligibility and filing requirements and file a claim online at dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben.

Free online pamphlets on managing both financial and emotional challenges are available at the University of Wisconsin Extension Learning Store, learningstore.uwex.edu/Managing-Between-Jobs-C71.aspx.

Public Session on 2012 Budget to be Held Oct. 27

Mayor Halverson and Comptroller Schlice will hold a session tonight at 5:30 pm at Washington School (Music Room). Time for questions and answers will follow presentations on the 2012 budget. The session scheduled is to be televised Oct. 31, Nov. 1 & 2.

Lassa Bill Prohibits Discriminating Against Jobless

Madison — Employers wouldn’t be able discriminate against unemployed individuals under a bill introduced this week by State Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point), Senator Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) and Representative JoCasta Zamarripa (D-Milwaukee).

Senate Bill 249 protects the unemployed from unfair discrimination by making it unlawful for an employer to:

• Refuse to consider for employment or refuse to offer employment to someone because the person is unemployed;
• Include in any job advertisement or posting a provision that unemployed persons will not be considered or hired;
• Direct or request that an employment agency take into account an individual’s unemployed status in screening or referring applicants for employment.

“Despite the continuing unemployment crisis in this state, some employers are specifically saying in job listings that long-term unemployed individuals need not apply. This is wrong,” Lassa said. “There are more than a quarter million unemployed people in Wisconsin, the vast majority of whom are jobless through no fault of their own. To condemn these people to continued unemployment just because they are victims of economic forces beyond their control is every bit as discriminatory as refusing to hire them because of their race or gender.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost 266,600 Wisconsinites were unemployed in the second quarter of this year (April, May and June), with 81,400 of those individuals unemployed for 52 weeks or more. Over 19,500 Wisconsinites have already exhausted their unemployment benefits this year, meaning they went through 86 weeks of benefits without finding a job.

Under the bill, employers could still list bona fide qualifications for a job, such as education credentials and work experience, or list that only their current employees will be considered for the job. Similar legislation was recently signed into law in New Jersey by Republican Governor Chris Christie.

“Companies can still hire people with the skills they need, and don’t have to hire individuals who were fired for cause. But they won’t be able to engage in systematic discrimination against unemployed individuals. It’s a matter of simple fairness, especially in times like these, when so many people are desperately looking for work,” Lassa said.

Rep. Krug: Creating jobs through transportation legislation

Package of bills will help Wisconsin compete

Wisconsin Rapids – The State Assembly reconvened last week to approve a package of bills that will expand the state’s Jobs Tax Credit program and several transportation-related items aimed at making Wisconsin more competitive in the global marketplace.

Under the Jobs Tax Credit Program, employers may claim a 10% tax credit for wages paid to new workers and for training costs. Assembly Bill 1 will raise the annual cap from $5 million to $10 million.

“This money will be used by businesses to hire additional employees, pay higher wages, expand research and development and reduce debt,” states Krug

Assembly Bill 252, which Representative Krug co-sponsored, allows farmers to reduce transportation costs and increase efficiency by extending the time period in which heavier loads may be transported without a permit. The bill also gives farmers the flexibility to harvest later in the season when needed.

“It is absolutely imperative that we start working towards lowering the costs of transporting goods and services across the state of Wisconsin,” said Krug. “Whether its cranberries, corn, beans or hay the demand for our goods is skyrocketing, by reducing transportation costs for farmers and small businesses, we are allowing them to expand their business through job creation.”

“This is the start of many improvements to our transportation system in Wisconsin. We have to make sure that goods and services are moving in order to attract new businesses and new jobs, we need to make sure Wisconsin stays competitive,” said Krug. “Nobody is going to invest in Wisconsin if we don’t first invest in ourselves.”

All transportation bills and the Job Tax Credit program passed with bipartisan support.

Historic Emergency Alert System Test

First ever nationwide alert set for November 9, 2011

(MADISON) – Wisconsin will participate in the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) next month. The test will be heard on radio stations, and will be viewed on televisions across the country as part of national preparedness efforts.

The test will occur on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. and will last approximately 3 minutes. Television viewers and radio station listeners will hear a message indicating that “this is a test.”

The national-level EAS is a public alert and warning system that enables the President of the United States to address the American public during extreme emergencies. Similar to local EAS tests that are conducted frequently, the nationwide test will involve broadcast radio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wireline providers across all states and territories.

“Although EAS is frequently used by our state and local governments to send weather alerts and other emergency information, there has never been a national activation of the system,” says Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Brian Satula. “EAS messages were sent out 23 times in the last two years by local and state government agencies in Wisconsin to communicate vital emergency information. Last February, EAS messages were used to warn people about treacherous road conditions during the Groundhog Day Blizzard.”

The purpose of the November 9, 2011 test is to assess the readiness and effectiveness of the current system and identify improvements to better serve and protect our citizens and communities.

The test has been in the development stages for the last two years. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communications Commission and the National Weather Service, along with state, local and tribal agencies, have been coordinating this test.

The EAS test is a great reminder that everyone in Wisconsin should have an emergency preparedness kit and create an emergency plan for themselves, their families, communities and businesses. Anyone can visit http://readywisconsin.wi.gov for more information about how to “Get a Kit, Make a Plan and Stay Informed” and what to do in the event of an actual emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions about the EAS Test

1. What is the Emergency Alert System (EAS)?
   The national-level EAS is a national public alert and warning system that enables the President of the United States to address the American public during extreme emergencies. Alerting authorities can leverage the state and local EAS to send alerts and warnings to radio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wireline providers.
2. What is the Nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) Test?
   The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) will send an EAS test message to all participating radio, television, cable and satellite providers.
3. What Can I Expect to Hear/See?
   The test may look like regular, local EAS tests that most people are already familiar with, but there will be some differences in what viewers will see and hear. The audio message will repeat “This is a test.” The video message scroll may not indicate “This is a test” due to programming limitations. The message will last for approximately three minutes and then regular programming will resume.
4. Where Will I Hear/See the Test?
   On all participating radio, television, cable and satellite providers (who are called EAS Participants).
5. When Will the Test Occur?
   November 9, 2011 at 1:00 PM (central time). That time was selected to make sure the test can occur during normal business hours across many time zones.

For more information please contact Tod Pritchard at 608-242-3324 or 608-219-4008 or tod.pritchard@wisconsin.gov.

RETIREMENT INVESTING

By Peter Brey , Partner, Buena Vista Investment Management

1982 marked a beginning of a new era in retirement investing. Congress passed a bill that allowed people to invest $2000 each year into a retirement account and receive a deduction on their tax return. In the years that followed there have been numerous new retirement programs that have been added such as nondeductible IRAs, Roth IRAs, Simple-SEPs, and 401k accounts. The days of the defined pension plans have disappeared at most corporations. Thus the burden of saving and investing for retirement has been placed squarely on the individual’s shoulders.

This transition of responsibility from corporations onto individuals means that investment decisions and strategies must be made by the stakeholder. With Finance not being a mandatory academic requirement in high school, there are many people who are not in a position to make informed decisions. Many custodians offer insights but really do not know all of the financial details of the people they are advising. It is my hope that people enjoy the same benefits of the old defined benefit programs, but my concern is that they will not.

There are many strategies that people employ in managing their investments. Here are some ideas that you might incorporate into your retirement planning:

1. Your age determines how aggressive or how conservative you want to be in your retirement accounts. The rule is that the closer you are to retiring the smaller your percentage of money should be in the equity markets. For people in their 20s and 30s, the vast majority of your dollars should be in stocks.
2. It is a solid tax strategy to have your mutual funds in your retirement accounts and if you buy individual stocks, they should be in your cash account. Mutual funds often distribute capital gains in the fall of each year. You never know how big or small these distributions might be. Thus it is not unusual to sometimes have tax payment surprises that are not pleasant. Individual stocks carry more risk than diversified mutual funds. It is not uncommon for an investor to have stocks that have not performed. In your cash account you can sell the loss and use it to offset gains against stocks you sold that had gains. Also you can write off up to $3000 each year from losses that exceed your gains against your income. You can also carry all of your losses forward to other tax years. Loses in your retirement account can’t be used for tax purposes.
3. Bonds/CDs/Fixed income may also be most advantageous when bought in your retirement account. If you are in a 30% or higher tax bracket, you will lose in taxes $1 for every $3 of interest you earn. While in a retirement account you will be able to reinvest that $1. This compounding will have a significant effect if you have ten years or more before you need to use this money for budget purposes. Tax free bonds in most situations should not be used in retirement accounts.
4. Retirement accounts are tax deferred until you access the money. Annuities also are tax deferred. It makes no sense on a tax analysis to put annuities into accounts which are already tax deferred. In general, be careful when considering indexed annuities. These products often come with high surrender fees, high management expenses and limited investment options. Many indexed annuities come with guarantees but there are tradeoffs.
5. Only under extreme financial distress should you take money out of your retirement account before 59 ½. There is a 10% penalty for early withdraw and you have to pay both state and federal taxes. In a 30% plus tax bracket you could pay between 45-56% in taxes and penalties. This means for every $1 you take out you will be able to keep $.44-.55.

If you are frustrated by your current 401k due to limited choices and/or limited assistance may have some options that will relief some of that frustration. If you are 59 ½ or older most plans allow you to transfer out to an IRA rollover everything but the employer’s contribution. This alternative allows you to have someone you trust manage the funds and a greater variety of investments that might better suit your investment needs.

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Buena Vista Investment Management
241 Third Street South l Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Phone: 715 422-0700

Lassa Jobs Bill Passes Senate

Advanced Manufacturing Bill Gains Bipartisan Support

Madison — A measure that expands the Advanced Manufacturing Training Grants Program at Wisconsin technical colleges, authored by State Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point), passed the State Senate with broad bipartisan support today.

“Time and time again, business leaders have told us that finding workers with the advanced manufacturing skills they need is their biggest hurdle,” Lassa said. “This not only has a negative impact on Wisconsin’s competitiveness, it contributes to the unemployment facing nearly a quarter million Wisconsin workers. Advance Manufacturing Training Grants are unquestionably one of the best possible investments we can make in the economic recovery of our state and in the job security of our citizens.”

Created in 2009, the Advanced Manufacturing Training Grants program supports partnerships between private businesses and technical colleges to provide customized manufacturing skills training to employees. The grants have funded more than 200 such partnerships statewide, including one between Ocean Spray and Mid-State Technical College that helped the cranberry company expand its operations in Wisconsin Rapids.

“With Mid-State’s help, Ocean Spray was able to fully realize the benefits of $75 million in capital improvements for production expansion, the largest capital investment the company has ever made in a manufacturing facility. That new capacity allowed the plant to expand from 50 to 168 full-time employees.” Lassa said. “This program is a great example of the link between workforce development and economic growth.”

“The Advanced Manufacturing Training Grant program is a prime example of a program that is working,” Lassa said. “This is the this is the type of legislation the Senate should be working on to help rebuild Wisconsin’s economy and help people find good paying, family-supporting jobs.”

Update from Representative Krug

It’s my favorite time of the year. The crisp air, the smell of the leaves, the stretch run for the Packers and of course time to get back into session. The Wisconsin Legislature kicked off its fall session this week in conjunction with the governors Special Session on jobs.

We had some success during our first special session and our spring session when we created more than 30,000 jobs for Wisconsin. In addition, there are 34,000+ jobs waiting to be filled on the Job Center of Wisconsin website according to the Department of Workforce Development.

Outside of my legislative work, as an employment and training specialist, I know that up to 80% of all job leads are NOT posted on a website or in a newspaper or elsewhere.

This is called the “iceberg effect” or the hidden job market by many in the job industry. As you know, most of an iceberg is below the water and is much bigger than the visible tip.

The same principal applies to job seeking. Those who rely on the want ads or websites are missing out on many opportunities for employment. Larger companies with larger human resource budgets will always post openings, but the backbone of our economy– the small businesses–can’t always afford to do so.

For this reason, networking plays a key role in finding a job. If you’re looking for work use those key websites, get some help at the Job Center, polish up your resume and cover letter, practice your interviewing skills, but most importantly get out there and start pounding the pavement meeting business owners and managers.

Join some local groups, meet some new people, stay active and keep working hard. If you are looking for full time work, your job right now is to spend 40 hours a week looking for that opportunity. Using the numbers I mentioned before and including the hidden job market there are possibly over 150,000 jobs open in and around Wisconsin. With the addition of technical college saving grants we are working on, skill improvement and networking will be a great one-two punch for job seekers and local businesses.

On another topic, we are also seeing results of changes brought by Act 10. Places like Pittsville and Westfield are lowering their taxes. The Marshfield school district saved over $850,000 by switching insurance plans. In Wisconsin Rapids, preliminary numbers show a savings of $1.8 million from the additional contributions. The Necedah schools along with Mauston, Baraboo, Neenah, Kaukauna, Kimberly, Ashland, Fond du Lac, Appleton, Sheboygan, and Madison all show significant savings. At the city and county level, Wood County is going to start its budget process with a surplus, Portage County’s tax rate will stay put and Marathon County will balance its budget without raising taxes. The City of Wisconsin Rapids is planning to have a lower tax rate. The most striking example of all is the City of Milwaukee is looking at savings of up to $36 million. With savings come less debt, less deficit spending and most of all lower than expected property tax bills and that’s where we all win.

Don’t forget “Cell Phones for Soldiers” is going on this month with Bulls Eye Credit Union as a drop off location. Each donated phone gets a soldier oversees a $25 phone card good for 100 minutes to talk with a loved one. Help those who help us everyday.

Email me with your questions at rep.krug@legis.wi.gov and sign up for our weekly e-update as well to stay on top of issues as they come up in front of the legislature.