Last week Senate floor action: The Senate passed a low-income housing bill

jONline

An electronic newsletter from Senator Jon Erpenbach – February 4, 2008

Last week Senate floor action: The Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 403 clarifying low income housing rules. The bill would clarify property tax exemptions to low-income housing so communities will be able to continue to provide low-income housing opportunities to residents. See the note from Mayor Cieslewicz. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 259 prohibiting home and auto insurance companies from using credit scoring information. Recently insurance companies have created a ranking of potential customers using credit reports as a risk factor. Paying bills late should not prohibit a driver or homeowner from getting insurance, or make them pay double the rate they should be. See the complete Senate calendar here. All Senate bills need to pass the assembly.

Senate Bill 99 passes finance committee: Senate Bill 99 recently passed the Legislative budget committee, Joint Finance Committee. The bill will allow cellular phone users to add their number to the “Do Not Call” list. Last year, over 1 million Wisconsin residential land line customers signed up for the list. The bill would allow all “telecommunications” customers (including cellular phones) to sign up for the list. See the Erpenbach release. The bill will now be available for Senate floor action.

Badgercare Plus enrollment begins February 1st: Badger Care Plus enrollment began on February 1^st. BC+ offers health coverage for children in Wisconsin by streamlining Medicaid, BadgerCare, and Healthy Start into one program. Low income families will be able to enroll their children into BadgerCare Plus at no charge. Higher income families can enroll their children with prorated premiums. To see if you are eligible or to apply for BadgerCare Plus visit here.

Standard Imaging, Inc., to receive tax credits: Standard Imaging Inc. will receive a $123,000 Technology Zone tax credit for creating 12 new positions. Standard Imaging, Inc. is a Middleton based supplier for the healthcare industry. To find out more about the project visit State of Wisconsin Department of Commerce.