jONline
An e-newsletter from Senator Jon Erpenbach 2-20-2009
Wisconsin Economic Recovery Bill Passed and Signed – The plan to implement Federal stimulus dollars as well as funds for job re-training, state “shovel ready” road projects, cuts to state agencies, and the closing of the Las Vegas loophole as a part of the economic recovery package were signed into law Wednesday. In addition, Governor Doyle introduced his version of the state budget this week in his biennial budget address. Assembly Bill 75 – the state budget – can be viewed online (all 1743 pages) here: http://www.legis.wisconsin.gov/2009/data/AB-75.pdf The budget cuts the state’s projected $5.9 billion deficit over the next two years by cutting agency budget requests by a net of $2.2 billion and utilizing $2.1 billion in federal stimulus funds, $1.4 billion in new revenues and $245 million in other changes, including $200 million in savings from refinancing state debt. Budget officials say the 2011 spending will end up being about the same as being spent in 2008. Track the bill on the Legislative Fiscal Bureau website – there will be a summary of the Governor’s proposal soon: http://www.legis.wisconsin.gov/lfb/LFBPublications_ButtonPages/2009-11_budget.htm
Wisconsin Hosts Fourth Annual College Goal Sunday – This weekend, February 21-22, students from across Wisconsin will be able to get free assistance filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This marks Wisconsin’s fourth year holding the event and, as in previous years, there will be 20 host sites across the state. Financial aid experts will be available at every location to answer questions and offer personal assistance to students and parents alike. For more information or to check for the location nearest you visit www.WiCollegeGoalSunday.org or call the toll free number 1-866-578-4625.
Avoiding Scams at Tax Time – Wisconsin residents are being flooded with scams from fake IRS employees according to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and the Department of Revenue. These scams are being implemented via phone and e-mail and ask for taxpayers’ social security numbers, bank account numbers, or both, in order to process their “economic stimulus payment.” In reality the IRS uses information listed on the taxpayer’s tax return to determine eligibility and to process stimulus payments, rather than contact by phone or e-mail. Please do not fall for these fraudulent IRS agent scams. To read more on this article please visit: http://privacy.wi.gov/pressroom/taxscams.jsp
Dealing with a Drop in Income – As unemployment rates continue to rise across Wisconsin, many families are having to face the same amount of bills with a largely decreased income. These are stressful situations but focusing on a new family budget and contacting creditors early on can often decrease some of the pressure. UW-Extension has published a guide on how to deal with a drop in income which includes advice on how to prioritize bills, and talk to creditors and plan a new family budget. To read this report please visit: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/waukesha/flp/documents/Dealingwithadropinincome.pdf
Marrow Donor Drive – Thousands of patients with leukemia, lymphoma and other blood diseases die every year because the only treatment available to them, a blood marrow transplant, is impossible without a matching donor. Monday, March 9th there will be a donor drive in honor of Ron Carlesen, marrow cell recipient and survivor, in Evansville at the Union Masonic Lodge #32 (104 W Main St) from 11 AM to 6 PM. Come and find out if you are a match for a patient in need! To learn more about marrow donation please visit www.marrow.org and to find out more about the event please call Pat or Ron at (608) 882-0956 or 1 (800) MARROW-2.