You are currently browsing the archive for the Legislative Advisory category.
The April 6 issues round-up includes information on state budget hearings, repeal of 1099 requirements, the State Lodging Contract program, Sick Leave Mandate, a clarification on using electronic cigarettes indoors, and room tax reform. To access the full copy of the e-mail, click the April 6 link here. This page is password protected for lodging members only. To get help logging in, email Michelle in the WH&LA office or call 262/782-2851.
Tags: 1099, lodging contract program, room tax, sick leave mandate, smoking ban, state budget, Wisconsin
The Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) will ask the Court of Appeals to reconsider the ruling released yesterday finding the Mandated Paid Sick Leave Ordinance approved by voters in the City of Milwaukee in 2008. For more about the ordinance implementation timeline and Senate Bill 23 and Assembly Bill 41, read the March 25 issue of Capitol Insider here. This page is password protected for lodging members only. For help logging in, e-mail Michelle in the WH&LA office or call 262/782-2851.
Tags: ab 41, legislature, mandate, Milwaukee, MMAC, ordinance, paid sick leave, sb 23, Wisconsin
This morning the Wisconsin Court of Appeals released their ruling upholding the controversial Mandatory Sick Leave Ordinance in the city of Milwaukee passed by referendum in November of 2008. The Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) filed a lawsuit right after the referendum passed challenging the legality of the mandate, which was won in Milwaukee County Circuit Court. An appeal filed by 9 to 5, the National Association for Working Women, was deferred to the state Supreme Court, which deadlocked in a 3-3 vote last October, sending the case back to the District IV Court of Appeals.
Why is this important not only to Milwaukee properties, but to others around the state? What does the Mandatory Sick Leave Ordinance require? To find out, read the March 24 issue of Capitol Insider here. This page is password protected for lodging members only. To get help logging in, e-mail Michelle in the WH&LA office or call 262/782-2851.
Tags: 9 to 5, court of appeals, mandatory, Milwaukee, MMAC, ordinance, sick leave, supreme court, Wisconsin
Every two years the state government has to consider a new 2-year budget proposal that goes into effect starting July 1 of odd-numbered years. More about the Governor’s budget proposal and it’s Department of Tourism funding, the film tax credit and other highlights can be found here by clicking the March 2 link. This page is password protected for WH&LA lodging members only. Contact Michelle in the WH&LA office if you need help logging in.
Tags: Capitol, Department of Tourism, governor, scott walker, state budet, WDT, Wisconsin
The WH&LA has learned that more than a few properties in different parts of the state have not submitted their Room Tax collections to their municipality within a reasonable timeline. While significant cash flow challenges appear to be the cause in most if not all of the cases, it may be helpful to consider several key points before resorting to withholding payment.
The full text with links of the Capitol Insider e-mail is available here by clicking on the January 21, 2011 link. Please note that Capitol Insider e-mails are for WH&LA lodging members only and you will need your user ID and password to access the above link. Need help logging in? Contact Michelle in the WH&LA office via e-mail or call 262/782-2851.
Tags: challenges, legislation, room tax
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) is a leader in providing updates on federal-level issues to our joint members. WH&LA has a condensed summary of each of the following key federal issues: Form 1099 requirements, Health Care Law repeal update, a change in the federal Estate Tax, CPSC prohibition of drop-side cribs, changes in congressional seats after 2010 Census redistricting and ADA regulation changes that may affect your lodging property – featuring a helpful AH&LA Webinar.
The full text with links of the Capitol Insider e-mail is available here by clicking on the January 10, 2011 link. Please note that Capitol Insider e-mails are for WH&LA lodging members only and you will need your user ID and password to access the above link. Need help logging in? Contact Michelle in the WH&LA office via e-mail or call 262/782-2851.
Tags: ada, AHLA, CPSC, drop side cribs, federal estate tax, federal legislative issues, form 1099, health care law, redistricting, repeal, webinar
New Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has been sworn into office, with a full slate of ideas, including many that will impact the lodging industry. His primary theme is “Wisconsin is Open for Business,” with a commitment to add 250,000 jobs by 2015. He has called for a “Special Session on Jobs” in the State Legislature with a number of proposed reforms, and a goal to have the reforms passed by the end of February, an aggressive plan.
On December 30, Governor-Elect Walker announced his new Cabinet Officials (Department Leaders), with our new Secretary of Tourism, Stephanie Klett, host of Discover Wisconsin TV/radio series & Managing Director of Discover Wisconsin Media Network.
Read the entire WH&LA Capitol Insider here, by clicking on the January 3, 2011 link. This page is protected for lodging members only – email Michelle in the WH&LA office if you need help accessing your login information.
Tags: discover wisconsin, governor, scott walker, secretary of tourism, stephanie klett, Wisconsin
Yesterday’s election results have been compared to a tsunami because of the dramatic wave of change occurring on so many levels. The coming days will bring considerable analysis from political experts in both parties and at both the state and federal levels. Today’s Capitol Insider includes federal and state highlights as well as printable lists of winning candidates.
The entire WH&LA Capitol Insider can be viewed here by clicking the November 3, 2010 link. (This link is password protected for WH&LA Lodging Members only. Contact Michelle in the WH&LA office if you need help logging in to wisconsinlodging.org.)
Tags: candidates, Capitol Insider, elections, federal, state, Wisconsin
The October 15 issue of the WH&LA Capitol Insider featured a number of updates, including:
- Tourism Federation of Wisconsin position statements on restoring the State Tourism budget to $15 million and improving the integrity of local room tax around the state
- Elections update with a roster of candidates and Tourism outlook perspectives from the candidates for Wisconsin Governor
- Wisconsin Supreme Court vote on Milwaukee’s paid sick leave ordinance
- Increases in Workers’ Compensation rates for hotel employers
- Sales tax data compilation from the Department of Revenue for 2009
- Local ordinances vs. the statewide smoking ban
The entire WH&LA Capitol Insider can be viewed here by clicking the October 15, 2010 link. (This link is password protected for WH&LA Lodging Members only. Contact Michelle in the WH&LA office if you need help logging in to wisconsinlodging.org.)
Tags: Department of Revenue, election, Legislative, Milwaukee, paid sick leave, room tax, sales tax, scott walker, state tourism budget, statewide smoking ban, tfw, tom barrett, tourism federation of wisconsin, Wisconsin, wisconsin supreme court, workers' compensation
While the Virginia Graeme Baker Act (VGBA) went into effect in December 2008, interpretations of the law seem to still be unsettled.
As of July 1, 2010, state and local health inspectors inspecting pools around the state are now requiring that each licensed pool must be in compliance with the VGBA by showing paperwork documenting the state Department of Commerce has approved the pool’s compliance or that the pool is documented as applying for Plan Review for the changes needed.
In contrast, Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) inspectors show no mercy for pools not currently in full compliance. They do not hesitate to shut down any pool and impose penalties, regardless if a property is part way into the Plan Review process or has done nothing. A pool is considered either compliant and open or non-compliant and closed.
More information about the controversy and potential exemptions for small properties can be found here by clicking the July 27 link. (This page is password protected for WH&LA lodging members only. If you forgot your password, contact Michelle in the WH&LA office. To inquire about WH&LA membership, contact Bill in the WH&LA office by e-mail or call 262/782-2851.)
Tags: drain covers, pools, VGBA
