It is amazing how many critical issues confront WIB members two and a half months before the elections and five months before a new legislature is sworn into office.  Usually this time of year is fairly calm.  But this summer the small business owners and farmers of Wisconsin are facing some very hot topics.

1)  The Department of Workforce Development wants to raise the state minimum wage to $7.25 per hour.  This could have a huge impact on small businesses grossing under $500,000 a year that are covered by the Wisconsin, not Federal, minimum wage.

2)  The Dept. of Health Services wants to massively increase food service and inspection fees.

3)  The Unemployment Insurance fund is dwindling.  It has gone from $2 billion to under $489 million and still falling.  UI taxes will go up on January 1, 2009 but it might not be enough to save the fund from going broke.  If that happens the sate will have to borrow money from the federal government.  And that means much higher UI taxes during this economic downturn.

4)  There is a major campaign to eliminate the minimum markup law.  This would give large corporations the ability to use predatory pricing to drive small retailers out of business.

5)  The state budget is in even worse shape due to a court ruling the put another $300 million hole in it.  Talk of expanding the sales tax base is rampant at the State Capitol.  This "reforming the sales tax code" would fall directly on small business owners and farmers.

Our members can count on us to tell them the truth and stand up for them in the upcoming legislative session.  The coming session will be the most challenging WIB has seen in 25+ years. Every small business and farm owner needs to be involved in this battle!

And always remember, on these and any other issues affecting your business or farm, we are your eyes and ears at the Capitol.