Wisconsin was 22nd in the annual study by the Beacon Hill Institute at Suffolk University in Boston, which measures eight categories that affect economic activity. Wisconsin was 16th in 2005, 19th in 2006.One of the suggestions offered up in this article is to make Wisconsin wages higher.
Democrats lauded and Republicans panned a proposal introduced at a Capitol news conference Wednesday aimed at forcing public companies to disclose strategies they use to lower their Wisconsin corporate income tax bill.
The proposal would make publicly traded companies disclose what they paid in Wisconsin taxes; what tax breaks, credits or exemptions they had that affected their tax liability; and the taxable income of all subsidiaries. Companies doing business in the state and not filing a return also would have to send the Department of Revenue an explanation of why.
Mike Huckabee last year accepted $52,000 in speaking fees from a biotech giant that wants to research human embryonic stem cells, a nonprofit working to expand access to the morning after pill and a group pushing to study whether tightening gun control laws will reduce violence.This is horrible. The very idea of accepting $52,000 from groups that do not support a conservative message is beyond the pale.
"The basic building blocks for community growth — like access to clean water, good roads, and efficient sewers — can cost taxpayers a lot. That's why I've worked with local officials throughout my district to ensure our local taxpayers get a hand in bearing those costs," said Obey, the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.However, when local and state officials are asking for help in funding programs to keep Wisconsinites safe, apparently there just is not enough money to go around.
It's all Bush's fault, according to Obey.Rep. Dave Obey (D-Wis.), chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said President Bush has cut local law enforcement programs in the past and "this year again made recommendations of more than $1 billion cuts."
"We restored some of the cuts, but he insisted on his total numbers because he wanted to pump every dollar into that stupid war in Iraq," Obey said.
The $7.872 million included in the Northern Wisconsin Environmental Assistance Program will go to help pay for needed improvements to water-related infrastructure in Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas and Iron counties.
The appropriation bill also includes $478,721 for the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians to rebuild a tribal health facility in Odanah that was destroyed by fire.
The bill also includes a total of $1.715 million to assist Bayfield County in improving County Highway "C".Congressman Obey managed to swipe $10,065,721 worth of Federal tax dollars for these three projects along.
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and Civilians of Multi-National Force-Iraq:
As 2007 draws to a close, you should look back with pride on what you, your fellow troopers, our Iraqi partners, and Iraqi Coalition civilians have achieved in 2007. A year ago, Iraq was racked by horrific violence and on the brink of civil war. Now, levels of violence and civilians and military casualties are significantly reduced and hope has been rekindled in many Iraqi communities. To be sure, the progress is reversible and there is much more to be done. Nonetheless, the hard-fought accomplishments of 2007 have been substantial, and I want to thank each of you for the contributions you made to them.
In response to the challenges that faced Iraq a year ago, we and our Iraqi partners adopted a new approach. We increased our focus on securing the Iraqi people and, in some cases, delayed transition of tasks to Iraqi forces. Additional U.S. and Georgian forces were deployed to theater, the tours of U.S. unites were extended, and Iraqi forces conducted a surge of their own, generating well over 100,000 more Iraqi police and soldiers during the year so that they, too, had additional forces to execute the new approach. In places like Ramadi, Baqubah, Arab Jabour, and Baghdad, you and our Iraqi brothers fought--often house by house, block by block, and neighborhood by neighborhood--to wrest sanctuaries away from Al Qaeda-Iraq, to disrupt extremist militia elements, and to rid the streets of mafia-like criminals. Having cleared areas, you worked with Iraqis to retain them--establishing outposts in the areas we were securing, developing Iraqi Security Forces, and empowering locals to help our efforts. This approach has not been easy. It has required steadfastness in the conduct of tough offensive operations, creative solutions to the myriad problems on the ground, and persistence over the course of many months and during countless trying situations. Through it all, you have proven equal to every task, continually demonstrating an impressive ability to conduct combat and stability operations in an exceedingly complex environment.
Your accomplishments have given the Iraqi people new confidence and prompted many citizens to reject terror and confront those who practice it. As the months passed in 2007, in fact, the tribal awakening that began in Al Anbar Province spread to other parts of the country. Emboldened by improving security and tired of indiscriminate violence, extremist ideology, oppressive practices, and criminal activity, Iraqis increasingly rejected Al Qaeda-Iraq and rogue militia elements. Over time, the desire of Iraqis to contribute to their own security has manifested itself in citizens volunteering for the police, the Army, and concerned local citizen programs. It has been reflected in citizens providing information that has helped us find far more than double the number of arms and weapons caches we found last year. And it has been apparent in Iraqi communities now supporting their local security forces.
As a result of your hard work and that of our Iraqi comrades-in-arms--and with the support of the local populace in many areas--we have seen significant improvements in the security situation. The number of attacks per week is down some 60 percent from a peak in June of this year to a level last seen consistently in the early summer of 2005. With fewer attacks, we are also seeing significantly reduced loss of life. The number of civilian deaths is down by some 75 percent since its height a year ago, dropping to a level not seen since the beginning of 2006. And the number of Coalition losses is down substantially as well. We remain mindful that the past year's progress has been purchased through the sacrifice and selfless service of all those involved and that the new Iraq must still contend with innumerable enemies and obstacles. Al Qaeda-Iraq has been significantly degraded, but it remains capable of horrific bombings. Militia extremists have been disrupted, but they retain influence in many areas. Criminals have been apprehended, but far too many still roam Iraqi streets and intimidate local citizens and Iraqi officials. We and our Iraqi partners will have to deal with each of these challenges in the New Year to keep the situation headed in the right direction.
While the progress in a number of areas is fragile, the security improvements have significantly changed the situation in many parts of Iraq. It is now imperative that we take advantage of these improvements by looking beyond the security arena and helping Iraqi military and political leaders as they develop solutions in other areas as well, solutions they can sustain over time. At the tactical level, this means an increasing focus on helping not just Iraqi Security Forces--with whom we must partner in all that we do--but also helping Iraqi governmental organizations as they endeavor to restore basic services, to create employment opportunities, to revitalize local markets, to refurbish schools, to spur local economic activity, and to keep locals involved in contributing to local security. We will have to do all of this, of course, while continuing to draw down our forces, thinning our presence, and gradually handing over responsibilities to our Iraqi partners. Meanwhile, at the national level, we will focus on helping the Iraqi Government integrate local volunteers into the Iraqi Security Forces and other employment, develop greater ministerial capacity and capability, aid displaced persons as they return, and, most importantly, take the all-important political and economic actions needed to exploit the opportunity provided by the gains in the security arena.
The pace of progress on important political actions to this point has been slower than Iraqi leaders had hoped. Still, there have been some important steps taken in recent months. Iraq's leaders reached agreement on the Declaration of Principles for Friendship and Cooperation with the United States, which lays the groundwork for an enduring relationship between our nations. The United Nations Security Council approved Iraq's request for a final renewal of the resolution that authorizes the Coalition to operate in Iraq. Iraq's leaders passed an important Pension Law that not only extends retirement benefits to Iraqis previously left out but also represents the first of what we hope will be additional measures fostering national reconciliation. And Iraq's leaders have debated at length a second reconciliation-related measure, the Accountability and Justice Bill (the de-Ba'athification Reform Law), as well as the 2008 National Budget, both which likely will be brought up for a vote in early 2008. Even so, all Iraqi participants recognize that much more must be done politically to put their country on an irreversible trajectory to national reconciliation and sustainable economic development. We will, needless to say, work closely with our Embassy teammates to support the Iraq Government as it strives to take advantage of the improved security environment by pursing political and economic progress.
The New Year will bring many changes. Substantial force rotations and adjustments already underway will continue. One Army brigade combat team and a Marine Expeditionary Unit have already redeployed without replacement. In the coming months, four additional brigades and two Marine battalions will follow suit. Throughout that time, we will continue to adapt to the security situation as it evolves. And in the midst of all the changes, we and our Iraqi partners will strive to maintain the momentum, to press the fight, and to pursue Iraq's enemies relentlessly. Solutions to many of the tough problems will continue to be found at your level, together with local Iraqi leaders and with your Iraqi Security Force partners, in company and battalion areas of operation and in individual neighborhoods an towns. As you and your Iraqi partners turn concepts into reality, additional progress will emerge slowly and fitfully. Over time, we will gradually see fewer bad days and accumulate more good days, good weeks, and good months.
The way ahead will not be easy. Inevitably, there will be more tough days and tough weeks. Unforeseen challenges will emerge. And success will require continued hard work, commitment, and initiative from all involved. As we look to the future, however, we should remember how far we have come in the past year. Thanks to the tireless efforts and courageous actions of the Iraqi people, Iraq's political and military leaders, the Iraqi Security Forces, and each of you, a great deal has been achieved in 2007. Thus, as we enter a new year, we and our Iraqi partners will have important accomplishments and a newfound sense of hope on which we can build.
As always, all or your leaders, our fellow citizens back home, and I deeply appreciate the dedication, professionalism, commitment, and courage you display on a daily basis. It remains the greatest of honors to serve with each of you in this critical endeavor.
Sincerely,
David H. Petraeus
Yet, missteps have hurt Huckabee's efforts to make that case as rivals hammer him on foreign policy. He has struggled to explain his comments on the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and the resulting upheaval in her country.snipIn Orlando, Fla., on Thursday, Huckabee expressed "our sincere concern and apologies for what has happened in Pakistan." Amid criticism, his campaign said he meant to say "sympathies" not "apologies." He also referred to martial law "continuing" in Pakistan - though the state of emergency was lifted two weeks ago.
Huckabee also linked the Pakistan situation to illegal immigration in the United States, advocating "an immediate, very clear monitoring of our borders and particularly to make sure if there's any unusual activity of Pakistanis coming into the country."
He made the same assertion to his Iowa audience, saying: "It's interesting that there are more Pakistanis who have illegally crossed the border than of any other nationality except for those immediately south of our border - 660 last year."
Pressed by reporters about where he got that figure, Huckabee said: "Those are numbers that I got today from a briefing and I believe they are CIA and or immigration numbers." Later, in a conference call with reporters, he identified the figure coming from news reports that cited Homeland Security Department figures of immigrants caught entering the country illegally.
Homeland Security figures for 2006 show that many more illegal immigrants living in the United States came from India, Korea, China and Vietnam than Pakistan.
For most of its 60 years of independence, Pakistan has been run by the military, which hasn't helped resolve the question of religion and state, and in many ways planted the seeds for today's instability. Pakistan's military rulers suppressed political dissent in the 1980s and 1990s. At the same time, they provided succor to militants who fought the Soviets in Afghanistan and India in the disputed territory of Kashmir.
It will be held this Sunday the 30th of December beginning at noon at Papa's social club , 7718 W. Burleigh in Milwaukee.Step over to Fred's place at this link and RSVP.
We are still trying to get a handle on how many people will be coming, so if you have not yet, would you please RSVP in the comments section so we can give the bar a heads up as to how much space we will need. I would appreciate it. (if you would rather not leave anything in comments, email me, fkd1015 at yahoo dot com)
This is an open blog party. If you write a blog, read a blog or can spell blog you are invited. (The Kilngon spelling, blaughh, will also be acceptable).
The bar will provide pizzas at halftime of the Packer game. For drinks you are on your own.
Also be prepared to write down a prediction for 2008. These predictions will be gathered and published after the party.
We are expecting a rather prominent guest, candidate for Supreme Court Judge Michael Gableman is scheduled to appear.
A number of your favorite blogs will be represented including: Boots and Sanders, Badger Blogger (Patrick, Bruce & Glenn!), Wigderson Library & Pub, Reality Check, Texas Hold 'Em, The Confidentials, Pete Republic, Caledonia Unplugged, Subject 2 Change, Silent E Speaks, Stepping Right Up, Fox Politics, The Asian Badger, No Runny Eggs, yours truly and many more!
If you miss the party and blame the impending white death expect the coming year to be filled with people making fun of you!
We'll see you on Sunday!
So here we are . . . in the midst of a disastrous war, in the midst of the biggest political corruption scandal in our state’s history. There’s no better place than these fairgrounds to ask ourselves: What would Bob do?Clearly, the chief finger pointing watchdog is a anti-war zealot, speaking at the liberal anti-war zealots festival. As an individual, Mr. McCabe is certainly allowed to think and feel any way he chooses. However, Mr. McCabe was speaking as a representative of a non-partisan watchdog group. This is certainly not non-partisan behavior.
The two boundary schools - Tremper and Bradford - might get most of the press since that's where the majority of students go based on where they live, but there are four other schools that focus on specific interests and needs.
Each of those schools - Harborside Academy, LakeView Technology Academy, Indian Trail Academy, and Reuther Central - will have open houses so prospective students and parents can get more information.
1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 “This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
continued...Against all odds, and despite the usual drumbeat of criticism, President George W. Bush has had a very good year. The troop surge in Iraq is succeeding. America remains safe from terrorist attacks. And the Goldilocks economy is outperforming all expectations.
At his year-end news conference, President Bush stated with optimism that the economy is fundamentally sound, despite the housing downturn and the sub-prime credit crunch. The very next day, that optimism was reinforced with news of the best consumer spending in two years. The prophets of recessionary doom, such as former Fed chair Alan Greenspan, Republican advisor Martin Feldstein, ex-Democratic Treasury secretary Lawrence Summers, and bond-maven Bill Gross have been proven wrong once again.
"I don't think there's any (vetoes) that gut the substance of the bill," said Sen. Jeff Plale (D-South Milwaukee), its chief Senate sponsor.
"In this village, we have typically rezoned land for development only when we have had the final, detailed development plans and the final construction contracts on the table."The problem here is that the reputation of Abbott Labs proceeds them. Just ask the folks in Antioch, Illinois. Those folks also believed that Abbott was going to bring thousands of jobs to their area also. Well over 10 years later, Abbott is now trying to sell the land. Or perhaps they have already sold it- that was a couple of years ago.
The paradox is that the same Democrats who want to increase top-bracket income and capital-gains tax rates are desperately eager to spare relatively high earners from the AMT -- so desperate that Senate Democrats agreed to waive the "paygo" rule they reinstated when they took control.
Paygo requires that a tax cut be offset by a tax increase or a spending cut of corresponding dollar amounts. But when the Senate early this month passed its $50 billion AMT "patch" exempting 230 million taxpayers from the AMT for one year, it waived the paygo rule.
House Democrats are simmering, but they will probably have to go along. There's a process argument for waiving paygo, which is that future AMT revenues are fictitious because no Congress will allow the tax to go into effect. But it's nonetheless embarrassing for Democrats to renounce a rule they adopted as a guarantee of their fiscal responsibility.
The reason Democrats risked this embarrassment is that the AMT tends to fall on voters in places with high state and local government spending and taxes -- Democratic places like Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maryland and California.
continued...
Adding to the sense of urgency, the members argue that "recent revelations have shown that the administration including Vice President Cheney may have again manipulated and exaggerated evidence about weapons of mass destruction -- this time about Iran's nuclear capabilities."During the 2006 elections, one of the Democrat's main themes as a party was to get troops out of Iraq and that the real threat to America was IRAN.
I believe that we lost critical time in dealing with Iran because the White House chose to downplay the threats and to outsource the negotiations.Did Hillary actually accuse the President's administration of downplaying the threats from Iran?????
Obama said global leaders must do whatever it takes to stop Iran from enriching uranium and acquiring nuclear weapons. He called Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad "reckless, irresponsible and inattentive" to the day-to-day needs of the Iranian people.
U.S. Senate candidate Barack Obama suggested Friday that the United States one day might have to launch surgical missile strikes into Iran and Pakistan to keep extremists from getting control of nuclear bombs.Now, you would think that with a little common sense, the Democrats would figure out that these statements by their own leaders are pretty incriminating against their own Presidential candidates.
One that immediately comes to mind is Iran, which is a proliferator, an exporter of terrorism to the Middle East, a threat to its neighbors, [and] is developing weapons of mass destruction.Hum? "developing weapons of mass destruction"?
The president of Iran again lashed out at Israel on Friday and said it was "heading toward annihilation," just days after Tehran raised fears about its nuclear activities by saying it successfully enriched uranium for the first time.Really the Democrats have to know that this stuff will come back to haunt them.
They argued that "a Democratic Congress can show that it takes its constitutional authority seriously and hold a sober investigation, which will stand in stark contrast to the kangaroo court convened by Republicans for President Clinton. In fact, the worst legacy of the Clinton impeachment -- where the GOP pursued trumped up and insignificant allegations -- would be that it discourages future Congresses from examining credible and significant allegations of a constitutional nature when they arise."Clearly the Democrats believe that it is payback time and they have a very short period of time left to get the Republicans for what they did to their hero, President Bill "drop 'em drawers" Clinton.
Is a taxpayers’ rebellion coming?Mike Huebsch is correct when he stated:
“I think they (taxpayers) are being punished,” Huebsch said.Maybe a rebellion is in order.
U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, and two other senior members of the House Judiciary Committee have called for the immediate opening of impeachment hearings for Vice President Richard Cheney.The great thing about elections is that we, the people, are the check and balance in our system of government, not a US Representative.
Not only can a minority block action in the Senate, but the Democrats' nominal one-vote majority is frequently not a majority at all. A few maverick Democrats often defect, and the party runs short-handed when Sens. Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Chris Dodd and Barack Obama are off running for president.
Perhaps some of these liberal editorialist are beginning to see what the rest of America has seen for months. It is a failure in leadership. Democrats have failed to prove they can lead America in a positive direction.
State Senate Democrats plan to reintroduce a version of the near-universal health insurance plan for Wisconsinites early next year, Sen. Russ Decker said Thursday.
The Senate majority leader said legislators are rewriting parts of the Healthy Wisconsin bill to ease the burden on small business owners and families earning two incomes before they bring the bill back to the committee.
Unfortunately, even with the Democrats attempt to ease the burden on small businesses and two income families, there is still the problem with $15 Billion in income tax increases.
