Wisconsin: Open for business
6:43 PM 1/22/04

With justifiable flourish, Gov. Jim Doyle put his signature on a state regulatory reform measure Thursday - the ninth big pro-business bill passed this session by the Republican-run Legislature and signed by the Democratic governor. <

State leaders deserve credit for acting swiftly and soundly to position the state for an economic renaissance. The work isn't done, by any measure, but the list of accomplishments is growing. <

The comprehensive package of regulatory reforms enacted Thursday will force bureaucrats to be more accountable for the rules they impose, streamline air and water permits needed by business and reduce the overall regulatory burden that has thwarted industrial expansion in Wisconsin. <

And since last fall, Republicans and many Democrats have joined forces to: <

Cut business taxes by enacting a single-factor sales tax. Under the new law, a multi-state corporation's Wisconsin income tax liability will be based only on sales instead of sales, property and personnel. The move should ease corporate taxes by about $45 million when fully implemented in 2008. <

Create incentives for communities to accept new power plants needed to meet Wisconsin's future energy needs. Reliable energy is key to economic development. <

Streamline the process for siting and building electrical power plants and transmission lines. Transmission upgrades along existing paths will be easier and environmental impact minimized. Many projects should be reviewed and approved more quickly through improved cooperation between the Department of Natural Resources and the Public Service Commission. <

Allow businesses and individuals to join a cooperative to buy health care insurance. This three-year trial project is a solid step toward reducing the health care costs that are squeezing businesses of all sizes. <

Create a sales and use tax exemption beginning in 2006 on fuel and electricity used by businesses. <

Update regulations governing financial institutions in Wisconsin. <

Next, lawmakers must approve legislation that would encourage investors to help finance business start-ups. Doyle's job retraining initiative also deserves quick action as a way to upgrade the skills of Wisconsin's work force. <

The recent political breakthroughs on business development don't signal the end of destructive partisan battling, as Thursday also saw legislative warring over Wisconsin's longstanding concealed weapons ban. <

Yet despite tempting partisan distractions, state leaders have managed to strike bipartisan deals on a range of economic incentives. This is government at work, finally. <