Behind scenes, lawmakers do some good
2:15 PM 2/28/04

We've used plenty of ink this past year trying to prod the Legislature into doing some real work. Lawmakers, we contend, ought to focus on fixing problems, building the economy and improving communities. <

As it turns out, behind the political battle lines of gays and guns, some of the Legislature's lesser-known members have been up to some good. Here's are a few low-profile bills that may bring real benefits to real people: <

Worker training bills sponsored by Sen. Joe Leibham, R-Sheboygan, and Rep. Judy Krawczyk, R-Green Bay, would help set up partnerships between technical colleges and private businesses that will expand job opportunities for Wisconsin workers, providing the training they need to move up in a recovering economy. Even better, the Advantage Jobs Training Program targets its help to Wisconsin's true engines of job creation - small businesses with fewer than 100 employees. <

To expand educational and job opportunities in southern and southwestern Wisconsin, Rep. Debi Towns, R-Janesville, has proposed an undergraduate engineering program at UW-Rock County in partnership with UW-Platteville. The program would boost the area's construction and manufacturing industries, among other benefits. <

Creating jobs takes money, and a bill to increase investment in business startups and expansion will help Wisconsin compete for new jobs. The bill (SB 261) by Sen. Ted Kanavas, R-Brookfield, combines $30 million in tax credits, a $35 million early-stage capital fund, and a technology commercialization grant program to help Wisconsin research companies attract more federal money. <

To head off "mad cow" worries, Rep. Barbara Gronemus, D-Whitehall, proposes livestock registration to ensure quick and accurate animal health tracking. National efforts are under way, too, but states must first establish a system of identifying all premises where livestock are held. The bill (AB 812) will bolster consumer confidence in the food supply and make Wisconsin a leader in this national effort. <

Health savings accounts, which let users roll any unused money forward from one year to the next, will encourage people to get involved in their own health care and perhaps take better care of themselves as a result. Bills by Rep. Steve Wieckert, R-Appleton, and Rep. Bonnie Ladwig, R-Racine, would give employees more control over spending on health care through these accounts, which will prod patients to find out more about costs and treatment alternatives. The accounts could be used for prescription drugs, eye care, dental work, chiropractic services, and almost every other type of health care service. <

Legislative leaders say these bills should be approved before the Legislature adjourns next month. All of these efforts are worth applauding - and worthy of the getting the governor's signature, too. <